You dream of your wedding day your whole life. Looking perfect is a must, and for many, that means weight loss is a major concern.

While they are thinking about booking a reception hall or hiring a photographer, weight loss never escapes the bride's mind. You deserve to be the center of attention and to hear, "She looks amazing!" on your special day. Here are some tips to get your guests gazing in admiration.

1. Nutrition is paramount.

While it may seem like a great time for a fad diet or to stop eating, resist the temptation. You want to look good, but you also want to feel good. Your wedding is not the time to deprive yourself of nutrition.

You can get into the shape you want by following a safe and healthy weight loss plan for nutrition. The key is to start early so you have plenty of time. Quick weight loss isn't always healthy or safe.

* Cut 200-250 calories from your diet. That's a big soda or a few cookies. Not much of a sacrifice for looking great!

* Eat! Starving yourself or skipping meals causes your body to store fat instead of burning it.

* Add more fiber and protein to your diet for better health and quicker weight loss.

* Skip the convenience foods. If you are too busy to eat right, start bringing healthy snacks with you on your errands.

* Relieve stress with activity ? yoga, meditation, walking, playing with your dog ? instead of eating. Too often, people reach for sugary, starchy foods when they are stressed out. Do something instead.

* Don't get carried away with pre-wedding parties. Instead of grabbing a calorie-laden, bloat-inducing alcoholic drink, try water instead.

* Cut empty calories (like sugary desserts ? opt for fruit instead if you crave sweetness).

2. Exercise is critical.

Worrying about your weight is not enough. Waiting until the last minute to lose weight doesn't work.

Your body is not made to change that drastically in only a few days. You have to be committed to following a healthy nutrition and exercise plan if you want to lose weight for your wedding. Expecting your body to change in days is unrealistic.

* If you don't exercise, start. Do anything that gets your body moving. If you exercise regularly, add intensity and variety to see faster results.

* For people who do exercise, Bride Boot Camp videos and exercise programs can be just the challenge their body needs to kick up fat and calorie burning. There are a lot of different videos offered by excellent trainers, and they can be immensely rewarding.

* Kill two birds with one stone by taking dancing lessons. Not only will you lose weight, you will learn how to wow everyone on the dance floor at your wedding.

* Here are some effective exercises:

- Anything cardio. Get your heart going.

- Pushups. They're not just for soldiers anymore ? and they help give you gorgeous chest, back, and shoulder muscles.

- Lunges. These really help work your thighs and butt. Pair them with an chest press for even more fat burning power.

- Yoga and Pilates are effective for giving you a leaner, more graceful look.

- Use a stretchy band. These are easy ways to add resistance to your cardio or strength routines, and they help firm muscle.

- Stand up straight. This helps you not only look confident but also thinner.

3. Avoid common mistakes brides make when trying to lose weight.

* Not starting soon enough. Many people delay their weight loss program, thinking they have plenty of time. Soon, you are down to a month before the wedding. This is just not enough time to lose weight in a healthy manner. Weight loss doesn't happen overnight, and if you try to make it, you can damage your health.

* Ignoring exercise. There's no way around it: you need to exercise in order to lose weight and keep it off. Even if you do lose weight with just diet, your muscles look slack. Exercise gives you a much more defined, toned, and sexy look.

* Skipping meals. This is worth repeating because so many people try to stop eating to lose weight. Don't! Your body thinks it is starving and stops burning fat. It is a survival mechanism that you can't trick your body out of. Eat!

* Having unrealistic goals. If you have always been about a size 12, you're not going to magically become a size 4 for your wedding. This is fine ? it's your body. You can still tone your body and look amazing on your day. Choose a dress that flatters your real body, not the one you wish you had.

Most importantly, start losing weight now if you want to meet your goals for your wedding!

If you want to achieve real, lasting weight loss, you don't have to start your weight loss program the second after your fianc? proposes. The next day will do.