Stress Management Guide for Brides

As a bride-to-be, you’re bombarded with a growing pile of tasks demanding your attention, and the resulting stress can overpower what’s supposed to be a joyous time in your life. Instead, emerge from the pile of fabric swatches, font styles and contracts and ..…just….breathe. During your engagement, step away from wedding planning, and take time to enjoy yourself as a fabulous single woman.

Sure, kicking your heals up and relaxing as your task list expands exponentially may sound impossible. In reality, allowing yourself some time to rejuvenate will not only reduce wedding stress, it will ultimately make your wedding planning more efficient. Have you ever tried going for a morning run without a good night’s sleep the night before? The same applies to wedding planning.

This stress management guide for brides offers four methods to reduce wedding stress.

Health and Beauty Guide Helps Brides Get in Shape for the Wedding!

Of course you want to look fabulous on your wedding day – who doesn’t? Unfortunately, a gorgeous gown and killer accessories can only take you so far. The true pathway to looking and feeling amazing is paved by a healthy fitness and nutrition routine.

Ugh..you know that tired piece of advice is easier said than done. But that’s where this bridal health and beauty guide comes in… It outlines all of the fitness and nutrition tips you need to get you started towards a healthier you.

Bridal Pampering - Spa Services Guide for Brides

No doubt about it – one of the best parts about being a bride-to-be is a bona fide excuse to indulge in a little pampering. Not only does a relaxing massage or facial better equip you to handle those pesky seating chart conundrums and nagging moms, a little self nurturing can also ensure you look your best on the big day.

But like a kid in a candy shop, the plethora of spa treatments available can be intoxicatingly exciting and a tad overwhelming. Use this guide of the most common bridal spa treatments to decide on the pampering package for you.

Get in Shape for your Wedding with the Latest Workout Trend for Brides

New Bridal Bootcamps Help you Get in Shape for Your Wedding

Sometimes we need a little motivation to transform a bootylicious bod into a bride-a-licious bod. So you’re not a gym bunny? Enlist in boot camp! Many boot camps are owned and taught by women and offer specific training sessions geared towards brides. These pre-nuptial programs can range from intensive weekend or week-long regimens to long-term fitness plans. So report to duty, and shape up for your wedding.

Where to find: These bridal boot camps are popping up all over the country. Here are some local suggestions around the US, as well as some at-home options, to get you started. As with all fitness programs, please consult your physician before starting a new exercise regimen:

1) Adventure Boot Camp for Women - Locations throughout the US - Offers four week programs that include one hour sessions Monday through Friday. Cost is $299 for a regular 4-week camp or $199 for a three-day-per-week program. AdventureBootCamp.com

2) FitBoot - Boston, MA - This program has a realistic military approach, but a supportive environment for women of all fitness levels. The course ($375) consists of 45 minute sessions every weekday for six weeks, and recruits must pass a physical fitness test at the end of camp. FitBoot.com

3) Fit to Be Wed Live - West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, CA - Camp features 60-70 minute workouts 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Geared towards brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom, workouts include lots of shaping and toning in those "key wedding gown areas" -- the arms, back, and shoulders. FitToBeWedLive.com

4) Operation Boot Camp - Atlanta (Piedmont and Buckhead), GA - The 30-Day boot camp program includes 18 group workouts - each about 45 minutes. The program intersperses outdoor workouts with indoor studio sessions, providing a well-rounded, cross-training approach. In addition, instructors monitor your daily food intake, helping you learn how to incorporate nutrition into an overall healthy lifestyle. OperationBootcamp.com

5) The Healthy Bride’s Boot Camp Workout - DVD - This DVD features four 45 minute workouts, including cardio, abs and push ups, stretching, and weight training designed for the style of your dress. Get in shape for your wedding - all in the comfort of your own home. $21.95 - available at Amazon.com or other retailers

6) Bridal Bootcamp – Paperback – by Cynthia M. Conde - This book is a fitness and nutrition guide created especially for women, with a focus on looking fabulous on your wedding day. It includes 6 month, 3 month and 4 week programs you can follow to lose body fat, increase lean muscle and make healthy lifestyle changes. $14.95 - available at Amazon.com or other retailers.

For more tips and advice to help you physically, mentally, and emotionally prepare for your wedding, visit the Elegala.com Emotionally Engaged Guide

-Cori Russell, Style and Etiquette Editor