How do you deal with nerves?

Honestly, I didn’t even notice the other people. Granted my dad walked me down the isle, we skipped the while giving away question. I only noticed one of my friends and my FIL while walking down the isle. I didn’t even see my photographer and he was sitting at the end of the isle, lol. And once I got to the end, nothing/no one else mattered.
Now the first dance was a little awkward, it felt so long and we have NEVER danced together before. We literally talked about how long the song was almost the entire time! My husband spent half the song trying to get the DJs attention to fade it out, 🤣🤣. My suggestion there would be a short song!
Don’t worry about all the other people, like you said they are there for you. Block them out. Lock eyes with your almost husband and walk confidently to him. And this day is for you, and your FH of coarse. But if you are super worried about it think of nontraditional choices. Maybe you and FH walk in together, maybe he meets you half way, maybe you enter from the side instead of down the isle. For the first dance you could start the dance just the 2 of you and then Invite all married couples to the dance floor.

I practiced a lot 😂 We practiced our dance (no formal steps just swaying, occasionally kissing) and practiced dancing with my dad. Just remember to keep smiling. A smiling bride looks confident 👍

Luckily, I was able to downsize the wedding to less than 10 guests.

If you aren't used to being in the spotlight, take it from an actor - breathe.

Practice it.

Nice, deep, slow breaths. Count them out if you have to. Focus on your FS as you walk, count your breathing, and you won't notice anyone else.

As an actor, I enjoy the spotlight, so that wasn't an issue for me. The bigger problem was that the aisle was long with a bend in it, and I'm short, and everyone stood...

Anyway, my dad laughed at me for hurrying up.

I am arranging the ceremony and reception to minimize being the center of attention, as much as is possible at least.
I told FH that I accept that people will be focusing on me walking down the aisle, ceremony and first dance but they need to mind their own business otherwise LOL
For example, we aren’t having any speeches, no big introduction of wedding party, no big exit. I can work on managing my anxiety about the other things knowing it won’t be constant performances.

View Quoted Comment Planning to do the exact same. No reception intros..especially since it's the same guests invited to both ceremony and reception at the same venue. No speeches either.

View Quoted Comment Excellent advice!

View Quoted Comment Introvert marrying an extrovert, and this probably in front of a lot of people... aka my worst nightmare 😂 love the advice! ^


I plan to also ask my videographer to pre-record a love story type of video to entertain and replace some of the performance aspects of the event.

View Quoted Comment We are both extremely introverted, BUT he is a public speaker so can do an engaging short “thanks for coming have fun” speech to take any pressure off me. I have a warbly voice and sound like I’m under duress whenever I have to talk to a crowd LOL