Wedding Tactics

Everyone wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day. Some careful planning can help you get yourself in top beauty-shape for your big day. I have never been so careful, thorough and devoted to a skin care regime than I was in the months preceding my wedding.

6-9 Months Before:

- Collect names for wedding day hair and make-up professionals
- Begin getting manicures twice a month and pedicures once a month. (This can wait until about two to three months prior if you are trying to save money)
- Arrange to have monthly haircuts, just trims to keep your hair looking fresh and free of split ends. If your hair tends to be dry, schedule monthly conditioning treatments as well.
- A massage never hurts to help you relax and focus on what matters.

4-6 Months Before:

- Schedule trials for your hair and makeup and plan to make a decision at about three or four months before the big day. You will want to plan a hair trial only about two months before the wedding when you know exactly what length your hair will be.
-If you were planning to hit the gym before the big day, start now. It can take about six weeks for weight loss and new muscle to really show. Exercise will also double as a stress-reliever.
- Schedule monthly appointments for eyebrow waxing to get your brows into shape and to allow for regrowth if you are reshaping them. Begin regular waxings now if you are planning to have a great bikini wax for the honeymoon.

2-4 Months Before:

- Visit your hairstylist for the trial run of your wedding hair. Bring a picture of your dress so the stylist can see the neckline. Bring your veil or headpiece too so the trail can be exactly as it will be for the wedding day.
- If you are interested in airbrush tanning, try it out now so you know what to expect.
- Continue getting as much rest as possible, drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day and moisturize your hands, face, legs and feet.

1 Month Before:

- Contact your wedding day hair and make-up people and confirm the date and time that they will arrive at the place you are getting ready. Make sure they have directions to the wedding venue too.
- If you are going to use an at-home tooth whitening kit, now is the time to start.
- Assemble a day-of-the-wedding beauty kit for yourself if you are getting ready away from home. It should include all sorts of potential last minute things you might need. Also, you can ask a bridesmaid or a close friend to help you put this together as well. Click here to see a picture of my emergency bridal kit and also some instructions about what to include.
- Consider making lists and beginning to get things organized for your honeymoon travel. Depending on how soon after the wedding you are leaving and what you packing style is, perhaps even get out a suitcase and just collect everything you will need to pack later on.

1-2 Weeks Before:

- Get one last hair trim.
- Schedule you final waxings; eyebrows, bikini and anything else you are having done.
- Take some time to relax … get a massage or a facial and make a point now of getting enough rest each night.

1 Day Before:

- Get your final manicure and pedicure.

Wedding Day!

- Wake up in plenty of time to get everything done without having to rush. Take a walk or get some light exercise, it will help with nerves.
- Drink water early in the morning, once your dress is on, you don’t want to have to visit the bathroom too many times.
- Have your hair and make-up done and have someone help you into your dress.
- Enjoy your wedding day because it is YOUR day and you have prepared better than anyone could have. (or, you know, as well as I did! … hehe)