Weddings are supposed to be special days gushing with revelry, but those suffering from seasonal allergies may panic at attending the ceremony – even if they're the center of attention! Regardless, though, nobody should have to wheeze through the misery of itchy throats and red, watery eyes. Browse the following tips for advice on making it through any special occasion without constantly warring with pollen.
1.) Take a spoonful of local honey a day. This strategy absolutely needs local honey, not commercial brands. Sticking with a certain region gradually acclimatizes the body to the nasty little indigenous plant pollens. While this strategy won't entirely cure allergy issues, it certainly quells some of the itchiness, redness, swelling and drippy mucus membranes.
2.) Plan a fall or winter wedding. When most of those evil plants lay dead or dormant, speak those vows without any hand-wringing over whether or not your throat's going to swell shut during the ceremony. Winter weddings probably aren't such a great suggestion for chilly climates, but autumn leaves can provide a lovely, dramatic backdrop with far less allergy concerns than the spring and summer months.
3.) Order silk flowers. They last longer, anyways, and won’t compromise the health and wellness of guests, wedding party members or staff. Everyone wins.
4.) Vitamin C bombs. A strong immune system is an immune system armed and ready to fight against those horrid little pollen particles. Like the local honey example, keeping a body stonewalled with juices, Emergen-C packets and lovely little citrus fruits won't result in a cure-all. But it definitely helps make things a bit more bearable.
5.) Drink hot tea before the ceremony. For milder allergic reactions, soothe the throat with some nice hot tea sweetened with local honey before heading out. Those who don't exactly enjoy tea can achieve the same effect (though not flavor) using hot water, local honey and a squeeze or slice of lemon.
6.) Sleep with a propped-up head. It's not always the most comfortable position for everyone, but sleeping propped up facilitates better breathing and drainage. Try this for at least a week or two before the ceremony as a supplement to one or more of the other strategies listed here.
7.) Don’t sleep with pets. Even individuals not allergic to their own pets can irritate their pollen problems when Fluffy Pumpkins sleeps near their head or feet. Inhaling all that dander and fur causes respiratory obstructions that hinder healing.
8.) Stay hydrated. In more severe cases when the pain just won't go away, it would not be gauche to carry around a small water bottle and take polite sips. And yes, this goes for the people getting married as well. Comfort and health should come before appearances. If anyone judges, then that's on them.
9.) Don't hold the wedding outdoors. Probably the best solution to fighting the allergy demons is keeping the wedding festivities indoors to minimize pollen exposure. If one of the betrothed pitches a hissy fit over not holding everything outside, it's probably time to rethink the relationship if his or her dreams come before a partner's health and wellness.
10.) See an allergist. None of these suggestions are intended as professional medical advice. For a detailed analysis of allergy issues and recommended medications, research local allergists and schedule an appointment well before the wedding. Above all else, this is the most important step an allergy victim can take when it comes to finding a more permanent, viable solution to healing the pain.
