Photo: Taylor Swift/Instagram
If you're an engaged girl, this is the time in life when you're most focused on the love of your life. But we don't need to remind you how important your BFFs are—and how you shouldn't put your relationships with your dearest friends on the back burner while you focus on all things wedding-related. (Worried you're being a bad friend? Here are five signs that you may be!).
So beyond the bachelorette party, bridal shower and wedding dress shopping, we propose putting some good old fashioned girl time that's not wedding related on your schedule. Our inspiration? The recent celeb girls' getaway that Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, and Cameron Diaz all took to Napa Valley; and Taylor Swift's recent girlfriends' weekend with her BFF Karlie Kloss. (Taylor's Instagram feed was filled with the two together on beaches, hiking around in the forest and posing with adorable animals. Cute!)
It made us think of all the fabulous, bonding and stress-releasing girlfriend experiences brides can have before the big day. No, these aren't gorgeous getaways to Napa (save that for your bachelorette party!); rather, they're easy ideas that probably used to be part of your regular routine—but may have fallen off your radar ever since wedding planning took over your life! Here, three easy ideas that you should make time for again :
See more: 4 Healthy Eating Changes Every Bride Can Make Before the Wedding
Break a sweat: Your friendship has weathered all kinds of ups and downs. Honor it with something active and outdoorsy like a day hike, where you can catch up with your pals while doing something heart-healthy! (Not the outdoorsy type? Sign up for a class like Bar Method or Zumba!)
Have a beauty day: If stress is running high (and, um, we're sure there will be times when it is!) book massages, manis or pedicures with your BFF. Then hit Sephora or your local department store's beauty counter to try on new shades of lip gloss.
Schedule a wine night: Make it an old-fashioned sleepover, but extra-special with good wine or cocktails, a cheese plate, olives and a great loaf of bread. Settle in for a night of movies, conversation, and tears if need be. You'll have less of this one-on-one time with her after the wedding, so carving out a night of at-home fun is extra special now.