How to Handle Having Your Period on Your Wedding Day

Is Aunt Flo the ultimate wedding crasher? Here’s what to do when your period starts on your wedding day, or right before

 

ASK AMM: "What if I'm on my period on my wedding day?"

 

Whether this unruly guest is scheduled to arrive right before your wedding festivities, or barges in uninvited on the big day, there are a few things you can do to avoid seeing red. Keep reading for personal stories and tips for having your period on your wedding day.

 

From one uterus to another: Gender-neutral advice for what to do if you have your period on your wedding day

 

Disclaimer: This isn’t medical advice, it’s wedding advice! Always consult a doctor when considering medications or period products that may delay or alter your menstrual cycle. 

 

TL;DR Short on time? All our wedding period tips in a hurry:

 

• Choose bloat-friendly cuts & fabrics: A-line dresses, empire waists, wide and high waistbands on suit pants, fabrics with stretch, loose fitting suit jackets
• Incorporate bloat-friendly features like laced corset tops and expandable waistbands
• Use a layered approach to period products for added comfort and security: tampons or cups, pads and liners, period pants
• Pack PMS-relief products in your wedding emergency kit
• Reduce caffeine, sugar, alcohol,
• Sleep and hydrate
• Ask friends for support and backup
• Have a bathroom plan, especially when wearing complicated clothing
• Consider medication that delays or skips your period
• Plan a cute and comfy outfit for your wedding reception

 

 

Your period might arrive uninvited, but it doesn't have to ruin the wedding day. Plan ahead, don't worry about perfection, and enjoy yourself! (Illustration: Jessica Levey)

 

 

1. Choose bloat-friendly wedding attire

 

It’s one thing when your favorite pair of jeans suddenly seem to shrink in the days leading up to your period. It’s another thing entirely when you’re so bloated you can’t fit into your wedding dress or suit pants! Bloating on the wedding day can cause discomfort, gender dysphoria, and even panic – especially if you can’t fit into your clothing! 

 

For folks who suffer from extreme bloating around their menstrual cycle, get ahead of the situation by choosing wedding attire that can accommodate changes in size. For example, empire-waist and A-line wedding dresses that float and flow over the belly, fabrics with stretch, and laced corset top dresses that can be loosened as needed are all good choices. Suit pants with a wide waistband that fit above the stomach, suspenders instead of a belt, dress slacks with expandable waistbands, and a loosely fitting suit jacket are also stylish solutions.

 

“When I first tried my dress on at the bridal shop, I was feeling bloated and yucky that day due to my period,” one newlywed says. “The stylist initially had a hard time zipping it up, but it zipped, and I instantly went from feeling like a stuffed sausage…to the beautiful princess I never thought I could be. Could have been partially due to the style of my dress, but looking back at pictures of that day I really can’t tell I was bloated at all.”

 

"We both swear by super high-waisted pants! It might sound counterintuitive, but when pants go all the way over your belly it tends to be more comfy than ones that cut across your belly..." another person adds.

 

Another says, “I have digestive issues that cause my stomach to bloat a lot. I went with an A line [wedding] dress to hide it. It’s tight around the top part of my stomach and gets loose and drapey around the parts of my stomach I want to hide. Highly recommend!”

 

Period on your wedding day? Plan ahead with bloating-friendly wedding attire! Dress for style and comfort with bloat-friendly cuts, features, and fabrics. (Illustration: Jessica Levey)

 

 

2. Plan for those pre-menstrual symptoms

 

Aside from bloating, you may also want to prepare for those PMS symptoms we don’t talk about as much, like hives, “period flu,” mood swings, anxiety, GI issues, skin flare ups, clumsiness, menstrual migraines – and a handful of other things that can make your wedding day uncomfortable. You know the ones.

 

Plan ahead for these issues as best you can and be gentle with yourself. Don’t overdo it on caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other foods that can make certain symptoms worse leading up to your wedding day. Get plenty of sleep. Stick to bland foods and stay hydrated. Prepare your wedding day emergency kit with anti-diarrheals and gas relief meds, eczema creams, antihistamines, a ‘Bridal Buddy’ or similar product for frequent bathroom breaks, and any prescription medications you have for your usual symptoms. 

 

And lean on your friends for support – let someone in your wedding party in on the details so they can be your backup!

 

“I’ve bought a “Bridal Buddy” - a kind of undergarment you can wear around your waist and gather your puffy skirt into so that you pee with no problems. If you Google it, they have illustrations that make it a lot clearer lol,” shares one nearlywed. 

 

Another newlywed says, “I had a migraine at my wedding, so it wasn't ideal. Unfortunately, I couldn't prevent it but what helped me is that I was mentally prepared for it and I was determined to have a great time. I made sure to take my medicine very early, so while I still got a migraine, it wasn't as severe as usual.”

 

Add period and PMS symptom-relief items to your wedding emergency kit, or pack a special wedding "flo bag." (Illustration: Jessica Levey)

 

 

3. Layer your period products

 

Another solid recommendation is to use multiple layers of menstrual products to keep you comfortable and help avoid mishaps. The layered approach might include wearing a combination of these: a tampon or menstrual cup / disc, a pad or liner, and period pants. 

 

If your period is likely to start on your wedding day, pads and period pants can be worn “just in case” to keep you feeling secure and confident. Most period pants are thin enough to wear under dresses, suits, leggings, and anything else you might wear on the big day. Pack a spare pair in case it’s easier to toss yours after the event.

 

“Layers! I went for a tampon, pad and period pants. Mine didn't start until the evening anyway but I felt secure all day,” one proactive newlywed says.

 

Another newlywed shares, “I used a tampon and pad together and then had skin color fitted shorts under my dress so didn't have any leaks or staining.”

 

“I did period underwear and had a spare pair semi handy in case I needed to swap them out,” another newlywed shares. “I went for the jockey shorts in lavender. They were cute and comfy and kept my thighs from chafing. My sister was aware of the situation and helped hold my dress while I used the bathroom.”

 

Layer up! Use a backup menstrual product for added comfort and protection during your wedding celebrations. (Illustration: Jessica Levey)

 

 

4. Talk to your doctor about medications to delay your period

 

You may want to consider speaking to your doctor about medications that can delay your period, or cause you to skip a period. This certainly isn’t medical advice, and it won’t work for everyone, but you will probably see this solution recommended in wedding forums online. It’s a popular choice for some folks as they prepare for the wedding day.

 

Most often, these medications alter your hormone levels to delay your menstrual cycle, such as a progesterone-only pill or birth control pill. This solution requires a prescription, so meet with your medical provider to ask for details.

 

 

5. Choose a comfy reception outfit

 

And lastly, consider packing something comfy to change into after the ceremony is over! Knowing that you have something stylish and comfortable to wear while you dance the night is a good feeling. Enjoy yourself!

 

 

To sum it up: 

 

Regardless of what solutions and safeguards you choose, remember that every wedding day has at least one unexpected hiccup – that’s just the nature of weddings. And periods are natural, not a disaster (even if it feels like it)! Don’t worry about perfection, and try not to stress over getting your period.

 

Enjoy the day, make some happy memories, and celebrate getting married! 

 

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More Wedding Advice from American Marriage Ministries

 

• Wedding Ceremony Disasters, and How to Avoid Them
   
• A Simple Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline for Busy Couples
   
• What to Wear (and Not Wear) as a Wedding Officiant
   
• 5 Great Reasons to Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding
   

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