Feeling Nervous on Your Big Day? Here Are 7 Survival Tips to Keep the Stress Away

People often talk about their wedding day as the happiest day of their life. The planning all comes together and results in an unforgettable, fairytale-like experience. But while the majority of wedding day emotions are positive, it’s important to remember that anxiety and nerves are normal too.

Pre-wedding jitters are something just about every bride (and groom) feels to some degree. And feeling nervous about making one of—if not the—biggest decisions of your life is a completely natural reaction. You’re about to commit to sharing your life with someone. It’s a big deal.

But just because you have nerves doesn’t mean you need to panic. In fact, this is precisely the time to reach for any tools that help you manage your emotions and bring your frenzied thoughts back down to earth. With these seven survival tips, you’ll be feeling calm and serene before you can say “I do”!

2. Keep Your Favorite People Around

The people you choose to be a part of your wedding party should be those you feel absolutely comfortable, relaxed, and happy to be around. You don’t want to surround yourself with anyone that could agitate you or amplify your nerves.

When getting dressed and having your makeup done you should have your nearest and dearest around to support you. Having close family members and friends available for venting your worries and soothing your emotions can make a tremendous difference to how you feel on your big day.

3. Stay Hydrated and Fed

Sometimes, your nerves are related to something as simple as dehydration or lack of food. Although the nerves may prevent you from wanting to eat, lining your stomach with something wholesome and nutritious can make you feel a lot more grounded.

Having healthy snacks on hand is a great way to regulate anxiety. A dreamy green smoothie, digestive biscuits, avocado toast, or any of your favorite snacks are all great options.

The right food will give you energy and focus, allowing you to better process your thoughts and emotions. And of course, staying hydrated with plenty of water will do the same. If you’re struggling to consume full meals, a cup of calming chamomile or mint tea can do the trick.

4. Try Some Breathing Exercises

Mindfulness and breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to control nerves, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Anytime you feel nervous, uncertain, or anxious, take a moment to sit down somewhere quiet and slowly breathe in and out, focusing on the cadence of your breath.

Breathing exercises are like a form of meditation, which has been shown to help people cope with stress around the world for thousands of years.

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating cortisol (the stress hormone) production. Even just ten minutes of deep breathing can help clear your head and make you feel more relaxed.

6. Pamper Yourself in the Lead-Up to Your Wedding

The few days before a wedding are often the most stressful, and they’re when you’ll feel the most nervous too. Rather than spending the time fixating on your jitters, book yourself some downtime to relax and unwind before your big day.

Book yourself a massage and pamper session at a spa and ask your bridal party to join you. You’ll have time to calm your nerves with those you’re closest to, and you can ensure that your body is relaxed too. No one wants tight shoulders on their wedding day and a massage can work those knots out and leave you feeling revitalized, both physically and mentally.

7. Accept and Acknowledge Your Emotions

One of the biggest gifts you can give yourself on your wedding day is to accept whatever emotions come up. Throughout the event, you are likely to experience a full spectrum of emotions, and that’s part of the process. Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you are feeling.

Often, once you’ve accepted and acknowledged your anxieties for what they are, they suddenly become a lot less scary. Remember, this is a big decision. But it’s one you and the love of your life have been planning for some time. Trust that you made the right choice, and everything is going to be okay.

Celebrate Your Big Day in the Most Relaxing Way

Feeling stressed on your wedding day is absolutely normal. But it doesn’t have to be that way. While allowing yourself some room to feel whatever emotions come up, having a plan of action to curb them before the ceremony is a really good idea.

With these calming tips and tricks, you can be ready for anything that comes up, and focus on the task at hand, having the happiest day of your life!