3 tips to help you handle your pre-wedding nerves

It’s supposed to be the happiest day of our lives. If you stop to think about it, that’s a lot of pressure right there. How on earth are we meant to handle not only our own expectations, but the expectations of those around us? It’s like we have this need for everything to be perfect, or else… or else what? What is it we’re afraid of happening, if something goes the slightest bit off plan?

Pre-wedding anxiety is completely normal. We all feel nervous from time to time. It’s no wonder that, after months of planning, stress, and an endless stream of decisions, you’re feeling a little on edge. Your (or your partner’s) nerves aren’t a sign that you are getting cold feet; for many of us, they are a completely natural part of the process.

We spoke with clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist, Katie Mahey, to discover her top tips for how you can handle wedding anxiety in the run-up to your big day.

“The build-up to your wedding can be a stressful time for brides and grooms. There is so much to think about, consider, organise and of course pay for! Although it’s completely normal to have some nerves or anxious feelings before your wedding and hosting your event; sometimes anxious feelings can take over the fun of planning the wedding.

“Some brides and grooms begin to dread their big day, due to the fear of ‘what might go wrong’, the fear of ‘messing up the vows’, ‘being the centre of attention’, as well as the initial pressure of making sure everything is well organised.

“Luckily, there is something you can do to stop these pre-wedding nerves taking over your big day. Speaking with someone objective such as a therapist can help rationalise your feelings. Whilst it’s really normal to have some nerves about the biggest day of your life; feeling overly anxious can also be a hindrance to enjoying your special day!

“Hypnotherapy is amazing at reducing unwanted anxiety, building your confidence and preparing you to enjoy your day to its fullest. As hypnotherapy is a super quick working therapy, it doesn’t matter if you only have a few weeks to go until the big day. Some clients only need one or two sessions to get them feeling how they want to feel, so don’t worry if your wedding is just around the corner. Personalised recordings can also be made and sent to you, and I am helping brides and grooms get prepared from all around the country, via the fantastically helpful Skype.

“Alongside the hypnotherapy, I always give my clients a few tips with how to manage any unwanted anxiety on the lead-up and on the day itself:

1. Notice your breathing. Stop what you are doing, close your eyes if you can and breathe in for 4 seconds, and out of 6 seconds. Repeat this 3 times, this will instantly help you feel calmer! The more you physically relax, the more you can mentally relax.
2. Allocate a ‘worry window’ into your day. Give yourself 10 minutes a day to do all of your worrying. So if any unhelpful thoughts pop into your head outside of your worry window, park your thoughts and tell yourself you will do your worrying in the allocated time!
3. Get physical. Try to find time for some physical activity that is not wedding related. This is not only good for your physical well-being, but for your emotional well-being as well as boosting your confidence!

“It’s not just the couple getting married that are feeling nervous about an upcoming wedding, best men and father of the brides may have the pressure of delivering a fantastic, confident speech! The heartfelt speech you envision is possible, with a confidence boost from hypnotherapy.”