Amidst all the excitement of preparing for your big day, one of the main concerns on a bride’s mind is looking good in her wedding dress. We believe you’re perfect just the way you are, as we’re sure your husband-to-be does too, but the stress of planning can sometimes cause a bride to resort to crash diets or extreme workouts which can cause serious health risks right before your special day.

We have some tips on how to get into shape without breaking your wallet or a trip to the ER!

1. Start working out as soon as you’re finished celebrating your engagement party (or sooner!) Whether you’ve been working out actively or just been blessed with the ability to never enter a gym, it’s important to stay active. Brides tend to wait 6 months before the wedding or even later to start working out and this leads to more pressure and stress on a bride to reach her goal weight. Sometimes it results in unrealistic goals and more frustration a.k.a. “bridezilla” tendencies. Working out is a great way to de-stress after a long day of arguing with your bridesmaids over halter necklines

2. Drink lots of water all day, everyday. Water really is the elixir of life! It benefits your skin, keeps you hydrated for when you’re meeting with vendors all day, and is sugar and calorie free!

3. Tone those arms! Especially if you’re wearing a strapless dress. Some great moves include push-ups (try doing them on a stability ball for a better core). Bicep curls on one foot, and then switch to the other foot.  When lifting weights (as with anything else), start out small to prevent over exertion. 12-15 reps is a good starting point, then raise the dumbbell weight by a pound or so if you find it to be too easy.

4. Incorporate fun, non-traditional exercises into your workout. Jogging outdoors and visits to the gym are great, but if you own a Wii, why not do some WiiFit exercises! Participating in sports leagues like VAVi allows you to make new friends while achieving a fun workout.

5. 30 +30 workouts. Regardless if you have a long engagement or just 3 months to whip your bridal butt into shape, start slow to avoid burn out. Fitness experts recommend 30 minutes of cardio with 20-30 minutes of strength training daily. You can even break up your cardio session into three 10-minute bursts of cardio. Do this for at least 3 weeks, then increase the intensity of your cardio and strength training a bit if you find your routine to be easy.

6. Portion control. When dining out with your partner, share the salad, appetizer, and meal together! You cut down the calories in half while getting a full course. (Note: mozzarella sticks or chicken wings are NOT  appropriate appetizers, ladies!)

Photos courtesy of  My Wedding Concierge and Sleeveless In 7.

 Celebrations go on for 3 days and simple or grand, a Lebanese wedding isn’t truly Lebanese without a ‘zaffeh’, the act of escorting the bride to her husband, in celebration of their holy marriage. Even the ‘zaffeh’ is a form of entertainment, celebration and dance because, on the third day, the groom is led by a group of dancers, as they play music, sing and dance on their way to the bride’s house.

Entertainment is an essential and important priority in Lebanese weddings. Music and dance are the hallmarks of celebration and fun in Lebanese families and culture.

 A Middle Eastern wedding celebration, is one where the dancer has a special place. Usually a belly dancer or singer will entertain the guests and more luxurious weddings will have more than one entertainer.

As you can clearly see, the Lebanese truly believe a wedding is a celebration and there is no costs to keeping guests entertained.

Zuhair Murad is the epitome of Middle Eastern glamor, fashion and design. This Lebanese breakthrough in the International fashion scene has lead Murad to become an icon to his peers and audiences from around the world. His unique creations that define oriental essence and beauty have made their way towards all the major podiums, boutiques, and personalities.

Since debuting his collections in Paris, he has consistently enhanced techniques. The shape and form of his silhouettes can now be compared to those of other well renowned couturiers. It is so evident in watching the beautiful and dazzling silhouettes as they descend the runway. Thanks to his talent for synthesizing the rich colors of his native homeland with the elegance of European women, even bigger things are to be expected of the rising couturier star.

The international media has declared him as ‘the star rocketing designer’ and ‘one of the most promising young designers for the new era’ due to his unique style and creativity which ensure his ongoing successful career. Furthermore during his widely acclaimed ‘Free Spirit’ show in Paris he was conveyed as ‘Tomorrow’s Star’ by reputed leaders in the business.

For more information on designer Zuhair Murad and his amazing Couture Bridal & Evening Collections please visit WWW.ZUHAIRMURAD.COM

It has become very fun and innovative to use your wedding day shoes  to “secretly” express your inner style and to add unconventional color and flair to your entire look.

Its a way to add embellishment and uniqueness to an otherwise classic and traditional look.

So go out there and have a blast looking for that spectacular pair of shoes that will finish up your personal wedding day style!

The right style will add that flawless touch for the distinctive look on your special day.

Weather your gown is traditional or adventurous, classic or ethnic, your final hair inspiration can delicately or boldly fulfill your memorable vision!

Leading designers like Ziad Nakad, Zeina Mrad Haute Couture, Gina K, and Adlene Azar are some of the geniuses behind these fashion forward sensations.  They create the gowns of luxurious fabrics and hand stitch all the finishing details. All in all each piece is unique and unlike many of the bridal gowns seen before!