How to De-Stress Before Your Wedding: A Guide For Relaxation

Planning for one of the most joyful and thrilling days of someone's life can be shockingly stressful! It's natural to assume that you should remain calm, happy, and free from any anxiety during the wedding planning process; however, it's likely that at some point, you will encounter at least a bit of anxiety or stress. From securing all the event details to choosing your wedding rings and ensuring you have the perfect jewelry to complement your wedding dress, there’s much to take care of before your wedding day. With everything that needs to be addressed, you must also make time to prioritize self-care and allow yourself to unwind and de-stress so you can truly enjoy your wedding. Implementing the tips below will help ensure a blissful and stress-free journey as you head toward the altar.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are not mere buzzwords; they profoundly influence your overall well-being. Practicing meditation not only encourages a sense of presence and grounding in the current moment but scientific studies have also proven that just a few minutes of daily meditation can reduce insomnia by up to 60%. Regular meditation can enhance your concentration and self-awareness while alleviating symptoms of stress while promoting a sense of inner calmness. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your routine before your wedding, you can experience increased tranquility, centeredness, and a greater sense of control. If you are unsure how to begin integrating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life, there are stress-reducing apps available to assist you. Consider using apps like Calm, which not only help promote better sleep but also aid in reducing stress, soothing nerves, and enhancing self-esteem.

Create a Relaxation Routine

Self-care should be non-negotiable, which is why it helps to establish a regular relaxation routine that includes activities you enjoy. Dedicate specific times in your schedule for these activities to ensure you prioritize self-care. Optimal self-care practices encompass five domains, which include physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and professional. These practices involve engaging in behaviors that are regularly and proactively integrated into your life, tailored to your unique circumstances. Taking a pause from the hustle and incorporating activities such as a manicure, attending a yoga class, painting, reading, or indulging in a Netflix binge session is crucial for nurturing your overall well-being. It helps to be fully present during these moments and avoid multitasking to allow yourself to benefit from the self-care experience.

​Don’t Carry the Full Burden - Ask For Help!

You shouldn't feel like you have to handle everything on your own. If pressed for time, consider asking close friends or family to help you with errands. Or, if they’re too busy, you can always hire people to assist you through platforms like TaskRabbit or Craigslist to handle the task on your behalf. Freeing up your time will allow you to relax before your wedding day and allow you the flexibility to deal with any significant matters that may arise. Sharing responsibilities will help you lighten your load and ease your stress levels. Keep in mind that wedding planning requires the efforts of both partners. Much of the pre-wedding anxiety stems from one person feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the planning process. Juggling an endless to-do list, managing emails, and dealing with questions and opinions can be incredibly exhausting. To reduce this burden, it's essential for both you and your partner to take on an equal role in planning and decision-making. Instead of simply assigning tasks to your partner like a manager, collaborate on creating the to-do list together. Divide the responsibilities to ensure both of you are equally invested right from the start. By sharing the load and actively participating in the planning process, you can lessen the stress and anxiety that often arises from feeling solely responsible for all the wedding arrangements. Remember, it truly takes two to successfully plan a wedding.

Pamper Yourself

Indulge in self-care activities that make you feel pampered and rejuvenated. Treat yourself to a fun at-home spa day, book a massage, get a mani-pedi, or schedule a professional skincare treatment. These indulgences can provide a much-needed break from wedding planning and promote relaxation. 

​Nourish Yourself and Get Enough Sleep

Good nutrition and adequate sleep are essential for managing stress. Make sure to eat regularly, have nutritionally balanced meals, engage in a regular exercise routine, and prioritize quality sleep. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to feelings of anxiety and restlessness and negatively impact your sleep cycle.

