Stress and nerves are two things you do NOT want to wrestle with on the wedding day.  Unfortunately, for some of you type A-ers, this is nearly impossible considering…well, IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY!  So, here are a few tips to help you deal with the stress that comes with things not going perfectly and the nerves that come just before walking down the aisle.

Be Proactive!

The day before before…

• Eat well the day before.  Avoid lots of salt and foods that will make you feel yucky the next morning.
• Get a good night’s rest!  Not only will you look fresher but you will be better equipped to deal with the enormity of the day.

The day of…

• Avoid stressors:  This one seems obvious but some of us are gluttons for punishment.  Steer clear of the behind the scenes,  high-anxiety family members and anything else  you know may get raise your blood pressure.
• Think of the positive!  And if you happen to feel yourself going to an unhappy place, imagine that in a few short hours it will be just you and your man!  Think of how wonderful tonight and tomorrow will be.  Focus on all the beautiful moments and details of your wedding day, not the one or two things that may not be Style-Me-Pretty perfect.  Daydream about your honeymoon.  Revel in the fact that you are about to marry your best friend and the love of your life!  If this doesn’t calm you down, I don’t know what will.

If you just can’t seem to shake an imperfection…

• Count to Ten:  Didn’t our mothers always tell us to do this when we were little?!  Well, it works.  Before saying something that may cause tension among ranks or something you may regret, stop, close your eyes and count to ten (or further!) and allow your anger to dissipate a little.   Breath…again, mom taught us this!  Breathe in through your nose slowly for 5 seconds and exhale through the mouth for 3.
• Pray or meditate:  Funny how even those who consider prayer the first line of defense often forget to go there when they most need it!  Find a quiet spot and take the time for this.  This one is a guaranteed winner.

The reality is that none of your guests are not going to notice that the shade of periwinkle that your florist tried to match to your groom’s tie is a tad lighter or that one of your bridesmaids forgot her earrings.  And remember, plan for the best, expect anything and know that in the end, it is the vows themselves that matter most of all.