Photographs by: K & a Photo and Video; Lisa Kalinski Photography; Sterrett Photography; Whitney Nicole Photography
Beauty routines are like a ritual. Practiced every day, customized to your needs. That ritual is even more amplified in the months before a wedding. Your pre-wedding beauty routine is a mix of self-care and finding the right vendors that will bring your bridal look to life. For that ultimate glow walking down the aisle, here’s the timeline for the big three of beauty.
For Luscious Hair
When it comes to prepping your hair for your wedding, it starts with the condition. Whether it’s dry, oily, or breaking off to start, most brides want shiny, smooth, and bouncy hair on their big day. “Moisture treatments and regular haircuts . . . just a trim to make sure there are no split ends” are the best place to start, says Sierra Billings from Blush Salon. Moisture treatments are meant to replenish and hydrate hair, which can help combat dry or frizzy locks by adding essential oils, nutrients, and deep hydration.
Now, if you’ve been thinking about making some changes to your hair before the big day, give yourself at least three months. Trying a new color, chopping off a few inches, or going with a new style entirely. Three months before the wedding will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure you love your hair on your wedding day.
But for a regular color maintenance appointment, as you’ve done before, schedule it for a week and a half to two weeks before the wedding. “Coloring your hair two to four days before is risky business, even if it’s a stylist you’ve been going to for months,” Billings says. That two week mark ensures you have time to make adjustments if need be.
For those who might want to get their eyelashes or eyebrows done before their wedding, Billing recommends scheduling that first appointment six to twelve weeks before the wedding. This way, if you have allergic reactions, you’ll know well in advance. And as long as you didn’t have a bad reaction, you should schedule a pre-wedding brows and lashes appointment the week before your wedding.
At two or three months out from your wedding, you’ll want to have your bridal hair trial. Bring inspiration photos for your hair stylist to work off of. “Also, bring any veils, headpieces, sparkles, or pearls that you would like to incorporate into your look,” Billings says. She also suggests bringing pictures of your dress and wearing a white top to your trial. “So you can get an idea of what [your hair] would look like with your dress!”
For Flawless Makeup
Most brides-to-be are already on Pinterest searching for inspiration; and that’s a perfect place to start. “Search for makeup styles you think would suit you best and that you would feel comfortable in,” says Alicia, makeup artist with Beyond the Updo.
Search for makeup looks that complement your features and are similar to the level and style of makeup you already wear, whether you lean more natural or more glam. It’s also important to book an artist or a team that aligns with your desired makeup style. Check out their portfolio to see what kind of makeup they usually do. And don’t be afraid to ask about their style to see if it aligns with yours.
While you can search for makeup inspiration throughout your wedding planning process, it’s recommended to book your artist early on, about eight to twelve months in advance, according to Alicia. “Even earlier if you’re getting married in a popular month like May or October!”
About one to three months from your wedding date, you can book your makeup trial. Bring inspiration to show your artist. Point out the details you like and the ones you don’t so your artist can make the necessary adjustments.
Alicia also emphasizes the importance of taking care of your skin. “I always suggest working closely with an aesthetician to figure out what works best for your skin leading up to your wedding.” Healthy, hydrated skin will help you achieve that bridal glow and flawless makeup.
For Photo-Ready Skin
Skin care is the foundation of your wedding day beauty. A year out from your wedding, you may be looking for your venue and hiring your wedding planner. But the experts at Annapolis Aesthetics say that’s also when your skin care journey should begin.
“Everyone’s skin care goals are different. The more time, the better [especially] if peels, lasers and injectables are part of the treatment plan.”
Nine to twelve months before your wedding, it’s recommended to go to a licensed aesthetician for a consultation and create a plan for skin care treatments. And if you’re planning to use at-home skin care products, start at least six months before the wedding day. “Many skin care products take six to twelve weeks to see an improvement and it’s best to have extra time built in to try different things or more powerful ingredients.”
Some powerhouse ingredients to look out for: “exosomes, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and retinols,” suggests Annapolis Aesthetics. Exosomes can help calm inflammation and increase collagen production. Growth factors, similarly, boost collagen production, leading to smoother wrinkles and firmer skin. You can expect to see a visual impact from these ingredients in about six weeks. “The longer and more consistently you use them, the more significant the collagen renewal you’ll see.”
After months of a diligent skincare routine, you’re finally within weeks of the wedding. Now is the time to stay the course. While it may be tempting, adding a new treatment or products can cause unwanted irritation. To avoid irritation, redness, and swelling, it’s also recommended to avoid facial waxing, threading, strong peels, lasers, or injectables in the final week leading up to your wedding.
“Maintain what’s already working, and resist the urge to try anything new,” Annapolis Aesthetics urges. “Avoid the sun, drink lots of water, and get a massage.” A consistent care routine will help you achieve the radiant, photo-ready skin every bride wants.
