» Beauty & the bride
Preparation for the wedding day begins months, even years in advance. It should be the same story for your health and beauty regime as you discover which products and styles work best for you, so come the big day, you will look stunning. Words: Zara Friend
A year and six months before
In the run up to your wedding (or your friend’s wedding!) start a health and beauty regime you can stick to. Many brides choose to lose weight for their big day and opt for a dress size smaller than they usually wear. This may not always be a good idea as most brides-to be choose their dress a year or so before their wedding date, so a diet plan will have to be followed carefully to ensure you fit into your dream dress on the day itself! When you have your wedding outfit sorted, you will have a few regular fittings before the actual wedding date, so don’t fret too much about losing or gaining weight.
For many, it’s about maintaining their ideal body weight in the run up to the wedding. Eat sensibly and exercise regularly, perhaps choosing to focus on certain ‘problem’ areas as necessary. If your dress is strapless, tone the arms and the shoulders with regular exercises including bicep and tricep curls. If you have a tight-fitting dress, work the tummy area with daily sit-ups for a toned figure. Vintage-style shorter wedding dresses are in style – if you do choose to bear your pins, keep calves shapely and toned with regular exercises. Most importantly, don’t fret too much and don’t opt for drastic changes. Be sensible and remember that buying the right underwear can go a long way in achieving the perfect body shape!
In terms of hair care, decide how to wear your ‘do’ in advance. Are you thinking of wearing a veil, tiara, fascinator or real flowers? Will you be wearing an up-do, a chic bob or have long flowing curls? Discuss your thoughts with your stylist well in advance so your perfect cut can be achieved. If you’re growing your hair down, regular trims are essential to aid growth and prevent dry, split ends. If you choose to colour your hair, have a practice months before, even if you are used to hair dye. Different products may cause an allergic reaction or the shade may turn out different to that desired. It may be a case of trial and error, but it may save a lot of tears come the actual wedding.
Start a skincare routine you can follow. If you are prone to breakouts, try gentle exfoliating glycolic products that can protect and heal the skin. Finally, indulge a little and go for a monthly facial to keep skin soft, toned and glowing.
Two weeks before
Many brides today choose to have their makeup applied professionally. If you’ve arranged for a make-up artist for the day of the wedding, make sure you’ve had some run-throughs with products and shades to ensure you are satisfied with the result. There’s nothing worse than scrubbing off a make-up artist’s work just to reapply it yourself because you were unhappy with the results but too polite to say! It’s a service you pay for so make sure that it meets all your requirements and standards.
Continue to visit your facialist to ensure skin is left clear and soft and create the perfect base for make-up to be applied to. You may want to look different to your everyday style but remember that weddings are mainly a daytime affair so the natural look is the best option. Lasting foundation and eye make-up create a flawless finish while lipstick can be touched up throughout the day. Have your hair coloured about a week or two before the wedding, just in case the shade doesn’t come out quite as expected!
If you’re away for a weekend break – perhaps a hen do in Spain – protect your skin with a high factor sun lotion. A sun-kissed tan looks stunning against a white wedding dress but bikini strap marks and red sunburn is a different story!
The day before
Have a rest and a good night’s sleep! All the plans will be finalised, with each member of the wedding party clear on their roles. Now is the time to treat yourself to a manicure as your hands will soon be on show!
End the day with a shower or bath and have an early night’s sleep. It may sound impossible with all the excitement and/or nerves, but aim for the full eight hours!
