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Introduction

Wedding planning, they say, is one of the happiest times of your life. And while there are definitely moments of pure joy, let’s be real – it can also be a whirlwind of decisions, deadlines, and a fair amount of stress. As a millennial navigating this milestone, I quickly realised that alongside choosing the perfect venue and agonising over the wording on invitations, prioritising my own well-being was non-negotiable. This isn’t just about looking good in the photos; it’s about feeling my best, both inside and out, as I step into this new chapter.

So, what does personal prep for a wedding actually look like? For me, it’s been a multi-faceted approach, focusing on everything from my skin to my sanity.

Physical Wedding Preparations – The Outer Glow-Up

In the quest for that ‘bridal glow’ (whatever that means), I’ve ramped up my skincare routine. My current favourite products include the Lustre Clearskin Renew Pro mask for that extra bit of radiance and breakout prevention, and I’ve incorporated daily collagen supplements hoping to boost natural luminosity from within. Day to day, I rely on CeraVe for my daily cleanser and moisturiser. I’ve also struggled with lines on my forehead as well as 11 lines for a long time now – I’ve been finding great success in using Frownies at night.

Finding My Centre Amongst Wedding Preparation

Wedding planning can feel all-consuming, so actively prioritising my mental health has been crucial. Meditation has become a non-negotiable part of my day, even if it’s just for ten minutes. I love using the Calm app – it’s been my go-to for many years now.

Getting my dose of outdoor and nature time is also incredibly grounding – there’s something about the fresh air and gentle exercise of going on a walk that instantly puts life into perspective.

To combat the feeling of being overwhelmed, I’ve implemented a strict routine and meticulous planning. Knowing what needs to be done, and when, helps to create a sense of control amidst the chaos. This is something I do across my whole life – for work, for exercise and for any other appointments I may have so it’s definitely a broader thing than just wedding planning. I use my Google calendar paired with a Bullet Journal.

Fuelling the Journey and Shifting Mindset

With so much going on, I’ve shifted towards more simple and nutritious meals. Forget overly complicated recipes that leave the kitchen looking like a bomb site – I just don’t have the patience for it.

I’ve been logging my meals with YAZIO, which has helped me prioritise nutrition and prevent over or undereating, especially on busy days. It’s all about sustainable energy and long term health rather than quick fixes. I wrote a full review on YAZIO, you can find it here.

I’ve also made a conscious effort to cultivate a healthier mindset. This involved unfollowing accounts on social media that promoted unhealthy comparisons and shifting my focus in terms of nutrition and workouts towards sustainable well-being rather than drastic, unsustainable changes.

My Sleep Struggle

I’ll be honest – sleep is still a problem area for me. I know it’s vital, but consistently getting enough has been a challenge. It’s something I’m actively working on, trying to establish a better bedtime routine and create a more conducive sleep environment. My main challenge at the moment is finding enough hours in the day to get everything done which ends up pushing bedtime later. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get it all done and still get enough sleep, I’m all ears!

More Than Just a Party

Ultimately, I’ve learned that wedding prep is so much more than just flowers, venues, and dresses. It’s a huge life event, a significant transition. Reading ‘Emotionally Engaged: A Bride’s Guide to Surviving the “Happiest” Time of Her Life‘ by Allison Moir-Smith was incredibly validating. It helped me realise that feeling overwhelmed by this life transition is actually really common, and it’s okay to prioritise your emotional well-being alongside all the logistical planning. For me, the transition has been the realisation that I’m permanently leaving the position of ‘girlfriend’ and becoming a wife. While life will continue exactly as it always has, just while wearing rings, for Mike and I, it’s a huge societal and cultural leap in my opinion. The aforementioned book discusses the subject of all of this far more eloquently than I ever could!

Conclusion

This journey of personal preparation has been just as important as any other aspect of wedding planning. By focusing on my physical and mental well-being, I hope to not only feel my best on my wedding day but also to enter this new chapter of my life feeling grounded, healthy, and truly myself.