​Spend Time Outdoors and Connect with Nature

The advantages of spending time in nature are infinite and have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind and body. Here are just a few reasons why venturing outdoors is beneficial: It can enhance short-term memory, replenish mental vitality, ease stress, diminish inflammation, promote better vision, augment concentration, enhance sharper thinking and creativity, and contribute to improved mental well-being. Knowing this, go ahead and take breaks from your hectic wedding planning to go for walks in the park, enjoy a picnic in a scenic location, or simply sit down and bask in the beauty of the outdoors. Doing this can help clear your mind and give you a much-needed sense of serenity.

​Practice Breathing Techniques

Practicing deep breathing exercises helps to restore calmness within your body, even if your mind is abuzz with last-minute wedding preparations. Breathing exercises create a soothing sensation, relaxing your body despite racing thoughts. When you feel your stress levels rise, try diaphragmatic breathing, which entails inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise gradually, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes whenever you feel overwhelmed.

Stay Connected with Loved Ones and Make Sure You Have Someone to Talk With

Maintaining connections with your loved ones is essential during this time. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can provide emotional support and lend you a helping hand when needed. Sharing your thoughts and concerns with them can relieve stress and foster a sense of belonging. In addition, as helpful as that may be, do not hesitate to look for a therapist to help guide you through any overwhelming feelings you may be experiencing. Recognizing the benefit of seeking additional assistance and support is a significant and positive step forward. Speaking with a therapist provides a non-judgmental and safe environment for you to delve into your concerns, free from the worry of burdening your loved ones, who may not be capable of giving you the objectivity you need. Talking with a therapist can give you an impartial sounding board that allows you to openly explore and address the issues weighing on your mind, offering valuable insights and guidance.

​Take Breaks and Disconnect

When there's a significant event approaching in your life, it tends to consume many of your thoughts and conversations. However, dedicating all your time and energy exclusively to your wedding without leaving room for anything else may not be beneficial for your overall well-being. That’s why it's essential to make time for breaks and relaxation and truly allow yourself to take time out from the hectic wedding planning process. Set boundaries for technology use and disconnect from social media and emails during your designated relaxation periods. Turn off your laptop, iPad, TV, and mobile phone, and create an atmosphere of relaxation. Play soothing music while pouring a glass of wine or brewing a calming cup of herbal tea. Take a break from the hectic pace of life and cherish a serene moment with your fiancé, allowing yourselves to unwind in each other's company. Doing this will enable you to recharge, focus on your well-being, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by constant wedding-related notifications. It's also advantageous for couples to establish regular "wedding-free" days, at least every two weeks or more often if necessary. During these "wedding-free" days, discussions and inquiries related to the wedding are off-limits. Instead, couples can spend quality time alone or with their loved ones, engage in activities they love, or even enjoy a romantic date night where the conversation revolves around anything other than the wedding. For couples who live together, it can also be helpful to designate a specific "wedding-free zone" within their home. This space would serve as a sanctuary where wedding-related discussions and thoughts are prohibited, allowing for a peaceful and mentally rejuvenating environment.

​Relax in the Tub

Research studies have shown that warm baths offer numerous mental wellness benefits, revealing that regular baths are more effective in minimizing depression and dissolving stress compared with aerobic exercise. Whether you have a weekly bathing ritual or simply revel in a good soak the night before your nuptials, you can enhance your tub time with aromatherapy, candles, or bath bombs to create an utterly relaxing vibe. Set aside about thirty minutes of uninterrupted time to indulge in a calming warm bath, and ensure the water is comfortably warm, effectively easing any tense muscles. As you recline in the bath, concentrate solely on your breath, allowing yourself a moment of complete rejuvenation and renewal. Letting go of all thoughts and distractions during your bath will enable you to recharge your mind and body.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

Remember that your wedding day is all about the celebration of love. With that in mind, embrace a positive mindset and focus on the wonderful moments and memories you are creating with your other half. Trust that everything will come together and try to let go of the contrived notion of perfectionism. Preparing for your wedding should be an exciting and pleasurable experience. By implementing these de-stressing techniques into your routine, you can navigate the planning process with a sense of calm as your special day approaches.