Advice for shy/introvert brides???

Are you planning on doing a First Look? I haven't decided if we are or not but I've read for some people it can be a really good way to shake off the nerves and plus you have that emotional moment of seeing each other all dressed up for the first time without all those eyes on you. Just something to consider if you haven't already. Just remember what this wedding is all about- you're marrying the love of your life! Let yourself get lost in the moment and I'm sure the nerves will settle.

Hopefully, you have a small guest list and all the people who are coming are people you know and love and want to be there with you. This extrovert has no other advice... sorry.

Yes to the first look!!!! I did it and it really helped!

I have been having the same thoughts. I am very shy and soft spoken especially in large groups of people so I am hoping I can break out of my shell for the day. I'm just very uncomfortable giving speeches and I feel like saying my vows and standing up there at the Altar is the same thing. I'm hoping everyone fades into the background and it'll just feel like nothing matters but me and my FH.

I am nervous about that too, but it will all be friends and family. i plan on getting a couple drinks in me before i have to walk down the aisle lol

I'm much the same way, although it differs from day to day... in any event, I think focusing on your FH is the best thing you can do. Whether you do the first look or not, really zero in on your fiance (soon to be husband!) and know that his attention is really the main one that matters. Don't be afraid to take some time to be by yourself or to just be with your FH. I know a lot of brides do take a few minutes away from everything with their husband right after the ceremony to really focus on each other and take it all in. Also a glass of wine or champagne wouldn't go amiss either

I'm really shy too and the thought of lots of people looking at me creeps me out. A first look is a great idea. It's also good to let your MOH know how you're feeling and let her know what you'd like her do, to help you keep calm.

Keep breathing and have fun!

Do a shot of tequila ;P

I'm not really shy, but I am an introvert. I am most excited for the first look, so I can spend some time with only FH and not worry about all the people around. We are also doing pictures right after the ceremony so I can relax with him again before we go face all the madness again.

I am an introvert and a little bit shy, this has been bugging me alot, and I have even had friends and family say things like "you know you are going to have to be the center of attention at your wedding right" and "You do know that people will take your picture when you get married right?". I don't like to be the center of attention. I am hoping that FH will pull me through. I know I will be fine in the morning, and can handle the ceremony but I am nervous about after that. My FH is an extrovert and loves to be the center of attention so I am hoping he can take the spot light off me a little bit when he starts being a goofball.

The other thing I am planning for is a little break just 5 minutes in between the cocktail hour and reception where I can chill alone with FH so that hopefully I can calm down again.

Xanax

Hahah kidding...kind of.

I'm an introvert, too, though not super shy. I did OK! We invited people we were close to and I'd be more comfortable around. During the ceremony I was so just staring at my husband and remember nothing. The reception was really just a blast. Since I knew everyone, chatting with people wasn't difficult, and the DOC kept track of where to direct me.

We did a little after party at the hotel and my aunt-in-law said she did see me "shut down" about midnight or so. She probably did! I definitely hit my limit (and was also tired and dehydrated!) so I just said my goodnights and went back to the room, took a shower, and watched some TV in bed with my husband to relax (we were far too exhausted for sex).

The night of the rehearsal,I also went back to the room for a bit before bed to have some quiet time.

It was still a lot, definitely, it was so nice to come home Sunday, cuddle up with the cat, and talk to NO ONE.

If you need a few minutes at any point, just go back to the bridal suite if you have one and chill, or ask your venue if there's a small office or some place you can go for a quiet moment to recoup. Or step outside.

Wow, I hadn't thought about standing in front of people as a component of my wedding day. derp.

Well now that I'm nervous as hell, I think I'll take VenetianBride's advice and do several shots of tequila and keep my eyes focused on FH. Good luck!

I got super nervous a few days before the wedding as well about being the centre of attention. Basically you can try any stress-relief methods, like deep breathing, yoga. I found keeping busy really helped (I had some last minute planned DIY projects), and delegated things to people in advance so that they could go off and independently complete their tasks. Maybe even take some time the night before the wedding just to be on your own if you can.

Other than that I watched Anastasia (yes, the animated movie) the morning of/night before while I was doing my preparations.

Thanks all! I really appreciate your tips. Yes, our guest list is not huge and it's only very close friends/family. We are definitely doing a first look, and I'm glad to hear that helped some of you out. My mother told me she's going to liquor me up in the morning before the ceremony. (I'm sure one drink is plenty). Planning some alone time in the wedding weekend (particularly the night before the wedding) is a great idea. I'll feel guilty for being away from my bridal party/guests, but if it's what keeps me sane, it's a must! @Nye, sorry to make you nervous, you'll do great.

Schedule a first look - that will help alleviate some nervousness - you know you've got each other's back on this. Also be sure to take a couple of breaks during the festivities so you can just escape for about 15 minutes. My FH is very stressed about being "on" all weekend as well. I promised him that we would take breaks so we could breathe and re-charge the ol' batteries. Your guests won't mind, and it's really important to manage those stress levels. Also, remember that those people are all there because they love you and support you and want to be happy with you - it'll make it all a little easier to bear when all those eyes are upon you and everyone seems to want a piece of you. Have a wonderful wedding weekend! I'm taking off for mine too!

I stow away in the powder room to 'fix my makeup' or run off to the washroom when it gets to be a little much so I can subtly re-enter with less attention you'll be fine but don't dwell on this too much.. It'll work it up to a big issue in your head and make it worse - just take it one step at a time

Me too and i speak pretty quiet apparently and i hate to think of having to speak up when saying vows just so everyone can hear me

I am also an introvert who is having a fairly large wedding. I plan to take at least part of the morning for myself and have also built in a break between the ceremony and photos for just myself and my fiance so I can recoup a bit. Hopefully this will help. Oh - and liquor. lol