Should I lose weight for my wedding?

It's no secret that 'shedding-for-the-wedding' is a thing these days, and this week I'm thinking a lot about my diet and exercise regime in preparation for my big day. It's just over a year away so it's time to get myself back to the gym and stop binge-eating to drop a couple of pounds.

I've done so many crash diets in the past but the weight just comes back, so this time I am doing it properly. There's the whole internet available to you full of healthy eating plans and exercise regimes if you want to do the same, and lose weight in a safe way.

I want to make it clear that I would be trying to shed the extra pounds at this point of my life whether I was engaged or not, the wedding has just given me that extra motivation. Brides should never feel like they have to lose weight for their wedding because they think it's expected of them. And that's what I want to talk about.

I've heard comments from people in the past, not about myself, but about other bride-to-be's like "Why is she eating a burger a few weeks before her wedding?!" Umm what? It's a serious issue if people think all brides need to be skinny. I say, go girl! Eat what you like, and love yourself as you are.

Here are some things to think about if you're considering going on an intense diet for your wedding...

Feeling good enough
Feeling like you aren't good enough is no way to start the rest of your life with your husband-to-be. The fact is he loves you just the way you are - imperfections and all - so it's time to accept that and be happy.

Wedding photos
You probably don't want to look back on your wedding photos and barely recognise yourself. Wouldn't you rather look like yourself for the biggest day of your life?

Stress
You definitely won't need the added stress of counting calories and watching the scales while you're planning a wedding, and you'll need the brainpower.

So whether you are shedding-for-the-wedding or not, do it for yourself, not for anyone else, and do it in a sensible way. Just remember, your dress size is by far not the most important thing about your day!