Your big day is fast approaching and youre terrified that you wont fit into that dream wedding gown youve bought. Follow this simple, yet proven approach for 3-4 weeks before your wedding day and drop at least one dress size.

The stress and anxiety that most brides experience as their wedding day approaches can be overwhelming for them. The amount of preparation involved and the countless number of details needing attention can make it very difficult to eat sensibly and maintain even a modest level of good nutrition. I can recall countless conversations with brides who are so stressed out in the month or so before their wedding that they abandon all good eating habits and either starve themselves or binge on junk food to handle the stress.

Many are genuinely terrified that they’ll be overweight and unattractive on their wedding day or even worse won’t be able to fit into their dream wedding gown.

I have been working with a personal trainer for the past 10 years who continually reminds me how just a few simple changes to your daily routine can make a huge difference. The four basic principles I outline below really do work. I’ve had personal success using these strategies and continue to follow them on a daily basis. Many of my clients who have requested my help and followed this advice have had remarkable results. Start this program at least 3-4 weeks before your wedding day and see for yourself.

1. Water, Water and more Water

Hydration is critical. While the benefits are countless this is one of the hardest things to implement into your daily routine. Whenever I would neglect this item my trainer would recite how water lowers body fat, flushes cellulite, improves digestion, gets rid of dark circles under the eyes, and makes you feel full. These are just a few of the benefits of drinking the required 2.5 litres of water per day.

This may seem like a lot but I found the easiest way to get into the habit is to break the amounts down into manageable amounts:

• Keep a bottle of water beside your bed. Before you go to sleep drink 1/2 the bottle and as soon as you wake up (before your feet touch the floor) drink the remaining 1/2 bottle

• Before each meal drink a half a bottle of water

• Carry water with you and sip it throughout the day

I can’t overemphasize how important this step is.

2. Go for a 10 minute Walk Every Day

Start with this...you can always increase later after it becomes routine. It’s enough to gently boost your metabolism and keep you active.

3. Eat Often but Only in Small Portions

Before I started this method of eating I would starve myself for a couple of days whenever I wanted to lose weight. It seemed logical to me at the time. When I started personal training I had to modify many of my bad eating habits. I had to start eating 6 meals a day. Don’t panic, it’s easier than it sounds. Every 3-4 hours from the time you wake up eat a little something. Your digestive system is far more efficient at handling a series of small meals than it is at tackling one large meal.

I usually eat at 7am, 10 am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10 pm

Your meal portions (meat, veggies, carbs) should be no larger than the palm of your hand and no thicker than the palm of your hand.

4. Eat Healthy

I could spend days offering suggestions on meal variations but there are many excellent books that have been written to give you ideas. I will share my recommendations in another upcoming article.

So to make it simple a typical meal should be a protein, a carbohydrate and a vegetable or fruit.

Here is a sample daily meal plan that I eat to get you started:

Meal one: Protein shake with 1% milk (I like whey protein drinks such as IsoPro)

Meal two: 1/2 an apple and cottage cheese or yogurt

Meal three: Piece of chicken (no skin) and a small salad

Meal four: Cheese and the balance of the apple

Meal five: Piece of lean meat, rice or potatoes, vegetables

Meal six: Low fat chocolate pudding mixed with protein powder

5. The Best Part – Reward Yourself!

Choose one day a week as your reward day and eat whatever you want and as much as you want. Whether you like pasta, cookies, ice cream or my personal favorite chocolate.

Enjoy!

Don’t worry, you won’t gain fat if you do this because for the past six days your body has been used to eating what I term ‘clean’ food. On the seventh day your body thinks you are going to do the same and when you dont it gets fooled and eliminates the effects of the ‘junk’ food. In essence you are tricking your body that day but you must eat cleanly on the following day.

I have told many upcoming brides about this method of eating and almost all of them have emailed me back to let me know how thrilled they were at reaching their target goal of weight loss. I hope it works for you too.

As a final note of encouragement, my daughter used this method of eating and in 1 year she went from a size 18 to a size 2. This was four years ago and she has still maintained her weight to this day.

