“I know I loved every minute of the planning and even of the day,” says Jennifer, a month after her wedding. “But I was really exhausted. And now I hardly remember anything.”
There’s so much to do before a wedding that it’s easy to push yourself beyond normal limits. After all, most weddings have more than 100 guests – that’s probably the biggest party you’ll ever plan!
And the planning involves more than just you, or even you and your fiancé. There’s your parents, his parents, the grannies, great-aunt Agatha, etc. The stress can be enormous.
Stress works in different ways. Jeanne broke out in hives just days before her wedding. “It was awful. My arms were covered with horrible red spots and my gown was strapless!” she wails. It required a dash to a dermatologist in a week that was already crowded with activity.
Even if you aren’t prone to hives, being exhausted on your big day is not ideal. The way to avoid these problems is to start planning well in advance and leave as little as possible to the last minute. More importantly, take time to look after yourself throughout the weeks leading up to your big day.

Pace yourself
Exercise regularly to reduce the effects of stress on your body. When you feel the stress levels rising, take a time out. Make a cup of herbal tea (caffeine will only make things worse) and sip it slowly. When it’s finished there will be plenty of time to go back to the fray. Get plenty of sleep each night. If it’s not done, it will simply have to wait until tomorrow. You’ll be surprised how much more easily problems get solved after a good night’s rest.

Eat healthy
Brides often crash diet because they want to look perfect in their wedding dress. Low calories translate into low energy. Rather than eating too little, take the time to exercise more. It will achieve many of the same results and help to relieve stress.
Jeanne took a long walk with two of her bridesmaids each day. “It was a good time to talk about things, to sort of regroup and laugh together,” she said. “And the bonus was we all fit into our dresses because of those walks.”

Laugh
Jeanne and her friends were helping themselves with more than exercise; they laughed together. Laughter is the best stress reliever because it releases endorphins. Try to laugh often. Give your best friend the task of sending you a goofy e-mail each day. Go to a funny movie with your fiancé so you can both laugh.

Stay healthy
Book check-ups with your doctor, eye doctor, dentist, even gynecologist nine months to one year in advance so health problems aren’t likely to crop up in the week before. Do you need new contacts or glasses? How about prescriptions? Get all these renewed at least a month ahead and put them in your honeymoon bag.
Don’t forget sun block, allergy medications, travel sickness pills, etc. Where are you going for your honeymoon? Will you require vaccinations or a visa? Arrange for these six months ahead. That leaves you less stressed during the last few weeks before your big day.

Skin care
Look after your skin to prevent breakouts. Start a good regimen of skin care with your favourite products and be religious about it. The mundane tasks of cleansing and moisturizing can be relaxing, especially if you put some soothing music on in the background. In fact, soothing music, a candle and bubble bath can be a recipe for relaxation whenever things are starting to get on top of you.

Drink
No, we don’t mean great big slugs of gin or wine. But do remember to keep drinking water, especially on your wedding day. While having your hair done, take a bottle of water and a small sandwich to nibble on. You won’t feel dizzy from lack of food at the ceremony or look icky in your photos. And the champagne toast won’t send your head spinning.
Looking after yourself is as important as sorting out all the details of your big day. This is your day, when you are the centre of attention. Be healthy, fit and ready to enjoy every moment in the limelight.