tips for getting ready

by anne pyburn craig

You want your look pulled together to perfection on your special day—and it’s probably a bit more complicated than your average morning routine.

This day, of all days, you want your look pulled together to perfection—and it’s probably a bit more complicated than your average morning routine. Here are some ideas that will help your hair and makeup process flow like water:

• Consider hiring a stylist or makeup artist who specializes in wedding work and already knows what’s involved in crafting bridal perfection.

• A dry run is useful, with one or two besties in tow for feedback. Wear a neckline and color that match those of your dress. Con - sider scheduling a makeup trial and hair trial for the same day, and don’t forget to bring along any headwear or neckwear that you’ll be wearing on The Day.

• Take notes, and ask plenty of questions, especially if your pro might not be there on the Big Day. With the details all written down, someone else will be able to help you re-conjure The Look.

• Sketch out your timeline, and build in more time than you think you’ll need. To do this, work backwards from 10 minutes before you step “onstage” and draw all eyes.

• Allowing 30 minutes for hair and another 30 for makeup for each bridesmaid, and 90 minutes to two hours for yourself, is about right.

• Remember that getting a bridal gown to look perfect isn’t quite like slipping into a T-shirt. Allow at least 3045 minutes at the end of your timeline to step into your gown and perfect its fine details.

• Consider including Mom or Grandma in the preparations (and pictures). The memories will be golden.