Ask the Wedding Goddess

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway will answer your questions and help relieve wedding stress. Please send your questions and wedding challenges to Editor@Wedlok.com.

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Dear Wedding Goddess:

As my wedding approaches I worry about feeling too nervous or wobbly to make it down the aisle. Any ideas for calming my bridal nerves? – Don’t Want to be Nervous Bride

Hi Don't Want to Be Nervous -

Here are some simple ways to treat yourself to some natural, calming relief and remedies on your wedding day and on wedding day eve.

1. Go to sleep with a warm bath, awaken to a cleansing shower. Before you go to bed on “W Day” Eve, take a warm, relaxing bath using a scented candle or aromatherapy oil and wonderful music to help you relax and reflect on the journey you have been on. Tomorrow marks a new start in your life!

2. Center Yourself. Before you get dressed, take one last look at yourself in the mirror. Feel your feet firm on the ground – and feel that firmness beneath your feet -- and put your hands right under your belly. The Japanese call that part of the body the “Hara,” which means center. Then take a moment to feel your feet connected to the earth below, as if you are a tree. Know the leaves may sway in the wind but your trunk will stay upright and strong.

3. Eat light, but eat something. Although in some religious traditions the bride and groom fast, which is symbolic of starting fresh, consider a light meal before the ceremony. High protein foods will fill you, give you strength and keep your blood sugar balanced. Stay away from excessive caffeine, sugar and overeating – which can all make you shaky.

4.Stay Organized. It is important to curtail chaos by having a game plan and time line for the day’s events and sticking with it as closely as possible. This should include everything from the time you awaken, shower and stretch … to getting to the chapel on time … to events in between and at the reception. “Brides tend to be on the planet Zippety Doo-Dah,” says New York-based and internationally known makeup artist and hairstylist, Filis Forman, who often serves as a beauty coordinator for brides on their wedding day. “If a bride keeps very organized she will be so much calmer coordinating her day.”

5. Anchor yourself in the love all around you. Focus on wedding day bliss and the happiness and joy of the moment. Realize that everyone at your wedding is there to support you; that it is a day when you can do no wrong; everything you say and do, every tear you cry, will be adorable to those who’ve come to celebrate. Trust and lean into the love you share with your mate, and all the love in that room.

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Posted August 19, 2007 5:46 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Email This