How to Manage Pre-Wedding Jitters

So you're about to be married and you're feeling a little nervous. Who wouldn't be? After all, it's one of the biggest days of your life! Pre-wedding jitters are completely normal and understandable. That being said, there are ways to manage these feelings so they won't ruin your big day. Let's explore some strategies for managing those pre-wedding jitters to make sure they don’t get in the way of you enjoying your wedding day!

Why do we feel pre-wedding jitters?

Many people feel jitters before they get married. When you are about to make this big step, you are thinking about it a lot. Some people may be anxious about life after the wedding, how newly introduced family members will get along, or if they’re really ready for marriage, just to name a few. Remember that it’s normal to be nervous at this time and you should feel okay to express this to those you trust -- and the officiant -- as they may be able to offer advice and support.

What can I do to manage pre-wedding jitters?

There are many strategies you can employ to help manage those pre-wedding jitters. Let's explore some.

1: Tackle the worrying head on

If you're nervous because you're the one who proposed, think of what made you decide to do that. Think about why you felt this was the right time or if it is something that both of you want. It's okay to be nervous! You don't need to feel bad. If your partner is the excited one, listen to them and focus on why they decided to marry you.

2: Focus on the positives!

If you are feeling anxious about your partner, try to remember that this is a good step in the relationship. We all have doubts from time to time when we make decisions about our relationships. Your partner might feel the same way. But, it's okay -- such feelings come...and go!

3: Schedule a date night!

A good way to make sure you don't feel tense is to spend time with your partner. It might be as simple as going out for a walk after dinner or getting tickets to a show that they would like. It does not matter what you do, just be together and create memories that will last forever.

4: Practice mindfulness!

What does mindfulness have to do with pre-wedding jitters? A lot. Mindfulness practices can help you refocus your attention away from those pre-wedding jitters. This can help you feel more positive about your upcoming big day and it can remind you why you're there in the first place!

Walking meditation: This mindfulness exercise is easy. Put one foot on the ground before lifting the other foot and stepping with it. Walk slowly and think about how your feet feel as you put them down on the ground. You can make this exercise more challenging by walking up an incline or sideways!

Yoga: Yoga will help you to relieve stress and anxiety, which is why it is a good idea to use before your wedding. There are many poses that will help you achieve inner peace. If you want to start doing yoga, start with the child's pose when you feel overwhelmed.

Meditation: Meditation can help you calm down when you are feeling anxious or stressed out. To do this, pay attention to your breath and let thoughts go by. If you want to try meditation, use a guided app or watch a video from YouTube on how to do it!

The goal of any of these mindfulness exercises is to help you redirect your attention away from those feelings of anxiousness and to find a way to calm your mind.

5: Don't forget that it's all going to be okay!

Everyone gets nervous about their wedding for one reason or another, but that does not mean there is something wrong with your marriage. On the other hand, persistent doubts need to be addressed with all the seriousness they deserve. This is your life, and you don’t want to make big mistakes. If you are nervous before most big events, then know that this is just another one of those times. If it is, feeling nervous about the wedding means that you care about your relationship enough to be anxious! Perhaps try to label “nerves” as “excitement.” Don’t let those feelings get the best of you. Socrates’ famous “Know yourself” is eternally wise advice.

Now that we've discussed a few strategies to help with managing pre-wedding jitters, go ahead and try one of these exercises! You may find that it helps you refocus your attention on the present moment rather than the future.

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