Plan of Attack
Before beginning a health and beauty programme take a long look at yourself in a full length mirror. Enlist a good friend whose unbiased opinion you can trust.

List the things you dislike about yourself. What can you do about them? Is it a question of exercise, diet, deportment, or confidence? Decide on a strategy - a battle-plan! It really helps to write things down. Now list your best features - your hair, hands, smile, eyes, etc. - and consider highlighting these.
Before deciding on a personal regime, be realistic. How much time can you devote on a daily or weekly basis? To begin with, take things easy, or you'll only discourage yourself. Your lifestyle, diet, environment and work schedule must all be taken into account before you begin.

We Are What We Eat

• If you decide that you need to lose weight, set yourself a realistic goal. You will need a month or so to achieve a weight loss of 7lbs, 2 months for a stone. Combine your diet with exercise - that way you'll burn up the calories faster.
• Drink 2-3 pints of water every day. Water acts as a purifier for your skin as well as your body. You'll feel fresher and healthier by the removal of toxins from your body, and water also helps keep away those dreaded hunger pangs.
• A sensible diet will give a natural, healthy glow and an overall look of well-being. A proper balance of foods is needed, whatever your build.
• Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, pulses, seeds, fish and chicken, constitute a sensible basic diet.
• Cut down on sweets, cakes, fats, alcohol and red meats. Eat at regular intervals during the day to keep up your energy levels, and drink plenty of water.
• Stick to simple light meals in the evenings, as your body won't normally use up the calories contained in a heavy meal at night, and will instead convert them to stored fat, which is difficult to burn off. The last thing you need is that extra baggage on your honeymoon!

Exercise
Exercise is for everyone! It can be fun as well as beneficial, but be careful to choose the right exercise for you. It might be cycling, aerobics, swimming, tennis, running or taking brisk walks. The list is endless, and there is really something for everyone, even the most sedentary person. Suit your own schedule, your fitness level and environment. Try to choose something you enjoy, and so will be able to keep up.

Exercise also gives you extra energy. It helps your body to function properly, keeps muscles firm and flab at bay. It even encourages optimism and confidence! You might decide to join a health club, or a keep-fit class, which would also get you out meeting new people. Regular exercise will help to relieve the tension and stress which mounts up before the wedding. Even 15 minutes a day doing stretching and toning exercises in front of the TV will work wonders over a long period of time, and will cost you nothing.

Skin Care
If you have been eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising, your skin should be glowing with health. If not, take advice from a qualified beautician. Most are happy to give a free consultation. You should do this at least one month before the wedding.

• A Bio Peel should precede any deep cleansing course or facial. It removes the layer of dead cells which build up on the surface of the skin, leaving it very soft, smooth and ready to absorb creams and lotions. Any further treatment which you apply can take effect more easily on the new skin as there will be no barrier of dead cells.
• A Facial is a face and neck deep cleansing treatment which is specific to your skin type and condition. The skin looks and feels rejuvenated after this 1 hour pampering and the results last for quite a while. Follow it up with a daily cleansing, toning and moisturising routine, using the make-up that best suits your skin.
• Steam-Baths & Saunas are ideal the week before the wedding. The heat produced will help you to relax and rid you of tension. As your skin perspires, it gets rid of toxins and impurities, leaving the entire body smooth, fresh and (after showering) ultra-clean.
• Cathiodermie is a course of deep cleansing treatment for all skin types. It removes both blackheads and spots. Your skin will feel very fresh and clean and will be extremely soft since all the excess oils, ingrained make-up and blackheads will be removed. It is recommended that you avoid wearing make-up for a few hours after cathiodermie treatment.
• Waxing - For the temporary removal of hair from the legs, underarms, bikini line and eyebrows, waxing is a most successful treatment and it leaves the area silky smooth for up to six weeks. It also removes the dead cells from the epidermis. The hairs when they grow back, do so very finely, unlike the re growth after shaving, or use of depilatory creams. Leave the razor to your fiancee - after all, his face is much tougher than your legs. And you don't want to be borrowing his razor on the first day of your honeymoon!
• It is a good idea at this time to look at your eyebrows, and if they need tidying up to get them waxed as well. It gives them that more defined appearance and re-growth also takes that while longer.
• Electrolysis is a very successful permanent treatment if it is performed by a skilled electrologist who will advise you on the frequency of treatment you may require. naturally, this process is considerable more costly and long-term.
• Tanning. By starting with short sun-bed sessions well in advance, you will build up a more natural, golden colour, while at the same time minimising the risk of burning if your honeymoon is to be spent in a sun location. If this doesn't appeal to you, then a Chemical Tan can achieve perfectly satisfactory results from just one visit to the salon. It gives your body a lovely, natural golden tan which will last for a couple of days. It is a waterproof treatment, so even if the weather is not perfect, you will be! A DIY approach to this treatment can have disastrous effects as it can go streaky, so it's better to leave it to the experts.

