It’s finally here—the week you’ve been dreaming about, planning for, and maybe, just a little, stressing over. Even the most composed bride or groom can feel a few butterflies leading up to the big day—and that's totally normal. Between last-minute details, family arrivals, and the sheer anticipation of this new step, weddings are definitely no small feat. To help you calm those inevitable pre-wedding jitters, we've outlined some helpful rituals that may come in handy from weeks before to the day of.
Ground Yourself
with a Morning Ritual
Start each day leading up to the wedding with a few moments of intentional quiet. This may include lighting a candle, brewing your favorite tea, and taking deep, slow breaths before checking your phone or emails. Whether you journal a few thoughts or simply sit in gratitude, this grounding ritual signals your body to slow down and lead to a calm, centered day. Starting a few weeks before the wedding can help you build this habit so you're ready to go on the big day.
Move in a Way That Feels Good
Exercise doesn’t have to mean a 6 a.m. bootcamp every day. If that's not your thing, focus on mindful movement through a solo walk, yoga flow, or an at-home workout. Exercise releases tension and floods you with endorphins—plus, it can be a great stress reliever. Mindful movement will remind you that this big moment is meant to be felt, not just managed.
Book a Calming Treatment
Book a massage, facial, or body treatment a few days before the wedding—not as a luxury, but as a reset. Choose something soothing (think aromatherapy or lymphatic drainage) rather than stimulating. The ritual of care, soft lighting, gentle touch, and quiet time helps calm your nervous system. And after all those months of wedding planning, it's definitely well-deserved.
Use Temperature Therapy
In the days leading up to the wedding, try a warm bath with Epsom salts or a cool shower with a few drops of essential oil. Temperature shifts stimulate circulation, soothe muscles, and help the body release built-up tension. This is a simple yet powerful way to calm the pre-wedding buzz.
Practice Mindful Skincare
It's no secret that stress can have a big impact on your skin, and preparation is essential to keeping that wedding glow. Up to several months before the wedding, you'll want to start taking care of your complexion. Instead of turning it into a mundane routine, take this time out of your day and use it as meditation. Slow down, notice the textures, breathe in the scents, and focus on the feeling of your hands against your skin. It transforms a daily task into a nurturing act of self-care—both physical and emotional.
Rest, Even If You Can’t Sleep
True rest might feel elusive the week of your wedding, but rest isn’t only about sleep. Lie down, put your phone away, close your eyes, and listen to calming music or a guided meditation. You don't want to be completely drained before the day begins; even just ten minutes of stillness can help your body recover from adrenaline spikes.
