Nearly every bride experiences it as they plan their dream weddings, and it only tends to get worse the closer the big day gets…
We’re talking about nerves, of course – those dreaded wedding day jitters!
The great news is you’re not alone!
We’ve collected the wisdom of experts and your fellow brides to help you conquer a bad case of nerves. Here are their best tips to help you breathe a little easier right away.
Preparing The Day before Your Wedding
It’s important to mentally and physically prepare in the days leading up to the wedding so that the list of last-minute to-dos isn’t completely overwhelming. Take these steps a day or two before your wedding to get some of those minor little worries off your plate:
* Take time to relax. Get a professional massage, take a hot bubble bath, or whatever helps you unwind. And make sure to get a good night’s sleep!
* Make an emergency kit for your wedding day. Stock it with tummy and headache meds, an energy bar or dried fruit, bandaids, stain remover, safety pins, hairspray, makeup wipes, and samples of your wedding day makeup for quick touch ups.
* Remember to eat AND drink plenty of water. Avoiding eating in order to look great in your dress can backfire, leaving you prone to bloating, mood swings, and even fainting. To help reduce your stress the natural way, have plenty of bananas to snack on – foods high in potassium have been shown to act as beta blockers, which can reduce the amount of stress hormones in your body.
* If your wedding shoes are brand new, try this quick trick to stretch out your shoes and break them in faster: get a thick pair of socks and a hairdryer. Put on the socks, squeeze your feet into the shoes (it will be tight, but don’t worry), then set the hair dryer on low heat and slowly heat up any area that’s too tight. Wiggle your toes and move your feet – the heated material will stretch and mold to the shape of your foot so that it hurts less.
Early Morning Wedding Day Tricks to Try
* After getting plenty of sleep, wake up early and take some personal time. Try writing in a journal or doing some quick and easy yoga poses to de-stress and get the blood flowing.
* Say a prayer or affirmations with your bridesmaids and close family members.
* Look up guided meditation videos on YouTube and get in some relaxation time.
* Listen to feel-good songs as you get ready.
* Pause and take deep breaths whenever you feel yourself getting stressed.
Anxiety Remedies for Wedding Day Nerves
* Take an all-natural anti-anxiety remedy. We found a great one recommended by Dr. Oz: mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and a half teaspoon of honey together for a light and tasty drink that soothes.
* Put a few drops of lavender oil on a handkerchief and keep it on hand to help calm nerves. Lavender has been shown to have a calming effect.
* Have some liquid courage. A small cocktail can help take the edge off, but remember – too much could give you a fuzzy head just in time for your vows. If you must have a drink, keep it small and limit it to just one. Make sure to drink plenty of water as well so that you don’t get dehydrated.
Advice from One Bride to Another
* Make sure to take a moment for yourself. Spend a few minutes alone with your thoughts in a private place – it’s the perfect time to give yourself a pep talk or try and clear your mind.
* Remember your family and friends – they’re here to help. When your nerves start getting the best of you, turn to them and let them help you out. Delegate some last-minute duties or simply let them encourage you and share their love. They will have plenty of love and comfort to offer just when you need it most.
* Spend a moment or two with your fiance before the ceremony. If you don’t want to spoil the big surprise, stand on either side of a door so that you can’t see one another. Hold hands, say a prayer, or take a minute to reassure one another and reaffirm your love. It will give you a boost of happiness and have you eager to walk down the aisle.
* Remind yourself that no matter what happens, at the end of the day you’ll be married to the one you love!
What advice helped you get over your wedding day jitters? Share your thoughts in the comments!