Say goodbye to pre-wedding nerves: Your bridal survival guide

For most of us ladies, the idea of our wedding day is something we’ve probably dreamt about since we were little girls.

It’s that big, exciting milestone we’ve pictured countless times. 

But eventhough planning our big day is meant to be fun and exciting, there are moments when it can be challenging.

While it’s normal to feel a bit flustered as the big day gets closer, you don’t want it to get so bad that you become completely stressed out. 

Getting a handle on these pre-wedding jitters is key to making sure your day is brilliant and memorable, not just a blur of stress. 

Here’s how you can calm those nerves and actually enjoy the run-up to your "I do."

Acknowledge your nerves

First things first, it’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious or nervous. Don't try to bottle it up or pretend you're fine when you're not. 

Give yourself permission to feel those emotions. It’s a huge life event, and a bit of a wobble is natural. 

Talking things through with your partner, your bestie or a family member about how you’re feeling can really help.

Prioritise self-care

When you’re swamped with seating plans and flower arrangements, it’s easy to forget about caring for yourself. 

Whether it's a relaxing bath, a good walk in the fresh air, chilling with a book, or even just binge-watching your favourite show, it’s important to take a bit of “me time”. 

Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating properly, and staying hydrated. 

It makes a massive difference to how you cope with stress.

Delegate tasks

You don’t have to do everything yourself!

Get your partner involved, rope in your bridesmaids, ask family members to help out, or if your budget allows, consider a wedding planner. 

Even just offloading a few tasks can make a world of difference.

Focus on what matters

Sometimes it’s the tiny details, like the colour of the napkins or the font on the menu, that can weigh you down. 

But try to step back and remember that the day is about you and your partner, your love, and the commitment you're making. 

Try to shift your focus from aiming for absolute "perfection" to simply creating a memorable day to celebrate your love story.

Limit social media

Social media can be a blessing and a curse. 

While it’s great for inspiration, it can also set totally unrealistic expectations and make you compare your wedding to everyone else's. 

Give yourself a break from endless scrolling through wedding photos and focus on what you want for your day.

Remember the end goal

When you feel the stress creeping in, just take a breath and remind yourself of the end goal: marrying your best friend and starting an amazing new chapter together. 

Keep that lovely vision in your mind, and let it spur you on through those final bits of planning.

IOL Lifestyle