1. Drink Water
When it comes to skin there is only one sure-fire way to rehydrate, plump and overhaul the complexion, and ladies, it is as simple as turning on a tap. With 6 months to your wedding start filling that water bottle and knocking back the H20, aiming to down at least 8 glasses a day. Stick with it and in no time your skin will be glowing and your eyes will be twinkling. What more can a bride want?
2. Plan Ahead
Ok, so you may get a few strange looks on this one, but there is absolutely nothing Bridezilla about ensuring you are well prepared. Remember, failing to plan is in fact planning to fail. With no less than 3 months to your big day ensure that you have all beauty appointments for the week of your wedding scheduled and booked. You don’t want to be the bride without a mani on her big day!
3. Tan-tastic
If you are planning on faking it for your big day then make sure to test that tan out in advance. There is nothing worse than a streaky or orange looking colour that clashes with your big white dress on the most important day of your life. Book a trial and if you are happy with both the colour and therapist book in your appointment for the week of your wedding, making sure to schedule it 2 days before the wedding itself.
4. Scent of the day
Ok, so not one of the most important aspects of your big day, but important none-the-less. Spend some time choosing the perfume you will wear on the day itself, making sure that it is something you love and that is appropriate for the occasion. The scent you choose will remind you of your day for the rest of your life: make sure you choose a classic and not something faddy. Sure, you may be crazy about it now, but will you really love Beyonce's "Rise" in another 20 years?
5. Brows, brows, brows
Brows frame your face and complete your makeup look with perfectly groomed brows a must for all brides-to-be. Often needing some work, you should allow 4 weeks of brow growth starting about 5 months before your wedding. After this initial growth period, 3 shaping sessions should be scheduled with 6 weeks between each, having the last appointment no later than 2 days before the wedding. Grooming your brows in this manner will allow you to get the best shape possible, with all over-plucking addressed and no last minute disasters. A word of warning to those who tend to over-pluckers, whatever you do, do not take out your pre-wedding jitters on your brows. Much plucking is done when the bride-to-be feels stressed and what is done the week of your wedding simply cannot be undone!
6. Alcohol
This should really go without saying, but to look your best on your wedding day you must cut back on alcohol consumption. For starters, alcohol contains a ton of empty calories, so if you are trying to lose weight knocking back booze will work against you; with regard immediate effects, alcohol causes puffiness and bloating as well as the dilation of blood vessels in the face giving a rosier complexion than normal. So, to avoid looking like a hot sausage while saying “I do”, all booze should be avoided.
7. Skincare
With 6 months to go before your big day make sure to finalise your skincare regime. Giving this lead will allow plenty of time to clear up any issues you may have with your skin e.g., dryness, oiliness etc. The best place to start is in the hands of an expert and so I would always recommend booking in for a facial. An experienced therapist will be able to highlight concerns and recommend a course of action/products to address all concerns highlighted. At this time, I would also recommend booking in for a course of facials in the lead up to the big day, if you can afford it, one a month for 6 months, this will ensure your skin is at it's very best. Whatever you do, avoid trying a new product in the two week period before your big day. You do not know how a new product will react with your skin and you could potentially end up having an allergic reaction, dryness, oiliness, or a bevy of other side effects that take time to correct.
8. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
If you find yourself up all night finalising the smaller details of your wedding, then quickly ask someone for help and get some shut eye. Sleep deprivation ramps up the production of the hormone ghrelin which tells us to eat, and slows down the proiduction of the hormone leptin, which tells us to put the fork down and step away from the table. A diet destroying combo, being sleep deprived will encourage you to reach for junk food and wreck havoc with your plan to drop a dress size.
9. No dramatic beauty choices
The week before your wedding is not the time to try out a new and dramatic beauty look. If you colour your hair make sure you find the colour you want in the months leading up to the big day and not the week of. Colour can oxidise oddly and the colour you get can be vastly different to the colour you want. If the worst comes to the worst you can fix the colour almost immediately, but only if not too much bleach has been used. Lastly, remember, under no circumstances are you to try out a new haircut. Do not cut your hair in a way that is different from the norm. You will regret it, and once cut it is too late.
10. Relax
Nothing is more beautiful than a relaxed and happy bride. Above all remember that this is your special day and take it in your stride. Don’t let the pressure of organising the day ruin the actual day itself. Smile and be happy.