The Pre-Wedding Wellness Trends I’ll Be Opting Out Of

The bridal wellness industrial complex

As a Contributing Editor to The Wedding Edition and a bride-to-be, I’m no stranger to how the beauty, wellness, and fashion industries capitalise on the excitement of a wedding.

The past two years of my engagement have been incredibly joyful, and I am so excited for the big day coming up. But there’s also been a steady drumbeat of targeted ads touting products that promise glowing skin, new bridal workout regimes (as if women about to be married are somehow different to other women), and lavish treatments to tweak, nip, and tuck my way into wedded bliss.

It feels like every time I check my phone, there’s a new protocol or detox ritual I should be incorporating into my routine. Suddenly, eating a whole-food, nutrient dense, balanced diet, moving my body intuitively, getting enough sleep each night and enjoying myself in moderation no longer feels like enough.

A back-to-basics bride

Forget fad diets, ruthlessly cutting out food groups, or signing up to extreme fitness regimes: my two big goals are to increase my protein intake and improve my sleep.

I’ve never been one to meticulously track my food intake, so it came as a surprise when I realised just how little protein I was eating each day (it’s recommended that you should be consuming 0.8g of protein per kilogram of your bodyweight).

As a pasta and rice lover, the carbohydrates I was consuming throughout the day were actually contributing to redness in my skin and triggering other digestive issues, so I’ve taken this time to ensure I’m reaching my protein targets across meals and snacks throughout the day.

Now, I’ve swapped afternoon sweet treats for Promix Protein Puff Bars, which are still delicious and satisfying, while packing in 15g of protein per serving. My favourite is the Snickerdoodle flavour!

When it pays to experiment

I’m all for being open-minded and exploring new ways to look and feel my best, but six weeks away from my wedding is not the time to reinvent the wheel. I’ve heard enough horror stories about chemical peels gone wrong and allergic reactions emerging on the big day, so I’m going to steer clear of anything that feels too drastic compared to my current line-up of products and routines.

I think the key will be focusing on things I know work for me and my skin, such as deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and plenty of nutrient-dense nourishment so I can glow from within. Years ago, a facialist in New York recommended the Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil, which does wonders to calm my redness.

In my view, it’s best not to treat yourself like a guinea pig and experiment with new things if you’re close to the big day. What may produce incredible results for one person may not necessarily work for another! 

Doubling down on what works

My current wellness routines have been serving me well, so my “secret sauce” is simply to stick to them diligently, right up until the morning of the wedding. Some of these habits include:

• Swapping grab-and-go pastries for refreshing, homemade fruit smoothies enriched with Form Nutrition plant-based protein powder. Satiating and refreshing in this summer heat, without spiking my blood sugar.

• Getting my sleep hygiene in check: leaving my phone outside my bedroom each evening, keeping up a solid journalling practice to empty out any lingering thoughts from the day, and finishing the day with a natural sleep aid like topical magnesium to make drifting off feel even more effortless.

• Maintaining my supplement routine to ensure my body is getting the nutrients and minerals it needs. My favourites are LMNT electrolytes after workouts, Zooki collagen pouches to strengthen my hair, skin and nails (also doubles as an amazing sweet treat), and vitamin C to ward off any last-minute illness.

• Limiting sugary foods and opting to stock my pantry with more wholesome sweet treats, like dark chocolate from Hu and medjool dates. These alternatives satisfy my need for a little something, and help prevent me from going overboard.

The products in my rotation

• Jenki Matcha is an absolute non-negotiable for me. I start every morning with a frothy hot cup of ceremonial-grade matcha whisked with oat milk and a bit of honey, and it’s truly the most grounding part of my day. I’ve even been known to pack my bamboo whisk and matcha powder with me on holidays…

• I must be on my fifth jar of Form Nutrition’s ZZZ capsules. I don’t take them every night, but they are gentle enough for regular use if you have a hard time falling asleep. They don’t trigger headaches and they are melatonin-free, helping you drift off with natural compounds like magnesium and amino acids. A must for the night before the wedding.

• Arrae’s BLOAT capsules have done wonders for me when trying new foods on holiday, or when my stomach is a little more sensitive. Immediate relief without the drama of dealing with being bloated.

• The ultimate addition to my morning smoothie, Form Nutrition’s vanilla performance protein powder packs a punch and tastes completely delicious while keeping you full for hours. I’m obsessed with Form’s clean formulations and this product is no exception.

• No evening meal is complete without a square of dark chocolate and a cup of peppermint tea: Hu’s flavour combinations with nut butters are my go-to.

Ultimately, I'm not looking to reinvent my body or make any drastic change as I approach my wedding day. Instead, I’m using this as an opportunity to fuel myself so I feel my best, and stay consistent so I feel confident and happy on my wedding day.

With these achievable interventions that work for my body, don't take too much time, and don’t cost a bomb, I’m excited to continue my wellness journey all the way to saying “I do.”

This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf