Mindfulness Tips for Your Wedding Day and Beyond
If you have ever planned a wedding, you know how stressful it can get with all of the decision to be made from venues, to vendors to whatever is last on your to do list. The stress of wanting everything to be perfect can turn the most rational and reasonable person into a bridezilla. So, what can a bride do to manage her stress and stay in a place of calm and peace? How can mindfulness help you through your wedding journey and beyond?
I have been practicing mindfulness and meditation for years and I am a certified trainer through Mindful Momentum. As your wedding officiant we will talk about mindfulness tips and practices that can benefit you.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about being in the present moment, paying attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgement and creating a sense of clarity and calm in your life.
Ways Mindfulness Can Be Helpful in Your Life:
Reducing stress
Improves concentration
Enhances focus and productivity
Boosts creativity
Helps with anxiety
Promotes a sense of well-being
Other benefits of mindfulness you may not know is it can change the brain. Our brain mostly works on autopilot which is synonymous with habits. With focused attention, practicing mindfulness can override our autopilot habit.
It may also make you a better relationship partner. Although mindfulness is an individual practice, it is a good relational technique because it promotes connection, closeness and unity. Jon Kabat-Zinn developed a training program in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBST) and research has found that mindfulness increases empathy which is beneficial in relationships.
Mindfully Plan Your Wedding
Partner with venues who align with your values and who are dedicated to a mindful, positive, intentional and professional approach to working with you. No matter how great a vendor is, not all relationships work. Just like vendors have ideal couples, couples have ideal vendors.
Establish a Wellness Routine
Wellness goes beyond the physical, it’s important to take care of your mental health and emotional as well. Create your own self-care protocol.
Find some time to sit in silence and breathe daily; as your mind wanders simply return to your breath
Keep a gratitude journal
Practice self-compassion
Set intentions
Spend time in nature
Remember that less is more, don’t overwork yourself or plan too many activities the weekend of your wedding you don’t want everyone too tired to enjoy the day.
Mindfulness During the Ceremony and Reception
Slow down on your wedding day – no need to rush
Eat something that morning – pay attention to your body
Have an unplug wedding ceremony – it keeps the guest in the present moment
Listen to the Wedding Officiant’s words - they should always be meaningful
Signing the paperwork-it’s official now
Take a break if needed – it’s ok
Have a long first dance – forget everyone else
At Living Ceremonies, we set our intention to be mindful and present with each couple from our first conversation to our goodbyes at the reception. We create wedding ceremonies that reflect your values and what’s important to you because your wedding is about celebrating the two of you. It is our mission to make your wedding memorable, meaningful and marvelous.