Besides planning every last detail of your Wedding Day and the surrounding events, you’ll want to set aside a little time to plan your Bridal Beauty Timeline and day-of beauty regimen.  It is absolutely imperative that you take the necessary time to prepare yourself physically for this most momentous of occasions!  Looking like a million bucks doesn’t just happen overnight- you’ve got to plan for bridal beauty success.

Just as you wouldn’t wait til the week prior to the wedding to inform your Event Designer of how you envision the aesthetic of your wedding, you won’t want to wait until the last minute to shed extra pounds, try to improve your nutrition or pick your o-so-important final bridal accessories.  Begin to develop an idea of your own personal bridal aesthetic many months in advance (we recommend that you begin at least six months in advance).  A Bridal Beauty Timeline ensures that the big day won’t sneak up on you- and neither will those last few pounds that you’ve determined to shed before you say, ‘I do.’

We know you want to look as lovely as you feel loved, both in the moment and in those heirloom photographs you’ll look back on for years to come, so we’re dedicated to helping you to attain blushing bridal perfection.  Follow our suggestions below, and we’re sure you will achieve a look you’ll love when you finally glide down the aisle.  We think you’ll feel truly beautiful, too, with these expert tips.

6 Months Prior to The Big Day

Implement an effective exercise plan.

Even if you already have a workout routine, be sure to try new exercises that will help tone your body and keep your workouts from becoming stagnant.  Begin by booking a few sessions with a personal trainer or start practicing yoga.  Not only will challenging workouts tone up your physique, achieve your weight loss goals and contribute to glowing skin, it will also relieve stress and may even help you sleep better at night.  That’s a win all-around for any bride-to-be!

Pay close attention to your nutritional choices.

If your goal is to lose weight before your wedding, consult with a pro (your doctor or a nutritionist) to develop a nutrition plan that meets your nutritional needs and achieves your goals.  Be sure to take multi-vitamins daily.  It will give you the boost you need to have shiny hair and clear skin!

Re-examine your skincare routine.

You should be cleansing and moisturizing your face both day and night. Exfoliate your skin 1-3 times a week depending on your skin type and do a weekly face mask to achieve flawless skin. Monthly trips to an esthetician should be strongly considered.  If you have serious skin problems (acne, rosacea, etc.), do not delay in visiting your dermatologist to figure out the best treatment plan. We love the Clarisonic

Hairstylist and makeup artist consultations.

The best in the biz book fast, so do not delay in setting up hair and makeup consultations!  When meeting with your makeup artist and hairstylist, be sure to bring visual inspiration.  Show both stylists images of your dream dress, makeup ideas, headpiece inspiration and possible hairstyles.

If you plan to try a new haircolor, grow your hair out or get a fresh cut, now is the time to do it.  Chat with your stylist and start experimenting early so if you don’t like it, you will have plenty of time to deal with it or change stylists.

Schedule a trial for your makeup and play with different makeup looks to see what works and what simply doesn’t.  If the first makeup artist doesn’t wow you, don’t settle.  At this point you have plenty of time to try a few different artists.  Do not commit until you find someone you feel completely comfortable with.

3 Months Prior to the Big Day

Final hair and makeup decisions must be made.

Book your most coveted stylists as soon as possible.  Once you have completed your hair and makeup trials, you should be able to book your makeup artist and hairstylist for your wedding date with complete confidence.

Be sure to go ahead and set up a day-of-wedding schedule.

Start a teeth-whitening routine.

With pictures, friends and family galore, you’ll want to make sure that your smile is camera-ready.  Bright and white should be your motto.  Whether you plan to commit to an at-home teeth whitening regimen or to getting your teeth professionally whitened, now is the time to start.  That way, just in case you have a problem with the process, you’ll have plenty of time to sort out what works best for you.  Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the results will be visible by your wedding day.

Test different tanning options.

If you plan to go for a faux glow, be sure to experiment with self tanners or even professional spray tans.  Consider the neckline of your gown, and whether you have existing tan lines you’ll need to work to cover. Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect shade and application for your skin tone.

Get your brows professionally shaped.

Your eyebrows frame your face, so they need to be perfectly shaped in preparation for your big day.  Visit a pro for a consultation.  You might be surprised with what type of eyebrow shape is most flattering for your face.

If you’re displeased with how your eyebrows turn out, you still have plenty of time to grow them out as necessary.

2 Weeks Prior to the Big Day

Confirm all beauty appointments.

Call and confirm your Wedding Day schedule for the and tie up any loose ends with appointments.  Be sure you have absolutely everything booked from hair and makeup to nails, massages, facials and so forth.

Get your hair colored and trimmed.

Do not experiment with new colors or hairstyles at this point- with all the stress we know that it’s tempting, but stick with the color and haircut you chose a few months back.  We promise- this is the most effective decision for bridal beauty success.

Continue your healthy habits.

Keep exercising, eating right, and loading up on fruits and veggies.  Avoid salty foods and fats.  Drink tons of water to keep your skin glowing and as clear as possible.

1 Week Prior to the Big Day

Get a final facial.

Do this only if you’ve been getting facials regularly and you know it will not cause you any irritation. Don’t do this the day before the wedding- you may need a day or two to get back to normal.

Deep-condition your lovely locks.

The week before your wedding,do a deep-conditioning treatment at home or at a salon for shiny, softer hair.

Get any waxing done.

A few days before the wedding, take care of any unwanted hair. If this is your first waxing experience, you need to you give your skin plenty of time to recover from any redness or irritation.  Ask your chosen expert for advice if this is a new experience.

Touch-up your eyebrows.

Go back to the pro that shaped your brows a few months ago and get your brows professionally shaped- again.  Avoid doing this the night before, because there’s always potential for redness.  We suggest one week out.

Get a massage.

Enjoy a day at the spa to relax and forget about the wedding for a few hours. You deserve a day of pampering and this is absolutely vital to your overall health and sound state of mind.  A little down time will do you good.  It’s not a luxury- consider this an order!

1 Day Prior to THE Day

Schedule a mani-pedi.

Since it’s a given that everyone will be checking out your ring, get a professional manicure and pedicure the day before the wedding to make sure you’re in tip-top shape from your little toe to your pinky finger.  If you get your mani-pedi too far in advance, it’s possible that your nails may chip or tear.  Getting your nails done the day-of can cause them to smudge.  Alternatively, there is the possibility that they may not dry in time.

Water, water, water.

We can’t stress it enough.  Getting enough water will keep your body healthy, fresh and full of energy- even with all the activity, commitments and stresses of the day to come.  Stay hydrated- it’s a must.

Get sleep.

Take a long, relaxing bath before bed with some luxurious bath salts and be sure to settle down for a good night’s sleep.  We know you’re anxious and excited and maybe even a little nervous.  Allow plenty of time to wind down- and still get eight hours.  You’re going to need it!