If you think the pressure to have the perfect day may be too much for you, it’s vital to learn how to go with the flow
Your wedding day is something you have been planning and talking about for months, if not years, so it’s completely natural to feel anxious or nervous on the morning. However, you don’t want it to override your joy or excitement.
There will be things that you can’t control. The weather, for example, will do exactly as it pleases regardless of how many Children of Prague your mam or granny has out around the garden. People might be late, they might cancel altogether due to unforeseen circumstances, your makeup might not turn out exactly as it had at the trial, you might get a smudge on your dress, etc, etc.
What you need to remember is that you’ve done everything you can to make this day the best it can be, now it’s simply your time to enjoy it. You’ve hired or enlisted the help of professionals and friends to create your dream wedding – it’s time to let them take over and for you to relax.
Bridal wellness expert and award-winning makeup artist, Fiona McNamara, is the owner of the FMN Bridal Studio in Limerick and has a particular expertise in creating an atmosphere of calm serenity for her bridal parties. She has put together her top tips for those hours before the dress goes on and the ceremony begins.
Plan it out
Create a list of the elements you want to fit in that morning, then make a schedule, allowing for plenty of contingency time so you won’t feel stressed if certain activities run over time. Time your hair and makeup trials when you do them, so you know how long they’ll take.
Be rested
It will be tempting to party the night before but you may not feel your best in the morning, and any wedding anxiety will be much worse if you’re fatigued. Have a bath, fresh sheets and listen to a calming playlist to help you nod off.
Eat something
Look after your body and your mind will follow. Arrange a tasty, nutritious breakfast for the morning of your wedding. Ask a bridesmaid to keep some little snacks on hand until the meal is served, as nerves can make you feel jittery.
Big picture thinking
Remember what is really important. Things may go wrong with weather or the seating, but as long as both you and your partner are there and you love each other – that’s all that matters.
Sit down with your party
Don’t get ready alone, surround yourself with those you love and create an experience. Gather together, relax and chat over a coffee and some pastries – or champagne. Discuss what you’re most looking forward to and enjoy some good memories and laughter.
Take a “me moment”
A very simple practice like deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain, encouraging relaxation and reducing anxiety. In the run up to the wedding, find a mindfulness or meditation practice (there are lots of great apps!) that you enjoy, repeat this regularly and ensure you assign time to complete it on the morning of the wedding. If you are someone who feels better after going for a run, don’t skip this activity on your wedding day. Even if you aren’t up for a full workout, go for a brief walk or do a gentle yoga flow. Movement helps the body release endorphins.
Appoint a spokesperson
You are going to have a lot of people who want to ask you questions on the day. Having a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator is a great investment but the alternative is to ask some of your trusted circle to field queries from suppliers. You can communicate what you want but physically handing over some tasks will feel like a weight has been removed.
Indulge your senses
Create a gorgeous atmosphere in the hotel room or house when getting ready. Choose a playlist of songs that make you happy, avoid anything that will make you cry. Have your favourite scent as a room diffuser or candle, and as you’re getting ready, a lovely aroma will fill the space. After the big day, that scent will always take you back to that morning.
