Wedding day beauty begins months ahead
Your healthy beauty routine begins long before your wedding date and that’s a good thing, because you have lots to do! With the average engagement being about 14 months, you have plenty of time to be the best version of yourself before you walk down the aisle. Whether that means letting your hair grow longer, improving your skin, getting more fit or whatever is important to you, you can accomplish your goals, even while juggling all your other must-dos on your list. Here’s a schedule from The Knot, showing how you can prioritize your health and beauty goals before the big day.
5 to 6 months before your wedding • Begin a stress-relief program. Reserve at least one night a week for some non-wedding activities or quiet time. • Start experimenting with different hair styles and/or colors, so you have plenty of time to grow your hair into a new “do” well before your wedding day. • Get serious about skin care. Start a good cleansing and moisturizing routine. Consider consulting a dermatologist or other skin professional for monthly facials. • Eat good, healthy foods, like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, for your best health. • If you do need to lose weight before your wedding, consult your doctor and set a reasonable goal through good nutrition and fitness. Make sure to meet your goal and stay there, before your dress fittings begin. Once fittings are underway, you’ll want to maintain your weight for the best fit. • Incorporate exercise into your daily routine to build muscle, strength and relieve tension.
3 to 4 months before your wedding • Make appointments for consultations with different hair stylists. Take photos of hairstyles you like, as well as pictures of your veil and headpiece. If you want an updo, discuss with your stylist how long your hair will need to grow out in order to work with that style. • Make consultation appointments with potential makeup artists. Decide what features you want to play up and play down. • Book your hair and makeup appointments for your wedding date. Set up a day-of-wedding beauty schedule. • Experiment with self-tanners. Consider the neckline of your gown and what tan lines you may need to cover.
1 to 2 months before your wedding • Meet with your makeup artist for a trial run, or get a makeover at a cosmetic store counter and purchase your own products so you have time to practice. • Bring your veil to your hairstylist for a trial run of potential “dos.” • Consider having your eyebrows professionally shaped. • Get a salon facial or use an at-home face mask. Don’t risk an allergic reaction closer to your wedding day. • Consider whitening your teeth, either by a dentist or with an over-the-counter whitening system.
2 weeks before your wedding • Get your final haircut or trim. No experimenting now; just stick to the look you love. • Eat right, nix the salt and fat. • Exfoliate and moisturize your skin, especially dry areas like elbows, hands and feet. • Drink lots of water to keep your skin clear and glowing. • Touch up your hair color. • Confirm your wedding day beauty appointments.
1 week before your wedding • Avoid overindulging in salty snacks and alcohol at your pre-wedding parties. • Get a bikini wax, final eyebrow shaping and shave those legs. • Splurge on a pampering massage. • Get a final facial, but give yourself several days to get rid of any skin irritations.
1 day before your wedding • Pack an emergency beauty kit of items you shouldn’t leave home without. • Deep condition your hair. • Exfoliate your skin, using products you’ve tried before, to amp up your wedding day glow. • Have a professional pedicure and manicure, paying close attention to the mani, for all the photos that will be taken and attention given to your ring. • Take a long, relaxing bath.
On your wedding day • Eat a healthy breakfast to keep you energized for the long day ahead. • Get your hair and makeup done. Wear a robe or button-down shirt, one that matches your gown, to get the right color makeup application. • Enjoy this memorable day!
