With all the planning, preparation, and anticipation that goes into a wedding, it’s easy for emotions to run high on the big day. If you’re starting to feel nervous or a bit overwhelmed, Jo Webber — Herbal Education Lead at Pukka Herbs —shares some of the best natural remedies to help you find some clarity and ease your wedding nerves.
For as long as people have been getting married, there’s been wedding day jitters. Not only do you have to worry about the event itself running smoothly (unless you’ve booked a wedding planner of course!) but saying your vows is a big commitment, and a moment that you’ll remember forever. This is a wonderful thing, but it can also feel like a lot of pressure! 
So, while it’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous, here are a few things you can do to help soothe your wedding nerves, stay present, and enjoy this unforgettable day.
Get your beauty sleep
This may feel easier said than done on the night before your wedding. But one of the best ways to prepare for your big day is to get enough sleep. You’re bound to be excited and a little apprehensive, but a good night’s sleep can make the world of difference to your energy levels and state of mind on what will likely be an incredible but exhausting day.
If you feel like you’re going to have too much on your mind to drift off easily, dedicate the day before your wedding to relaxation and unwinding. You could arrange this with some of your bridal party and family members, such as booking a spa day. Or you may prefer taking some time on your own to connect with yourself before this extroverted, family-oriented event. Everyone is different, so acknowledge what you need to feel calmer and more centred and be sure to make time for it.
To quieten your mind and help prepare you for a good night’s sleep, start unwinding from the day a few hours before you plan to go to bed. Run a warm bath or shower to relax and ease any tension in your muscles. And as you get ready to sleep, try to stay off your phone or any other devices that might keep you awake. Instead, listen to a podcast or read a book to give your eyes a break from screens. You could also try writing any of your worries about the following day into a journal before you sleep. This is a great way to help get everything off your mind.
As you read or journal, pour yourself a cup of night-time tea with soothing ingredients like chamomile, oat flower, and valerian. These powerful herbs can help you drift off into a deep, restful sleep. A few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow (or added to your bath water) can also bring some added calm and serenity to your pre-wedding night-time routine.
Talk to your partner or family
As the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. If you’re feeling apprehensive about the big day, be sure to talk to your partner and share your worries with them. Not only can they help you practically with things that need to be booked or organised, but having these kinds of open, honest conversations will remind you of what your wedding day is all about. Remember that even if things go wrong or don’t pan out exactly how you expected, what matters is your commitment to one another.
If you’re sticking to tradition and waiting to see your partner at the end of the aisle, you can always turn to your bridesmaids or groomsmen for a helping hand. Who better than a group of your closest friends and family members to offer a kind ear and some reassurance when emotions are running high? Talking your wedding nerves through with someone else will help you understand and overcome them more easily, rather than trying to deal with everything on your own.
Nourish your body
As well as eating a healthy, balanced breakfast, nourishing your body with herbal remedies can also help you stay calm and present on your big day. For instance, chamomile isn’t just a great addition to your night-time routine. As well as helping you drift off more easily, this famous flower can also soothe physical tension in the muscles and digestive system. So, swapping out your morning glass of Buck’s Fizz for a cup of chamomile tea can therefore be a much better way to ease anxious feelings in the gut.
Similarly, while you may normally reach for coffee or sugary drinks to get a boost of energy, try starting your day with an invigorating matcha or green tea instead. While still containing some caffeine (albeit a smaller amount), these can give you more sustainable, slow-release energy without the typical spikes and crashes associated with coffee or sugar.
Natural supplements can also make the world of difference to settling our nerves and helping us feel more resilient. Look out for key ingredients such as ashwagandha, a natural root that has been used for centuries to nourish the nervous system and counter the effects of stress in the body. As an adaptogen, it can help the body respond better to stress hormones like adrenaline. This is particularly useful in the face of change and major milestones like your wedding day.
Breathe!
When we feel anxious or overwhelmed, breathwork can be a saving grace for grounding and centring our emotions. You may want to start your morning with 15 minutes of meditation in a quiet space. Place a focus on deep breathing and saying some positive, soothing affirmations for the day ahead. Yoga can also be an excellent way to calm the nerves. And it has the added benefit of some stimulating movement and stretching for those feeling tense or a little jittery. You may have an early start, but taking some time for a short session of meditation or yoga could be just what you need to feel more grounded throughout your big day.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous and a little overwhelmed before your wedding. But by incorporating some of these natural remedies and relaxation tips into your wedding prep, you can stay calm, more present, and enjoy this special occasion with your loved ones.
Working with a wedding planner will take away a lot of your anxiety and free up your time to really enjoy your day – my couples always say they were able to relax on the big day knowing I was there to support them. You can find out more about my planning services here or get in touch and we can chat about how I can help you.
Louise
