Bridal Tips How to Alleviate Stress on your Wedding Day

Bridal Tips  : How to keep calm on your wedding day (Updated)

I’m often asked this question, how to not feel stressed when the big day arrives. After all, no-one dreams about being stressed and full of anxiety during their wedding day, but for many couples the thought of one of the most biggest and important day of their lives, it can be a daunting experience.

I feel for every couple, they have gone through anxieties of their journey of wedding planning, envisaging what it will all look like, and how they will feel, having made so many decisions on what is a major life event, not to mention investing financially into their one day of celebration to acknowledge their love for each other.

So I'm going to share my tips to be a stress-free couple on your actual wedding day in my quest for every couple to look back and say they had their best day ever:-

‍Timing is everything

Take the advice from a Wedding Planner or your experienced Wedding Photographer about realistic timelines.  They will allow some buffer time zones too, leaving you with a detailed itinerary plan.

Spend time with your suppliers before, so they know your vision and share the timetable with them; that way everyone will work in harmony together (or get your Wedding Planner to do this to save you the hassle)

Remember the day will go so quickly, so let go of what you cant control and enjoy the day, taking moments just to pause and watch around you as everyone is wishing you love and all the best wishes for your future.

Do remember to plan to have a good night’s sleep the night before.  Why not have a bath with some essential oils to unwind? You are going to have a busy fun-filled day from dawn to mid-night you need some good shut eye to avoid dips in energy.

‍Words do Count

The more pre-planning you do, the more it will pay off.   This goes for the wedding ceremony too.   Whether you are having a Church, Registry or opting for a personal wedding from a Celebrant, practicing words will help with the nerves.    

Have your vows written down, so that you can read from it, as likely you will forget if trying to recall from memory.

Don’t worry if you shed tears.  Ive had one partner tell me they want their partner to cry when they pledge their love.   Goodness now that’s pressure!

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‍Focus on each other

Not everyone likes to be in the limelight.  The very prospect of having to be centre of attention doesn’t float every couple’s boat.  The very thought of saying vows to each other or the speech at the wedding reception, can send an adult into disarray.  

Focus on each other is a good way of not worrying about those watching you.  After all, when you pledge your commitment to each other, you are saying this to the one person whom you love and its what they think and feel that counts.

Most Wedding Celebrants will quietly talk to the couple during the wedding, to ease any nerves (often end up laughing, as laughter always trumps stress getting the couple to relax) or will remind the couple to look at them if their nerve starts to wobble.

Get help if the prospect of standing giving a speech at the reception will send you to pieces.   Many Celebrants offer a speech writing service to support those who do not know what to say, but also some will coach couples in public speaking.   This I find Im often asked for focusing on tips to improve confidence when presenting or making a speech.    If you have taken this support, then put those tips into practice on the day!

Take a Break

During Wedding Planning : couples often dont realise when they get engaged how stressful planning a wedding can be, so remember to look after your mental health. If it gets too much, stop and have time away from deciding what you want, go for walks or spend time with family and friends and not talk about the wedding!

On the Wedding Day : Its a good idea for you both to take some time out together away from all your guests, even for 5 minutes.

‍Break in

I mean break in shoes beforehand will save you discomfort on the big day.

‍What bit is most daunting?

Ask yourself what is going to be the most nerve-wracking part of the day?    

Is it the morning, waiting patiently until you need to get ready?  If so, avoid filling the morning with extra things to do and just concentrate on hair, makeup, getting ready and eating breakfast!

Eating a breakfast with lots of protein will fill you up, and slowly release energy.    

Do things that you would do every morning – do you read a paper or scroll through social media; just don’t spend too long that you are late to the ceremony!  

‍You cant be a bride or groom, and still be the co-ordinator

Whilst you may have planned your wedding, you cant be running around during the day itself ensuring everyone is where they should be, doing what they should be doing and be the bride or groom.   Neither can your family either, as they cant be a guest and the ‘ringleader’ pulling that timetable together.

You and your family and friends want to enjoy the day, without having to set up, co-ordinate and clear up at the end of the evening, so investing in a Wedding Planner for the day will make all the difference on not leaving things to chance.

Surround yourself with experts - let them sort out any unforeseen problems that may arise during the day - after all none of the bridal party wants to be spending hours on the telephone trying to find out why or where one of the suppliers are, or have to keep watching their clock hoping everything is going to time, for example when the food should be presented or when to have the speeches for example. This is particularly important if you have planned and booked the suppliers yourself, investing in a Wedding Planner who offers 'on the day' wedding co-ordination will certainly take the heat from your shoulders!

‍Don’t forget to eat and drink

Obvious of course, but many couples become too busy chatting with their guests they forget.   Remember summer weddings its very important to stay hydrated.

‍Its All in the Tea

Popping a few drops of CBD Oil into a cup of chamomile tea may ease your body and mind (usual dose is 2 to 3 drops but check the label)

Don’t forget to laugh

Let off steam, slow down and enjoy the day. Laugh together.  Dance together, eat cake together.

Accept that some things might not go as you dreamed about, but there is likely to be a reason for that.   Go with the flow, you cant change anything by worrying about it!

P.S.Try to get a few moments alone with your partner during the day, just the two of you, you will be pleased you do!

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Got Your Back

As a public speaker trained by the BBC with over 30 years experience, I am accustomed to being put on the spot and casting away any nerves that situations often bring, and continue to use all those skills in my own business as a Celebrant, MC and Independent Wedding Planner and helping to support clients to get the most out of their celebrations.

Hope these tips are helpful.  But do remember the more you relax during the day, the more you will enjoy it and importantly be YOURSELF

May I wish you all the best for your wedding day and your life together – congratulations!