As the countdown begins to the big day, some helpful tips could keep the nerves at bay

Words by Shaheen Khalily    Photographs from Various Sources

Planning a wedding is an exciting and joyful time, but it can also put a bride-tobe under a lot of stress. To ensure a healthy glow for the big day here are some tips to keep in mind, and practice starting six months before the wedding. Begin a stress-relief regimen by reserving at least one night a week. Try and go on a detox spa treatment combined with a detox diet one week, each month. These are some other things to be mindful of.

5-6 Months Before

• Start a good cleansing and moisturising programme for skin.
• Keep your skin constantly hydrated.
• If you haven’t already, start exercising and eat healthy.
• Try yoga to look great and avoid stress.

3-4 Months Before

Start loving your skin and follow a strict home care of your skin – morning, night and as a weekly routine.

• Wear sunscreen to reduce skin damage.
• Besides, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest now before the wedding madness begins.
• Indulge in body exfoliation treatments to keep the skin even, soft and hydrated.

1-2 Months Before

• Try the detox diet every 15 days, as well as the detox treatment for your body.
• Squeeze in a relaxing massage occasionally to take you always from all the wedding preparation stress.

2 Weeks Before

• A haircut if you wish, or styling or colouring.
• Also toss in a hair spa treatment to nourish it.
• Exfoliate and moisturise elbows, hands and feet.
• Exercise, exercise, exercise! know that your body needs it.

1 Week Before

Go for the final eyebrow shaping. Get that one last massage or reflexology, and invite your fiancée to do the same.

1 Day Before

However, all play, and some work is required.

• Deep-condition your hair.
• Exfoliate skin (with a tried-n-tested product, not a new one) so it glistens.
• Professional pedicure and manicure.
• Take a relaxing bath.
• Drink warm rose, cinnamon & honey Myrah tea and other oxidizing drinks.
• Get a minimum of eight hours of sleep before the big day!

A simple and easy Detox diet

Morning

• 1 glass of warm water with lemon
• 1 glass vegetable juice (wheatgrass, spinach, coriander, flaxseed, dudhi)

Mid-Morning

• 1 glass of coconut water
• 1 bowl of papaya
• Handful of nuts and dried fruit (almonds, walnuts, figs)

Afternoon

• 1 bowl of cabbage soup
• 1 bowl of salad raw

Mid-Afternoon

• 1 glass of buttermilk
• Handful of nuts and dried fruit

Evening

• 1 glass orange juice
• 1 apple

Dinner

• Cabbage soup
• Steamed vegetables (broccoli, spinach, avocados)

No Meat, No Sugar, No Carbs, No Coffee, No Aerated Drinks, No Dairy. And you should be sorted.