How many times do you hear newly-weds say that
they remember little about their wedding day? Months are spent planning
every last detail but the day itself seems to pass by in a total
whirl. So what can you do to ensure that the entire day becomes
a pleasurable lifelong memory and not just a blur?
Apart from the natural nervous tension that you feel on the morning
of your wedding, you will probably have the added pressure of frantic
bridesmaids fighting over the bathroom, a Dad pacing up and down
trying to remember his speech and a Mum running round like a headless
chicken just trying to keep some sort of order. Then there is the
worry of the flowers arriving on time, oh, and the cars. And where
is Granddad? He was in the garden last time he was seen. I hope
no one drops the cake! Has anyone seen my stockings? – Stop!!!
You should be enjoying this day, not drowning in a sea of chaos,
so plan ahead to be sure of a day that is as calm and stress-free
as possible. In the months running up to your big day the key words
are planning and delegation. If the run-up is as stress free as
you can make it then the day should be too. So relax, enjoy and
above all, cherish it.
Remember to check
out Confetti's The
wedding book of calm book. A practical suggestion on each page to
help you deal with the stress that builds in the run-up to a wedding.
Just remember though - You don't have to do everything at once!
- Make a timetable for your preparations on the
day and follow it.
- Ensure that you get to bed at a reasonable time
the night before and avoid too much alcohol. The last thing you
want in the morning is a hangover, although one for medicinal
purposes is fine of course.
- Start your day as calmly and slowly as possible,
allowing yourself time to absorb as much as possible of the events
as they unfold.
- Have plenty of time to soak in the bath undisturbed,
with a cup of tea.
- Be sure to eat breakfast, even if it just a couple
of slices of toast. No matter how much your stomach is nervously
somersaulting, it would be far worse if you were to faint from
hunger later on.
- Take a few moments before the furore begins to
relax and just contemplate the day ahead.
- If there is a particular person who will be around
while you are preparing that you find difficult or stressful,
try to keep your distance. Give them responsibility for lots of
minor jobs. This will let them think that they are important,
but will also keep them out of your hair.
- Your big moment has arrived and the rehearsals
are over. You are the star of the show so put on your best performance.
- Even the most serene bride will be feeling at
least a few nerves as the time approaches to join her groom, so
as you enter the wedding venue, take a deep breath. Take your
time to make your entrance. Not only will it allow you to compose
yourself, it will give your guests a chance to admire you.
- Be sure to look around you and return the smiles
of your guests.
- It may sound obvious, but keep breathing. Nerves
can quickly develop into panic and when you come to make your
vows, nothing happens. You will no doubt have seen images of brides
(and grooms) passing out at this moment and been dreading it happening
to you. Don’t despair! This doesn’t happen very often,
but is often caused by rising panic and the lack of oxygen.
- Keep in the back of your mind that everyone there
is wishing you the very best, so feel supported by your guests,
not burdened.
- If emotions get the better of you, don’t
be embarrassed about shedding a tear or two. Just be sure to use
waterproof mascara.
- Most receptions begin with the receiving line. Take
this opportunity to say at least a few words to everyone. This will
also help you relax as you are wished well by happy, smiling people.
- A tip to help you remember as much as possible of your day is to
have someone with an alarm on their watch, set it to go off once every
hour. Ask them to remind you each time it goes off to take a few moments
to look around the room to see what everyone is doing.
- Don’t forget that there are two of you in the spotlight today,
so share what you see and hear with each other. This will all add
to helping you remember more of your day when you look back.
- The most important thing you can do to help you relax, enjoy and
remember your day is to laugh. Funny incidents and quips are always
memorable, and even near disasters can be humorous and are always
best remembered for the laughter, not the tears.
- Don’t drink too much. Everyone knows that alcohol dulls the
mind, so if you want to form a lasting memory of your wedding day,
at least pace yourself with your drinks. Usually, toasts are a wonderful
excuse for drinking champagne, but sip rather than gulp. You will
have at least three of these and you will probably already have enjoyed
some wine with your meal. Have enough to help you relax, but leave
some space for what you might find in the bridal suite. Sharing a
bottle of chilled champagne when you are finally alone is a wonderful
way you and your new husband can enjoy and spend time looking back
over your day before getting on to the pleasures of married life.
All in all, have fun!
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