How to Mindfully Reduce Stress on Your Wedding Day

By Brook Isobel – Sydney Marriage Celebrant servicing Greater Sydney, Illawarra & Sutherland Shire

I ask every couple I work with the same two questions:

👉 “How do you want to feel on your wedding day?”

👉 “And how do you want your guests to feel?”

Cue the crickets. 🦗 Most couples haven’t even had time to think about this — they’re too deep in Pinterest boards, budgets, spreadsheets and seating plans.

But here’s the truth: how you feel on your wedding day matters just as much as how it looks.

As a celebrant who’s seen it all (including some minor pre-aisle meltdowns!), here are some practical, intentional and mindful ways to reduce stress on your wedding day so you can actually enjoy every magical moment.

How to reduce stress on your wedding day: Start with how you want to feel

Before the big day arrives, take time as a couple to get clear on how you want to feel:

• Relaxed?

• Excited?

• Joyful?

• Connected?

This will shape every decision you make. If you want a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe — don’t over-plan your morning. If connection is your focus — make space for quiet moments together before the ceremony. When you design with feeling in mind, everything flows.

💖 1. Create a "non-negotiables" list

List 3 things that matter most to you (not your parents, your planner, or your cousin on Facebook). That might be time with guests, golden-hour photos, or an unplugged ceremony. Stick to those, and let the rest go.

🧘 2. Carve out slow, quiet moments

Time will race by — I promise. Build in intentional moments to slow down. A first look. A private vow reading. A deep breath together before walking down the aisle. These quiet spaces are where the memories really form.

🪩 3. Make a plan — then let go of perfection

It’s great to be organised (hello spreadsheets!), but don’t let a late bouquet or a gust of wind derail your joy. Trust your vendors (we’ve done this before!) and let your celebrant, photographer and planner handle the logistics.

👯‍♀️ 4. Surround yourself with good vibes only

Your wedding morning energy sets the tone. Choose calming, supportive people to be with you while you get ready. And if there’s anyone who stresses you out? It’s okay to create space.

🍃 5. Be present during your ceremony

This is the moment everything has built toward. As your celebrant, I’ll help you pause and actually take it in — the faces of your guests, the sound of your partner’s vows, the breeze on your skin, the look in their eyes. Be here. Be you. Be in love.

Want a ceremony that’s calm, connected and joyful?

I’m Brook Isobel — a warm, inclusive celebrant creating stress-free ceremonies for couples across Sydney, the Illawarra and the Sutherland Shire.

If you're dreaming of a ceremony that’s not only beautiful but grounded in meaning, let’s work together to make that happen — and keep the stress far away.

CONTACT ME HERE