The Week Before Your Wedding- Self-Care Edition
When it comes to wedding planning, it's important to take care of yourself and allow for unexpected emergencies (because there will be some). That's why one of the best pieces of wedding planning advice I can offer is this: Pretend, from the beginning, that your wedding date is two to three weeks earlier than it actually is. This gives you ample room to focus on self-care, family matters, and any last-minute emergencies that may pop up during the week before your wedding.
Here are some tips for self-care leading up to your big day:
Non Wedding time- make a rule for yourself that you will prioritise other non-wedding-related activities during certain times of the day. You need a break and some time to connect with your partner and yourself. Having this boundary will help you feel less stressed and able to focus on other aspects of your life. It's important to remember that taking care of yourself and your relationships is just as important as your work as a wedding planner.
Skincare- is, in my opinion, the very best of the self-care routines. It can be a great mindful practice and is a wonderful way to start the day. Not only will it help you achieve that wedding glow, but it will also make your makeup apply more easily, and your makeup artist will love you for it. Pro tip- it's important to avoid adding any new products to your skincare routine just before your wedding day, in case you have a reaction to them.
Workout- It’s always a good idea to get the blood pumping, it can relieve stress (the week before your wedding right?!) and it is always great for your mental health!
Meditation and Yoga- you could dedicate the first hour of your day to a morning routine that helps you feel centred and refreshed, such as meditation or yoga. These practices are proven to help with better sleep, weight loss, stress, blood pressure, and anxiety, which can be especially helpful during the lead-up to the big day! You could also set aside an hour in the evening to share this with your partner and do a couples session together.
Mentally prepare- This may seem like a strange one but mentally preparing for your wedding day is crucial. Simply being aware that you may experience strong emotions on the day can help you better deal with them. Things may go wrong or not meet your expectations, you may experience grief over a family member not being present, or you may feel overwhelmed or nervous about the big change of married life. All of these things are perfectly normal. Engaging in mental preparation, such as visualization exercises, can help you to better deal with the emotions on the day.
Remember the big picture- it's so important to take a step back and remember the big picture. Why are you getting married? What does this day mean to you and your partner? By keeping these things in mind, you'll be able to focus on the important things and let go of any small details that may not go as planned.
Another important aspect of remembering the big picture is showing gratitude for the people around you and for those who have helped you on this journey. Take a moment to thank your family, friends, and loved ones for their support and love. And most importantly, remember to be present and enjoy the moment. Your wedding day is a celebration of love and commitment, and by keeping the big picture in mind, you'll be able to fully embrace the joy and happiness of the day.
Eating well and staying hydrated- This may seem obvious one but don’t consume too much coffee, alcohol or processed food in the lead-up to the wedding, all of these can alter your sleep patterns and cause skin issues and bloating. I am not an advocate for extreme wedding diets but simply being more mindful of what you are consuming will be a big help. Drinking plenty of water not only helps your skin look great and prevents breakouts, but it can also help plump your lips and make you feel better overall.
I really hope this helps you to be your very best self on your wedding day (and any other day).
Much love,
Ell