So you’ve found your venue, decided on catering, invited the people with whom you want to share your big day, made reservations for the most romantic honeymoon, and picked out your dream gown at Best for Bride. That was a lot, and we know wedding planning isn’t always effortless. And as if that wasn’t enough, there is still more to be done. As you approach the date to say “I do,” you’ll also want to focus on making a beauty regimen.
Feeling good—inside and out—is not only for the photos, your family and friends, or even your new spouse, but rather, for yourself. You will always remember this day, hopefully in the best light. Confidence about your appearance shines from within, no matter how much highlighter you apply. Keeping a beauty checklist can give you time and offer a guideline so you have one less thing to worry about.
Depending on how far away your wedding date is, you could have more time for all of these preparations. Haircuts, dermatologist appointments, manicures, and spray tans are often required a week or month before the big day. Fitting all of that into your lengthy list of responsibilities can be somewhat overwhelming. However, we’re here to give peace to your anxieties.
Refer to this checklist we’ve created just for you to ensure you’re on track:
Table of Contents
Hair
Hair Cuts
Experts advise that full haircuts should be made a month before the wedding date. However, trims can be done a week in advance. Glamour also suggests that you should consult with a professional hairdresser. They will work with you, according to your personal preferences and style and whatever Pinterest looks you want to mimic.
Hair Color
Hairstylists say that it typically takes two to four appointments to figure out the color you want. If you’re going for a full hair color treatment, maybe a little more dramatic and different than your natural color, you should probably come in six months prior to your wedding. This way, you can plan to return two to three more times to finally arrive at your desired look. Going slowly and planning it out is preferable to rushing. Unfortunately, drastic changes to your hair, especially with a color treatment, can actually ruin your hair if not done carefully. Making touch-ups is much easier than going back and fixing damaged hair. After this six-month process, you can then go in for the last refresh a week or so beforehand.
Condition
As mentioned, hair coloring can do a number on your hair and possibly dry it out or change the texture. Hair should be conditioned to maintain softness and shine. With that in mind, try and apply regular mask treatments recommended by your hairstylist. They will know what is best for you according to how you decide to style it.
Nails
Do you still have a habit of picking or biting your nails? Setting up a manicure appointment two months before your wedding can ensure that your nails are protected and well-kempt. Weekly manicures will prevent cracked, chipped nails and help to strengthen your cuticles.
We know how fast nails can chip, and if you get the final set done a week ahead, you could increase this risk. That’s why it’s a good idea to shoot for one to two days before. That leaves minimal time for anything to happen.
As far as selecting the right color or style, you should also come with pictures of your desired look. Keep in mind the wedding dress and color theme for your big day. A neon purple might not complement your ivory ballet-length veil or the pearly beads on your sweetheart neckline. Instead, go for something that suits you well and adds a finishing touch to your overall aesthetic.
Makeup
Whether or not you’re not a makeup guru or you know exactly what type of false eyelashes you want to wear, makeup is a significant part of your beauty checklist. Finding a makeup artist who can achieve this is a must. Even if you want something classic, you will want to guarantee it looks good on you and accentuates your features.
As always, planning is key when it comes to your wedding. Timing is essential and getting one more detail out of the way can relieve a few burdens down the road. When booking a makeup artist, you can start scheduling a professional six months to a year beforehand.
Finding someone reputable can be tricky. Starting out, you can follow them on social media and ask around. Don’t be afraid to review their site and find the best quote, but don’t sacrifice quality. Real makeup artists should be licensed and provide sanitized and hygienic tools. You don’t want the same brush that hasn’t been washed five to eight times to touch your face. Additionally, the brands they use matter. Since it’s not a random Tuesday, but your one and only wedding day, don’t skimp on quality. Don’t be mistaken, this does not mean you should forget about your budget. At the same time, you don’t want your makeup fading or for you or any of your bridesmaids to have an allergic reaction to questionable makeup products.
Skin Care
Makeup can do wonders, but your skin care can change your look too. If you’re adding an abundance of foundation to cover acne, that may not always show up well in photos. You’ll want to keep up a routine: wash your face with a reliable face cleanser and don’t skip on moisturizer. As with hair, it’s best to stay away from drastic changes like a facial or harsh exfoliant right before your wedding day. Scarring, peeling, redness, and uneven texture are not ideal.
One thing that seems to happen right before a big event is the occasional pimple. You can control your problematic skin, but you’ll need to treat it before it happens for optimal results. Choosing an acne treatment that focuses on acne type means that it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment, but is tailored to you and the specific needs of your skin. Remember, beauty routines take time, so stick to a regular daily routine of washing your face, moisturizing, and applying acne or spot treatments well in advance.
You can solve fine lines and wrinkles by investing in facial massages, facelifts, at-home treatments, or dermatologist appointments. For any type of skin care, it’s best to start on these concerns promptly. Then, you and your doctor can navigate through a customized treatment plan together.
