Take a few minutes for you – or you two. Leave yourself a few moments to chill out before you walk down the aisle. Go to the bathroom, fix make-up and hair, take care of last minute self-care, pop in a breath mint… and then sit quietly by yourself. And breathe. If you are seeing each other before the ceremony, spend a few moments relaxing together, holding hands, to calm your nerves

Ground yourself. Brides, as you get ready to take your walk, stand for a moment, hands on belly, and feel your feet firmly planted on the ground. The strong earth beneath you. Imagine you are strong as a tree, yet flexible as the branches and leaves that blow in the wind. When you feel centered, it is time to walk. Grooms, as you wait for her at the altar, you do the same. Don’t worry if you are feeling a little jittery as you watch her walking toward you. Nervousness is just excitement that has yet to be expressed.

Remember the gift at the end of the aisle. If you at any time feel confused … or concerned that your lips are quivering as you try to smile … or worried that you seem too stiff or are walking to fast … or wondering if you will be so overwhelmed that you will falter … just look up and he’ll be there. Every bride says that nervousness subsides when she realized true love awaits her, and she sees that love in the eyes of her husband-to-be. Grooms also say worries tend to disappear when finally brides and groom stand near to one another!

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is an interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a bridal stress expert. She is author of WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide To Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss (Perigee Books, May 2005). Visit Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway at WeddingGoddess.com.