We’ve asked our trusty Facebook brides to give us their slimming success stories and got them to share their weightloss secrets on how they shaped up for their wedding day.

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Slimming success

When we asked our brides-to-be about their wedding weightloss plans, we had an overwhelming number of them mention Slimming World.

“I joined Slimming World six months ago,” says Gill. “I’m getting married next month and have lost three and a half stone!”

“Slimming World has been the only diet that has worked for me,” agrees Rachel. “I enjoy the variety of food you can have.”

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Lindsey is taking things slowly and steadily: “I’m currently on Slimming World,” says Lindsey. “I get married in two years two months, so I’m giving myself plenty of time to get the weight off. I’m currently a size 18/20 and want to be no bigger than a 12 for when we marry.”

Jo’s lifestyle change hasn’t just helped her lose weight, it’s helped her whole family: “I have lost three stone with Slimming World and gone from a size 16/18 to a 10,” says Jo. “I am working hard to keep it off ready for September! The best bit is my family are all eating healthier.”

Watch your weight

Weight Watchers has been around for a long time and some brides have found that this diet plan suited them perfectly.

“I’m getting married next year so I joined Weight Watchers in January,” says Michelle, “I’ve done the programme before and know that it works for me.”

“Weight Watchers all the way,” adds Marie. “I did it before and know it works and I can still eat normal food. It’s a lifestyle change not a diet.”

“Don’t believe in drastic diets or replacement shakes,” says Helena. “I’ve done lots of exercise and Weight Watchers has worked fabulously. I’ve lost over two stone but I can still enjoy normal food and life.”

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Do your own research

If following a programme like Slimming World or Weight Watchers doesn’t work for you, then have a look around and see if there is anything that suits your needs.

High protein and low carb diets along with exercise are a proven way to help you lose weight, as Natalie and Jodie found out! “High protein with lots of fresh vegetables,” says Natalie. “Limited fruit also, as it’s not great for fat loss. I do this, plus bootcamp four nights a week!”

“No major carbs for me,” says Jodie. “I’ve cut out all potatoes, pasta, bread, crisps and chips. Pair that with lots of walking and I’ve lost stone and a half and I’m loving it. ”

The 5:2 diet has had a lot of publicity lately. It’s when you eat normally five days a week and severely reduce calorie intact the other two. “I’m trying the 5:2 diet, only just started so no progress to report yet,” says Jo. I had my first ‘fast day’ yesterday and didn’t feel hungry at all on just 500 calories! It’s about eating the right 500 calories.”

So it seems to us that there’s no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to slimming down before your big day – if indeed you want to lose weight at all! Some of you might like the discipline of belonging to a programme such as Slimming World or Weight Watchers. Others may be happy to follow a less formal programme by following the 5:2 diet or just by eating carefully and sensibly, avoiding carbs and refined sugar and doing more the exercise.

Of course, keeping active and fit is the best option and the trick is to find something that you will enjoy, otherwise  it will feel like a chore and you’re unlikely to keep it up after the wedding.