1 month away Social Anxiety

To be clear, I don't feel that way about marrying FH! Just kinda wide eyed at the reality of all my worlds coming together and having to navigate all of that.

You will do great and have an amazing day. Remember as the time gets closer to breathe. Take nice slow deep breaths. Also remember that when it gets to be too much you can slip out for a few minutes (not for super long, but every minute counts and helps!) To catch your breath and regroup. Reign yourself in so to speak. Your FH will be there with you through it all....and that will make it seem so much better.

Girl, I'm a year away and am freaking out about the whole being the center of attention thing. You'll do great, I think we'll be so excited the day is actually here that (hopefully) the social anxiety will be (at least a little) at ease. Haha

@JennBell I don't know why, but your response made me cry. Thank you. I opted not to have a bridal party, and all of my family lives out of state. My best friend is pregnant and dealing with her own stuff, so I've been stuffing my feelings away. I just haven't gotten a chance to talk to anyone or hear good advice. So thanks.

Oh. I am PMSing, so that maybe is not helping things...

I'm two weeks out and I'm freaking out about all the stuff I procrastinated on. I'm just anxious I forgot something huge and it'll bite me in the butt

@Jess, Ditto! But again-- I keep telling myself "everyone who is going to be there loves us! It will be okay."

I am right there with you (pms -_- ).

Social anxiety can be a nightmare for anyone...add wedding stress to that and it seems more intense. It's also hard to talk to other people when you feel like they have thier own life happening and you don't want to add to it. Don't keep it all bottled in...at some point it all has to come out. I like the caution lables ***contents under pressure may explode*** because really that fits when we just bottle things up and keep going. I lurk on here a lot (sadly more than I like to admit to)....so feel free to post anytime when you need to vent or talk. Even if it's not me replying you have a whole community here. You are not alone.

@Jess....deep breath in....slowly let it out....rinse and repeat. Okay....maybe not rinse...but definitely repeat. You've got this. You know you do. And if you forget something...well that's ok too. It will be the best day ever and all the small things will melt away into the background creating a perfect memory for years to come.

But you have to remember to breathe! Hyperventilating is not an option. Neither is passing out due to forgetting to breathe. When you start to feel overwhelmed take a slow breath in and count to five (or whatever number between 5 and ten you like most) then slowly let it out. Do that a few times and you will feel yourself relax and refocus.

I hate being the center of attention! We didn't have a bridal party either. Everything @JennBell said is perfect. Would also recommend you keep your ceremony short. Honestly once I was up there I didn't even notice anyone else. My eyes were on DH the entire time. Also think about a first look or first touch. We did a first touch and it really calmed me. After our ceremony our photographer had us go to the bridal suite for a few minutes alone. That helped as well. Our first dance- our DJ had guests join us at the one minute mark which definitely helped.

You can also ask your officiant to keep your speaking parts to a minimum. I do that whenever there is a bad case of nerves, speech impediment, or English as a second language.

I have severe social anxiety so I totally understand what you mean!

Take deep breaths and find a few minutes here and there to slip out.

Jewish wedding traditions include yichud, mandated alone time for the newlywed couple immediately after the ceremony. You might like to consider something similar to catch a breather and enjoy each other's company.