This post was inspired by one of my readers who is getting married soon. She asked for advice and tips on how to cope with excessive sweating on such a big day. So, here you go. I did most of these myself, but also came up with a few new ones as I’ve thought about it over the years. These can apply to men, women and LGBTQ.
Air Flow
Point an electric fan toward the alter. Who cares if people can see it? This was hands down my saving grace during photos and the ceremony. Appoint a bridesmaid (or a groomsman), ideally the one on the far end who would be closest to the fan, to make sure it’s properly angled toward you at all times.
Handkerchiefs
Carry a handkerchief in your hand, and/or a backup one in your dress/tux if possible; if you fold it small enough, it’s hard to even see it in your hand. I had to hold one during my vows, but it was totally fine.
Liquid Courage
Don’t judge me for this one. A shot or two doesn’t hurt, or maybe a small glass of wine, or a mimosa as you’re getting ready if you’re super nervous like I was. However, alcohol consumption as a long-term coping mechanism for hyperhidrosis is not advised. Massive consumption of alcohol actually increases sweating.
I wasn’t nervous to get married, I was nervous about being the center of attention, standing up in front of a church full of guests, and having it trigger my hyperhidrosis.
I don’t advocate being drunk on your wedding day, obviously, but a drink to help take the edge off would not be unwarranted in my opinion. But, if you don’t drink even for special occasions, then ignore this one (especially if you’re under the age of 21 on wedding day).
Sweat-Friendly Shoes
I wore white ballet-type flats with no-show socks so you couldn’t see them. Probably not the most stylish thing, but I didn’t have to worry about slipping and sliding all over my shoes!
Undergarments for Groin Sweating
If your hyperhidrosis affects your groin area, you can wear men’s boxer briefs under your dress. Not exactly sexy, but they help keep your thighs from rubbing together and the sweat from potentially dripping if it’s really bad. I also talk about how boxer briefs might work well underneath skirts, too.
Weather and Hyperhidrosis
I specifically planned my wedding date around the weather, and it was thankfully a nice day with a breeze and wasn’t overly hot.
Get a Grip – On Your Wedding Bouquet, That Is
Carpe Lotion
I really like Carpe Lotion for sweaty hands. Read my Carpe review and try it for yourself below (this is my affiliate link).
Bouquet Handle
Have your florist (if you have real flowers) wrap/weave/sew a washcloth or piece of fabric into the handle of your bouquet. My flowers were fake, and my mother-in-law sewed a towel around the entire plastic handle for me.
Funny part of the story – the surgical towels my gynecologist had in the office were the color of my wedding flowers, so he let me have one to help me cope with the sweat! Hey, whatever works, right?
If you read my post How You Can Help Someone With Hyperhidrosis, you’ll see a picture of my sweat-friendly bridesmaid bouquet from when I was in a friend’s wedding.
My hyperhidrosis-friendly wedding bouquet
Summer Soles
I didn’t know about these when I got married seven years ago, but I did use them in my heels for my bridesmaid dress. They have wool and suede versions. The wool is more absorbent and they stick right inside your shoes.
Go to sweathelp.org to find the coupon code for the Summer Soles website – I think it’s for BOGO free. My blog post about those, and other things, is here: Sweat-Friendly Products & Techniques
Temperature Control
Make sure the limo or whatever car you’ll be in is properly cooled down prior to entering it. Same goes for the church, the reception site, etc. I’ve even offered to pay my friends for the extra electricity I generate when I make them crank the air conditioning.
Water and Ice
Have a bag of ice or an ice cold water bottle nearby. Place it on your wrists and neck to help cool your body temperature.
Find a Good Antiperspirant
For this one, I’d start practicing now. Many clinical strength antiperspirants come in liquid form and are recommended to be applied at night. Why? Because your body temperature is lower at night, your body is more relaxed, and you have time to let the antiperspirant soak in to plug the sweat ducts in your underarms.
The liquid makes me itch really bad, but I forced myself to do it for about two weeks leading up to my wedding. Remember, use it at night on your armpits, and then by two weeks’ of applying it you should be used to it enough and have it built up that it will help with the underarm sweating.
Carry a Sweat Supply Bag
Have a mini-bag or purse that you have at the reception with baby powder, extra handkerchiefs, deodorant, and any other personal items that help keep you dry. Bring an extra pair of socks if you go the ballet flat route.
Ask for Help
Utilize your bridesmaids/groomsmen! If it’s hot out, ask them to wave a fan in front of your face. So, maybe buy some paper fans in advance? Not like you’re a queen/king and high maintenance, but if you need help on the most important day of your life, do not be afraid to ask for it! If they are your friends/family, they will step up to the plate.
Trust in Your Own Strength
And, most importantly, trust that you can get through this day. Yes, you may sweat, but you can get through it and enjoy yourself anyway.
You will feel so much love and excitement around that you may not think about sweating as much as you think you are going to.
Leading up to it you will, but when you are in the moment it won’t matter as much. Be best friends with your handkerchief, and rock it out.
Use Your Voice
You could even talk about your hyperhidrosis at the reception if you want! Had I been like I am now when I got married, I may have given an impromptu speech to educate my guests and take the pressure off of myself. Once I talk about it, I find I don’t have to worry about it nearly as much.
