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Weddings

What to Do If You Get Sick Right Before Your Wedding

Starting to feel sick right before your wedding day? These expert-approved tips will get you back on track.

sick before wedding

sick before wedding

In a perfect world, you’d feel energized, well rested, rejuvenated and in high spirits in the days leading up to your wedding. But, unfortunately, even when it comes to such a highly anticipated event such as your wedding, much is out of your control. Especially given the stressful circumstances you’re under in the days leading up to your big day, it’s no surprise if you start to feel a bit run down, or even get sick days before your wedding.  

If you’re starting to get sick before your wedding, these expert-approved tips will help you navigate those last-minute to-dos and get you back on track to feeling well in time for your big day.

Note: If you feel sick before your wedding, definitely consult with your doctor before implementing these suggestions.

Isolate yourself as much as you can.

This is not easy, since you’ll want to spend as much time as possible with your spouse and the wedding party in the days leading up to your big day, but if you’re really getting sick, it’s best to keep your distance. “Definitely avoid any unnecessary in-person contact,” advises Kevin Dennis, of Fantasy Sound Event Services in Livermore, California. “It’s one thing for you to be sick before your wedding, but another for other important guests to be feeling under the weather, too.” As a precaution, he recommends making sure everyone else is also taking care of themselves, whether that be drinking lots of tea, preventative medicine, or otherwise.”

Delegate to your wedding party.

“Don't be that person that pushes through and does everything on your own—especially when you’re feeling under the weather,” says Danielle Rothweiler of Rothweiler Event Design in Verona, New Jersey. “People are extra-willing to help the closer the wedding date gets, so don't be afraid to ask.” She suggests going through your entire to-do list, figuring out whom you can trust with what and making it happen.

Get as much rest as possible.

It’s hard to find any downtime in the days leading up to your wedding—there’s just so much to do! But if you’re already sick before your wedding or even simply feeling run down, rest is just what the doctor ordered. “ If you aren’t feeling well, this is the time when it’s supremely necessary to sleep it off,” says Dennis. “It may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete all of the small projects looming, but try to delegate tasks where possible to help alleviate some of the stress.”

Prioritize fluids and meds.

Hydrating should be on your to-do list in the days leading up to your wedding even if you’re healthy as a horse. However, when things are so hectic and busy, like the days leading up to the wedding, it is easy to forget to drink water which can therefore weaken your immune system, notes Kristen Gosselin of KG Events and Design in Boston, Massachusetts. “Enlist the help of your family and wedding party to remind you to take care of yourself and do not feel bad for asking them to get you what you need,” she says. “They are called bridesmaids for a reason!”  

Have a plan for handling stress.

Stress is inevitable when you’re planning a wedding, especially when it comes down to the wire. And, as Oleta Collins of Flourishing Art in Bakersfield, California notes, even with wedding management you will have some sleep deprivation as well. “Try not to exhaust yourself more than you have to by letting all the little stresses add up,” she says. Instead, draw yourself a warm bath, play some meditative music and try your best to relax.

Book a massage.

Massages help move lymphatic fluids that build up in your body creating toxins, which is why Collins always suggests that her clients get one the week of their wedding. “Massages will help with sleep deprivation as well as relaxation,” she says. “Try to always book your messages late in the day as possible so you can go directly to sleep afterwards and start the next day fresh.” 

Try acupuncture.

Acupuncture is one of the secret weapons JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions in New York City, recommends for her brides and grooms if they’re feeling sick before the wedding. “The holistic approach is one of the ways that I help my couples beat or help cure anything that ails them,” she says. “I am also a huge believer of essential oils and I carry them with me at all times.”