It was about six months before the wedding, and I found myself standing in front of the mirror, feeling more dread than excitement. I should have been picturing the happiest day of my life, surrounded by loved ones, looking radiant in the outfit I’d been dreaming about. Instead, I was fixated on how much I didn’t like what I saw.
I’d been on and off diets for years, trying all the quick fixes, and never quite getting where I wanted to be. And now, with the wedding date circled in red on the calendar, the pressure felt even greater. I wanted to feel amazing on that day, but I didn’t want to go through another cycle of extreme dieting and punishing exercise routines.
Sound familiar? If you’re in that pre-wedding panic, wondering how you’re going to get in shape and feel your best without losing your sanity, I’m here to tell you: I’ve been there. I’ve done the crash diets, the over-the-top gym sessions, the endless “fit into the dress” anxiety. And I’ve learned some things along the way that changed not just how I approached my wedding, but how I look at health and fitness today.
Here’s the honest truth: getting fit for my wedding wasn’t just about looking good in photos—it was about feeling my best, inside and out. And it was so, so worth it. Here’s what I learned, and why I wouldn’t change a thing.
The Pressure to Be Perfect (And Why It’s Not About That)
There’s nothing quite like wedding planning to bring out all the body insecurities you didn’t even know you had. Every fitting, every photo on social media of a “perfect” bride, every well-meaning comment from friends and family can feel like a reminder that you need to be something more. More toned, more lean, more whatever. It’s easy to get swept up in the idea that your wedding day is a performance—and that the most important thing is looking perfect.
But here’s the thing: this kind of pressure is not only unhelpful, it’s downright damaging. When I first started my wedding fitness journey, I fell into the trap of thinking I needed to overhaul everything overnight. I tried cutting carbs, ramping up workouts, and tracking every single calorie, all in the name of “being my best self.” Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. I was stressed, exhausted, and still not seeing the results I wanted.
I realised pretty quickly that this wasn’t sustainable. And more than that, I didn’t want to spend my engagement feeling miserable. So, I took a step back and asked myself what I actually wanted—not just for my wedding, but for myself. The answer? I wanted to feel confident, strong, and happy on my wedding day, not drained and deprived.
The Mistakes I Made (And What I Did Differently)
Looking back, my biggest mistake was thinking that getting fit was all about restriction. I told myself I’d be “good” until the wedding, lose the weight, and then everything would be fine. But all I was doing was setting myself up for failure, because nobody can sustain that level of restriction for long. And more importantly, nobody should have to.
So, I started shifting my mindset from what I needed to lose, to what I wanted to gain: energy, strength, and a sense of accomplishment. I stopped punishing myself with exercise and started finding activities that I actually enjoyed. Some days, that was a challenging workout; other days, it was a gentle yoga session or a long walk with my partner where we’d talk about our future. It was about finding movement that felt good, rather than just burning calories.
I also learned the importance of balance. Instead of banning foods, I focused on adding more nutritious things to my plate—things that made me feel good and gave me the energy I needed to keep up with all the wedding planning. I discovered that I could enjoy a piece of cake at a tasting without guilt, because it was part of a bigger picture of healthy eating that wasn’t about perfection, but about consistency.
The Science: Why Sustainable Habits Beat Crash Diets Every Time
When it comes to getting in shape for a big event, it’s tempting to go for the quick wins—juice cleanses, extreme calorie cutting, endless hours of cardio. But the science is pretty clear: these approaches rarely lead to long-term success.
Research shows that extreme dieting can lead to loss of muscle mass, slower metabolism, and ultimately weight regain once you return to normal eating (Sumithran & Proietto, 2013). Not to mention the mental toll it takes—restrictive diets often lead to increased cravings, binge eating, and a whole lot of guilt (Polivy & Herman, 1999).
On the flip side, sustainable, balanced approaches to nutrition and fitness are far more effective in the long run. Regular physical activity—whether that’s weight training, dancing, or just going for a brisk walk—has been shown to improve mood, boost energy levels, and increase overall wellbeing (Reed & Ones, 2006). And when it’s paired with a balanced diet that includes all food groups, you’re far more likely to stick with it and enjoy the process.
So instead of focusing on restriction, focus on creating habits you can keep up long after the wedding is over. Think of it as building a foundation for a healthier, happier you—because that’s what you really deserve.
The Moments That Made It All Worth It
On the day of my wedding, something magical happened. I wasn’t thinking about my body, my dress size, or the workouts I’d done to get there. I was present. I was surrounded by family and friends, enjoying every moment, and feeling completely at ease in my own skin. I remember eating really slowly, savouring every mouthful of the delicious food we’d carefully chosen for our guests. I wasn’t worried about the calories or whether I’d have to “make up for it” later. I was just… happy.
I felt lean, strong, and in great shape—not because of any drastic measures I’d taken, but because I’d committed to a process that was kind to myself. I walked down the aisle bursting with confidence, not just in how I looked, but in who I was.
And as I looked around at all the people who had come to celebrate with us, I felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation—not just for them, but for the journey I’d been on. I realised that every small step I’d taken, every workout, every balanced meal, every moment of self-compassion had led me to this place. It wasn’t about the dress or the photos. It was about feeling truly at home in my body.
What I Learned: The Four Lessons That Changed Everything
- Slow Down and Savour the Moment
One of my favourite memories from my wedding is sitting at the dinner table, taking my time, and truly enjoying every bite. I wasn’t rushing through the meal or thinking about anything other than how wonderful it all tasted. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me since—how often do we actually slow down and appreciate the food we’re eating? It’s a small thing, but it’s made a big difference in how I approach meals, even now. - The Right Kind of Confidence Comes from Within
Confidence isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel. I realised that the workouts, the healthy eating, and the self-care weren’t just changing my body; they were changing my mindset. By taking care of myself, I was showing up as the best version of me, and that confidence radiated outwards. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about feeling good in my own skin. - Being Lean and Strong is More Than Just a Goal—It’s a Lifestyle
I went into my wedding thinking I was just working towards a single day, but what I found was a lifestyle that made me feel amazing every day. I learned to appreciate my body for what it could do, rather than just what it looked like. That shift changed everything. - Gratitude is the Greatest Gift You Can Give Yourself
More than anything, my wedding taught me to be grateful—not just for the people in my life, but for my own journey. I learned to appreciate the small wins, the progress I was making, and the simple joy of taking care of myself. Gratitude turned what could have been a stressful, overwhelming process into something beautiful and fulfilling.
Your Wedding Fitness Journey Starts Here
If you’re on your own journey to get fit for your wedding—or any big event—remember that it’s not just about the destination. It’s about the small, meaningful steps you take along the way. Focus on habits that nourish you, movement that energises you, and a mindset that empowers you.
I’m here to help you navigate the ups and downs, and to create a fitness journey that feels good, sustainable, and totally worth it.
That’s why I’m offering two weeks of free coaching to help you get started.
Whether you need guidance on workouts, nutrition, or just finding balance, we’ll work together to make sure you feel incredible on your big day—and beyond.
Because this journey isn’t just about getting fit for one day. It’s about becoming the healthiest, happiest version of you for all the days to come.
References:
- Sumithran, P., & Proietto, J. (2013). The defence of body weight: a physiological basis for weight regain after weight loss. Clinical Science, 124(4), 231-241.
- Polivy, J., & Herman, C. P. (1999). Distress and eating: why do dieters overeat? International Journal of Eating Disorders, 26(2), 153-164.
- Reed, J., & Ones, D. S. (2006). The effect of acute aerobic exercise on positive activated affect: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 7(5), 477-514.
Your wedding day is just the beginning. Let’s make sure you step into it feeling your absolute best.