These simple techniques will not only help you quickly, safely and effectively lose at least one dress size but they will also help you feel more energetic, vibrant and healthy. Not to mention the positive effect it will have on your skin texture and overall appearance.

Stay on track and you’ll be amazed at your results. Eat well, drink plenty of water and as you progress, simply imagine your groom seeing you for the first time in your wedding gown and watching his jaw drop in speechless silence.

Visit her website at:  http://www.bridalchalet.com

The "encore bride" is in a different place than when she had her first wedding. They are confident, they have more money to spend, and they know what they want. Their focus is on "simple elegance".

GONE are the days when the second time bride known as the "encore bride" has to settle for scaled down ceremonies with fewer guests.

With over 45% percent of all weddings today involving one or both partners who have been married before, its difficult to tell from the attire whether the modern bride is marrying for the first or umpteenth time. In fact, the modern bride who is lucky enough to find love again is trampling on the old traditions. Now their wedding is based on their taste and their budget.  With the motto being: "This is the last time, and its got to be the best."

The "encore bride" is in a different place than when she had her first wedding. They are confident, they have more money to spend, and they know what they want. Their focus is on "simple elegance".

Whether it is your first, second or third wedding the focal point is still the wedding dress. These brides are seeking dresses that are tailored rather than poufy - a sexy, sophisticated look with the emphasis on quality fabrics.

Todays trends in bridal gowns are all about you. Your second wedding gown should reflect your personal style, your fashion sense and what kind of wedding you want to have.

When shopping for that perfect dress it helps to  know your body type so you can choose the gown that highlights your best features and downplays the areas you wish you could forget.

Here are some of the latest fashion trends to help get you started:

are fine, but keep them simple, again matching the formality and style of the wedding.  

At this years runway shows, many designers decided to go bare. Creations featured mostly strapless gowns that place the emphasis on the bodice: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.

Designers are very body conscious these days, with shape taking precedence. This is good news for any bride: most of these dresses have a slimming effect. The ever-popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downwards, and often has a built-in train. This does not mean that designers have abandoned the classic traditional gowns...the skirts still float but the cut is meant to flatter the body.

These two mainstays of bridal fashion never go out of style and let’s not forget beading. Todays bride wants the opulence in beadwork with many designers choosing crystals over glass beads.

: This component of a gown has never been so popular. Brides are actually thinking outside the box these days choosing jewel tone gowns in gold, silver, and a variety of pearl tones. However, second time brides still are confident enough to wear white, after all "white symbolizes commitment and faithfulness" so why not!

Magazines are the traditional way a bride begins her gown search, but why not look for a gown online? Most designers now have WebPages, and a collection of name gowns can be found on a number of websites. And if youre wondering, "Will the gown of my dreams fit me right?" theres help to be found on a multitude of websites which determine your body type and then suggest the dress type that is best for your figure.

Finally Hit the Runways! The latest fashions neednt remain a trade secret. Bridal shows, which feature live runway presentations of the current trends and designers, are an excellent way to view a variety of gowns.

A wedding is a celebration of love so indulge and take your time finding that perfect gown. The number one comment I receive from second time brides is..."this is definitely it, Im not getting married again".

Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique selling designer style couture and traditional wedding gowns and bridal accessories. A second time bride herself, Gail combines her extensive knowledge of the industry with her passion for designing couture bridal fashion. The Bridal Chalet has a collection of exclusive designer wedding gowns geared to the second time bride – the Sara Houston Collection.

Visit her website at:  http://www.bridalchalet.com

Todays "Maternity Bride" or "Mother to be Bride" has an increasingly growing choice in styles, fabrics and colors to choose from for their wedding gowns. The shotgun" wedding has a new definition when it comes to appropriate attire for a dress.

With upwards of 20% of women now expecting before they marry, the pregnant bride no longer has to worry about the "shotgun" wedding. Only a few years ago the wedding dress choices were extremely limited and many brides truly had to compromise on their dream gown. However, times have changed and todays ASAP wedding has a new definition when it comes to appropriate attire for a gown.

