Strong, Confident, Wedding-Ready: A PT’s Guide to Healthy Preparation

Planning a wedding is all about feeling your best—emotionally, mentally, and yes, physically. As a wedding planner, I’ve seen firsthand how much pressure couples (especially brides) can feel to “get in shape” before the big day. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Chelsie De Giorgio - Online Coach, an incredible female performance coach, to shift the focus from quick fixes to confident, sustainable wellness. Together, we want to help you build strength, boost energy, and step into your wedding day feeling powerful, supported, and completely yourself.

So instead of chasing unrealistic routines, I asked her to share what really works. Here’s what she had to say—plus her top tips for feeling wedding-day ready in a healthy, empowering way:

1. What are the most common fitness goals you see from Brides or Grooms preparing for their wedding?

Most people come to me wanting to drop body fat, shape a smaller waist, and build a peachy bum so they feel amazing in their wedding outfit. Toned and defined arms are another big one, especially if their dress or suit shows them off. But underneath it all, the real goal is always to feel confident, powerful, and glowing on their big day.

2. How far in advance do you recommend couples start training before the big day?

It depends entirely on the person. If someone just wants to drop a few pounds and enhance their shape, then twelve to twenty weeks is usually enough time. For those wanting a full transformation, including building muscle, reshaping their physique, and boosting their confidence, I recommend six to twelve months. The more time you give yourself, the more enjoyable and stress-free the process becomes.

3. What’s your advice for staying consistent with workouts during a busy wedding planning schedule?

Treat your training sessions like appointments and schedule them in advance so they become non-negotiable. Focus on a few high-quality workouts each week rather than trying to do everything. Keep your routine simple by planning your training and prepping easy meals so you avoid decision overwhelm. And remember that your workouts are your time! Wedding planning can feel chaotic, and training gives you structure, stress relief, and a sense of control.

4. How do you help clients focus on feeling confident and strong, rather than just hitting a number on the scale?

I shift their attention toward how their body feels rather than what it weighs. We track strength, energy, sleep, mood, and progress photos because those areas often show the biggest changes. I also remind clients that their wedding day is not about being the smallest version of themselves. It is about becoming the strongest, most empowered version of who they are. When they fuel their body properly and train with intention, the physical changes come naturally.

5. What are your top 3 tips for healthy habits in the lead-up to a wedding (without feeling restrictive)?

Prioritise protein and whole foods because they keep you full, stabilise your energy, and support a toned, sculpted look without the feeling of being on a diet. Follow an eighty twenty approach so you can eat well most of the time while still enjoying meals out and wedding events without guilt. Keep strength training and daily walking at the core of your routine, as this combination supports fat loss, reduces stress, and keeps your body feeling strong and confident.

Whether you’re months away or just starting your planning journey, remember: it’s never about changing who you are, but supporting your body so you can enjoy every moment ahead.

If you’d love more guidance, personalised tips, or help blending wellness into your planning timeline, get in touch with Chelsie to start her programme.

Here’s to feeling incredible—inside and out—on your big day. 💍✨

Love,

Leah