Your wedding day is one of the most exciting days of your life, but it can also stir up a lot of nerves. Many brides and groom will feel those crazy butterflies before the wedding, and even though it’s completely normal, it doesn’t mean you can’t you do anything about it. Here’s a few of our favorite tips to help lower your ceremony anxiety.
Focus
Look at your partner and be present. Allow yourself to have tunnel vision. Look in their eyes, and hear the officiant’s voice. They are the priority, and allowing yourself to get lost in them will help you forget all of the other eyes that are lovingly staring at you.
Remember to breath!
If you feel yourself getting anxious or faint, focus on your breathing. Feel the air fill your lungs, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale. Wiggle your legs a bit to keep the blood moving and avoid locking your knees.
Prep your vows
If your anxiety stems from stumbling over your vows, make sure to mention it to your officiant! They may be able to modify the “repeat after me” parts into smaller, easier to remember (and repeat) phrases. Also, ask for a copy of the vows in advance–read them at least once before your wedding day so you have an idea of what’s coming.
Don’t get wrapped up in perfection
The flower girl may have a meltdown. The groomsmen may stand in the wrong order. You might forget your words, burst into tears or laughter, or (like me) try put the wedding ring on the wrong hand. Things happen! If you accept that things may not go perfectly, it will do wonders to help ease your stress! And let’s be real, everyone loves those authentic, unexpected moments. On a day that seems to move so quickly, you’ll happily remember those little mishaps that brought real life to the ceremony.
Limit your audience
If all else fails, consider a smaller ceremony. If your audience is only the most important people in your life (or even just an officiant and photographer), it’s likely you’ll feel less stressed about walking down the aisle and saying your vows. Even if you choose to have a small, intimate ceremony, you can still have the big celebration afterwards.
On a final note, if you’re going to have a fancy coffee or a shot to shake the nerves, that’s great–just be sure to limit you caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake before the ceremony. Water is key to preventing the always dreaded dry mouth! (Trust me, I learned this the hard way on my own wedding day)
If you liked these tips, here’s a few more wedding planning posts you may enjoy:
Photography Credits: Missy Short Photography, Lindsay Mulcare Photography, Phil Chester Photography, Simple Reflections Photography
Comments