Thankfully the days of the Maternity "Moo-Moo" and hiding the fact that the bride is pregnant are behind us. Even the once forbidden "white gown" has taken its rightful place as an acceptable color choice for maternity brides.

Even though the planning cycle is at a quicker pace for most of these weddings you finally have some choice and can select a wonderful designer gown. Todays "Mother-to-be-Bride" can select from a variety of styles and fabrics. Designs range from those featuring full and formal to sleek and clingy that leave little to the imagination.

In general look for a dress that highlights your positive features. If you want to minimize your growing tummy then look for an Empire or A-line style dress that breaks away at the bust line. These styles can be found as off-the-shoulder, strapless, detailed upper bodice or with simple lines.

On the other hand, if you want to show the world that you are a proud expectant Mom then choose something more form fitting. Sheath style gowns in soft fabrics such as stretch silks will not add bulk but will instead show off your curves.

Wedding gowns these days are designed around brides individual tastes and lifestyles. Modern women are breaking the moulds when it comes to choosing their dress. There are many exciting options now available to the Mother-to-be-Bride. Todays pregnant bride is no longer embarrassed like they were 10-20 years ago and the Maternity Wedding Dress is proof of that.

Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique specializing in Maternity Wedding Dresses. She regularly consults with maternity brides to help them select their perfect wedding gown. The Bridal Chalet has a collection of elegant, sexy and sophisticated maternity wedding gowns geared to todays more style conscious and confident maternity brides.

Visit her website at:  http://www.bridalchalet.com

Your big day is just two weeks away and with your crazy schedule at work and at home and the fact that you have been eating poorly and are all stressed out it suddenly occurs to you what if I retain water and end up all bloated and feeling like a soggy marshmallow in my dream wedding dress?"

You have spent countless hours planning and dreaming about your wedding day which is now fast approaching. As you count down the days the panic begins to set in. How do I prevent the all too familiar pre-wedding bloating experienced by so many brides on their wedding day?

Naturally, we as women may think, I will simply starve myself and not drink a lot of liquids for a few days before my wedding. If I do so perhaps this will help drop a bit of weight and reduce some of that nasty cellulite on my body right? Wrong!

Did you know that water retention is directly linked to what you eat, drink and your daily habits?

Bloating is caused primarily by dehydration. The loss of water in the body can cause constipation. And the corresponding lack of bowel movements creates the tummy bulge.

Here are six tips to follow for at least 1-2 weeks prior to your big day:

. Drinking less fluid will not cure water retention and can actually make it worse. So drink plenty of water to flush the toxins from your body. Cellulite is a form of fat with retained water. When the body cannot get rid of the wastes and toxins it tends to store cellulite.

If you can’t eliminate these types of foods then at least cut down on their use as much as you possible can.

Go for a brisk walk, even if it is just 10 minutes. Movement helps you lymphatic system drain and gets the blood pumping which increases circulation. Did you know poor circulation can cause water retention?

Much as you may think this is wise, low calorie diets have been shown to increase water retention. But do avoid high fat foods. Incorporate protein in your daily routine. While you are running around getting all the last minute details finished remember to reach for a yogurt, some cottage cheese or make yourself a protein shake. One of the most important nutrients to prevent water retention is protein.

These liquids cause dehydration, plus they are empty calories.

Find one that has a high content of Vitamin B (12 and 6). Stress robs your body of essential vitamins, plus you are probably not eating as healthy as you should. Vitamin B is especially good to take when you are under stress, or have bloating. I always take a daily multivitamin but supplement them with a good B vitamin.

Of course it goes without saying that you should also try your best to get proper and sufficient sleep during this stressful period.

If you can follow these six simple, natural yet highly effective guidelines then you’ll look better, feel better and be as radiant as a bride should be on her wedding day. Take charge and eliminate that unnecessary and unwelcome pre-wedding bloating!

Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique selling designer style couture and traditional wedding gowns and bridal accessories. She has extensive background in fitness and nutrition as a former amateur body sculptor and combines this with her knowledge and passion for designing bridal fashion.

Visit her website at:  http://www.bridalchalet.com