Image via burnettsboards.com, photography by Sara Logan Photography
After kicking off our A to Z of weddings by deliberating how brides can top off their wedding attire with fabulous ‘A’ccessories we now move on to the letter B, which is for beauty.
Some may think that a bride doesn’t need to worry about her beauty regime until almost reaching her wedding day – but the preening and primping preparations often start well in advance.
Upon setting the date for the wedding and booking a venue, many brides begin the search for a make-up artist who they can trust to transform them into a gorgeous goddess on the big day. When embarking on the hunt, ladies should look out for glowing testimonials, details of their experience and also find out what brands they use to ensure its high-quality stuff that will stand the test of time in front of the camera. Once decided it’s helpful for a bride to think about the type of look she would like for her big day and collect images that will help their chosen make-up artist achieve what’s desired. When it comes to the trial; try, try and try again until you are happy with your chosen look and your make-up artist is happy they can recreate it.
But of course, make-up is just one small part of a bride’s beauty plan in the run up to their wedding. So let’s take a look at what else is on the
mission goddess
to do list.Collage image sources as tagged in gallery.
eight to six months to go
Starting at this point gives brides time to make changes to their diet, beauty regime and fitness ritual ahead of the big day, without causing too much added stress to the already demanding task of organising a wedding.
If, like me, you’re guilty of not drinking enough water, now’s the time to up your intake as H2O is the simple solution to clearer, brighter skin. To ensure your skin is glowing and your eyes twinkle, try to drink at least eight glasses a day.
Following a healthy eating plan should also help to boost your skin as well as your hair and nails and will also help you shed any extra pounds you’d like to ditch. Weight-loss is of course aided by exercise so now’s the time to up your efforts in this area too. While high-intensity fat-burning exercise like running, aerobics and spinning will be top of the agenda for brides looking to slim down, those that are happy with their weight might just want to shape-up areas that their dress will highlight, such as toning their upper arms, stomach and/or bum.
Oh and let the pampering commence! If your pre-wedding budget allows treat yourself to a programme of tailored facials up until the week before your wedding to clear up and enhance your skin. Alternatively, if your purse strings are a little tight, you can always treat yourself to facials in the comfort of your own home.
Image via stylemepretty.com, photograpy by Melissa Schollaert Photography
three months to go
You should be starting to see the results of your new beauty, diet and exercise routine but you could always step it up a gear by cutting down on your tea, coffee and alcohol intake which will enhance your appearance further.
If you’re becoming tired of your current exercise regime mix it up a little by trying a new class such as yoga or Pilates which will help improve your posture and core muscles while helping you to de-stress.
If you fancy spoiling yourself a little, start having regular manicures to keep your hands and nails in tip-top condition ready for that wedding ring close-up shot!
one to two months to go
By now you should have clearer skin, glossier hair and a more slimmed down and/or toned up figure.
You can boost your beauty regime further by body brushing and exfoliating to rid yourself of dry skin cells resulting in a much more radiant look.
If a Hollywood smile is also on your ‘must list’ it’s time to whiten those pearls, whether you opt for a home-kit or book in for a professional procedure with a dentist.
Image via bridalmusings.com, photography by Ciara Richardson
seven to five days to go
Get a bikini wax and either shave or wax those legs so you’re ready for any wedding night passion and/or the honeymoon that‘s to follow.
Now is also a good time for any final eye-brow shaping and tinting.
If pre-wedding nerves are getting to you an indulgent massage might be just the ticket to relieve tense and aching muscles.
Have your final facial now to allow your skin to settle down ahead of the wedding but you can continue to exfoliate and moisturise to achieve a really flawless complexion.
Oh and did I mention to drink plenty of water?
two days to go
Try not to wear any make-up a day or so before your wedding to allow your skin to breath.
A visit to the beauty salon is in order for those wanting spray tans, manicures and pedicures.
And the final stage in the ‘make me a goddess’ countdown is simply to get plenty of beauty sleep the night before the wedding – just so long as the pre-nerves or excitement aren’t kicking in too much, that is. The result should be one confident, radiant and beautiful bride who is ready for her moment in the nuptial limelight.
