Wedding planning can bring pressure to look a certain way, particularly when conversations turn to diets, exercise plans and getting “wedding ready”. However, feeling your best does not have to mean changing your weight or body shape.
A healthier approach focuses on supporting your energy, strength, sleep and emotional wellbeing. These are habits that can help you manage the demands of wedding planning and continue to benefit you long after the celebration.
In this WedTalk, Becky Walker discusses sustainable changes and the importance of avoiding quick fixes in the run-up to a wedding. https://www.youtube.com/embed/beZ1_7EBK9o
Rather than beginning with a target weight or clothing size, think about how you would like to feel during the weeks leading up to your wedding. You might want to have more energy, sleep more consistently, feel stronger or manage stress more effectively.
These goals are often more helpful than concentrating entirely on appearance. They also make it easier to recognise progress that cannot be measured on a set of scales.
Examples of realistic wellbeing goals could include:
Very restrictive diets can be difficult to maintain and may leave you feeling tired, irritable or preoccupied with food. Dehydration plans, unregulated supplements and last-minute “cleanses” should also be avoided.
A balanced diet does not need to be perfect at every meal. It involves eating a variety of foods over the course of the day or week, including fruit and vegetables, higher-fibre starchy foods, sources of protein, dairy or suitable alternatives, and small amounts of unsaturated fats.
Regular meals can be particularly helpful during busy periods. Preparing a few ingredients or meals in advance may reduce the temptation to skip food when appointments and planning tasks take over.
There is also no need to label individual foods as good or bad. Celebrations, meals out and occasional treats can all form part of a balanced approach.
The most useful form of exercise is one that suits your health, ability and lifestyle. Walking, swimming, dancing, cycling, yoga and strength training can all contribute to an active routine.
Current NHS guidance advises most adults aged 19 to 64 to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, alongside strengthening activities on at least two days. This is a general health target, not a starting requirement or a wedding deadline.
If you are currently inactive, begin gradually. A short walk or manageable exercise session is more sensible than suddenly starting an intense daily programme. Allow time for rest and recovery, particularly if you are also balancing work, wedding arrangements and other responsibilities.
Speak to your GP before beginning a new exercise programme if you have not exercised for some time or have a medical condition or concern. During pregnancy, seek advice from your midwife or doctor about suitable activity.
Food should not have to be earned through exercise, and movement should not be used to compensate for eating. Both are important parts of looking after yourself.
Pay attention to how your routine affects your mood, energy and relationship with food. If thoughts about eating, exercise, weight or body shape begin to dominate your day, or you find yourself restricting food or exercising excessively, speak to a GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
You deserve to enjoy the period leading up to your wedding without feeling that your body is another project to complete.
It can be easy to forget to drink when travelling between appointments or concentrating on work. NHS guidance commonly suggests six to eight glasses of fluid a day, although individual needs vary and may increase with warm weather or physical activity.
Water is a straightforward choice, but other drinks can also contribute to your fluid intake. Keeping a drink nearby and having water with meals may be more manageable than trying to follow a complicated schedule.
Be cautious of plans that promise rapid changes through dehydration. They can leave you feeling unwell and are not a safe way to prepare for an important day.
Healthy adults usually need around seven to nine hours of sleep, although individual needs differ. Wedding planning can make it tempting to stay up late researching suppliers, reviewing guest lists or finishing decorations, but repeatedly sacrificing sleep may make the following day harder.
Try to keep your bedtime and waking time reasonably consistent. Reducing late-night planning, creating a calmer bedroom and putting your phone aside before bed may also help you switch off.
If you are struggling with persistent sleep problems or tiredness that is affecting everyday life, speak to your GP.
Planning a wedding involves many decisions, expectations and expenses. Feeling stressed occasionally is understandable, but you do not have to manage everything alone.
Consider sharing tasks with your partner, wedding party or trusted family members. Our guide to getting organised with your wedding planning contains practical ideas for keeping responsibilities manageable.
Simple habits may also help you create space away from wedding arrangements:
Money worries can also affect wellbeing. Creating a realistic plan early may reduce uncertainty, so take a look at our advice on budgeting for a UK wedding.
Large goals can become discouraging when work, illness, celebrations or other commitments interrupt your routine. Smaller actions are easier to restart and adapt.
Instead of aiming to exercise every day, you might plan two sessions and an additional walk. Rather than overhauling every meal, begin by preparing breakfast or adding another portion of vegetables to your day.
Progress does not have to be perfectly consistent. Missing a workout or eating differently at the weekend does not undo the positive habits you have built.
The week before your wedding is not the time to begin an extreme diet, unfamiliar supplement or demanding exercise programme. Sudden changes may cause tiredness, soreness or digestive discomfort when you would rather be enjoying the occasion.
Continue eating familiar meals, drink regularly, prioritise sleep where possible and choose gentle movement that helps you feel comfortable. Preparation should support the day rather than leave you exhausted before it begins.
You do not need to transform yourself for your wedding. Sustainable habits are about caring for the body and mind you already have, helping you approach the celebration with energy and confidence.
Take what feels helpful, adapt it to your circumstances and seek individual advice from a GP or registered dietitian if you have specific health or nutrition concerns.
For more practical ideas and opportunities to speak with local wedding businesses, explore our upcoming wedding fayres in Yorkshire.
