How to prepare for your wedding day when dealing with anxiety?

Weddings are one of the most joyous occasions and one of the most stressful. The happy couple has to deal with societal pressures, family pressures, and money pressures. When you have an anxiety disorder on top of it all, things can get very overwhelming. 

With some thoughtful planning and a little help from the professionals, you can manage your anxiety and enjoy the day.

Focus On Building a Great Marriage

Popular culture has created this vision that the most important day in a couple's relationship is the wedding day. It's a one-time event where all the most important people in your life gather. There's pressure to make everything perfect. Add in pressure from both families and it creates massive anxiety.

The reality is that your wedding day is only one day in your marriage. Yes, it should be a special occasion. However, your focus should be on building a great marriage, not throwing a blow-out event that meets everyone else's expectations. Put energy into building your relationship with your spouse-to-be first.

Meet with Your Therapist Regularly

You need a safe place to express emotions and to vent about what's going on. Having that place outside your normal life can be incredibly stress-relieving. Talking with your therapist through the wedding planning process is like a pressure release valve for many.

You may think that confiding in your best friend is much the same. However, what you talk about, whether it's doubts or fears, will linger in that person's mind after the wedding. The therapist will help you work through those emotions and offer strategies for coping. 

Learning how to handle the life issues that often arise around a wedding is actually a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your soon-to-be spouse.

Get Ready Before the Big Day

Prepare to manage your anxiety before your wedding day. You know things will become overwhelming at some point throughout the day. Build in times when you can take a few moments to decompress is key.

Schedule a time for vigorous exercise. Before all the preparation begins, go for a walk. Take time for a run. Grab the bicycle and go for a ride. Swim a few laps at a nearby gym. Exercise helps alleviate anxiety and releases positive hormones.

Set aside "me time" after major points in the day. Take 10 minutes for a cup of tea. Crank up the music and dance with your attendants. Take a few minutes to meditate or practice mindfulness.

Engage in every activity mindfully. Instead of letting the anxiety dwell, focus on what is happening. Monitor your emotions. If you find things getting to be too much, walk away for a few minutes and breathe. We have a few quiet nooks here at the White Horse venue.

Eat something throughout the day. Anxiety and stress can easily get out of hand when you get too hungry. Plan regular meal times, especially if your reception isn't schedule until evening. Keep snacks close by in case the schedule falls behind and you can't grab lunch.

Have Support Close By

It's important to have a point person on the wedding day. That person knows that you are feeling overwhelmed and may need some support throughout the day. It may be the maid of honor, the best man, your sibling, or even the wedding planner. Empower that person to assist you when you need it.

This person is who you turn to when things are getting to be too much. You may need something to eat. You may want a few quiet moments. No matter what you need, you have someone you can count on. 

Rely on Your Partner

You are marrying that special person you want to spend the rest of your life with. If you are feeling anxious about the wedding, lean into your partner. You can get through this together. 

We want you to have a very special day and hope you choose White Horse venue for your nuptials. Let us help you create a day that is as stress-free as possible.

​The White Horse Venue is available to host your wedding in Lakeland. If you are ready to host your event in our rustic and romantic location, it's waiting here for you. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how to turn your ceremony into an unforgettable experience. Schedule a tour, now.