One of the ways proven for thousands of years is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has been used to relax as well as heal the mind and invigorate through the use of essentials oils. Many oils, used to relax, stimulate the release of seratonin in your brain through your sense of smell. Sleeplessness, anxiety, agitation, fear and stress can be all be calmed.

The following are the most commonly used oils. Any bride can use these to feel beautiful and centered on her big day.

Lavender (anti-anxiety)
Geranium (balancing)
Mandarin (calming)
Ylang Ylang (sedative)
Jasmine (sedative)
Melissa (confidence and balance)
Patchouli (helps stress release)
Sandalwood (sedative)
Rosemary (invigoration)

"Lavender is the one oil every bride should have for stress relief", says Theresa Girolmai of the Sage House in Severna Park, Md. "A bride or anyone else in the wedding party can use these oils in many different ways. Some of the easiest ways to use oils would be in candles and diffusers set around a room."

Your favorite place is the most certain place where you can practice with your oils. For those who want their scents with them for their time away from home, there are wearable diffusers on the market now, such as necklaces and rings, in many different designs to add to ones wardrobe and still get the effect.

The following are some great hints for beginners.

*Place drops of lavender in the center of your pillow to help you sleep or on a handkerchief to hold close to your nose. It will only take minutes for your mind and your muscles to relax. Lavender can also help avoid bad dreams that stress can cause.

*Add 10 drops of lavender to a hot bath for stress relief. Soak up to 15 minutes to allow effects to take place. If you like bath salts, bubble bath or scrubs, oils can also be added.

*Add a few drops of any oil to water in a spray bottle and use during the day as a pick me up. Whether you need a momentary stress relief or a quick energizer, this is a wonderful face spray or skin perfume. Sprays are also great to sprits in your car or on fabric hangers.

*Add drops of needed oil to a cotton ball and keep in your pocket to take a breather once in awhile. Cotton balls can be added to your closets drawers or closets.

*Add 3-6 drops of oil to warm water and soak a cloth to make a compress for your forehead. This is great any time of the day and can help to relax or invigorate depending on the need.

If you want to conquer more than one specific need or desire a specific scent, oils can be mixed. Up to three can be used together safely. The combinations are endless and are usually safe. It is best to use a diffuser if you plan to mix.

Massage is one of the best ways to use relaxing oils. One should a do a patch test to make sure your are not allergic. It could take 24 hours to see a response on a wrist or inner elbow. If no response, then you are good to go.

To use as a pure oil to massage, it will need to be mixed with what is called a carrier or base oil. These oils can be applied to the skin. Vegetable oils are the most readily available to one in quick need, but others include Almond oil (easily tolerated & healing properties for irritated, dry or sensitive skin), Coconut oil (massage therapists favorite and absorbs easily) and Jojoba oil (most like skins own oils and for any skin type).

If doing it your self is not for you, then you can find many salons and spas in your area that offer aromatherapy or even have bridal services that include oils. Pedicures, manicures, massage and facials are just to name a few.

While aromatherapy is all around you in many forms, much of what you buy in premade candles, sprays and bath products are minimal and may not work at all. It takes a little time for the scent to cause a reaction and many pre-made products aren't that potent. But for someone who has never tried it, a small amount may suffice.

So why stress during the happiest time of your life. Use the sense of smell to stimulate your soul and relax your mind. A bride at ease is one way to ensure a smooth wedding, but if not, carry that cotton ball of lavender, it will get you through.