SKINCARE & WELLNESS Archives

Weddings are joyous, but they often come with long to-do lists, overwhelming choices, and emotional ups and downs. For busy couples, taking intentional steps toward wellness, physically, mentally, emotionally can make the journey to “I do” more peaceful, more connected, and more sustainable. Here are well-rounded strategies and tips for staying strong as a pair in 2025.

1. Pre-Wedding Fitness: Finding Time, Staying Motivated

Starting early and building a routine that fits both partners is key.

Timeline & Progressive Routines
Experts recommend beginning fitness routines 9-12 months before your wedding if possible. Starting with moderate workouts and gradually increasing intensity gives your body time to adjust without burnout.
Mix Cardio, Strength, Flexibility
Combine strength training (upper body, core, legs), cardio (walks, dance, cycling), and flexibility or mobility work (yoga or stretching). This supports posture, endurance, and energy for long wedding days.
Short & Efficient Workouts for Busy Schedules
Even 20-30 minutes sessions, a few times a week, can make a difference. Short bursts, HIIT style, or structured strength + mobility circuits help maximize results when time is tight.
Nutrition & Sleep
Good routines include consistent sleep, hydration, balanced whole-foods, reducing processed sugar and unhealthy fats. Sleep helps recovery, mood, appearance—skin, energy levels etc.
Partner Accountability
Exercising together, checking in on each other’s progress, perhaps hiring a trainer or following a couple’s workout plan can help both stay motivated.

Mental Health & Stress-Management

Wedding planning stresses are real. Tackling mental health head-on helps keep things joyful.

Mindfulness & Meditation Practices
Short daily sessions even 5-10 minutes in breathing, mindfulness meditation or guided imagery can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and help both partners stay present.
Communication & Boundaries
Set up regular check-ins with each other about how you’re feeling (stressed, overwhelmed, excited). Be honest about what help you need. Boundaries around planning, chores, guest communications can prevent resentment.
Professional Support When Needed
Consider couples’ therapy or counseling if you find recurring conflict, anxiety, or depressive feelings. South Africa has registration bodies like HPCSA for counselors/psychologists. Retreats or wellness weekends can also serve as reset moments.
Self-Care Rituals
Build small rituals into your life: evening walks together, regular massages, disconnecting from social media, reading, journaling. These little acts can recharge both mind and relationship.

Mindfulness & Being Present

It’s easy to get lost in logistics. Cultivating slow, supportive practices keeps love front and centre.

Mindful Planning
Before each planning session, take a moment together to ground yourselves—deep breaths, check-in: how is each person doing emotionally? Then proceed.
Shared Rituals
Perhaps weekly yoga, meditation, or doing a hobby together as a stress relief. Shared wellness helps bond and reminds both of why you’re getting married.
Gratitude Practices
Each day, share one thing you appreciate about the other or about the process. It can shift mindset away from stress toward enjoyment.
Digital Detox Times
Set times when you’ll avoid wedding-related social media, emails, or group chats. Just as important as outcome planning is maintaining mental rest.

Sample Plan: A 6-Month Wellness Checklist for Couples

Time Frame	Fitness Action	Mental Health / Mindfulness Action
6-12 months out	Establish 3×/week workout routine; try one new physical activity together	Begin couple’s meditation; schedule monthly couple check-ins
3-6 months out	Increase strength training; refine diet with more whole foods; ensure rest days	Identify stress triggers; consider therapist or counselor sessions if needed; start journaling
1-2 months out	Focus on mobility, posture, relaxation (yoga, stretching)	Plan self-care days; reduce external stress; practice gratitude; rest well
Wedding week	Light workouts to stay limber; avoid over-exertion	Minimal tech/social media; calming routines; ensure sleep; rituals to ground yourselves before big day

Why Wellness Matters, Beyond Looking Great

Improved energy & stamina for long wedding day events.
Better mood regulation: less fighting, more enjoyment of the process.
Connecting deeply as a couple, not just planning partners but also emotional supports.
Wedding memories richer when anxiety is lower and presence is higher.

Featured Image: Canva

Image Source: Pinterest

Every South African bride knows the stress of wedding planning. Between finalising the guest list, arguing over the playlist, sorting out decor, and getting the menu right, it’s easy to put your skin on the back burner. But when the big day arrives, nothing feels better than stepping out into the spotlight with healthy, glowing skin.

The truth? Radiant skin doesn’t happen overnight. Dermatologists say you should start preparing at least a year before the wedding to see real results. And we’ve put together a quick guide to help you do just that.

Here’s how to plan your skincare like you plan your wedding — step by step, with plenty of time to glow:

One Year Before: Start With the Basics

Source: Photo by 𝒮 𝐴 ℛ 𝐴 ✿ on Unsplash

If you’ve just said “yes,” your next appointment should be with a dermatologist, not just your dressmaker. Skin experts recommend starting early because new products and treatments often take months to show results.

This is the time to introduce powerhouse ingredients: vitamin C for brightness, retinol for fine lines, AHAs for smoother texture, and peptides to boost collagen. And if SPF isn’t already part of your daily routine, now’s the time to start including it. Think of it as non-negotiable — just like securing your venue.

For brides dealing with acne or rosacea, consistency is key. Some conditions take six months or more to improve, so the earlier you start, the more likely you’ll see the change before the big day.

Nine Months Before: Lock in Your Routine

Source: Pinterest

By now, your skincare should be consistent — no chopping and changing. Dermatologists warn that hopping between products can irritate your skin. Stick with what works, and then consider advanced treatments.

Botox, lasers, microneedling, or chemical peels are all options during this window. These treatments need recovery time and multiple sessions, so starting early ensures you look refreshed, not blotchy.

This is also a good time to deal with other beauty worries — from thinning hair to leg veins. South African brides are increasingly investing in hair-strengthening treatments or supplements to ensure their bridal look is picture perfect.

Six Months Before: Focus on Lifestyle

Source: Photo by Ulvi Safari on Unsplash

At the halfway mark, it’s not just about creams and treatments — what you put in your body matters too. Dermatologists recommend focusing on an antioxidant-rich diet with spinach, blueberries, and sweet potatoes. Think of it as prepping your skin from the inside out.

Supplements and vitamins can also help support your glow. Just be sure to discuss them with your dermatologist to avoid wasting money on products that don’t deliver.

Three Months Before: Keep It Gentle

Source: Pinterest

If you’re going to try professional facials, this is the cut-off. Your skin needs time to adjust, so facials like LED therapy or microcurrent toning should be planned months before the wedding, not weeks.

At this stage, masks can be your best friend. Hydrating or brightening masks can give your skin a boost, but avoid introducing harsh new exfoliants. Patch test everything, and remember: less is more.

One Month Before: Polish and Protect

The countdown is on. If Botox is part of your plan, your final treatment should happen one month before the big day. This allows enough time for it to settle — and for tweaks if needed.

Alcohol and late nights? Best avoided now. Stress is already high, and wine or cocktails can make you look puffy and tired. Instead, focus on sleep, hydration, and self-care.

And here’s the golden rule: no tanning. Harsh South African sun can undo a year’s worth of work in a single weekend. Skip the sunbeds and book a spray tan if you want colour without damage.

The Bottom Line

Every bride’s journey is different, but the goal is the same: glowing, healthy skin that makes you feel confident when you say “I do.” By starting early and staying consistent, you’re not just preparing your skin for one day — you’re setting yourself up for years of better skin health.

Your wedding is the celebration of a lifetime. Let your skin tell the story of all the care, love, and planning that went into it.