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How Brides Can Keep Their Stress Levels Down Before The Big Day

Planning a wedding is exciting, but also often stressful. With so many details to manage in the months and weeks before your wedding, it's normal for nerves and anxiety to creep up. But by keeping things in perspective and practising self-care, you can avoid letting wedding planning overwhelm you....
REAL WEDDINGS

BE INSPIRED

How Brides Can Keep Their Stress Levels Down Before The Big Day

Planning a wedding is exciting, but also often stressful. With so many details to manage in the months and weeks before your wedding, it's normal for nerves and anxiety to creep up. But by keeping things in perspective and practising self-care, you can avoid letting wedding planning overwhelm you....
DATE 15 November 2023

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BE BLESSED NOT STRESSED

Set Realistic Expectations

It's easy to get caught up in unrealistic Pinterest-perfect wedding ideals that just aren't feasible. Be realistic about what you can accomplish:

  • Set a reasonable budget and don't feel pressured to overspend beyond your means. Debt isn't a great way to start a married life.
  • Understand that no wedding is 100% perfect or exactly as envisioned. Focus on the big picture versus sweating the small stuff.
  • Accept that some aspects will be out of your control, like family drama or weather. Roll with whatever comes up.
  • Know when to let go of elaborate ideas that are adding too much work and cost. Pare things down to keep it simple if needed.

Delegate Tasks

Don't try to DIY everything yourself to perfection. Delegate!

  • Ask bridesmaids, family, and friends to help with tasks like assembling invitations, crafting decor, etc. Share the workload.
  • Hire professionals like a planner, florist, and caterer to handle big to-do items expertly. It's worth the cost.
  • Outsource chores you don't have time for, like cleaning or errands. Services like Postmates and TaskRabbit can run last-minute tasks.
  • Let your groom take on planning responsibilities that play to his strengths. Don't micromanage!

Take Time For Yourself

Don't become so absorbed in wedding prep that you neglect your well-being:

  • Make time every day for self-care like baths, meditation, massages, or other relaxation rituals. Don't feel guilty about indulging.
  • Exercise regularly to reduce stress. Try calming practices like yoga and stretching. The endorphins will lift your mood.
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods and stay hydrated. Sugary and processed foods can aggravate stress levels.
  • Continue to connect with your close girlfriends for venting sessions, moral support, and fun get-togethers unrelated to the wedding.
  • Get outdoors for fresh air and nature as much as possible. Spending time in greenery is rejuvenating.

Make Time For Your Partner

With so much focus on wedding logistics, it's easy to neglect quality time together as a couple. Be intentional about connecting amid the chaos:

  • Set aside time for just the two of you to relax or have fun outside of wedding planning. Ban wedding talk during those times!
  • Go to premarital counselling to strengthen communication skills and talk through any issues that arise.
  • Split up vendor meetings and wedding errands so you're not constantly hashing out details. Designate wedding-free date nights.
  • Show appreciation for all your partner's contributions. Validate their feelings if the wedding craziness is overwhelming.
  • Have candid conversations about unrealistic expectations, family issues, or cold feet/anxieties. Work through it together.

Be Kind To Yourself About Your Weight

For many brides, worries about fitting into the perfect dress cause extreme diet and exercise stress. Be gentle with yourself:

  • Order your dress early to allow time for any needed alterations. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Make sustainable rather than extreme changes to your eating and exercise habits. Crash dieting is unwise.
  • Focus on areas that make you feel confident like glowing skin, strong nails, or shiny hair versus just the number on the scale.
  • Surround yourself with supportive bridesmaids who build you up versus tearing you down.
  • If body image struggles are consuming you, seek help from a mental health professional. Disordered eating habits should be addressed.
  • You might want to think about talking to a doctor after the wedding if you’ve found that weight is still a major issue. Weight loss pills and tablets can be a difficult area to explore, so it’s always worth getting expert guidance. Orlistat has been shown to help some people, so if you want to learn more about Orlistat capsules, visit The Independent Pharmacy. They can help you to understand if a treatment might be right for you.

Your worth isn't defined by your weight or looks. Protect your mental health above all else.

Remember To Breathe

When wedding planning chaos sets in, the simplest ways to press pause are often forgotten. Remember to:

  • Take deep 5-10 second inhales and exhales whenever you notice yourself tensing up. Deep breathing tells your nervous system to relax.
  • Step outside for fresh air multiple times per day. Going for a short walk helps clear your head.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and alert. Dehydration exacerbates stress.
  • Release muscle tension with neck and shoulder rolls. Repeat as needed.
  • Close your eyes and visualise your wedding going smoothly. Positive mental imagery relieves anxiety.

The excitement of getting married should outweigh the stress of planning it. By setting boundaries, being supported, and looking after yourself, you can ensure wedding prep doesn't take over your life. Trust your planning, then let go of perfectionism and enjoy the journey to the altar!