Picture this: it is 12 hours before the big day, every place card is set, your manicure is flawless, the dress has been picked up and everything else is in order. You would think this would mean a stress-free experience for a bride, but unfortunately but the most nerve-wracking part is still ahead.
It is time for the live show, not the rehearsal, so brides must find a way to avoid any associated stress.
Below are a few basic tips to help brides-to-be to keep their nerves at bay.
THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING
Do nothing
This is not the night to be making dinner plans with friends or spring cleaning your wardrobe. Just take this time to sit back and relax with your favourite book or movie – preferably one you have seen before or a comedy as it will feel familiar and easy – with your sister, mum, best friend or any person in your life who makes you feel at ease. Order takeaway or ask a family member to make your favourite dish.
Avoid new experiences
It’s great to be up for new culinary experiences and foreign cuisines but the night before your wedding is not the time to test it out. Avoid eating something you have never consumed before just in case it does not agree with you in some way. Also, avoid new skincare or haircare products. If you are washing your hair, stick to the same shampoo and conditioner and don’t try a new face mask or cleanser or an overnight miracle cream in a bid to improve your skin at the last minute. The last thing you want is a bad reaction or a break out to upset your skin’s canvas.
Don’t look at tablet devices
While this is a daily habit for many people, you never know what you will come across while scrolling on your smartphone. Perhaps you will see another person’s wedding and start comparing, or read a wedding article about things you should or shouldn't do, or a satirical piece on the challenges and trials of marriage - which may lead to further stress. Also, it is proven that the blue and white light emitted from digital screens prevents your brain from releasing a hormone known as melatonin which tells your body it is time for sleep.
Get an early night
A good night's sleep is essential because the next day is going to begin early and finish late. If your body is not attune to being in bed before 10pm, try having a warm bubble bath and drinking a cup of chamomile tea to hep relive anxiety. Try some meditation, listen to soothing music, light a scented oil candle or pop on an eye mask to make your sleeping environment as tranquil as possible. Whatever helps you fall asleep – including counting sheep – you must do it the night before your wedding day!
THE DAY OF THE WEDDING
Avoid too much caffeine
It doesn’t matter how addicted to coffee you are – keep consumption minimal on the morning of the big day – the last thing you need is more wedding day jitters! (Also, you don’t want the scent of coffee on your breath).
Don’t forget to eat
Fuel your body with energy for the busy day ahead, by enjoying a hearty breakfast. Consider packing some light and nutritious snack foods to nibble on in the car before the ceremony, before professional photos (check there is nothing stuck between the teeth afterwards), and before you get to the reception venue. Whatever you eat, keep it as mess-free as possible – stains on the white dress will only add to stress levels.
Put away your phone
Log out of all social media apps on your phone, and only read/answer wedding-specific phone calls and text messages on the day before the wedding.
Smile and laugh
A simple yet effective technique. Laughing instantly reduces the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline). It also triggers the production of serotonin and endorphins which, as the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, reduce the effects of stress. And don't forget, the wedding it is all about celebrating you as a couple – not about having the perfectly staged wedding – so have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff.
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