A summer wedding has the advantage of making the weather a little more predictable, but can be a bit tricky for brides and bridesmaids that are no longer in their twenties. For many women, the idea of skipping down the aisle in a short, sleeveless dress is long gone, given the appearance of varicose veins, cellulite and sagging skin.

Don’t let these fears dictate your choice of wedding dress! Instead, make sure to do these 10 things before your summer wedding so you can feel fabulous on your big day.

1. Detox naturally by eating right!

The body becomes less forgiving as we get older, meaning that binge eating due to wedding stress is a sure fire way to pile on the pounds. Avoid the need for alterations to your dress by adopting a healthy diet as soon as that engagement ring is on your finger. Even better, make sure you and your spouse-to-be are eating right as soon as you start cohabiting!

By choosing a healthy, high-fibre, nutrient dense plant-based diet, you can keep the calorie count low, cravings in check, and support your body in the face of stress. What’s more, by focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains, you’ll be giving your body everything it needs to detox naturally. This doesn’t give you carte blanche to guzzle champagne without consequence, but it could help prevent a wedding day skin breakout.

2. Tan without trouble!

Getting a natural tan in the UK can be a little tricky, but most brides (summer or otherwise) would rather not look ghostly white at their wedding. Skip the risk of skin cancer, sunburn and strap lines by opting for an airbrush tan. Just make sure to book in advance and test out your colour, with plenty of time for the tan to dry before you get into your white dress!

3. Eyelash tint and waterproof mascara

Crying at your wedding is pretty much inevitable, but that needn’t mean you look like a panda in your wedding pictures. Get your eyelashes dyed in advance and choose a waterproof mascara that won’t run as you sob through your vows. For women with crow’s feet, waterproof eye make-up is a must!

4. Sleek summer legs

A long dress or a tailored suit is often the wedding outfit of choice for many older brides. If the only reason you’re considering these instead of a shorter dress is because of the desire to hide your varicose veins, though, it’s time to book an appointment with a respected vein surgeon.

Give yourself the option to wear whatever you want on your wedding day. Get safe, effective varicose vein treatment 6-8 weeks before the big day so you have sleek, smooth summer legs to skip down the aisle.

10 things to do before your summer wedding

5. Sun-kissed hair

Summer weddings call for a light, carefree sun-kissed hairstyle, so talk to your stylist about highlights, ombre or balayage as options for your wedding ‘do.

6. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a great way to reveal fresher, healthier looking skin for the big day. Just be sure to exfoliate thoroughly 7 days before the wedding, so as to give your skin a little time to calm down after sweeping away dead, dull skin cells.

7. Lessen the appearance of cellulite

The decline in collagen synthesis after the age of 30 can lead to increased cellulite that makes many women self-conscious. If this skin issue is a factor in your choice of wedding dress, treat yourself to an effective moisturiser containing pomegranate, vitamins C, E and A to help support healthy collagen synthesis and skin hydration. And, be sure to book yourself in for a spa treatment complete with seaweed wrap before your big day to help improve the tone of your upper arms and legs.

8. Quick-fix body toning

Maintaining muscle tone while planning for a wedding can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re trying all those wedding cakes, choosing wine, and skipping the gym to check out a venue. Find ways to incorporate quick-fix body toning into your day, such as taking the stairs when running errands, lifting (light) weights while you wait on the phone, and choosing a bachelorette activity that is fun and active, like going climbing!

9. Moisturise

Poorly hydrated skin is more likely to look wrinkled, saggy and lifeless, especially in wedding photos after being under bright lights all day. Piling on thick make-up can also accentuate dry skin by creating a caking effect. Keep the caking to the caterers by ensuring that you moisturise regularly in advance of the big day and use a lightweight moisturiser before applying any make-up.

And, appoint one of your bridal party to be your hydration consultant for the day, bringing you water and keeping you hydrated and happy so you can dance the night away.

10. Pedicure

Bunions, corns, callouses and dry skin can seriously undermine your wedding look. Treat your feet to a pedicure at least once a month while you plan your wedding as you’ll be on your feet a lot running wedding errands, and on the day itself. Summer weddings cry out for summer sandals, so polish those nails and buff that skin so you can stride down the aisle with supreme confidence.