Your Dream Day Morning Survival Guide
Sure, it seems straightforward. Put on the outfit, say the vows and dance up a storm.
However, a big day can often come with a big ball of emotions. After all that planning, it’s hard to know exactly how your day will pan out and this can add another layer of stress you had not quite anticipated.
Here’s a few easy checks you can make to ensure you are physically and emotionally looking after yourself – and your stress levels – before saying I do.
GET TO BED EARLY
Let’s start at the beginning, while you are likely to be filled with adrenaline and excitement, try and ensure you hit the hay at an appropriate time. Limit your alcohol intake, and instead focus on keeping your body and mind as calm as possible so you can drift off to sleep as peacefully as possible. You’ve got a big day ahead!
RISE AND SHINE
Get moving early and starting the morning off with some physical activity. Chances are you may not have slept your best, so bypassing a run and going slow is a good option. Grab your wedding party and head to a yoga class, go for a dip at the beach, play a round of golf – whatever it is that will get you moving and set you up for the day. Bonus points if you can sneak in a few extra minutes for meditation. We recommend the apps Calm or Smiling Mind – easily downloadable to your phone.
MEAL DEAL
If there’s one day you’re going to need energy, it’s today. Not only will the right foods fuel your mind and body, they’ll give you the energy you need, so avoid heavy and greasy foods if you can. Think oats and berries for brekkie, and a salad with some protein for lunch. Consider ordering in a caterer ahead of time so it’s one less thing on your plate. While inevitably sipping on an alcoholic beverage as you get ready, make sure you pair each glass with a big glass of water.
PLAN YOUR TIMELINE TO A TEE
It’s easy for the day to getaway with people coming in and out and tasks to complete. Make sure you have a timeline in place of everything that needs to happen so you can stick to the schedule and ensure all is stress free! Share this timeline with those who surround you (suppliers, wedding party and family) so they can help with keeping things on track.
PLAYLIST PERFECTION
What better way to get ready than with your favourite melodies compiled into a playlist. Silence can feel stifling, so by having some background music as you get perfectly prepped for your day will help contribute to the celebratory feelings. Set it up on your phone and make sure you have a portable speaker too.
FAMILY TIES
Love or (kinda) loathe them, your family is likely to be circling you all day. A good thing to keep telling yourself is that they’re equally as excited about this day as you are. Instead of getting stressed, forward plan clever ways to keep them busy. Give them jobs like coordinating the hair and make-up artists, serving refreshments and checking in with everyone to make sure they’re OK.
BE FULLY PRESENT
This is a once in a lifetime moment and getting ready with your nearest and dearest should be enjoyed, rather than feel like you’re simply going through the motions. Allow your suppliers to show up and trust them to do their jobs, after all that’s why you’ve hired them. Soak up this quality time, the laughter and maybe some tears and be sure to take it all in.
LET GO
Be prepared for something to go wrong. This is an event of grand proportion with many parties involved. There has to be room for human error. But the best thing you can do is ride the wave and – for extra points – laugh it off. If there’s one thing we’ve learned when chatting to couples after their wedding days, it’s that they always have a good laugh about the things that went awry.
After a cheeky tongue in cheek post about the various bridesmaids you might encounter when planning your big day – click here.
