KEEP CALM AND SAY 'I DO'

Battling pre-wedding jitters? Sharon D'Silva has the expert lowdown on how to ease those nerves

- Sharon D'Silva

"This wedding can't come soon enough!" - a sentiment almost every bride-to-be shares at the start of planning her big day. But, as the months roll on, that initial thrill of showing off your engagement ring often morphs into an evergrowing to-do list and a million questions swirling in your mind. The wedding day you've dreamt of since childhood suddenly feels like a maze of what ifs: What if the flowers aren't right? What if the whole day falls apart? Am I moving too fast? Should I even be getting married? 'Cold feet' happens to the best of us. But, when those butterflies in your stomach turn into a persistent flutter as your nuptials approach, you're likely dealing with pre-wedding jitters. These aren't just typical nerves; they reflect deeper concerns about the wedding and the significant changes it will bring.

If this resonates with what you're experiencing, read on for tips to keep your energy high and your mind calm as you approach your special day...

→ COLD FEET vs PRE-WEDDING JITTERS

"Pre-wedding jitters are a universal experience and can manifest in various psychological and emotional forms," explains Arouba Kabir, a Bengaluru-based emotional and mental health professional and founder of Enso Wellness. "In Asian cultures, it's even more intense as marriage often means not just uniting with a partner but with their entire khandaan as well."

The key is to distinguish between typical prewedding nerves and more serious anxiety that disrupts daily life. Warning signs might include persistent sadness or hopelessness, panic attacks, severe mood swings, or physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or digestive issues that aren't tied to a medical condition.