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How to Look Thinner in Your Wedding Dress
/3 Comments/in Wedding Dresses/by Chicago Wedding BlogEvery bride wants to look as beautiful as possible on her wedding day. Almost all of us wish we could lose a few pounds before the big day, but it isn’t always possible to shed the extra weight in time. To look thinner in your wedding gown without dieting, check out these great tips.
The Undergarments are Just as Important as the Dress
Most brides spend a lot of time and money on the perfect gown, but what they wear under the dress is just as important. The proper undergarments will make the dress fit better and enhance your figure. Many brides choose not to wear a bra with their gown because they want to comfortable, but a great bra (possibly one with a corset included) can really improve your figure. Ask a consultant at a bra store or dress store for suggestions.
You Can’t Go Wrong with a Corset
Dresses with a corset top are a great way to show off a tiny waist because you can tighten or loosen as needed. This is also a great option for brides who frequently gain and loss weight because you don’t have to worry about their dress not fitting if they wake up feeling a little bloated. Unlike a dress that zips up, a lace up corset can be adjusted to fit your body without alterations.
Rock a Fit and Flare
One of the most popular silhouettes is the fit and flare. This shape, which is a mix between an A-line and a mermaid style, softly drops down over the hips and gradually begins to open at mid-thigh. It is very flattering on most body types.
Accentuate Your Waistline
There is a great fashion secret to creating a gorgeous waistline: belts. This is also true for wedding day fashions. By adding a beaded belt or satin sash to your dress, you can easily emphasis your waistline. Most dress stores have various belts and sashes that can be sewn on to your dress.
Heels are a Girl’s Best Friend
Heels are great because they elongate your legs, lift your butt, and make you feel more confident. You don’t have to wear a five inch heel to enjoy the benefits of these pretty shoes. Even a shoe with a quarter inch heel will improve your posture and make you look slimmer.
Spend the Money on Great Alterations
We know wedding dresses are expensive, but don’t try to save money by skipping the alterations. Having an expert seamstress make sure your dress fits perfectly is worth every penny. A dress that is too tight or too small will not be as flattering.
Five Great Workout For Brides-to-Be
/1 Comment/in Wedding Planning/by Chicago Wedding BlogMany brides want to get in shape before the big day, but some don’t know the best approach. There are three keys to achieving your fitness goals: One, try something new. Your body becomes accustomed to your regular routine, so switching it up can improve results. Two, include both cardio and strength training. Three, stick to it. You won’t see results if you don’t work out regularly every week.
To help you achieve your goals, here are five great workouts to help whip you into shape before your big day.
Yoga
Not only is yoga a great workout, but it is a great stress reliever. Many people think yoga is all about stretching, but it is actually a great toning workout. Plus, some routines can burn several hundred calories per hour.
Piloxing
Piloxing combines pilates, boxing and dance to provide an intense full-body workout. This workout is great for women who fear weights because they don’t bulky muscles and for women who enjoy dance classes.
Zumba
If you haven’t already joined the Zumba craze, you are missing out. This fun workout is a great way to burn calories, and many programs know include a toning component.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It is a great cardio workout, but it also works your arms, back, and chest. If you aren’t a fan of swimming, you can check out water aerobics classes, which are a great way to work out without putting a lot of stress on your joints.
Interval Training
Interval training is one of the best ways to lose weight because of the way it challenges your body. Plus, you can do this workout in a way that fits your own ability and interests. For instance, you could choose to walk, run, swim, or dance.
No matter what type of exercise you do, it is important to exercise several times a week and to stick to your routine. As long as you commit yourself to your goals, you can succeed.
5 Things to Avoid Doing Before Your Wedding
/0 Comments/in Wedding Planning/by Chicago Wedding BlogAs your big day approaches, you want to feel and look your best. The choices you make in the days leading up to your wedding can have devastating results. For instance, right before your wedding is not the time to experiment with new beauty treatments because you may not be happy with the results. Here is a list of 5 things you should avoid doing before your wedding.
- Experimenting with your hair. You never know how your hair will react to a new color. If you are going to switch up your routine, try it at least a month or two before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time to fix any mistakes without damaging your hair. You also want to avoid any drastic haircuts in case you don’t like the results.
- Avoid alcohol. Drinking can make you look and feel puffy. It also disrupts your digestive system and contains large amounts of unnecessary calories. It is a good idea to limit your intake at least a week before your wedding, and make sure you drink plenty of water.
- Don’t fall for juice cleanses. Many brides try juice cleanses as a way to quickly lose extra pounds, but these fad diets can sap your energy and make you irritable. It is better to stick to a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins.
- New facial products and treatments. Treating yourself to a facial before the big day sounds like a great way to relax, but don’t try any new treatments right before the big day, especially strong treatments such as microdermabrasion. You never know how your skin will react. It is also not a good idea to try new lotions or other skin products. If you want to try these products, test them several months before your wedding.
- Too much caffeine. The week of the wedding can be hectic, so it is tempting to overdose on caffeine. Unfortunately, caffeine can wreak havoc on your looks by causing dehydration and dark circles under your eyes. Making sure you get enough sleep is a better option.
It is best to try any new looks or products well in advance so you know how your body reacts and if you like the outcome. It is also essential that you make healthy choices in the days leading up to your wedding. Getting enough sleep and making healthy food and drink choices is the best way to make sure you look and feel your best on your big day.
How to Lose Weight Before Your Wedding
/4 Comments/in Wedding Planning/by Chicago Wedding BlogI recently saw a story on the news about women using a feeding tube diet to get in shape fast for their wedding. I was shocked that so many brides-to-be would go to such extremes. Not only is this diet inconvenient, but it doesn’t sound safe. Even if you lose weight, quick fad diets like this almost always result in regaining the pounds. Here are five tips for getting that hot body for your big day the healthy way.
Start Early
Losing weight takes time. Sorry, all those magic shakes and pills lie. Healthy, sustainable weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. For many people, losing one to two pounds a week is considered a healthy, achievable goal.
Eat Right
Unfortunately, most of us can’t lose weight while living on cheese puffs and ice cream. Not only are these foods full of empty calories, excessive sugar, and bad fats, they also lack the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to run efficiently. The body needs protein, healthy carbs, and fruits and vegetables. If you don’t know what any of those words are, rush out and buy a healthy eating cook book right now!
Many women focus only on cardio, but strength training is essential for weight loss. Lean muscle burns more calories than fat, so adding strength training to your routine actually helps you burn more calories during the day.
Keep Up the Cardio
Cardio, think running, walking, dancing, swimming, etc., burns fat. If you only strength train, you will build sexy curves, but they will be hidden under gross fat. Aim for three to five cardio sessions for thirty to sixty minutes every week.
Think About Allergies
Food allergies cause inflammation in your body and can make you bloated. Many women are allergic to dairy or gluten and don’t know it. If you have an allergy, eliminating the culprit can help you lose weight.
We know you want to look beautiful on your wedding day and we want you to feel gorgeous as you walk down the aisle, but don’t torture your body with unhealthy diets. Healthy weight loss is possible. All you have to do is follow the tips above and start making changes to your lifestyle. You may also want to consult with a doctor or personal trainer.