Hot New Trend: Bridal 'Shapecations'

June 22, 2008 -- Boozy bachelorette parties may be a thing of the past. This summer, many soon-to-be-brides are trading crazy nights on the town for vacations full of exercise, good food and relaxation.

Carly Golob, 27, is one of them. The bride-to-be is counting down the days until she walks down the aisle, gearing up for her big day later this summer when she will wed her fiance, Joshua Tabak, 28.

But instead of planning a wild night on the town to celebrate, Golob had what's known as a "shapecation," the newest bridal trend aimed at health-conscious brides.

From coast to coast, Golob is a part of a growing number of women planning bridal party getaways to lose weight, tone up and bring on that healthy glow before the dress goes on.

"I'm planning a huge wedding," she said. "I'm stressed!"

To combat the stress and make sure she looks picture-perfect in time for the big day, Golob decided that she wanted a different kind of celebration. So she and her bridesmaids headed to a resort for their "shapecation."

The hotel industry has noted the trend.

"[It's] big business for us, but more importantly, it creates a valuable memory for our customers," said Matt Stewart, sales director at the Desert Springs J.W. Marriott.

Ready for bridal boot camp, Golob and her friends checked into Stewart's hotel in Palm Desert, Calif.

"We sometimes forget to take care of ourselves, cause we get caught up in the daily routine," Golob said.

The hotel's "shapecation" program helps the ladies work out, eat calorie-conscious organic meals and enjoy a spa experience designed to calm the most stressed-out bride. The package that Golob and her friends chose starts at about $2,400. Click here for more information.

"We've actually gotten to bond a little differently, because when you are in a nightclub, you don't really talk," said bridesmaid Suzanne Rogers.

"We'll look prettier in our pictures, and we don't even have to worry about our dark circles" said bridesmaid Brittany Cantando.