If your wedding day is coming soon, everyone is probably telling you to focus on skin treatments and just enjoy yourself. But nobody is telling you the real deal. So, we decided to go straight to the source and asked former brides for real tips for brides-to-be. And trust us, these are the kind of wedding day hacks brides actually need.

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1. Don’t forget to eat

Priya, who got married in 2019, said, “On my wedding day, I was so nervous that I barely ate. By the time the ceremony started, I was starving and lightheaded.”

With a never-ending to-do list and guests wanting to see you, it can be easy to forget to eat. But, hours of sitting on that stage without food can make you grumpy, so grab a bite.

2. Schedule alone time

“The best 10 minutes of my wedding day were spent alone. I needed a breather before the pheras started to calm myself down,” added Akshita, who got married in 2015.

Ladies, pencil in a few minutes of ‘me-time’ on your wedding day. This can be right after your makeup is done but before the madness begins. Lock yourself in a room, breathe deeply, listen to a calming song, or just enjoy the silence. This might be the only moment of peace you get that day.

3. Backup shoes

“Always carry backup flats. I spent the entire night hobbling around in heels and it was third-degree torture for my feet,” Saffana, who had a destination wedding in Mussoorie, said. 

Listen, those heels look killer with your lehenga, but after the first two hours, you’ll want to burn them. Bring a cute pair of juttis or flats and switch them out after the main ceremony. No one will even notice, and your feet will be so much happier.

4. Pockets are a must

“I asked my tailor to add pockets to my lehenga. Best decision ever,” added Deeksha, who constantly needs a tissue in her hand no matter what.

Make sure to have your lipstick, tissues, and other essentials within reach. It can be tricky to call out for help when you need even the smallest items.

5. Use a new perfume 

Nimra, who got married in 2021, said, “I wore a new perfume on my wedding day, and now every time I smell it, I’m transported back to that moment.”

Every time you want to go back to that extraordinary day, just smell that perfume and you’re back in time. It’s like having a sensory time capsule. 

6. Plan alone time for just the two of you

“My husband and I took 10 minutes after the ceremony, away from the guests, to celebrate the moment we dreamt of for so long,” commented Darshana, who fought many battles to witness her wedding day.

This advice is pure gold. Make time to hit pause, reflect on the day, and just enjoy being married.

7. Napping is important

Samra, a sleepy bride who had to travel 16 hours after her bidaai, advised, “Take a two-three hour nap before you sit for your makeup. It’s the ultimate energy boost.”

Weddings are a long affair; you have to stay awake for long, tedious hours. So, napping in the afternoon gives you the extra energy to stay awake during the ceremony.

8. A shoe dryer will save you

“Within a few hours, my feet were hot, swollen, and sticky. A quick blow-dry saved me from misery.” Mansi, who got married in the bitter heat of May, swears by this trick.

Bring a portable shoe dryer to the venue. After hours in tight shoes, your feet will be sweaty and sore. A 5-minute dry-off session will make everything easier. 

9. Pack your favourite snacks

Ambreen, who’s known for her love of snacks, did this at her own wedding and felt instantly refreshed. “I didn’t feel like eating any of the shaadi food,” she said. “That’s when my brother brought me my favourite roasted peanuts and dhokla. It made me feel really good.” 

Keep your go-to comfort snacks handy, because sometimes, familiar bites are just what you need to stay energised and feel good during a long day.

By far, these are the best wedding day tips for brides we have come across. So, bride-to-be, dance, laugh, and snack your way to the mandap.

Note: Names have been changed for privacy.

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