Bride Body Ready

If you’re getting married this year, or even next, you’re probably almost more focused on being “Bride Body Ready” than what your bridesmaids’ dresses are going to look like.

“How much weight are you going to lose for your wedding?”

“Should you really be eating that, you’re meant to be on a wedding diet”

“Don’t worry, you’ll look great on the day”

“Is this a last ditch attempt for your wedding next week?”

“You’re a PT so you’re going to look so skinny on your big day!”

These were just a few of the comments that stuck with me in the lead up to my wedding.

And I’m sure if you’re getting married, or have been a bride, you’ll resonate with a few of these too as suddenly in the lead up to what will undoubtedly be the best day in your life, your body will become a topic of conversation and Bridal magazines will tell you it’s a vital part of wedding planning.

It goes without saying, when it comes to getting married, there is SO much pressure for everything to be perfect.

Anyone else find this?

Feeling you have to look a certain way and all that.

If you’re getting married this year, have you Googled Bride Diet, got yourself a PT or have in someway changed your food intake and/or exercise regime because of your wedding?

This time last year, I was already 3 months into counting macros using an online nutrition programme with Laura and despite making so much progress, I just couldn’t see it myself as I wasn’t the image I thought everyone else wanted me to be.

Looking back at photos now, I wonder what the hell I was going on about but there I was, desperately miserable and dreading my first dress fitting and what I’d eventually look like on my Big Day.

As every dress fitting loomed I would get so anxious that my dress wouldn’t look right or even be too small, that the idea of getting married and being the centre of attention terrified me.

However, during the final month before the wedding, a switch flicked and I just thought, sod it, this is me and the only other person this really matters to is my to-be husband who’s put up with every version of me for the past 10ish years.

So on 26th May of last year, I put on my dress and accessorised it with the biggest smile and I don’t have a single regret over what I ate in the lead up to the wedding or the extra exercise certain publications say I should have done, because I was me, not trying to be anyone else.

(It’s probably also due to the amazing photography skills of Beth Moseley who all these photos are by! If you fancy a stalk there’s a feature on Norfolk Brides too).

Unfortunately, the “Wed Shred” is as much of a tradition as tossing the bouquet, when in fact we should be tossing it in the bin (“wed shred” that is, not the bouquet!).

Looking your best, should not be interpreted as your thinnest.

Yes, it’s a great time to overhaul your outlook on fitness if you’re new to the gym or want to get stuck in a bit more as you’ll have a goal as a driver.

BUT, DON’T feel like you have to morph into someone completely different.

Instead…

• Find a way to appreciate your body for what it can do.
• Turn that view of exercise as a punishment into something you look forward to (more on that here)
• Find moves that energise you rather than run you into the ground (as wedding planning is stressful enough as it is!)

That way, results will come as a result and you’ll enjoy the lead up to your big day.

Ladies (and gents) it’s about wearing your big day with confidence, feeling your best and obviously your happiest.

Your friends, fiance(e) and family love you for who you are, and ultimately that’s who you should be on your big day.

I understand we want to look our best, but how about reframe that as feeling your best.

Yes, I train brides for their Big Day and I love it!

But spoiler alert…

Although I will work on toning your arms, lifting your butt or whatever you ask of me, the biggest transformation you’ll see is that new found confidence shown in the smile on your face and the way you hold your head high as you strut your stuff down that aisle.

All photos are by the lovely Beth Moseley photography who was my wedding photographer on the day. Couldn’t recommend her more!