You have waited for this moment your whole life. You tear open the garment bag and pull out your white satin gown, carefully stepping into it so as not to tear the perfectly hemmed seams. After a few swift tugs, however, you realize that this baby is not going on. It’s your wedding day and the dress doesn’t fit.

It’s every bride’s worst nightmare but sometimes, getting your body ready to wear the dress of your dreams may take a bit of work. Think backless, sleeveless, cut down to here and up to there - it’s a workout just thinking about it, but there are a lot of tricks to pull it off and remain looking fantastic right through to your honeymoon. If the backless dress takes work, think of the bikini.

There are actually books on the market that will aid you in preparing physically for the big day. A great one is The Wedding Workout by celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Effinger and Suzanne Rowen. This book includes anything and everything to get you ready such as exercises to improve posture and poise and targeted workouts for body areas featured by the bridal gown such as the ‘open-back wedding dress toner’. It also includes steps to achieving a honeymoon-ready body, stress reducing activities and healthy eating suggestions.

By cutting back on all of the pastries and cakes that you are offered at your showers and doing a few simple exercises every day you will really notice a difference.

Tips:

• If you aren’t into hitting the gym or running 3km a day, then simply go for a power walk to blow off steam after talking to the caterer who calls once a day to alter the menu.
• You can also try taking a soup can in each hand and while you recite the guest list to your soon-to-be mother-in-law you can do a few bicep curls.
• Push-ups and sit-ups also yield great results but make sure that you consult a fitness instructor or book to make sure that you are using the proper technique as often times you can do more harm then good.
• Set realistic goals. Don’t overdo it, because you still want to look like yourself. Try to drop a few pounds then you will probably feel better about yourself and be prepared for all of the cameras.
•  Don’t pig out because you’re stressed out. We often turn to food for comfort, but watching what you eat and getting into a habit of exercising will really help you to achieve the results that you are looking for.
• We are all as different as the wedding gowns that we step into, so see a personal trainer, for an individual pre-wedding plan.