Most women dream of looking their absolute best on their wedding day. In fact, many brides in spend the period of time from their engagement to their wedding day, toning up, losing weight and eating better. But while dreaming about becoming a buff bride is one thing, actually becoming one takes work. Here are some easy tips to help you get in shape for your big day.

Set goals little by little 

Maybe your ultimate goal is to lose the fifteen pounds that you somehow gained since college. But instead of trying to tackle losing all that weight at once, start by taking baby steps. First strive to just start exercising more by walking for 30 minutes after work. Once you've got that down then start eliminating the sweets. Next work in some light weight training. Before you know it you'll be halfway toward meeting your ultimate goal  and it will seem a lot easier than facing it all at once.

Be a slacker

No, you're not going to meet your goals by eating ice cream every night. But that doesn't mean you can't still indulge yourself. Set a night a week where you can eat your favorite dessert  but only if you've stayed on track all week. Or make one day a no-exercise day and spend it on the couch. That way you won't feel deprived from the things you love.

Get a buddy

Coming up with excuses to skip the gym is easy if you only have yourself to answer to. But its a lot tougher when you have a work out buddy relying on you for motivation. Get a friend or coworker to exercise with you once or twice a week. It will make meeting your work out goals a lot easier  and much more fun!

Mix things up 

If your new exercise regiment consists of running, running and more running, you'll probably get bored pretty fast. Mix up your work outs with a combination of different types of cardio, flexibility and strengthening exercises. It'll give you a better total body workout while keeping things fresh.

Leave your car at home

Need to run a quick errand? Make it really worth your while and walk to the store. You'll still be able to do the things you need to do, while getting in shape. Doing this a few times a week can really pay off!

Write it down 

Do you really know what you're eating? You may be surprised. To take a closer look at your eating habits, start a food journal. Write down everything you eat (and drink!) for one week  you'll see where you're overindulging and where you're not getting enough of what you need. Plus, its harder to feel good about bingeing on sweets when you know you'll have to be reminded of it the next day.

Reward yourself 

Not that looking and feeling your best on your big day isn't reward enough, but sometimes it helps to have smaller rewards to help you along the way. Use those new shoes you've been eyeing as bait and buy them for yourself once you've stuck with your regiment for two weeks. Or reward yourself with a professional massage once you've stayed on track for one month. These little rewards will make it a lot easier to stay motivated.

Accept defeat 

Keep in mind that there will probably be days when you get off track. Just remember that tomorrow is another day. And no matter what, when you walk down that aisle during your Myrtle Beach area wedding, you will be gorgeous!