Prioritising wellness: Why grace comes before glamour

Wedding prep used to mean a crash course in cosmetic quick fixes, crash diets, and sleepless nights over seat placements. All that changed with bridal wellness, where beauty begins in the gut, balance is boosted by breathwork, and therapists are as important as tailors.

“The wedding is one day. Your mental health, and your relationship, are lifelong,” says Dr Aida Suhaimi, clinical psychologist at Medcare Camali Clinic. “Brides today are juggling layers of expectations from family, culture, and social media. But there are powerful tools to stay centred.”

Dr. Suhaimi outlines a mental toolkit that’s as essential as a bridal trousseau. Her mantra? Name it to tame it. “Anxiety? Totally normal. Overwhelm? Welcome to the club,” she quips. “Giving yourself permission to feel what you feel is the first step in not letting those emotions take over.”

She urges brides to set boundaries early, firm, kind phrases like “We’ve got this covered” can be game-changers. And yes, having a ‘boundary buddy’, someone to remind you to breathe when Auntie insists on a second sangeet, is a brilliant hack.

Her other essentials? “Clarify your values. Delegate like a boss. And schedule sanity breaks, ten minutes of absurd comedy or a deep breath in your car can reset your whole nervous system.” Above all, she says, unfollow anything that triggers the comparison trap. “Social media can make you self-conscious about a moment that should be uniquely yours.”

And don’t underestimate the power of therapy. “Even just a few sessions before the wedding can provide emotional clarity, especially if you struggle with people-pleasing or perfectionism,” she explains. Studies back her up, a 2023 Psychological Bulletin meta-analysis found short-term therapy significantly reduced anxiety in people facing major life events.

Then there’s EFT tapping and breathwork. “You can do them anywhere, before dress fittings, after awkward in-law chats, they’re portable peace,” she says. Try box breathing or a calming breath cycle (inhale for 4, hold for 2, exhale for 6) to shift from “fight-or-flight” to functional.

As for journaling? “It’s not just for teenage diaries,” Dr. Suhaimi insists. “A brain dump or a letter to your future self can quiet the chaos and re-anchor your joy.”

No bridal glow-up is complete without nutrition, and according to Mitun De Sarkar, clinical dietitian and founder of Simply Healthy, radiant skin starts way before the serum. “Your skin reflects your gut,” she says. “Three months before the wedding is the sweet spot to clean up your diet, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and truly glow.”

Her go-to list: antioxidant-rich berries, leafy greens, flaxseeds, and fermented foods like kefir. “Hydration is key, bonus if you can infuse water with mint and amala.” She also swears by probiotics, omega-3s, zinc, and collagen blends to build skin from within.

When stress spikes and sugar cravings kick in, De Sarkar’s advice is to nourish rather than numb. “Magnesium, B vitamins, and adaptogens get depleted fast,” she warns. “Reach for bananas, dark chocolate, matcha, avocados, and nuts. And skip the blood sugar rollercoaster, balanced meals with protein and good fats every few hours are essential.”

Her golden rule? Don’t skip meals. “It spikes cortisol, which leads to inflammation and breakouts. A nourished bride is a calm, confident bride.”

For Dr. Amir Firouzjaei, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner at Wellth, a bride’s glow is rooted in balance. “TCM supports the entire body’s harmony,” he says. “It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling vibrant, emotionally grounded, and deeply vital.”

He recommends starting acupuncture two to three months before the big day. “It reduces stress, regulates sleep, balances hormones, and even enhances skin health,” he notes. “Acupuncture also helps harmonise menstruation and eases PMS, common concerns as wedding day nears.”

Dr. Firouzjaei blends ancient remedies with practical rituals: foot soaks with herbs for better sleep and circulation, dietary therapies to match your body’s seasonal needs, and movement practices like Qigong to nourish qi (vital energy).

As for his secret skincare weapons? “Goji berries, chrysanthemum tea, jujube dates, pearl powder, and saffron,” he reveals. “They calm the spirit, nourish the blood, brighten the complexion, and reduce inflammation.”

Digestive issues before the big day? He recommends cooked, warm foods to support spleen and stomach energy, avoiding raw or greasy meals, and adding digestion-friendly spices like ginger. “Mindful eating and stress regulation are vital,” he adds. “The way you feel on your wedding day is the sum of all these small, daily habits.”