During the months it takes to plan your dream wedding, you and your future spouse worry about everything from crazy in-laws to insane flower costs. All that stress can leave you feeling rundown instead of radiant! So renew your excitement over your big day by trying some of these great pre-wedding stress relievers with your soon-to-be spouse, including some great health tips from ONDD!

• Get a couples massage
• Play a sport like tennis, where you can work together as a team
• Invite all your friends over to play a classic board game
• Stay active–take a walk together, play in the waves at the beach or participate in some other kind of physical activity you both enjoy
• Get away for a while! Take a hike or rent a canoe at the local lake–just find a beautiful spot where you can be alone and relax together
• Schedule the time to get more sleep, eat right and maintain a healthy physical relationship
• Talk it out. Whether you talk to each other, a counselor or your own personal confidantes, make sure you both talk through any stress you are feeling

How are you brides-to-be doing?

With a few more months left of planning, I can feel your pain! While a part of me is attempting to embrace and appreciate these last months, another part of me is looking forward to it being over.

To relax and enjoy the ride, I think it is important to really take care of yourself during these next few months. That way you’ll be a happy bride and happy brides do make pretty pictures!

While it is easy to fall into the trap of obsessively finishing everything which even I can admit to doing, it’s really important to pace yourself so you don’t burn out early in the process. I think the worst thing that can happen is not the decorations not coming out the way you want it to, but just throwing yourself blindly and unconsciously in the process. In that case, you’ll be several thousands of dollars poorer and not have the memories that make the day worth it.

Make a list of fun, relaxing things you can do for yourself whether it’s reading a book or getting a massage. You don’t need to cut deep into your already tight budget. But have fun and be creative. Finding things you can do along the way and taking mini moments for yourself is priceless. You can also schedule lunches with friends who you might have unintentionally neglected in the midst of all your wedding to-dos. This way you will be refreshed and excited for your wedding and surrounded by friends and family who have been with and supported you along the way.

The bottom line: Take some time for yourself and the payoff will be worth it!