How to Conquer Wedding Jitters for a Joyful Big Day

Understanding Wedding Jitters and Anxiety

From the lehenga trials to the last-minute decor tweaks, planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job with overtime. Let's look at some common reasons behind these wedding jitters.

The Impact of Wedding Jitters on Your Big Day

Left unchecked, wedding jitters can take a toll on your well-being and even cast a shadow on your big day. You may find yourself unable to enjoy the festivities you meticulously planned or feel disconnected from the love and support surrounding you. Excess anxiety can lead to:

• Difficulty sleeping and exhaustion
• Strained interactions with loved ones
• Struggling to be present in the moment
• Physical symptoms like headaches or an upset stomach

By learning to manage wedding stress and wedding jitters healthily, you set yourself up to be fully present and soak in every heartwarming moment of your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

How to Handle Wedding Nerves: Practical Tips for Managing Pre-Wedding Anxiety

1. Delegate and ask for help: You don't have to shoulder all the responsibilities alone. Involve your partner, family and friends in tasks like managing the guest list, assembling favours or brainstorming mehendi designs. People who love you want to support you!
2. Prioritise self-care: Amidst the wedding prep, don't neglect your own needs. Schedule time for activities that help you de-stress, whether it's yoga, painting or catching up with friends over chai. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary.
3. Focus on what truly matters: When the decor details and guest list numbers start to feel overwhelming, take a step back and reconnect with the heart of this celebration—your love and commitment to your partner. At the end of the day, your marriage is far more important than having the trendiest lehenga or most Instagram-worthy centrepieces.
4. Set boundaries and communicate openly: Don't hesitate to gently but firmly communicate your needs, whether it's asking an overbearing relative to respect your choices or telling your partner when you need some quiet time to recharge. Remember, your well-being is a priority.
5. Create a realistic wedding day timeline: Avoid cramming too many activities and events into your big day. Build margin into your schedule so you have breathing room if things run late or you need a moment to yourself. A hurried, stressful wedding day often stems from an overpacked timeline.

Mindfulness Techniques for Wedding Stress Relief

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for easing anxiety and finding calm amidst chaos. Here are some simple techniques you can use throughout your wedding planning journey to deal with wedding jitters:

• Deep breathing: When stress levels rise, take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale calm and positivity, exhale tension and worries. This simple practice signals to your body that it's ok to relax.
• Grounding exercises: If your mind is racing with wedding worries, take a minute to notice your surroundings using your senses. What do you see, smell, hear, feel? This helps bring you back to the present moment.
• Visualisation: Close your eyes and imagine your wedding day unfolding with ease and joy. Picture yourself laughing with your bridesmaids, locking eyes with your soulmate as you say your vows, dancing carefree at your reception. Mentally rehearsing a happy wedding day can help alleviate fears and build excitement.
• Positive affirmations: Replace anxious thoughts with encouraging, calming phrases. For example: "I am capable of handling whatever comes my way," "My wedding will be beautiful because of the love we share." Repeat your affirmations daily, especially when doubts creep in.

Incorporating mindfulness to deal with wedding jitters into your self-care routine can help you approach wedding planning from a more balanced, peaceful headspace. For many brides, a simple way to stay grounded is by choosing outfits and accessories that are true to their personal style and make them feel like the most radiant version of themselves.

For example, opting for an elegantly embroidered bridal saree or a light bridal lehenga instead of a heavy one can allow for more ease of movement so you can relax and savour every moment. The Mohey bridal collection focuses on creating regally understated pieces that let the bride's natural beauty and confidence shine through.

Professional Help for Wedding Anxiety

When to Seek Professional Help

While it's normal to experience some wedding jitters leading up to your big day, if anxiety begins interfering with your daily life and relationships, it may be time to seek professional support. Some signs you could benefit from working with a mental health professional include:

• Constant, racing thoughts about your wedding that you can't control
• Trouble sleeping, eating or focusing at work due to wedding worries
• Snapping at loved ones or withdrawing from your usual support system
• Feeling hopeless, helpless or believing you can't cope with wedding stress
• Pre-existing mental health conditions that are exacerbated by wedding anxiety

There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Taking care of your mental well-being is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your partner as you begin your married life.

Types of Professionals Who Can Help

• Marriage and family therapists specialise in helping couples navigate life transitions and relationship challenges. Premarital counselling with a licenced therapist can be a safe space to work through wedding-related stress and build a strong foundation for your marriage.
• Psychologists and counsellors can provide individual therapy to help you develop coping skills, reframe anxious thoughts and build resilience. Look for a mental health professional who has experience working with engaged couples or specialises in wedding stress relief.
• Guided meditation and relaxation apps like Headspace or Calm can be a convenient way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Many of these apps have specific tracks designed for managing stress and anxiety.
• Wedding coaches are a relatively new profession that combine practical wedding planning expertise with emotional support and stress management techniques. A wedding coach can offer an understanding ear and helpful strategies tailored to the unique pressures of being a bride or groom.

Remember, investing in your mental well-being is just as important as finding the perfect men's sherwani or bridal lehenga. By proactively managing wedding stress, you set yourself up to be fully present and joyful on your big day.

Focusing on Your Big Day

Wedding jitters are a normal part of this exciting, emotional journey. By prioritising self-care, seeking support, and focusing on the love you share with your partner, you can handle any pre-wedding anxiety that comes your way.

Remember, a picture-perfect wedding isn't about flawless decor or an unflappable bride. It's about celebrating your unique love story surrounded by the people who matter most. So as you put the finishing touches on your dream day, give yourself grace. Embrace the joyful moments and the inevitable hiccups. Years from now, when you look back on your wedding photos and videos, the only thing that will shine through is the love and pure happiness radiating from you and your soulmate.

And if you're still on the hunt for the perfect wedding attire, check out the latest collections from Manyavar and Mohey. With their range of contemporary and fusion options, you're sure to find an outfit that makes you feel like the most authentic, beautiful version of yourself—wedding jitters and all.