Nerves, anxiety and excitement, these are all emotions our couples feel before they walk down the aisle. It’s the time when things start to feel very real and all eyes will be on you. With it being Mental Health Awareness Week (10 -16 May 2021), I thought I would share my top tips for brides about how you can stay calm before your wedding ceremony. Here’s some useful ideas to prevent some of those nerves and how you can achieve a more relaxed and calm atmosphere….
Eat
Have a hearty breakfast and stay hydrated. You may be indulging in some pre-wedding Fizz whilst you are getting ready so line your stomach and it will help settle any nerves.
Space
Make sure you have plenty of room to get ready, and if your bridal party are joining you make sure that there is plenty of space for them. You don’t want to feel overcrowded and everyone stepping on each other. A cluttered area can be distracting, so allow yourself head-room and space to get ready.
Time
Allow extra time in the wedding timeline for when you are getting ready. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes, that way you are not rushing around worrying about applying lipstick or doing all the buttons on the back of your dress. Any extra time you have will allow for some quiet time.
Breathe
Focus on taking deep breaths when you feel those tingly butterflies creeping in. Deep breathing helps blood flow to the brain and nervous system. It slows your heartrate and relaxes you.
Smell your flowers
Flower Power! Not only are flowers simply stunning to look at, the aroma of the petals have calming powers too. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed the morning of your wedding, take a deep breath and inhale the scent in your bouquet. The fragrant flowers will clear your head and take your mind away from thinking about the ceremony. Alternatively, if you are not using fresh flowers, light your favourite fragranced candle or diffuser to infuse the atmosphere.
Listen to your favourite songs
Create a playlist to listen to when you are getting ready. Whether it’s some soothing music or some cheesy pop songs the music will entertain and acts as a stress reduction tool.
Delegate
If you are not hiring a wedding planner to oversee the co-ordination of your wedding day, entrust a friend or family member with being the ‘point of contact’ for the photographer, florist, catering team, band/DJ etc, otherwise you will be answering questions all day when all you should be doing is relaxing and enjoying your special day.
Perspective
If something small goes wrong, for example the weather not playing ball or cousin Sally has just become a vegan – keep it in perspective, it is not the most important part of the day. Unfortunately, we cannot control everything – the most important thing of all is that you have married the love of your life.
Decide who is walking down the aisle beside you
It’s your choice who walks you down the aisle. There are numerous options when it comes to asking any of your close loved one to escort you down the aisle. Make it meaningful by choosing a person who you feel comfortable with otherwise you are going to feel uneasy and anxious in the moments prior to your ceremony, whether it’s a parent, sibling, best friend, pet or just by yourself.
Do a first look
Just before the ceremony have a first look, just the two of you. The person you are most excited about seeing on your wedding day is your fiancé and is one person who can put you at ease and calm your nerves. For emotional couples who might shed a few tears on seeing each other for the first time, you will be able to freshen up before the ceremony.
As part of SB Events’ On The Day Co-ordination service, I am there with you in the morning calming nerves before heading to your venue making sure that all the details are in place, dealing with any supplier or venue questions and managing the day so that all you both need to do is enjoy. If you would like to find out more about our wedding planning services or would like a copy of our wedding brochure, please get in touch.
