Edited from original guest article on Vintage Bride Mag. 

Some people look like it’s their wedding day every day; their hair is perfectly blow-dried and styled, their make-up looks tip-top, they don’t go out in their track pants. If this sounds like you, you are probably not in need of an article like this. Most people are not like this though, and fair enough, because who’s got time for that?!

But most people do want to look like the most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day. So how do you approach this and what do you need to think about?

Firstly, what you should NOT do. Do not try out new things too soon before the wedding or on the wedding day. I’ve seen all kinds of disasters from patchy and smudgy fake tan to allergic reactions and irritated skin from beauty products, to terrible eyelash extensions.

So what should you think of you ask? We’ve got you covered!

HAIR

To make sure your hair looks healthy on the day talk to your hairdresser as soon as possible to get a professional opinion on how to get your hair look best. Look at styles you like and what length of hair you need for those. Also think about using conditioning hair masks and products to give your hair an extra boost. (6-12 months before)

Adopt a healthy diet. Experts say that foods like fish, nuts, leafy green vegetables, beans and eggs (high in Vitamin B) will help you maintain healthy, shiny hair. I guess it’s always a good idea to watch your diet, so there is no reason to not start with this today!

If you consider extensions, get them well in advance (4-6 months) and try them out, to make sure it’s the right colour and that you like the look. Also wear them during your hair trial, so your stylist knows what to expect.

SKIN

Everyone’s skin is different and what works a charm for one person, causes another person to break out. If your skin looks good, I would recommend not changing your beauty regimen at all. If you want to give it some extra care, you can visit a aesthetician for a facial treatment, but don’t start doing this less than 3 months before the wedding, as you don’t want to deal with reactions in the weeks leading up to or on your wedding day.

If you have any skin issues you are worried about, see a professional such as a dermatologist well in advance (>6 months).

Plan your makeup trial 2-3 months before your wedding. Ideally you have your hair and your makeup trial on the same day and in the morning, so you can test the durability. I also recommend trying on your wedding outfit on the same day as well if possible, so you can see how it all comes together.

You can try to time your trial together with a dinner, event or party, but don’t get to hung up on this, as the goal of your trial isn’t the same as getting done up for just a random special occassion. If you get the artist(s) to do your hair and makeup for an engagement photoshoot, you get an idea of how they work and how their work looks in photos. This might not replace a trial as you probably don’t want the same hair & makeup. 

Last but not least, hydrated and radiant-looking skin comes largely from within, so try to take good care of your body and soul.

EYES

False lashes can be a beautiful option for your wedding day. They really emphasise the eyes. If applied properly and you don’t touch them during the day, they shouldn’t come off. If you’ve never worn them before, try the on your trial to see if you like the look and feel of them. A great option are single lashes, as you won’t feel them and it doesn’t matter if one or two fall out.

Lash extensions are a great option for your wedding day, as you won’t need mascara on the day so you can cry as much as you like! Get a trial run done at least 2 months before to make sure you like the length and volume, as there are many different looks possible and you don’t want to look like a drag queen (unless you’re into that of course). You do have to get them touched up every few weeks, but consider it an investment for your wedding day. The last touch-up can be in the week before the big day.

A more environmentally friendly option would probably be a lash lift, and the results are more natural than lash extensions!

LIPS

You don’t want to have dry or chapped lips on your big day, so start taking care of them at least 3 months in advance. Exfoliate once a week, with a sugar scrub or simply just brush your lips with a wet toothbrush in a gentle back-and-forth motion (start 2 months before). Moisturise your lips each night and make sure to also use sunscreen if you’re going to be out in the sun, burned lips look and feel horrible (always think of protecting your lips against the sun, regardless of your wedding).

If you want to wear a bold colour lipstick, be aware hardly any product will be completely smudge-free. If you’re not used to wearing long-lasting lip products, they might feel (and look!) drying. Great to try out on your trial, so you know whether their look and feel works for you. Your makeup artist may be able to advise, but it’s also a good idea to search for the perfect product and colour yourself, as everyone’s lips react differently to these products and you don’t want to worry about it on the day.

BODY

Whether you’re a fan or not, lots of brides are going for that sun-kissed look, even if they’ve never had a fake tan before. All good, but do not ever decide to use a fake tanning product on the morning of your wedding day, unless you’ve been using the product for at least a few months and know exactly how it will look and are 100% sure it won’t rub off to your dress!

If you’d like to get a natural, healthy glow, go for a gradual self-tanning product. Try it out 3-6 months before the wedding to see the results. If you’d like to try a spray tan, one is probably sufficient, but try it out a couple of months ahead of time to make sure you’re happy with the look (and to make sure it doesn’t make you look orange!).

For smooth-looking skin use a natural body scrub or a scrubbing mitt or brush once a week. Moisturise your skin generously after showering.

On the day don’t worry about a thing and just go with the flow. Enjoy your hubby to the max and SMILE!

If you’d like to have a chat about your wedding, please get in touch for a free consultation!