You might think that everyone planning a wedding wants to be in the spotlight. You’d be wrong! We hear from lots of clients that they are nervous about walking down the aisle or sharing a dance with their spouse because they don’t want all the attention on them. So if you fall into this category, how can you relieve your anxiety about the wedding festivities?

Schedule Alone Time

• Minimize the size of your wedding party, so you aren’t forced to be surrounded by a large group all day.

• Spend the night before the wedding alone, rather than having a slumber party with your bridesmaids.

• Sneak away for some photos with your spouse during the reception. This will not only give you some amazing pictures for your album, but it gives the two of you a quiet break away from the guests.

Not Everything Has To Be Public

• Arrange a time to exchange vows in private, prior to the ceremony.

• Ask your wedding planner or catering manager if there is a small room nearby where the two of you can eat your dinner alone. Not only does this get you away from the spotlight for a bit, it ensures you’ll have time to eat!

• Even though you may feel pressured to invite 150 people to celebrate with you, you don’t have to. A small, intimate reception is just as lovely as a lavish affair.

Skip Anything That Makes You Uncomfortable

• If being in the spotlight for a first dance gives you anxiety, skip it! Ask your wedding planner if you can sneak into the reception space a few minutes before the guests to share a special dance alone.

• Send-offs are another anxiety-producing “all eyes on us” moment. Skip this tradition if it makes you nervous.

• Your emcee doesn’t have to announce like the cake cutting. You and your husband or wife can share this moment with your photographer and any guests who happen to see what’s going on without making a big deal about it.

Just remember - it’s your wedding day and you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to. Rely on your spouse and work as a team to tackle any anxiety you have on the wedding day!