How to Handle Wedding Day Nerves: Stress-Free Tips for Couples in South East Queensland

Weddings are, without a doubt, one of the most exciting and joyful days of your life. But even the most organised and calm couples can feel a little bit of pre-wedding anxiety creeping in as the big day approaches. As a wedding photographer based in South East Queensland, I’ve seen firsthand how nerves can sometimes take over, even when everything is running smoothly. The key to enjoying your wedding day and staying calm in the midst of all the excitement is to have a plan for managing stress.

I’m sharing some simple, effective tips to help you handle wedding day nerves, stay grounded, and be fully present as you say "I do"—whether you're tying the knot in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the beautiful hinterland of the Scenic Rim.

1. Start the Day with a Calm Mindset: Try Mindfulness

Mindfulness is one of the most effective tools for calming pre-wedding jitters and staying grounded in the present moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of last-minute details or worrying about what could go wrong. But one of the best ways to combat this anxiety is by taking a few minutes in the morning to centre yourself.

Here’s a simple mindfulness exercise to help you start the day calmly:

• Focus on Your Breath: Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat this for a few minutes to calm your mind and body.
• Gratitude Practice: Take a moment to reflect on the excitement and joy of the day. Think about the people you’re marrying and the special moments you’re about to experience. A gratitude practice can shift your focus from stress to positive anticipation.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to take long, but a few moments of stillness will help set a peaceful tone for the rest of your wedding day.

2. Create a Detailed Timeline: Trust Your Team of Vendors

One of the biggest sources of stress on the wedding day is the feeling of being rushed or out of control. This is where having a detailed timeline and a reliable team of vendors comes in handy. Start by working with your planner (or trusted friend or family member) to create a realistic wedding day timeline. This should include:

• The time you need to start getting ready
• When your photographer will arrive
• Your ceremony start time
• Your reception schedule (grand entrance, speeches, dinner service, dancing)
• Time built in for buffer periods and travel

By sharing this timeline with your vendors, you can rest easy knowing that everyone is on the same page. Your vendors are the professionals—they’ve seen it all and will handle the logistics, so you don’t have to.

A Tip for Brides:

Allow plenty of time for hair and makeup (this is one area where it’s better to overestimate than underestimate!). When everyone knows where they need to be and when, you’ll feel much more at ease on the day.

3. Delegate the Small Stuff: Trust Your Team

On your wedding day, there are plenty of small tasks and details that can make you feel like you’re constantly moving from one thing to the next. Whether it’s coordinating the transport, making sure guests have the right seating arrangements, or managing last-minute vendor questions, it can be overwhelming.

This is where having a trusted wedding coordinator, planner, or even a friend or family member who can help with those little things can make a world of difference. By delegating these responsibilities, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying the day with your partner.

4. Take a Moment to Connect with Your Partner

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the day and forget to take a moment to just be with your partner. Before the ceremony, or during a quiet moment between events, take a few minutes to breathe together and reflect on the journey that brought you here.

You might share a laugh, hold hands, or even exchange a few words of love and gratitude. These small moments of connection can help you both feel grounded and centred amidst the whirlwind of your wedding day.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but I’ll say it again: don’t skip meals or forget to hydrate! Wedding days are long, and with all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to drink water or have a proper meal. But trust me—nobody wants to feel lightheaded or drained halfway through their ceremony!

Make sure you eat a nutritious breakfast and keep snacks on hand (fruit, nuts, or protein bars work well) to keep your energy levels up. And don’t forget to hydrate, especially if you're celebrating under the Queensland sun. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be in a much better mood!

6. Let Go of What You Can’t Control

On your wedding day, there will be things beyond your control—weather, unexpected delays, even guest behavior. The trick is to focus on the things that you can control and let go of the rest. Trust that you’ve made great choices for your vendors and that everyone is working hard to ensure your day goes smoothly. Focus on the big picture: marrying the love of your life and creating memories that will last forever. Everything else is just a small detail in the grand scheme of your beautiful day.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey

Wedding day nerves are completely normal, but they don’t have to take away from your special day. By incorporating a few mindfulness practices, staying organised with a timeline, and trusting your vendors to handle the details, you can stay calm, collected, and fully present on your wedding day.

And when you step out into the stunning landscape of South East Queensland—whether you're saying your vows by the beach, in the hinterland, or in a stylish Brisbane venue—you’ll be able to fully embrace the joy and beauty of the moment.

Remember: this is your day, your love story, and the beginning of an incredible journey. Stay calm, breathe, and soak it all in. You’ve got this! 💍✨