Coordinating an event for 100 people is bound to cause a little anxiety in even the most relaxed individuals. Throw in the emotional pressure of getting married on top of that, and it’s a wonder more brides and grooms don’t elope. If you’re one of the courageous and engaged, use these stress management techniques to avoid a meltdown on your wedding day.

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8 Ways to Reduce Wedding Stress

1. Meditate: Whether you’re spiritual or not, meditating is one of the more popular stress management techniques. Give yourself 10-30 minutes before your wedding to sit in a quiet space and completely relax. 2. Exercise: Relaxation exercises are perfect for getting you in a happy mood before your nuptials. Consider doing yoga with your bridesmaids for group centering, or going for a jog before you start getting ready for the day. 3. Avoid bad habits: Caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, and stress eating are all stress management techniques that are not only unhealthy, but very temporary. It might make you feel better in the moment to chug a Red Bull, but when you crash partway through your reception, you’ll feel even worse. 4. Eat!: The reverse side of stress eating, is forgetting to eat. Not eating will impact your energy and blood sugar levels, resulting in you feeling exhausted and cranky. Eating breakfast is one of the easiest ways to reduce wedding stress.

Photo by Studio Laguna

5. Journal: Writing down our worries is a wonderful way to release them. Especially if you’re worried about getting cold feet, writing down everything you love about your partner can help remind you why you said ‘yes’ to saying ‘I do.’ 6. Delegate: Does your wedding stress stem from feeling overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done? That’s what your attendants are for! Someone else can hand out programs, be in charge of tipping vendors, and keep Uncle George from visiting the bar too often. 7. Pamper: Whether it’s a massage or a soak in the tub, fit in whatever makes you feel pampered the day before your wedding. Consider getting your friends together for group relaxation exercises and a spa day! 8. Build in extra time: Plan everything with extra time so you don’t feel rushed. Book a double appointment for your hair and makeup, and tell people to arrive places 15 minutes earlier than you want them there.

Bonus Tip: Enjoy your wedding!

This might sound like silly advice, but the best way to reduce wedding stress is to have fun! Yes, things might not go perfectly, but those are the memories that you’ll recant later and laugh about. So relax, and go get married!

What stress management techniques or relaxation exercises work for you? Share your experience below!