Three Ways to Relieve Big Day Nerves

It’s natural to feel some form of trepidation ahead of your wedding day. It’s change, it’s newness and it’s the enormity of an extraordinary event in your life. Often this can properly kick in on the wedding morning; all the prep is done and now you’re faced with the day actually (finally) being here!

Everyone is different, and nerves can manifest in all sorts of ways. Mix this with a dose of adrenaline and someone who is usually calm can start to feel some edginess creep in. Whether it’s tummy butterflies, shaky hands, quietness, sweaty palms, a racing pulse or whatever - there are ways to find pre-ceremony calmness.

I work with loads of brides every year and so I’ve seen a huge array of nervous excitement unfold in my chair. Fortunately, I have already met my clients at their trial, so there is an existing relationship and feeling of ease between us. This also means that I can tell how they’re feeling and coping, these are the three things I use to help bring some relaxation…

Lavender

I love the calming and soothing effects of lavender oil; it’s considered to be a nervous system restorative. Pop it on your wrists, pulse points and neck or add a couple of drops into your palm and waft it under your nose and gently inhale. I quite often apply it onto my wrists whilst I’m doing a bride’s makeup, so they benefit from the effects as I carry on with my work!

Eyes

Closing your eyes can immediately have a relaxing effect. It’s particularly helpful when sitting in my chair as that’s all you need to do! An eye mask or cucumber slices are also a brilliant way to take a few peaceful minutes out.

Breathing

Another one to do when sitting in my chair. Start by taking a long, slow breath in through your nose, first filling your lower lungs, then your upper lungs. Hold your breath to the count of "three." Exhale slowly through your mouth, while you relax the muscles in your face, jaw, shoulders, and stomach. This will help to bring calm not only to a busy mind but also your body too and reset everything ready for the ceremony.

The other key thing is to eat, even if you don’t particularly fancy anything it’s worth just getting a piece of toast or a croissant in you. Your tummy will feel settled and it’ll help keep the adrenaline under control.

I do help this blog post gives you a some pointers on how to have a more relaxing wedding morning.