You’ve gone through all the stress of the wedding planning, the rehearsal is over and you’re about to have the biggest day of your life. It seems like everything is about to change — your name, your home, your family, your decisions and your identity. It’s a big day and there’s a lot going on.
How do I know this, because I went through the exact same thing. I held it all together for a long time, and then I had a moment where it all hit me. I was still able to enjoy the wedding, though. That’s why I wanted to write this post. I want to help you soak in your big day and enjoy it. It’s special. It’s precious. It’s yours.
Here are a few things to try on your wedding day:
- Take at least an hour in the morning to relax and reflect.
This will be very helpful as you embrace what this day means in your life. It’s okay to cry or be nervous about things changing, but always remember that change can be good and the man at the end of the aisle is somebody you want to be with forever. The nerves of this day are worth it for a life with somebody as witness by your side. - You’ve created a schedule for the day, go through it step by step.
This is part of why you want to make a wedding day schedule. Weddings can be stressful and a schedule creates order. While it’s for the whole wedding party, it’s also for you, so use it. - Give yourself extra time, you may need it later.
It’s a busy day. Leave extra time between events for the things you didn’t plan. - Give your cell phone to a bridesmaid until after the wedding.
You’ve got enough going on today (mentally and emotionally. Give the cell phone to a bridesmaid. If it rings, ask her to handle things unless it absolutely has to include you. You can check voice-mail and text messages afterward. - Have somebody else drive (don’t forget luggage, rings, license, etc.).
When you’re nervous, it’s best to let others drive for safety reasons. It’s also nice, because it gives you more time to process. Just don’t forget your luggage, emergency bridal kit, etc. - Thank parents and tell them you love them.
They’re going through an emotional shift as well. Just share your love for them and thank them for all they’ve done for you. - Relax and enjoy.
You’ve prepared for this ahead of time so you can relax. Enjoy today. Have fun!
Let me know if you have any questions. Some of these are things I wish I had done and others are things I did to calm down. I thought I could handle everything and do it all, but then I scared my family (and mother-in-law) with my very first panic attack on the morning of the wedding. Please let me know if you have questions so I can help you not repeat what I did. 🙂