Getting engaged and planning a wedding is
one of the most exciting things you will do in your life. As
if that isn't enough, when your wedding day nears, you will
need to focus on your beauty, hairstyle and makeup needs.
How you look on your wedding day will be
the single most important thing people will remember.
Photographs and videos will document your glory and bring
pride when walking down memory lane. Plan your hairstyle and
makeup ahead of time and you will look simply radiant.
Before Your Special Day
Getting plenty of beauty sleep is the
secret to not only how you will look on your wedding day,
but how you will feel. This doesn't mean just the night
before you get married -- it means the entire week.
While planning on beauty rest and getting
your beauty rest are two different things, make it a
priority to get a full night's sleep, every night. Keep any
daytime naps to a minimum so they don't interfere with your
ability to get that nighttime shut-eye.
Pamper yourself every night with a warm
bubble bath before bed. Get out the candles and wine if
necessary to set a relaxing atmosphere. Turn on the
answering machine to field phone calls and ask family
members not to be disturbed.
Your mind may be racing, so keep a notepad
on your nightstand so you can jot down ideas and to-dos, so
it won't keep you awake at night. Just knowing you won't
forget the small stuff will give you piece of mind.
Eat healthy and choose your foods
carefully in the days leading up to your wedding. Avoid any
foods known to cause bloating and gas. Now is not the time
for a crash diet. Just be sensible and you won't sacrifice
your health over a couple of extra pounds.
Makeup Tips
You're going to want to look beautiful, so
take into consideration if your wedding is scheduled for a
day or night event. If your wedding takes place in the
daytime hours, your make up should look natural. When the
night falls and the party begins, touch up your make up with
darker shades if you like.
Consider having your makeup applied by
a professional. Schedule a trial run.
Exfoliate your skin and follow up with
a toner.
Your foundation should blend in with
your skin tone. Blend it into your neck to avoid
embarrassing lines.
Neutral tones are the best for daytime.
Use an eyelash curler to make your
lashes appear longer.
Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is a
must! Brown/black will flatter both blondes and brunettes.
To prevent clumping, don't use old
mascara.
Avoid a shiny face. Powder your face
with loose translucent powder after you apply your
foundation. Take along pressed powder for touch ups. This
is especially important for your wedding photographs.
Stay away from crème eye shadow. You
need some staying power, so stick with powder.
Apply lip liner under matte lipstick.
Keep your foundation light to avoid any
streaking and check it outdoors or in bright light when
you're finished.
Bridal Hair Style Tips
Your headpiece will play a large role in
your hair style choice so pick it up from the bridal shop as
soon as possible. Take it with you to your salon for a
beauty consultation about one month before your wedding.
Your stylist will then be able to determine when you should
get your hair trimmed and how to style your hair to
compliment your headpiece.
Generally, if you need a trim, one week
before your wedding is sufficient. If you're going for a
hair cut or total change, try this two to three weeks before
your wedding so you have time to adjust.
If you're planning on wearing large
earrings, take them along too. They may look completely
different with your hairstyle and headpiece than what you
imagined. Make all appointments well in advance so there are
no unwelcome surprises.
Your hair will probably be exposed to
the weather more than usual. Use a conditioner or hot oil
treatment to prevent frizz.
Always carry a comb and pocket-sized
can of hairspray with you or have your personal attendant
carry it for you.
Stay out of the wind as much as
possible.
Have extra bobby pins on hand for
emergencies.
When you get your final trim or haircut,
get your eyebrows shaped. Have them touched up when you
get your hair styled for your wedding.
Don't forget your bridesmaids. Let
their styles compliment your own.
Remind the groomsmen and ushers to get
in for routine hair cuts the week of the wedding.
Personal Attendants
Make sure you choose a trusted friend or
relative to be your personal attendant. She will be a key
player in your sanity and can carry along a larger handbag
to store essentials like a spare pair of panty hose, tissue,
needle and thread, make-up, hairspray and Tylenol.
Bottled water may not sound good now, but
will definitely save your makeup if your facility has
drinking fountains. Prepare your personal attendant's list
ahead of time -- so your not left at the altar without
lipstick and other essentials.
Odds-N-Ends
Your hands will be in many pictures so
don't forget a manicure. Have it done professionally the
day before your wedding.
Your fragrance should be light and
romantic. Don't apply any directly to your dress. Even
with dry cleaning, it could leave a permanent stain.
