Congratulations, the day is finally here. Today, your stay-cool action plan is to:
• Let your support team get you where you need to be. You've spent months planning the big day. In fact, the women in your life have probably memorized it (the printouts you gave them last week probably helped too). So relax and let your maid of honour, bridesmaids, mom, close siblings and others carry you along the "parade route," from sun-up to last dance.
• Rely on designated trouble shooters. Bumps along the way are normal. Delegate, delegate, delegate, well in advance of the big day. You don't need to know the vegetarian appetizers got "lost," or that the DJ is soused. Let your mom and future brother-in-law deal.
• Make like a celebrity and have a delegated assistant keep you fed and watered. Nosh on light snacks (nuts, cheese, grapes, dry toast are among the most palatable and least messy nibbles), and sip water, herbal tea or sports drinks throughout the day.
• Bring out the serenity-now big guns. Depending on your beliefs and lifestyle, you may find any of the following especially calming:
• A morning hike, walk or workout with your future husband
• Yoga or stretches
• Prayer (with loved ones or alone)
• Meditation
• Rocking out to your iPod
• Hanging out with your pets (preferably pre-gown)
• Jotting down thoughts in your journal (ditto)
A final thought about cold feet
Pre-wedding jitters are normal. Hopefully, you've thought things through, attended pre-marital counseling with a faith counselor or couples therapist, or are otherwise sure you and your partner are ready for marriage. To one another.
Books have been written on the topic, but if you're overcome with nerves, ask yourself these two fundamental questions:
• Did I pick the wrong guy?
• Am I having doubts about the institution of marriage itself?
The answer to the first should be an unequivocal "No." If you chose "Yes," um, you may want to check out this article.
And whether you answered "Yes" or "No" to the second, don't worry, it's not uncommon to panic during the last few hours of your life as a single chick!
Just take a deep breath and know that in a few hours, you'll be dancing the night away.
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