Wedding Wellness: The Self-Care Checklist Every Bride Needs

Here is the third post of my little wedding wellness series! Hopefully, you are enjoying these insights into both of my passions and if you haven’t already, do take a read at my first few blog posts, which cover movement, mindfulness, and building bridal confidence!

But for now, I am going to dive into my self-care checklist!

As a wedding planner, I have seen (& felt) the pressure and overwhelm that inevitably comes with planning such an important day. I always do my very best to guide my couples and relieve them of as much stress as possible, allowing them to focus on the fun! But whilst the excitement is always amazing, the stress that unfortunately comes hand-in-hand with planning is A LOT. 

As I am now also a BRIDE and with just six months to go until my own wedding celebrations, I’m hugely trying to practice what I preach and trying to channel any stress into excitement, focus on the bigger picture and hugely prioritise self-care. SO, I thought I would share this self-care checklist to help you feel like the best version of yourself as you count down to your wedding day…

1. Book Those Beauty Appointments in Advance

Firstly, if you haven’t already, now is the time to schedule any beauty treatments you want in the lead-up to your wedding. Whether it’s facials, waxings, lash lifts, or hair treatments and trims, getting these dates in the diary early ensures you’re not scrambling for appointments closer to the special day. 

I have got every single appointment booked up until the day before we fly and cannot wait for every single ounce of pampering and, hopefully, a significant glow up!!

Please use this time for YOU and to step away from your desk, from any stress, and to just enjoy relaxing in this hour or so of whatever it is you are treating yourself too!

2. Create an At-Home Self-Care Routine

Sometimes, the best self-care is found in small, everyday moments. Aim to set aside some time each week for your own self-care: light some candles, soak in a bath, do a face mask, and relax. Whatever it is that makes you feel a little more zen! 

Not only does this give you a chance to unwind, but it also keeps your skin glowing and your mind refreshed.

I am aiming for ‘Mask Mondays’ where I will pop a face or hair mask on each week! I am also trying to just prioritise some solo space so I don’t constantly have a jampacked diary and can actually just sit & recharge my own batteries – which costs absolutely nothing but reaps insurmountable rewards, and this alone can be all the self-care you may need.

3. Prioritise Some YOU Time

Between supplier emails, dress fittings, and seating plan dilemmas, it’s easy to lose yourself in the wedding planning bubble. Let alone when you have a job, house, and general life to uphold simultaneously!!

Set boundaries and carve out time to do something that’s just for you—whether it’s reading a book, going for a solo walk, or booking your favourite class. Giving yourself space to breathe will help you feel more balanced and in control.

REST is also part of the process and absolutely required and essential in reducing stress, so please ensure this is a part of your to-do list! Reminding myself of this too!!!

4. Get Date Nights in The Diary

Your wedding is about celebrating your love, so don’t let the planning overshadow your relationship. Schedule regular date nights with your fiancé where wedding talk is off-limits. 

Go for dinner, take a scenic stroll, or simply stay in and cook your favourite foods together. These moments remind you why you’re getting married in the first place and help you stay connected.

We are aiming to do a date day / night on the same day each month so we know how many months we are counting down each time and can get excited together!

5. Fuel Your Body with Nourishing Foods

Nourishing your body with wholesome foods will help you feel your best—inside and out. Focus on balanced meals packed with a variety of vegetables, fibre, proteins, and healthy fats. And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water is key to glowing skin and high energy levels.

This is also true on the day of the wedding itself, please ensure you eat a delicious breakfast while you are getting ready with your girls and drink plenty of water as this will help you so much to feel balanced throughout your wedding day.

Emotions and hormones will already be running a little wild; help them, don’t hinder them!

6. Move Your Body! (In a Way That Feels Good!)

Exercise isn’t just about fitness—it’s a fantastic stress reliever, too. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s Pilates, running, dancing, or even just daily walks. 

Moving your body releases endorphins, which will keep you feeling positive and energized as the wedding day approaches.

We are trying to do at least one activity together per week too which is a lovely way to try and spend time together!

Final Thoughts

The next six months will fly by, and while planning is important, so is looking after yourself. 

Remember: a happy, healthy bride is a glowing bride. So, take a deep breath, check in with yourself regularly, and embrace this exciting journey with love and care. You’re only going to get this time once! Soak in every moment.

AMW x

P.S. To celebrate my wedding wellness series, I am now offering planning and pilates, where we would meet and do a pilates class together (or via Zoom!) and power planning together! To book a pilates and power planning session, please fill in a form or email alicia@aliciamarieweddings.co.uk