Whoa! Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday when you proposed, but the wedding is coming up fast! Things like this sneak up on you, so it’s important to be a step ahead. Luckily, we’re here to help with five proactive steps you can take to prep yourself for your wedding.

Step One: Get Cleaned Up

Think about your car. While a trip through the car wash is fine for driving around town, for special occasions you want it detailed. That’s exactly how you should think about getting cleaned up for your wedding.

First, begin with your tux. Think about how you want to look and feel when you’re watching her come down the aisle. Think about what cuts and colors you prefer, then communicate with your bride. She will likely have strong opinions about what you should and should not wear. Try to to be sensitive to her opinions, but if you have strong preferences, you should make them known. Make compromises if necessary so that your outfit is more in line with her vision. It might be a good idea to bring her with you when you go shopping so that you can stay on the same page.

Second, think about your skin. Remember, unlike your fiance, you probably won’t be wearing a pound of makeup on your wedding day—so it’s important to start a skincare routine early in order to prevent breakouts. As far in advance of the wedding as possible, establish a skincare routine. We’re not saying you have to go get spa treatments; a standard skincare routine should just include a cleanser and a toner to cleanse your skin, followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect it. If you’re worried about acne or excessively dry skin, visit a dermatologist for a consultation and treatment recommendations.

Third, evaluate your smile. There will be a million photographs taken on your wedding day, and you will probably be smiling in most of them. If you feel self-conscious about yellow or stained teeth, you should consider whitening them. Most dentists have a range of whitening treatments, such as take-home tray whitening. Rydel Family Dental says that when you get tray whitening, “An impression of your teeth will be taken to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whiten your teeth. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up.” You apply bleaching gel to these trays, wear them 30-60 minutes up to twice a day, and presto! You have perfectly white teeth for your wedding. Your bride is sure to be impressed.

It’s the little things like this that will make you shine on your big day, and if you rent a tux, take care of your skin, and get your teeth whitened, you will definitely be shining in all your photographs.

Step Two: Do Some Manscaping

Men are hairy. It’s a fact of life. But before your wedding, you should do something to get your hair under control. Shave or trim any body hair that needs it, taking a long look at areas that your bride will enjoy after the wedding. Also, look at getting hair and beard treatments that will leave your mane looking its best. When it comes to getting a haircut, stick with something you are familiar with; get a fresh trim about a week before the wedding, and ask your stylist for product recommendations that will help you style it perfectly.  

Step Three: Maintain Your Weight

It will amaze you how different you look in a perfectly fitted tux, but it will look even better if you’re taking care of your body in the months before the wedding. Be proactive about eating a (mostly) healthy diet in the months leading up to the wedding, and establish an exercise routine. There are tons of online resources at your disposal, and some don’t even require access to a gym. But if you do have access to a gym, utilize the weights and the treadmill. You’ll be able to feel the difference within only a week or two of working out, and your bride is sure to notice the difference on the honeymoon. If you have trouble finding the time or motivation to exercise, consider this advice from Weddingbee: “The best way to find success is to find a workout plan that you like and have someone commit to doing it with you. (And who’s a better workout partner than your own future spouse?)”

Step Four: Study The Ceremony

We’ve all seen weddings in the movies. The groom’s job is to say “I do,” and kiss the bride. Simple, right? Maybe not. There are a variety of different religious and cultural traditions that can change the ceremony tremendously. Maybe your bride wants to light a unity candle, or create a time capsule or perform some other wedding ritual. Make sure you’re not caught off guard. Study up before the big day, so you know what’s going to happen. Communicate with your bride about the details of the ceremony, and make sure you know the schedule of events.

Step Five: Relax

Stress is one of those things that shows, no matter how much you try to hide it. Getting ready for your wedding will take a toll on you. Family, friends, and your fiancé will all be pulling at you with their own “to-do” lists. Prioritize yourself and your bride first. Do all that you can to support her, even if that may sometimes mean displeasing others. In the final week before your wedding, make sure to get plenty of sleep. Make sure you take the time to relax and get the rest you need so when the big day finally arrives, you can cheerfully celebrate your future with your bride!