Hands and Nails
When the man you love takes your hand in his and slides the ring onto that third finger, you don't want him looking at short, broken, split or brittle nails. Also, people will be wishing to admire the ring throughout the day. A Manicure and hand massage is recommended to ensure well-shaped and well-groomed nails, and hands with the skin in good condition. Have a manicure a week before the wedding and choose a nail polish colour that will tone in with your flowers and lip-colour. If your nails are damaged then artificial nails are the answer. You are strongly advised to have the nails professionally applied ??

Hair Care
Having healthy hair comes before style. Your environment, life-style and diet play a large part where your hair is concerned. The damage can be kept to a minimum by following a few simple guidelines -

Use of mild shampoos followed by gently conditioning after each washing can be of great benefit.
Use luke-warm water only, always rinsing thoroughly.
Wash your hair less frequently to allow the hair's natural oils to emerge and give you that natural sheen.
A gentle touch is also called for when brushing hair, and always use a comb with widely spaced teeth when your hair is wet to prevent tearing, stretching and knotting.
Keep the use of blow dryers, curling irons and other such instruments of torture to an absolute minimum.

Your qualified hair stylist will help you decide upon a style to best suit your facial structure. He or she will also advise you about hair colouring, permanent or temporary, and the best length for your hair, depending on its general condition. Find someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. It's generally recommended that you have your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks, which gives you the opportunity to shop around until you find a hairstylist you like.

Haircare Checklist

• 1. Make an appointment to see your stylist at least four months before the wedding.
• 2. When you have chosen your head-dress or veil bring it along to your stylist who will then be able to design a suitable hairstyle for you. Other accessories should be brought along also.
• 3. If you want a body-wave or highlights, then your stylist will prepare your hair using very rich conditioners both before and after the treatment. This will keep your hair shiny and healthy.
• 4. It is advisable to have your bridesmaids hair-styles designed to complement yours - but not to up-stage it!
• 5. Remember to come prepared when you arrive at the stylists so you can leave with your head-dress / veil in place.
• 6. Finally, for your honeymoon in the sun consider a barrier conditioner to protect your hair from the harmful effects of the sun-rays.

Trial-Wedding Make-up
A beauty therapist is a trained and experienced person who will be able to give you her best and honest advice on all aspects of your appearance.
Your beauty therapist can design a make-up scheme to compliment your wedding colour schemes. A trial make-up a few days before the big event is advisable, especially if you are not skilled at applying make-up. This will give you peace of mind, as you'll know exactly what the final outcome will look like.
Your eye colour, lipstick, etc., will all need to be discussed with your beautician. The overall goal for the bride is to look youthful, natural and radiant. Heavy, colourful make-up does not achieve this effect. Colours should be soft and glossy. On the day itself you will have your hair done first, and then your make-up. Many brides consider it worthwhile to have their beautician call to their homes on the morning of their wedding to complete the final touches.