The Blushing Bride

Michaels Photography

With so many things to check off your wedding to-do list, who has got the time to think of beauty and self-care? The answer; you do! It’s never too early to start taking care of yourself and planning to look your best on your wedding day is a great motivator. Here are a few tips for looking your best in time for your big day.

Do what you can to reduce stress. We recommend reserving at least one night a week for some non-wedding fun with your friends or fiance, or quiet time to regroup and catch up on your favorite shows. Any Bachelor fans out there? If you’re thinking of trying a new hair color or style, you’ll want to start talking with your stylist 5 to 6 months out from the big day. That way you’ll have plenty to time to make additional changes or grow your hair out before the big day. Skin care! Start a good cleansing and moisturizing program as soon as you get that ring on your finger (if you haven’t already), and consider consulting a medical professional for any blemishes or lines you want to fix. Looking amazing for your wedding is also a great reason to make appointments for monthly facials if it fits within your budget. Examine your eating habits, but don't crash diet or seriously deprive yourself. The easiest way to loose those stubborn few pounds is to track your calories and be mindful of everything that passes through your lips. If you're not planning to use a nutritionist, stick to specific goals, like incorporating more whole grains and fruits and veggies into every meal. A great way to de-stress and also tone up those arms and legs is by exercising. A walk around the block each night is an easy way to start, but a few sessions with a trainer may help to jump-start your routine and give you some tips and tricks. Try practicing yoga; the postures build strength and are great tension relievers as well. You'll look great, feel better and be less stressed out.

The week leading up-to the wedding is usually stressful and full of last minute preparations. Be sure to take time for yourself and keep these tips in mind:

Avoid overindulging in salty snacks and alcohol in the week leading up to the wedding. We know its hard to resist the cheese plate and the glasses of wine, but you’ll thank us later. Consider a bikini wax and a final eyebrow shaping so you have less things to worry about on the day-of (and on the honeymoon!). Splurge on a massage. After all the work you’ve done to put together your dream day, you deserve it. Booking a facial the week before the wedding wouldn’t be a bad idea either. But make sure you give your face a day or two to get back to normal. Drink lots of water. Pack an emergency beauty kit of items you shouldn't leave home without. Deep condition your hair. Exfoliate your skin (with products you've tried before) to amp up your wedding day glow. Have a professional pedicure and manicure. On the day of the wedding, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast to help keep you energized for the long day ahead. While you’re getting your hair and make up done (or doing them yourself), don’t forget to wear a robe or button-down shirt that can be easily removed once you’re ready to put on your dress. If possible, find one that matches the color of your gown, to help with the makeup application. You could have your bouquet near by and pick up some of the colors from the flowers for your eyes, cheeks and lips.

Above all things, sit back and enjoy the day!

6 T H I N G S T O K N O W B E F O R E your lipstick or mascara. It’ll be much easier to make adjustments to accommodate the veil before the day of the wedding. Y O U R M A K E U P TRIAL You should look like yourself on your wedding day. If you usually wear simple, Before you have your trial, you need to find some pictures of what you want your makeup to look like. There are a lot of different terms for the same thing, so providing an image of what you want (or don’t want) can be helpful in avoiding miscommunication. Remember that your makeup artist may have to make some changes based on your wedding venue, time of year, and your skin or face type. Discuss any skin concerns you may have with your makeup artist before the trial run. They may have to make adjustments to the products they’re using, plus they’ll be more prepared to deal with any issues that may happen on the day of. Take care of your skin leading up to your big day by eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, getting facials, and seeking dermatological help if necessary. Makeup can be used to cover up your skin, but it’s much better when it’s used to complement it! Ask your makeup artist how you should touch up your makeup throughout your wedding day. Write down what brand and shade of products they use, and purchase these to have on hand in case of crying, sweating, or kissing. Your powder and lipstick are the most likely to fade, so it shouldn’t cost too much to make sure your look stays on all day. Wear a white shirt and bring your veil along to the appointment so that you’ll get an idea of the final look. It’s important to have your veil there for another reason: some veils tend to cling to the face and can smear or take off natural makeup, it would be a jarring change Your goal is to look as beautiful as possible Your wedding makeup shouldn’t be a drastic on your wedding day, so it’s understandable if change from your everyday makeup, because your makeup is one of your biggest concerns. Once you’ve booked your makeup artist, it’s a good idea to schedule one or two trials. This will allow you to work out any conflicting visions, decide on the best products for you, you may not like how different it makes you look (or feel). On that same note, your makeup shouldn’t be dated. You may think you like defined eyebrows or extreme highlighter, but your tastes may change down the road, and you don’t want to look back on your and decide on a final look. wedding pictures with regret.

to have a dramatic look on your wedding day. Obviously, you get what you pay for. Don’t book a makeup artist just because they’re cheap, because you’ll want to look back at your pictures with a smile, not a cringe at how unprofessional your makeup looks. Remember that the price of trials may or may not be included in the price you agreed to pay for the wedding day. Also, keep your bridal party in mind. If you’re paying for their makeup to be done, ask for an estimate based on how

many people you have.

WEDDING HAIR DON’TS

When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many different things to plan and choose. The most important decisions are the ones that directly affect how you will feel on your big day. Things like your wedding gown, your make up, and your hair style. You know how having a good hair day can instantly change your mood? Your wedding hair should be that times ten. While there are steps you can take to make sure that happens, there are also some wedding hair don’ts that you definitely want to avoid.

First and foremost, do not, WE REPEAT, do not change your hair style or color right before you get married. You will hate it. We promise. Stick to what you know and the look that is classically you.

Be sure you don’t book your trial run with your hair stylist too far in advance. You’ll want to already have your dress, shoes, and accessories picked out so you can make sure your hair style matches the entire look. If you are wearing a veil or hairpiece, don’t forget to bring that to your trial! Before the trial, make sure to look for inspiration photos and bring them with you. Don’t limit yourself with just one photo. Instead, bring lots of photos so your stylist gets a better overall picture of who you are and what your vision is for your wedding day.

On your wedding day, do not have unrealistic expectations. You know what kind of hair you have and what it can or cannot do. If you know you have thin hair, don’t expect your stylist to wave her magic hair wand and transform your hair into think, voluminous curls. (But do consider getting extensions if that’s important to you!)

Another big don’t for you wedding day: don’t forget to plan a “getting-ready” outfit! You need to wear something with closure in the front so that you don’t mess up your hair when changing. For example, a robe or a men’s button up shirt.

It’s also worth noting that while your mom, sister, or bridesmaids probably have the best of intentions, what they want your hair to look like doesn’t matter. Don’t get caught up in trying to please everyone. Stick to the hairstyle that you and your stylist decided on to avoid any regrets afterwards.

When it’s time to plan your wedding hair style, avoid these wedding hair don’ts and get ready for the best hair day of your life!

Learn more about our favorite hair stylists and make-up artists at tbgvendors.com/beauty