5. Chant or sing
Healthline says “The practice of mantra (chanting, singing, etc.) meditation is said to help slow down thoughts, improve mental clarity, and enhance peace of mind.” Even belting it out to your favorite show tunes or top 40 hits on your way to get your hair done may help.
6. Do a Reiki session
Book a private session or integrate a Reiki Blessing Ceremony into your wedding day itinerary.
7. Set clear boundaries
Setting boundaries for stress management can feel vulnerable. But it’s very important in the weeks and days leading up to your wedding. If there is a particular person who has a pattern of behavior you’re worried will put a damper on your special day, address it ahead of time from a place of love and gratitude.
8. Prepare your accessories
Run through a bridal accessory checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Clean, shine, and steam whatever needs taken care of ahead of time. Also, try breaking in your wedding shoes at least a couple days before the ceremony so you don’t have to worry too much about blisters.
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9. Double-check bookings
Call vendors, venues, and hotels to make sure your reservations are all set. Do this well ahead of time just in case something happens. Having this taken care of will give you peace of mind as you finalize other wedding details.
10. Pamper yourself
Pampering means different things to different people. But an at-home facial, massage chair, or delicious meal at your favorite restaurant are all great ways to start.
11. Get quality sleep
In the month leading up to your wedding, make sure you consistently go to bed early, sleep in when you get the chance, and take naps as much as you need. If you have trouble falling asleep, try the classic Sleepytime tea or a progressive muscle relaxation practice.
12. Do some yoga
Work your way through Yoga with Adriene’s Yoga for Wedding Prep playlist on YouTube or simply attend your favorite online or virtual class. If you’re new to yoga, try a gentle Yin version to concentrate on long stretches and deep breathing.
13. Schedule a massage
According to Medical News Today, even “a 10-minute massage or period of relaxation measurably increases psychophysiological relaxation”. Book one at a spa, get your fiance to rub your shoulders more, or grab a pressure point massage cane and do it yourself as needed.
14. Take a bath
Warm baths are proven to have many mental health benefits. In fact, Happiful reports that “regular baths proved to be more effective in aiding depression than aerobic exercise,” according to one study. Whether you have a weekly ritual or simply take one the night before your big day, add in some aromatherapy, candles, or bath bombs to completely chill out.
15. Journal about your feelings
Free write or follow a paid journal book such as this one, titled “Marriage Journal for the Anxious Bride,” to get the thoughts purged from your mind.
16. Use CBD
There are many different types of CBD-infused products you can use to relax before yor wedding, ranging from bath bombs to gummies to body lotions. Remember to always consult your doctor before consuming supplements of any kind.
17. Use guided meditation
This 10-minute wedding day mediation for brides will help you breathe deeper, slow down your thoughts, and get grounded. Apps such as Headspace are also a great option for long-term practice. Tip: Headspace offers free trial meditations you can do repeatedly in the week leading up to your wedding.
18. Listen to 432 hertz
Play relaxing meditation music for eight hours while you sleep and see if you feel a difference in the morning.
19. Say affirmations
Relaxation affirmations can help you find peace when repeated over and over again. Write them down three times before you go to sleep every night. Write them on the front of your wedding planning binder. Or simply think of them whenever you feel your blood pressure rising.
20. Use essential oils
Lavender and rose are classic choices for wedding day stress relief. Add some to your wrists, bathwater, pillowcase, and even wedding dress to get the full effect.
21. Play nature sounds
Did you know that nature sounds can decrease the body’s fight or flight response in just a few minutes? Listening to waterfalls and bird chirps also increases the parasympathetic response, which helps the body relax. Spotify has both classic and unique nature sounds as singles, playlists, and by artist. Our favorites include Tmsoft’s Train Ride Sound.
22. Drink herbal tea
The best, most calming tea flavors include mint, chamomile, and lavender. Even if it’s too hot outside to enjoy it boiled, brewing some and adding ice will have the same effect.
23. Write a gratitude note
This can be to your fiance, your vendors, your family, or your friends thanking them for all the love and support they’ve provided during your wedding planning journey. Not only will this help put whatever last-minute wedding details you’re stressing over into perspective, but it will also strengthen your relationships and put you in a positive mindset.
24. Create a checklist
Write a list of all the tasks keeping you up at night in the days leading up to your wedding. Even simple things like picking up a tuxedo from the cleaners should be added to make more space in your brain for excitement and joy. Plus, the act of crossing things off of a to-do list in and of itself can be relaxing.
25. Delegate errands
Ask close friends and family to pick up that card box the next town over if you’re really pressed for time. Or hire help through TaskRabbit or Craigslist to get the job done for you. Either way, freeing up time will give you more opportunities to rest before your wedding day and leave wiggle room for dealing with bigger issues if something comes up.
26. Spend time alone
Even 15 minutes to yourself is said to level out your emotions and induce calm. Take a moment in the dressing room before the ceremony, in your car between cake tastings, or even in your shared home with your fiance to be alone with your thoughts every once in a while. Put your phone away during this time and space out as much as you need.
27. Attend a sound bath
Sound baths are a meditation during which a practitioner plays specially-tuned bowls, bells, and rain sticks while you relax and allow the sound to wash over you. There are many great versions on YouTube, but you can also attend a virtual or in-person event.
28. Use a weighted blanket
Weighted blankets work to reduce stress by providing the sensation of deep touch, which releases dopamine and serotonin. The weight of the blanket you choose will depend on your body weight. There are many different weighted blanket options available in a variety of weights, colors, fabrics, and sizes. Sleep with one at night or cuddle up underneath with your fiance during a cozy night in.
29. Talk to a therapist
If you have serious concerns about your mental health leading up to your wedding day, getting professional help is a great idea. Apps like BetterHelp and TalkSpace offer an opportunity to connect with a licensed therapist even without insurance. At the very least, you can always vent to a trusted friend.
30. Get outside
The health benefits of spending time outdoors are endless, but we’ll name just a few anyway. According to an article from Business Insider, which highlights 11 “scientifically proven” reasons why you should go outside: Spending time outdoors can lead to improved short-term memory, restored mental energy, stress relief, reduced inflammation, better vision, improved concentration, sharper thinking and creativity, and improved mental health. Need we say more?
Put this guide on how to relax before your wedding to use!
Coming up next: If you need a little extra support, don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to managing wedding planning stress.
