We all hate getting sick, the runny nose; chesty cough; nausea… the list goes on. So getting sick just in time for your wedding is bound to be a recipe for disaster. Planning a wedding can be stressful enough without throwing excess mucus into the mix so we’ve compiled a list of our top tips to keep your immune system in tip top condition in the run up to your wedding day.

1. Drink more water than you think you need.

I’m terrible when it comes to remembering to drink enough- I may have been a camel in a past life. Unfortunately for me, doctors recommend that we drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to stay fighting fit. This may seem like a lot but our bodies are made up of approximately 65% water. Without fresh water to flush out toxins the “body-water” becomes stagnant and bogged down with bacteria: so make sure you stay hydrated. Not only can drinking plenty of water keep you healthy but it will make your skin radiant and it can also speed up your metabolism- ideal if you would like to shift a couple of stubborn pounds before your wedding day.

2. Step away from the alcohol.

With Stag and Hen dos on the agenda in the run up to the big day, it can be tricky to avoid drinking more alcohol than you should. Unfortunately alcohol has a negative effect on your immune system which means that you’ll be more likely to catch that bug that’s doing the rounds at work. Try and keep the partying to a minimum in the weeks leading up to the wedding and make sure you allow yourself ample time after the stag and hen parties to recuperate.

3. Get plenty of sleep.

No, I am not giving you carte blanche to have a lie in every day, what I am telling you is that you need to get a minimum of 7 hours sleep a night. It may seem like you have too much going on in your head to sleep soundly but trust me, a good night’s sleep will ease your stress levels as well as giving your immune system a boost.

4. Keep it clean.

This should be a given, but for the slovenly amongst you - be sure to wash your hands regularly, especially when out and about and before eating. Carry a little bottle of hand sanitiser in your handbag or a mini-pack of baby wipes for times when there are no hand washing facilities. Cleanliness is next to godliness so they say, and it will definitely keep the germs at bay!

5. Eat well.

Ditch the fad diets, you look gorgeous! Radically restricting your diet to prepare for your wedding can have terrible effects on your health. Eating enough calories will ensure that your body has enough energy to fight off any nasties that may descend, while getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit and veg will not only keep you healthy on the inside but also make you glow on the outside. Win-win!

6. Exercise regularly.

Remember: we’re talking about exercising for health here, not for weight loss so don’t be tempted to start an extreme regime. Taking up running or going for regular walks in the fresh air will suffice, or if the weather is horrible then try a home fitness dvd or search the fitness vids on YouTube. Getting regular exercise keeps your heart healthy and apparently reduces the risk of catching a cold. who knew?

7. Socialise.

Don’t for a second think that by staying indoors until your wedding you will be able to avoid getting sick. Participating in social activities and staying in touch with friends can reduce your stress levels which, as well as aiding your emotional well-being, will also benefit your physical health. Not only that but your immune system needs to be challenged and exercised in order for it to stay maintained, however; I wouldn’t recommend that you visit with your best friend if her kids have a case of chickenpox! No amount of clean living is going to help you with that one I’m afraid!

Are you looking to get into perfect shape for your wedding, then take at look our health and beauty specialists.