One year ago when I got engaged, it seemed impossible that I would ever get nerves about my wedding. The date was far enough away that there was time to pour over every bridal magazine as if it was a dream – one far away in a distant land.
With two and a half months until my wedding, I can confirm I now have nerves. Teeth-grinding, sweat-inducing nerves. I am a walking contradiction, but be that as it may, I need to find a way to settle myself before October approaches. After all, it’s only one day.
One of the largest issues I’m facing has nothing to do with my husband-to-be. It has to do with the fixation of over a hundred pairs of eyes. Will my dress meet expectations? What if I hate my make-up? Will I have the stamina to keep up with the booze?
Most of us have not “performed” solo in front of such a large audience for such an extended period of time. Recently, I’ve polled my married and betrothed friends about how they are dealing with pre-wedding stress and found some solutions I hope to use in my daily routine:
– Move. Exercise is the number one stress reliever that I don’t engage in. Instead of running, I’m going to try and extend my morning, afternoon and evening walks (even if I’m in stilettos) and perhaps bring yoga back into my life.
– Lean In. Bridal parties and families exist for a reason – they are cushions. If this detail or that detail becomes too much, I plan to ping my ladies for advice instead of trying to take everything on myself.
– Snooze. Gradually begin to give yourself minutes back in the evening. Get into bed a bit earlier, and increase your sleep slowly to get in a better pattern, which will help your brain to calm itself. (You may even have new bedding to indulge in!)
– Look Back. The best advice I’ve received is to imagine my wedding differently. I’ve been living with my fiancé for a long time, and we’ve been dating even longer. The commitments we made and love we share were solidified a while ago. Our wedding is just the public party for something we already hold dear.
Do any other brides out there have more advice to impart? Please share!
Bridal photo via Sakura Photography // Linked hands photo via Marilyn’s Keepsakes