When most people think of a wedding, what's the first emotion that comes to mind? Crippling amounts of stress and complete overwhelm. This is a giant disservice to the time, the planning and certainly the financial support the big day has been given, and something that is absolutely not necessary. The best ways for brides to stay stress free once the wedding day has arrived? See eight of the top methods below.
1. Hire a wedding planner - Surprise! You're on a wedding planner's blog, so it's safe to say it was obvious this would be the number one, most important thing to stay stress free on your wedding day. Your planner has worked so very hard to do everything in their power to lift any event related stress off of your shoulders...so let them! Take a deep breath, and trust that you chose the right person to coordinate your big day without you having to lift a finger.
2. Whatever you do, do not visit the reception space until is in complete - No matter how complete your event space is when you pop in to see how things are going, you're going to feel like there isn't enough time to get it done. Escort cards may not be placed, ribbons tied, menus tucked in their individual napkins and more. It never ceases to amaze me how the set up and styling of decor comes together from what seems like 10% complete to 100% complete in a matter of minutes. As a bride, you don't need to be worried that your event space is getting done, as your hands are tied up in getting pampered and fluffed for your walk down the aisle.
3. Nothing should be left until the day of - Write your vows, wrap your husband-to-be's gift, fill your tip envelopes, buy champagne + oj for the getting ready room, add glitter to your name cards, thank your mom, your dad, your bridesmaids and pack your wedding overnight bag...ANY DAY BUT THE WEDDING DAY. Really. On your wedding day, you should hypothetically be able to sit from sun up to getting into your dress without moving a single muscle.
4. Give yourself enough time to get ready - Start early. Earlier than you think you need to. Your bridesmaids should kickoff getting hair and makeup done while you are still sleepily chugging your morning coffee. Everything consistently takes longer than you hope it would - so give yourself a buffer! Better to have some leisurely time to hang out with your maids, than hoping and praying your makeup artist can speed blend your eyeshadow and end up making a mistake.
5. Limit the number of people who are getting ready with you - The less, the better. Is there a family member who tends to get a bit worked up? Take them off the list. Little kiddos who love to scream and pick things up and throw them while running in circles? Off the list. Good friend who wants to get ready with you, but tends to be "a complainer"? Sorry. The more positive energy you can surround yourself with, the better.
6. Print out a schedule, and have it easily accessible - If you followed advice #1, your planner should provide you with a day-of timeline. Print this out, and keep it close. Knowing when your vendors arrive and when tasks are being handled outside of your pampering room will give you a sense of being in the loop, even if you can't see it happening.
7. Leave your phone alone - No matter how crazy it may seem to text the bride on her wedding day to ask for directions or the ceremony start time, guests will do it anyway. There's no need to be fielding helpful Q&As on your big day. Even worse? Accidentally checking your email to see some bad news from work, an ex-friend's comments on your Facebook, etc. It can all wait. Give the phone to your MOH if you just can't help yourself.
8. Eat breakfast - Everyone says this, and it's true, but do yourself a favor and add a little protein to your mimosa + doughnut hole offerings. Eggs? A little turkey and cheese? A hungry bride is a stressed bride, not matter the adrenaline you feel pumping through your veins.
The most important thing, is to enjoy the journey. You'll never get to repeat this day, so don't barrel through it a big ball o' stress. And don't forget to SMILE!
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