Photo: Oh, Darling! Photography
Prodigal plus-ones? Wandering guests? Parental power plays? Lisa Birnbach, author of The Official Preppy Handbook, helps you navigate wedding planning with grace.
How do I keep from crying at my wedding? —Anissa A. of Las Vegas, via Facebook
Dear Anissa,
Whether from joy or nerves, many brides (and grooms!) sob throughout the ceremony. Rather than ruining their time, they report it makes the experience more real and emotional for everyone. So I advise going with the flow. But I also realize crying can leave your face far from photo-ready. So here are some tips. Number one: waterproof mascara. Number two: Enlist your bridesmaids to keep you laughing during hair and makeup, then repeat the punch lines to yourself on your walk to the altar. Number three: Calm your nerves pre-ceremony with five rounds of nadi sodhana breathing (used in yoga; Google it)—or half a glass of champagne. Number four: As you walk down the aisle, pick a spot just above your officiant and keep your eye on it. (Dancers do something similar to keep their focus.) Number five: Don't forget, there's always Photoshop.
—Lisa Birnbach
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