Every little girl has her wedding day fantasy. Will her prince be Mr. Charming? Will she look absolutely stunning as she heads down the aisle? Now that you are a grown woman and newly engaged, are you ready to enter the bridal gown battle zone?

Whether you are in the best shape of your life or in need of some "revamping", take advantage of the following gown shopping and pre- wedding fitness tips to make the most of your coming special day:

Begin your gown shopping 9-12 months before the wedding. Do not take an entourage with you; either pick your most trusted friend, sibling or mother to accompany you. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to such a major purchase in your life.

Do not take it personally when the retail associate asks you for your dress size. If you wear a size 8 normally, she will automatically point you to a rack of size 10 dresses. It is typical for bridal gowns to run one full size up from your regular attire. No need to panic, it is not a reflection of weight gain on your part.

Ask for a session with a personal trainer for consultation.

Remember free weights are the fastest way to tone your body, particularly your upper torso. Lighter weights with higher numbers of repetitions will work best. This will achieve toning without the bulk.

Four to six months before the wedding make an appointment with a nutritionist or dietitian. This consultation is not expensive and can give you needed insight into your eating lifestyle. Garbage in really is garbage out. Hint: Colleges may offer this service free from their nutrition students.

Water is the source of all life. There is nothing better you can do for yourself than drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water per day. Water will quench your body's natural thirst, flush toxins from your system and provide your skin with much needed moisture. Keep bottled water available for when you are on the go!

Limit sodium intake. Don't deprive yourself from snacking, but monitor the amount of extra salt in your diet. High levels of sodium can lurk in canned soups, chips, pretzels and favorite beverages (especially sport drinks). Salt bloats the body and leaves you feeling puffy.

Do not rule out a body wrap (or two) the week before the wedding. Body wraps cleanse the body of toxins in your system and flush out extra weight caused by water retention. This is not recommended as a weight loss regime. A good body wrap consultant will remind you that weight/inch loss experienced will return unless you alter both diet and exercise habits.

Once the big day arrives and you are being buttoned in or zipped up, it is how you feel on the inside that is most important. By following the guidelines given, you should have a smile on your face, a glow to your skin, and a skip to your step as you head down the aisle to your prince who awaits.

Helpful Links

Beauty & Health, About.com
Health and Fitness Network
Broadcast.com - Health & Fitness Webcasts (audio/video)
Fitness Connection
71 Weight Loss Tips