Planning a wedding is no easy feat. With countless decisions to make and details to finalize, it's no wonder that many brides forget to prioritize their own well-being. But trust us, taking a few simple steps to ensure your comfort can make all the difference in how you experience your big day.
Let's dive into some practical tips that will help you feel your best from start to finish.
Don’t Neglect Self-Care
It's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of wedding planning and celebrations. But prioritizing basic self-care like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and managing stress will play a surprisingly large role in keeping you feeling and looking your best on your big day.
Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep for a few nights leading up to your wedding. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that provide lasting energy like complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation into your routine and stick to your regular skincare regimen. Don't forget to schedule some downtime to relax and recharge and pack a small self-care kit with essentials to keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Remember, taking care of your physical and mental well-being is just as important as finalizing those last-minute wedding details.
Choose the Right Undergarments
While shapewear can create a smooth look under your dress, try to avoid compressed or binding garments that limit breathing or circulation.
A well-fitted supportive bra is key, as is breathable seamless underwear that won't show panty lines.
Look for pieces made from moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you feeling fresh and dry. It’s also a good idea to break in any new undergarments well before the wedding to make sure they're comfortable for long wear.
Dress for the Weather
Being too hot or too cold makes it hard to fully relax and enjoy yourself. Consider the forecast and wedding location (indoor versus outdoor) when choosing your dress.
If it will be warm, go with a lightweight, breathable fabric like chiffon or organza. A dress with well-placed vents or an open back can help with airflow.
For cool weather, think about long sleeves, a lined dress, a wrap, or coverup. Make sure your heating/AC plans minimize discomfort indoors.
Find Shoes You Can Really Walk In
You'll likely be on your feet for hours from the ceremony through photos and dancing at the reception. Shoes that pinch, rub, or lack support can quickly lead to pain and blisters.
Break in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the house for increasingly longer periods well beforehand.
This is a time when comfort features like extra padding, supportive soles, ankle straps, and walkable heel heights could be extremely worthwhile.
And even so, it’s a good idea to bring a backup pair of flats or sandals to change into for the reception dancing.
Another tip for comfort: Apply anti-friction balms or hydrating oils to high-friction areas like your heels and between toes before putting your shoes on.
Get Your Dress Customized
An improperly fitted dress that's too tight, too loose, or weighted down by excessive beading/embellishments can be torturous to wear for an entire wedding day and night.
Work with your seamstress on making sure your dress has a comfortable, breathable inner corset/bodice lining. The fabric should skim your body without being overly clingy or restrictive in the bust, arms, and hips.
Adjust any heavy ornamentation to the back of the dress instead of the front, where it can weigh you down.
Stay Hydrated and Refreshed
You’ll thank yourself later if you implement a few key wedding-day strategies.
-For starters, have your planner or maid of honor keep water, hydrating face mists, and blotting papers on hand to help you freshen up periodically throughout the day.
-Snack on things like nuts, fresh fruit, and granola bars to maintain your energy levels.
-Build in breaks during your timeline to sit, rest your feet, and reapply makeup as needed.
-And, yes, use the restroom when needed rather than holding it and becoming uncomfortable.
Remedies for Problem Areas
If there are specific body areas that tend to make you uncomfortable on a regular basis, look into specialized products. For example, women with large busts may want to use adhesive bra cups or sewn-in bust support to avoid straps digging in.
If you’re prone to foot pain, you can get customized orthotics or inserts for your shoes.
Do you endure back pain? Look into specialty low-back bras.
The bottom line is that you shouldn't have to just "grin and bear it" through discomfort on your wedding day.
You really do have options to look and feel your absolute best as you wed your soulmate surrounded by loved ones. Don't let potential problems like thirst, pinching shapewear, or aching feet put a damper on this joyous once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Prioritize your comfort so you can stay relaxed, radiant, and fully present to soak in every magical moment.
Since we opened more than a decade ago, The Bell Tower on 34th has earned a reputation as the best wedding venue in Houston.
Our spectacular Houston venue, with a waterwall and dance floor lighting, is a popular choice among couples throughout southeast Texas.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355