With wedding season in full swing, I know many brides are beginning to feel not only excited, but also overwhelmed.  Up until now, your wedding day is probably the biggest day of your life, and you’ve been thinking about it for what seems like forever!  All the planning and meetings with florists, DJs, caterers, venues- the list goes on and on.  I, myself, am among you ladies in the wedding craze this year, and have been following these tips to keeping myself looking and feeling great leading up to my big day!

1. Exercise. If you’re looking to get into wedding shape start a new workout routine! The gym may sound intimidating, but ask a friend or your finance to go with you the first few times to help ease you into it.  Many couples prefer going to workout facilities together, which I think is a great way to fit in some quality time without all the wedding talk.  If gyms aren’t your thing, try buying a DVD you can do in the comfort of your own home.  My favorite way to get my body into shape is through a yoga DVD I do at my place at a time that’s convenient for me.  There’s many different ways to exercise, so try a few and find out what works for you.  Not only will this help get you looking great, it will lift your mood too!
2. Drink water. Not only does water keep your body hydrated, it is also great for your skin! If you aren’t a big water drinker then start slowly substituting it in at certain meals so you can begin to phase out sugary beverages.  This will also help with your waist line!  I know they’re tempting, but the less sugary beverages you drink the better.  If it’s the soda bubbles you fancy buy sparkling water to get a similar effect.  My favorite thing to do is add lemon and lime slices and even a little lemon balm to add a little flavor and color to my cup.  You can also try cucumbers or any type of berry you like to jazz it up.  Every morning I have a cup of hot water with lemon to help cleanse and detox my body and I find it very soothing.  If you are a coffee drinker this could be something for you to substitute in the morning.  You can never have enough water, so dress it up and drink it down!
3. Take time for you. With all your to-do lists and rushing around, make sure to schedule in time for some self-love. Pick a non-wedding related activity that you enjoy to get your mind off of the planning craziness and have some fun!  Whether it’s something involving your favorite girlfriends or a solo mission, you deserve the time off.  A great way to de-stress is by lighting some candles and running a warm bath for yourself.  This is a great way to relax, breathe, and clear your head.  Try to do this once a week or anytime you are feeling overwhelmed!
4. Eat Healthy. There’s going to be a lot of tempting treats surrounding all your celebrations and you shouldn’t have to deny yourself them! If you eat healthy on the regular then indulging in some sweet treats from time to time is no biggie.  The majority of my meals are homemade and packed with salads and veggies with a little meat or pasta on the side, so I don’t let myself feel guilty if my hand starts reaching for a cupcake once in awhile.  If you’re a takeout regular or restaurant frequenter there’s always time to start playing around in the kitchen!  If you can’t break the habit think about a few changes you can make like ordering a salad, drinking water, or watching your portions when you dine out.  Eating healthier will help you feel more energized and contribute to your overall health so that you and your loved one can have many years of happiness together!
5. Get some sleep. I know there’s so much to do and so little time, but NOBODY LIKES A CRANKY BRIDE! Know when to call it quits at night and get a little shut eye. Trust me, with all the things you have going on you are going to need your beauty rest. Your body uses the time you are sleeping to replenish and rebuild itself so you can start fresh the next day and you’re going to need it!  I have an understanding with myself that anything that isn’t finished by 10pm will be left for the next day which ensures some time for me to unwind and relax before bed.  It’s important to set boundaries like this and to make sure others respect them.  Tomorrow’s a new day to get back on the grind!

It doesn’t matter if you are planning an intimate ceremony or the ball of the century.  Your wedding day will take a lot of your time, attention, and energy.  It’s nearly impossible not to get stressed out.  If you focus on taking care of yourself you will be feeling and looking great for your big day!