Weddings are exciting, but they can also be super stressful. Brides are often so wrapped in the planning and details of their big day that they forget to take care of the most important detail, their health – and more specifically, their sleep.

Sleep deprivation can trigger anxiety and stress, making it difficult for you to feel your best on your wedding day, as well as the weeks and months leading up to it. Preparing for your wedding is a joyous time, and you should enjoy it well-rested.

Of course, stress itself also contributes to difficulties with sleep. You may find yourself lying in bed, thinking about what you need to do next, worrying about vendors and so much more. It’s important to let these anxieties go so that you can get the rest you need to function at your best.

Try these tips and tricks to reduce stress and get a better night’s sleep, especially on the eve of your big day.

Ask for help

Staying up late working on decorations can seriously cut into sleep time. Instead of trying to take it all on by yourself, get help. Ask your bridesmaids, family and friends to come over and work on wedding craft projects to take some of the load off.

Pass off duties that other people can handle. Ask your fiance to arrange the tuxes and take on some of the planning. Letting go of some duties may be difficult (we know you want to be in control), but it will also reduce your own workload.

Keep a journal for your thoughts

If you’re plagued by stressful thoughts and lots of what-ifs when you’re trying to get to sleep at night, consider keeping a journal by your bed. You can write down any thoughts that pop into your head. This process allows you to let them go so you can go to sleep knowing you’ll have that reference to take care of it in the morning, without having to remember it yourself.

Practice meditation and mindfulness

Relaxation techniques are one of the best ways to help you calm down and drift off to sleep at night. Consider mindful deep breathing and meditation. Take a warm bath, practice yoga, or try any other relaxation technique you know works for you.

Talk it out

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about your wedding, or anything else, reach out. Therapy can be helpful, but even just calling up a friend to chat and vent will make a huge difference. Lean on your fiance and talk through what’s stressing you out. You will feel better just having laid out any issues that are causing you stress.

Try aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can make your sleep environment more relaxing and healthy. Consider using essential oils aimed at relaxation, like lavender.

Maintain healthy sleep hygiene

Create a comfortable, healthy sleep environment. If you need to buy a new mattress or blackout curtains to help, both are great investments in your health. Also avoid caffeine, heavy exercise and large meals right before bed. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and keep a consistent bed time to encourage you to sleep more easily.

Picture: Pexels

Trial and error is the key to success and, in this case, a guarantee you’ll look and feel your best on your big day.

If you plan on hiring a make up artist to do up your face, it is imperative that you do your research. It’s not as simple as booking and enjoying the experience. Here are a few things you need to do to prepare for your make up trial.

1. BOOK NOW!

To avoid disappointment, book your dream make-up artist and hairstylist as soon as you know the date of your wedding. This is especially important if your wedding is taking place in the summer months or another busy time of the year.

Ideally, you should go for a trial one to three months before the big day, depending on how soon you finalise your dress and veil, as these will determine the look and feel of your make-up and hair. If you don’t like the look, this gives you enough time to tweak it before your wedding.

2. GET INSPIRED

Spend some time browsing through Pinterest, Instagram and Wedding ETC (of course) to find references for hairstyles and make-up looks you adore and would like to recreate. Bring these with you to your trial and discuss them with the professional. Photos of your dress and veil will also come in handy.

While having an idea of what you like is important, keep an open mind to your expert’s suggestions too, as they may see your face and hair in a way you haven’t before. When in doubt, go for a more polished version of your signature look instead of trying something completely out of your comfort zone.

3. PUT IN THE GROUNDWORK

Prepare for the trial the same way you would for your big day: This means applying self-tan to your face, neck, chest and arms if you’ll be wearing it; having your eyebrows shaped by a professional, and removing any unwanted facial hair beforehand.

The same goes for your hair: Make sure it’s freshly washed, cut and coloured the way you want it to look on your wedding day. Cut the neckline of a cheap white T-shirt to match your wedding gown and wear it on the day of the trial for a more realistic representation of the look.

4. STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

Having a large, loud gaggle of girls with you at your trial is a big no-no – they’ll only end up confusing you. If you don’t want to go alone, ask a close friend or family member whose opinion you trust – not your overbearing mother. At the end of the day, your happiness comes first and you need to love how you look on your wedding day, so speak up if you have any concerns.

5. DISCUSS THE DETAILS

The trial is the perfect time to find out everything you need to know for a well-run wedding. Ask the stylist to go through their game plan for the day, including what time they need to start and how many assistants they’ll be bringing and if they will be styling the rest of your bridal party. Ensure you’re aware of all the costs to avoid nasty surprises. Take note of any products you need to buy for touch-ups on the day. You’ll definitely want to have the same shade of lipstick in your clutch.

6. PLAN A TEST RUN

Once the trial is complete, it’s time for some fun. Grab your girlfriends and take them out for a night on the town. Eat, drink and dance to see how well your make-up and ’do last. Comfort is imperative on your wedding day, so it’s a good idea to wear the look for a while to see how it feels.

Take note of anything you aren’t satisfied with and report back to your expert. Ask a friend to take a few pictures of you, both in natural light and with a flash, from different angles to see how your look will appear in photographs.

Picture: Pexels