The Ultimate Bridal Beauty Checklist

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Your wedding is one of the most photographed days of your life, so it’s natural to want to look and feel your best. This bridal beauty checklist will help you map out a self-care routine that ensures you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.

One Year Before the Wedding

It’s time to lay the foundation for your bridal beauty journey by scheduling consultations with various professionals.

1. Find a Makeup Artist

Start looking for a professional makeup artist a year in advance. Makeup artists can get booked quickly, and you’ll want time for a consultation and trial before committing. Ask your friends, family and other vendors for recommendations, or use social media to see who’s trending in your area. Read reviews and choose a professional who can create your ideal look.

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2. See a Dentist

Your smile deserves to stand out on your big day, especially in the photos. Schedule your first dental appointment one year before the special day so you have enough time for whitening procedures, veneers or Invisalign. You don’t necessarily need to get treated this early, but knowing what to expect and how much to save for treatments is helpful.

3. Visit Your Dermatologist

A board-certified dermatologist can assess your skin’s current state and create a personalized plan for your skin goals, whether zapping acne marks or minimizing wrinkles. They can also suggest which skin care products to include in your bridal beauty regimen.

4. Consider Going to a Nutritionist

This isn’t the time to try diet fads. A nutritionist can help you take the guesswork out of what to eat to achieve your health goals. They can devise a strategy for nourishing your body to look and feel its best, especially on your big day.

Five to Nine Months Before the Wedding

This bridal beauty timeline is about setting sustainable, healthy habits that won’t add more stress to the months before your ceremony. Get the prescribed treatments and do the work to achieve your health and fitness goals.

1. Get Regular Facials

Work with a licensed aesthetician who can administer facial treatments for your skin concerns. Regular facials help maintain glowing skin and provide a relaxing break from wedding planning stress.

Photo Credit: Emma Collins Read

2. Book a Laser Hair Removal Session 

You may need up to six treatment sessions, depending on the area of your body. Book your first appointment about six to nine months before your wedding so you look and feel more confident. Avoid scheduling your last session near your big day since laser hair removal can cause redness and swelling.

3. Eat Healthy 

Certain fruits and vegetables help your skin glow from within. Incorporate fatty fish, avocados, sweet potatoes, bell peppers and tomatoes into your diet to enjoy skin-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and A. Don’t forget to follow your nutritionist’s meal suggestions to ensure you’re fueling your body properly.

4. Stay Active

Wedding preparations can be overwhelming, but carving out time for exercise is a must. You don’t need to commit to intense two-hour gym sessions — a simple yet consistent 20-minute at-home routine can make a difference in how you feel.

Hire a personal trainer if you and your partner need professional guidance The boost of self-esteem you’ll get from staying consistent can last through your big day and into your married life.

5. Practice Meditation 

Meditation helps keep stress at bay, plus it’s easy to do. Even just 10 minutes of daily meditation can help clear your mind, make you calmer and reduce anxiety. Download a meditation app or watch free guided practices on YouTube.

Two to Four Months Before the Wedding

You’re a few months away from your special day. Maintain established routines and schedule new beauty sessions to achieve that coveted bridal glow.

1. Decide on a Hairstyle

Now’s the ideal time to find a hairstyle that matches your aesthetic and wedding gown. Choose something that still feels like you but elevated. Gather inspirational pictures to show your hairstylist and decide on a direction. Based on that consultation, you may need to book a hair appointment closer to your big day to get services like hair color, highlights or extensions.

2. Choose a Fragrance

Try out different fragrances a few months before your wedding. This gives you time to test how the scent wears on your skin and ensures you’re comfortable with your choice. When choosing

a fragrance, factor in the season, venue and sentimental value. Don’t hesitate to involve your partner in this decision. After all, they’ll be closest to you throughout the day.

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3. Consider Your Eyebrows

Your eyebrows have a big impact on your bridal beauty look. Some people prefer natural-looking, fuller brows, while others like a thinner, more streamlined look.

Whatever your preference, make any brow-related appointments — such as microblading, brow tinting, lamination or waxing — well before your wedding so your skin can heal if you experience any redness or irritation. This also gives you ample time for any touch-up sessions, which — in the case of microblading — usually happen every two to three weeks.

One to Four Weeks Before the Wedding

You’re putting in the work and getting consistent results. This period is more about relaxation, last-minute beauty sessions and managing pre-wedding stress.

1. Get a Massage

A spa day can melt away the tension from wedding planning, leaving you calm and relaxed. It can help stimulate your lymphatic system, removing any toxic substances from your body. It’s a chance to pamper yourself and spend a peaceful moment with your future spouse before you tie the knot.

2. Sleep Regularly 

Don’t let pre-wedding anxieties get in the way of beauty rest. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night so you have enough energy to tackle the days leading up to your wedding.

3. Get Your Manicure and Pedicure

Last but not least, get your final mani-pedi a few days before your wedding. Many brides opt for a classic, neutral shade that complements the ring, but you can choose any color that makes you feel confident.

Start Now and Stay Consistent

This checklist is a guide, not a rulebook. Every bride-to-be is unique, and it’s OK if you don’t need some of the items outlined on this checklist. Feel free to adjust this timeline based on your specific needs, but start early and be consistent with what works for you.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.