What to Do If You Get Sick on Your Wedding Day

Of the disasters on the list of what you don’t want to happen on your wedding day, getting sick has to be pretty high up there. Most other mishaps are things you can find workarounds for, or even laugh about later. But falling ill on what is supposed to be the happiest day of your life means you will be feeling miserable and may even have to miss large parts of the reception that you spent months planning.

As much as getting sick may just feel like terrible luck, it’s something that can happen fairly easily. After all, the stress of coordinating the big day can weaken your immune system, and you are likely coming into contact with many different people as you finalize your special plans. While everyone’s immune system is different and we are definitely no substitute for a doctor, we do have some tips on how to help prevent becoming ill, as well as how to power through if you do. 

To Prevent Getting Sick:
- Regularly take vitamin C in the week leading up to your wedding.
- Get plenty of sleep. Try meditation if your mind is going a mile a minute about everything that needs to be done.
- Eat healthy food, especially yogurt that’s low in sugar and has active cultures since that’s the kind of bacteria you do want!
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling something another person has touched.
- If you begin to feel a cold coming on, try zinc tablets to stop it before it starts. Just be sure to eat a full meal beforehand, as zinc can do a number on your stomach.

If You’re Already Sick:
- Load up on medication, but make sure to take non-drowsy formulas and don’t overlap on medicines that have acetaminophen. While it’s great at reducing fevers, it’s also easy to overdose on, which causes liver damage. Always follow the instructions carefully!
- If you lose your voice, avoid talking until it's time for the vows, and make sure the mic is on! People might just think you're choked up with emotion, but everyone will probably learn you were sick by the reception anyway.
- Ginger is a good natural cure for nausea and other stomach problems.
- If your wedding is on a hot day, avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke (which can be very dangerous) by hydrating consistently. Speak up about not feeling well if your photographer is taking pictures outside.
- Use facial tissue with lotion in it in order to prevent your nose from turning red, and make sure your makeup artist gives you a touch-up kit.
- If you really need the extra rest, delay the ceremony a bit if you absolutely have to, and ask your officiant if they can shorten the service. You can also have your photographer start photos with your future spouse to give you some extra time.

Learn how to stay healthy while planning your wedding and ensure you'll feel your best on the big day. 

Opening photo by Honey Honey Photography