Body
Laser Hair Removal
One less thing to check off is removing unwanted hair growth. Laser hair removal is a beneficial treatment because it’s more effective and permanent than shaving or waxing. Patients can go a month to a month and a half before their next appointment. Due to potential side effects lasting one to three days, we recommend you schedule your appointment a week to two weeks early.
You can always opt to shave or wax—it’s a personal preference. Laser hair removal can be practical for your wedding, as one time usually gets the job done. With shaving, hair can grow back fast, adding another responsibility right before the big day.
Spray Tan
To avoid a disastrous spray tan that cannot be fixed before your big day, test out the spray tan first. If you do this two to three months ahead, it will give you time to change your mind about the product or services you’re using. Spray tans are known to be streaky or fade. A professional company can also guide you to the right shade. For spray tans, you can get away with going two days before your wedding. This means the tan will still be fresh but won’t smear onto your white gown.
Moisturize
We’re assuming no one wants dry, scaly skin on their big day. Similar to the importance of using a facial moisturizer, body lotion and hydration are also fundamental parts of beauty. For example, a winter wedding may require more intensive skin care. Humidifiers and heavy lotions can replenish your skin. Even in the summer months, you will want to apply lotion after showering and possibly before bed. However, water is the ultimate hydrator. If you’re only drinking coffee to get you through the wedding planning process, you should try to drink several glasses of water to combat dehydration.
Teeth
Who doesn’t indulge in the daily cup(s) of coffee and the occasional (or not so occasional) glass of red wine? It’s definitely a treat, but it also stains your teeth. If you want that movie-star smile for your wedding, consider making a dentist appointment two to three weeks prior. Of course, you must factor in the amount of stain on your teeth. You could also do so using at-home teeth whitening treatments that are formulated with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil pulling, or activated charcoal. The results may differ from professional treatment, but it could save you money and provide you with the same benefits
Plan Accordingly, Plan Ahead
There is a lot of preparation that comes with planning a wedding. Beauty is not only makeup, but establishing confidence so that you feel radiant and ready. Type A brides may enjoy the order and details of a beauty checklist. Even if that’s not you, and the idea of completing all of these tasks on top of wedding planning is daunting, it can be accomplished. Going slowly and incorporating a beauty to-do list will streamline this process.
At Best for Bride, you can use our wedding guide to help you manage your money, time, and plan everything out accordingly. When your day comes, you will be grateful for the careful planning and attention to detail. Reducing last-minute worries and making a beauty checklist can only benefit you and allow you to focus solely on your friends, family, and future spouse.
Summary: Wedding Planning Checklist – Essential Steps for Brides-to-Be
- Start the wedding planning process at least 12 months before the big day to ensure ample preparation time.
- Create a wedding budget that includes all necessary expenses, such as venue, catering, decorations, and attire.
- Choose the wedding date and book the venue well in advance to secure your desired location.
- Compile a guest list and send out save-the-date cards, followed by formal invitations closer to the wedding date.
- Shop for the perfect wedding dress, considering factors like style, comfort, and budget.
- Arrange transportation for the wedding day, whether hiring a limousine or arranging for other means.
- Finalize the menu and cake selections, ensuring they align with your guests’ preferences and any dietary restrictions.
- Don’t forget the small details: order wedding favours, arrange for photographers and videographers, and plan for hair and makeup trials.
FAQ: Essential Wedding Day Checklist for Brides
What should be included in a bride’s wedding day emergency kit?
A bride’s wedding day emergency kit should contain safety pins, sewing kit, bobby pins, hair spray, double-sided tape, breath mints, blotting paper, pain relievers, tissues, and a small snack. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a list of important phone numbers, like the wedding planner, photographer, and family members.
How far in advance should a bride book her hair and makeup trials?
To ensure availability, it is recommended that a bride books her hair and makeup trials about three to four months before the wedding day. This allows sufficient time to try different styles, discuss preferences with the stylist, and make necessary adjustments before the big day.
What are some essential tasks to complete in the week leading up to the wedding?
In the week leading up to the wedding, the bride should focus on finalizing the seating arrangements, confirming the final headcount with the caterer, and distributing the wedding day timeline to all key participants. Additionally, she should pack her overnight bag, ensure all wedding attire is ready for the big day, and have a final dress fitting if necessary.
How early should a bride plan to arrive at the ceremony venue?
To avoid any last-minute stress or delays, it is advisable for the bride to arrive at the ceremony venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows her to take some quiet moments to relax, touch up her hair and makeup, and prepare for the grand entrance.
What are some tips for staying calm and composed on the wedding day?
To stay calm and composed on the wedding day, it’s essential for the bride to prioritize self-care. This can include starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, practicing deep breathing exercises, and taking breaks to relax and center herself throughout the day. It’s also helpful to have a designated person, such as a bridesmaid or wedding planner, to handle any last-minute details or unexpected situations, allowing the bride to focus on enjoying her special day.
