Feature Photo by Em Cullum Photography

Caring for your hair and makeup should be top of mind when getting wedding day ready!

We know planning a wedding is anything but easy! With so much to do, it is easy to let self-care slip through the cracks. However, achieving your bridal-inspired look takes some preparation and planning from the inside out.

We want you to look and (more importantly) feel your best on your wedding day. That is why we have laid out month-by-month tips to ensure your hair and makeup are picture-perfect for the 12 months leading up to your wedding!

getting ready for your wedding day
Photo Credit: Nicole Rae Photography

Pregaming your hair and skin for your wedding day!

12 to 6 Months to Get Wedding Day Ready

It is important to think about your skin and hair long before the big day. A beautiful complexion can have you feeling glowing and confident. Now is the time to experiment with facials, serums (like this Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid), and spray tans to find out what doesn’t work on your skin and what does. The same is true for hair products! If you find your hair is greasy or dry, try out some new products. Switch it up and play around with what works best on your skin and hair.

You don’t need to overhaul everything in your bathroom cabinet all at once! With plenty of time before your wedding day, this is a good time to experiment if you are wanting to make a change. When one product runs out that you aren’t crazy about, try a new one!

Start to establish good routines that you may have been slacking on. Think about things like starting an exercise regimen (sweat is great for the skin) or not washing your hair every day (hello dry shampoo! We love Big Sexy Dry Shampoo). Pick one habit a month and stick to it as best you can! Remember it takes 30 days to create a new habit. Take it one step at a time.

Getting Wedding Day Ready 12 Months Before:

  • Wash your face every morning and every night
  • Try out new hairstyles or hair colors now – now is the time to experiment. Plan & book your haircuts and color appointments backward from your wedding date so you’re timed perfectly.
  • Use different products to figure out what works for you!
  • Find an activity or workout that allows you to sweat! Instead of focusing on losing weight, focus on feeling your best!
  • Establish new habits one at a time
  • Book your hair and makeup trial (pro tip – book it the same day as your engagement photos if possible!)
  • Drink plenty of water each day
  • Take multivitamins
  • Exfoliate your skin once a week
  • Use a gentle daily peel to help with uneven skin tone, fine lines, or enlarged pores. We recommend Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Photo Credit Jessie Wyman Photography

3 to 6 Months

Now is the time to nail down a skincare routine that works for you and stick to it. Also, it is not too early to start booking appointments for your wedding. Plan to do 2-3 facials from now until your wedding. Not only does it help you relax, but will make your skin look amazing!

  • Make a dentist appointment and ask about whitening your teeth
  • If you are thinking about any laser treatments or Hydrafacials, now is the time to try this! This is certainly not necessary, but doing it too close to your wedding may cause irritation or sensitivity you weren’t expecting.

1 to 2 Months

You have been working hard on feeling your best to creating great habits and getting wedding day ready! Let’s level up self-care in the final countdown before the big day!

  • Book or confirm all your wedding week appointments like nails, waxing, facials, etc. If you are waxing your eyebrows or lip be sure this appointment is one week before your wedding. Allow your hair to grow out to get the best waxing results.
  • Get a manicure and pedicure. We recommend more than one before your wedding day.
  • Moisturize your body daily!
  • Get a haircut one month to two weeks before your wedding day (not right before)
  • Relieve stress as much as possible by going for walks, taking a long bath, or getting a massage.
Preparing Your Hair and Skin For Your Wedding Day
Photo Credit: Riany Haffey

1 – 2 Weeks to be Wedding Day Ready

Your day is almost here!

  • Stay away from greasy foods and alcohol one week before your day to avoid any unwanted blemishes.
  • Go to your final facial appointment. Remember – this should not be your first facial! No experimenting is advised so close to your day. Go with the one you know works for your skin and is gentle!
  • Use a deep conditioner to make your hair soft and smooth!
  • Review your trial photos and the timeline for hair and makeup. Alert your hair and makeup artists if any changes are needed as soon as possible!
  • Confirm the photographer’s arrival time

Preparing Your Hair and Skin For Your Wedding
Photo Credit: The Gowans

Your Wedding Week!

  • Get a manicure and pedicure with a long-lasting polish
  • Get a massage or find ways to relax and relieve stress
  • Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits
  • Try not to pick at any blemishes and use a spot treatment
  • Wash your hair the night before the wedding so it’s in the best condition for styling

We hope the tips inspire you to take care of your hair and skin, not only leading up to your wedding day but beyond! Take the tips that resonate with you and leave the rest!

Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy! The planning is done and it is time to sit back and celebrate that you are about to marry the love of your life surrounded by everyone that you love.