Is “shedding for the wedding” necessary? Here’s what we think.
You’re hearing it from everyone – friends, family, even the attendants at the bridal salon. The constant comments about your body and appearance, and whether you’re planning to start “shedding for the wedding” (aka, losing weight before the big day).
You may have never even considered that possibility until now. You hadn’t given much thought to your weight or dress size, but after so many people have offered their thoughts, you might be starting to wonder if you should shed a few pounds before heading down the aisle.
So, is “shedding for the wedding” really necessary? Should you start counting your calories and hitting the gym in preparation for zipping up that dress?
Here’s what we think: HELL NO.
Why the idea of “shedding for the wedding” is toxic
We’ll just come out and say it: the implication that your body is somehow inappropriate for your wedding is incredibly insulting, and above all else, incorrect.
Guess what? There’s no weight limit to walk down the aisle, and gorgeous white gowns come in just about any size you can imagine. Your fiancé didn’t slip the ring on your finger with conditions like “I’ll only marry you if you drop 20 pounds” (and girl, if they did, RUN). The care from your family and friends isn’t dependent on what you weigh (and if it is, RUN FROM THEM TOO). The important people in your life love you for who you are, in this moment. And they will continue to love you whether you’re a size bigger or a 2 sizes smaller.
Weddings are not celebrations of changing your body to meet some warped societal standard — they are celebrations of love. And love happens at any number on the scale.
Image courtesy of Foxlight Studios
When “shedding for the wedding” makes sense
Your body is your business. If you know you feel your best a few pounds lighter, and you really want to work towards that in a healthy and sustainable way, then go for it. But that decision should come from YOU, not from anyone else. You shouldn’t be working out for hours because your future mother-in-law suggested it, you shouldn’t be counting calories because your best friend did it before her wedding, and you shouldn’t be “on a detox” because you learned about it at an expo.
Remember that you deserve to feel your best walking down the aisle. YOU get to decide what your “best” is.
Image courtesy of Studio Nichole Photography
How to view diet and exercise in the months leading up to your wedding
Chances are, you’ve figured out by now how stressful wedding planning can be. You have enough on your plate, and trying to drastically change your body shouldn’t be one more thing that’s stressing you out.
Instead, view diet and exercise for what they are: forms of self-care. In the months leading up to your wedding, strive to eat the foods that give you natural energy and nourishment. The same can be said for exercise — find the activities that you enjoy, that leave you feeling refreshed. Don’t force yourself into an OrangeTheory class or a treadmill run if you hate those things! A walk around the neighborhood with your fiancé, or a chill yoga session can be just as beneficial to your physical AND mental health.
So Brides of Long Island, don’t let ANYONE tell you that “shedding for the wedding” is a requirement. You are a bride, and all brides are beautiful — not in spite of, but BECAUSE of the body you’re in right now.
