A match made in heaven

Take the indulgent route to a stress-free wedding

When the big day finally arrives and all eyes are on you, you want to feel totally prepared - both mentally and physically. Luckily for us, when it comes to keeping the dreaded Bridezilla at bay, a little spa indulgence can go a long way. Whether it's a mini-break with the hens, some quality mother and daughter time pre-wedding or drop-in beauty treatments to make sure you and your Prince Charming are in tip-top condition for the big day, spas will get you looking lush and feeling fabulous in no time.

Stories of brides (and grooms) tearing their hair out pre-wedding are nothing new, but taking a step back from the preparations can help you de-stress and re-focus. Why not treat yourself to a spa indulgence each time you tick something off that never-ending list of wedding preparations? Finding a venue surely deserves a facial and you'll never want a full body massage more than after a hard day toiling overall the intricacies of the seating plan. With hundreds of treatments to choose from and spas sprinkled all over the world, you should never be more than a stone's throw away from your perfect pampering session. And if you're unsure of exactly what treatments to try, no need to panic; let this be your guide.

The Big Countdown

Spa breaks can be enjoyed whether you're going solo or en masse, so firstly decide if you're looking for a little 'me-time' or if you want a girly gathering in a chilled-out environment. If the bride-to-be (or the bridesmaids) are hoping to look fighting fit and keep off any excess pounds that might emerge before that special day, a spa detox escape with a nutrition plan and wobble-busting exercise classes could be the perfect thing. Whether you go for a full detox package or not, with alcohol and fatty foods off the menu at most spas, choosing healthy options is easy – although there is usually the opportunity to sup on some Champagne if you're feeling naughty. If you don't fancy dawn-call boot camps or wheatgrass juice fasts though, quick-fix treatments such as Swedish massage and lymphatic drainage massage are great at getting rid of excess water-retention and flushing away the toxins for peachy honeymoon skin.

For a bit of fun with your hens, group therapies and treatments should be topping your to-do list. Keep your eyes peeled for spas with Rasul mud chambers where you can have a gossip and a giggle while your skin is carried across the threshold to silky-smooth perfection.

Groom that Groom

Let's hear it for the boys. Spas aren't there just to be enjoyed by women and the days when ladies who lunched were the only ones propping up the pool are long gone. With the men's grooming industry thriving, more and more men-only spas and treatments are appearing. So, if you're a looming groom and you want a little sprucing before that ring's firmly on your finger, why not go for a manly manicure, pedicure, jitter-busting massage or have the perfect barbershop shave ready for all those in-law kisses. Many men's spas also have fully-equipped gyms so you can prime your physique in time for the big night.

Going to the Chapel

You've had your facial and you've done your detox, but there are still some last-minute treatments you can slot in before the organ starts playing. Everyone looks healthier (and slimmer) when they're sporting a tan, but if you want to save the real rays for the honeymoon you can opt for a sunless tanning treatment instead. Choose a salon that offers hand air-brushing rather than the booth spray to make sure you're glowing evenly all over in those wedding pictures.

With a big focus on your newly-ringed fingers, you'll also need perfectly manicured digits and while you're at it, why not go the whole hog and get your toes done too? If you're having your bridal hair and make-up done at a spa or salon, nails will normally be included and your make-up artist will be able to offer advice on whether you should go for a natural French manicure or shocking pink to match the bouquet.

Last but not least are the pre-wedding jitters, if you'd rather not drown them in Champers, there's always EFT (emotional freedom techniques) – a taught method of focusing your thoughts that will leave you cool, calm and collected in time for when you come face to face with the man of your dreams.

To get loads of tips and hints on wedding and hen planning plus your own free personal wedding website that is invaluable to you and your guests, visit www.weddingpath.co.uk.