This is not your grandmother’s hangover we’re taking about it. Wedding hangovers mean something different to wedding professionals. Theirs is a kind that does not rely on the consumption of alcohol.

The process of planning a wedding is exhausting. Those who commonly facilitate them, like wedding planners, photographers and event coordinators, experience a range of tough physical symptoms following wedding days. Because they don’t really get formal breaks on the day, wedding vendors often push their bodies to the max when they’re working.

“Those of us who facilitate a wedding day are on our feet for hours – HOURS – at a time,” explains Rachel E.H from Rachel E.H Photography. “We’re rushing around, the adrenaline is pumping, we’re contorting our bodies in weird positions (at least us photogs & videographers are), we’re being personable & friendly, barely getting time to eat or drink, and keeping an eye on a million things at once it feels like. Our switch is basically in the ON position all day long.”

“The second the day is over – literally to the second – our bodies know the fun is over, the adrenaline shuts off, and the pain sets in. We realize our feet have swollen to three times their normal size, our backs ache, our shoulders are hunched, our hands are cramped, and we feel like we just aged about 30 years.”

It’s not just wedding professionals who experience this. More and more, newlyweds are relating to this post-nuptial pain. From aching feet, headaches, dehydration and sore muscles, the wedding hangover is real.

Here are some handy tips to keep you in fighting form the day of and post-wedding:

The day of:

– Drink LOTS of water:

We know, we know. Drinking water is the number one tip for curing pretty much anything. Want clearer skin? Drink water. Want to lose weight? Drink more water. Humble H2O is constantly brought up because it truly is the cure. Water flushes out body waste, helps maintain blood pressure, aids in cognitive function and delivers oxygen throughout the body. Perfect for an aching body to quicken recovery.

– Wear comfortable shoes:

While heels are a popular shoe choice for brides, they’re not the greatest for your feet. Before the wedding, make sure to break your shoes in if they’re new. The best course of action is to keep a second pair of comfortable shoes for midway through your reception. Believe us, your feet will be begging you for flats at this point.

– Eat a nutritious meal:

It is imperative to fuel up before your wedding. To avoid crashing mid day, skip foods high in sugar. You’ll want to enjoy a hearty breakfast that will give your enough energy for the day ahead. Think complex carbs, protein and healthy fats.

Post wedding:

– Massage:

Your body probably has all sorts of aches and pains from all your wedding day standing and dancing. Treat yourself to a couple’s massage the day after to relax your muscles. This doubles up as a great bonding experience with your love.

– Avoid alcohol:

We know this is asking a lot, but it’s all for your benefit. Alcohol lowers blood sugar, which can result in fatigue, cravings and irritability. All theses sensations will just worsen your wedding hangover. So make sure to replace your mimosa with something natural like tea.

– Sleep:

Sometimes, the best course of action is to do nothing. Give your body a chance to recover by sleeping the day away.

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