Six Months Before Your Wedding: Visit a Dermatologist
Before you pick out the perfect makeup, you'll want to make sure your canvas (aka your complexion) is in good shape. If you're already pretty happy with your skin, you can skip this step, but if you're dealing with acne, scarring or other complexion problems, head to your derm ASAP. It can take weeks -- or even months -- for a new skin care regimen to work, so you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to try out the doctor-recommended products or any in-office treatments she suggests. The best advice we can give: Be patient while the products are working. Often acne gets worse before it gets better. Hang in there and work with your doctor -- the payoff will be worth it.
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Four Months Before Your Wedding: Get a Makeup Consultation
Meet with a makeup artist closer to your wedding than you think, says Schlip. At that time, you can buy key products to use if you're doing your own makeup, as well as items to pack in your touch-up kit (if you're having a pro do the job). After your consultation, take a few photos of yourself -- including a few in light that mimics your venue's -- so you can see how the makeup looks in pictures.
Weddings are "red carpet moments for brides," says Schlip so think about your face and body when prepping for the day like celebs do. You'll want to carry your foundation down to your neck and chest, and set it so it doesn't transfer onto your dress.
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Three Months Before Your Wedding: Test Hairstyles
Start experimenting with your hair after you select your gown and a good three months before the event. When doing a consultation with a stylist (if you're having your hair done at a salon), bring the hair accessories or veil you're considering, and "always, always bring pictures that will inspire the look you want to achieve," says Grmolyes. (Here are a few bridal hair ideas to inspire you.) During your consultation, "make sure that you are comfortable with the hairstylist as well as the hairstyle. You don't want something that is not you. You want something that will make you feel like yourself and will look great in pictures," she says. And just like with your makeup, it's a good idea to take pictures of your style from all angles so you can see how it photographs.
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Six Weeks Before Your Wedding: Trim Your Hair
"A bride should cut her hair about a month and a half before the wedding," says Grmolyes. This will ensure "all the dead ends are off of the hair, and they have a fresh clean cut," she says. She also warns not to experiment with a new drastic haircut before your wedding. If it turns out badly you won't have enough time to grow your hair out before the wedding, so in this case it's best to play it safe.
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One Month Before Your Wedding: In-Office Procedures
If you decide to get facial injections, do it at least a month before your wedding to prevent bruising or potential bad placement (you don't want a droopy eyelid in your wedding pics). And "remember, it doesn't work overnight," says Evans. It takes between three days and up to two weeks for it to kick in. If you do bruise easily, allow at least six weeks to make sure everything has settled down and your muscles have had time to respond to the treatment. "You want to look natural and show your true emotions on the big day," says Evans.
It seems the second that princess-cut diamond (or funky sapphire) is slipped on your finger you're expected to launch into full-force bridal mode. Well-meaning friends and family ask you about the date, venue, and, of course, the dress. To say it's overwhelming would be a huge understatement.
While we can't help with Aunt Myrna's pestering, we can do something to lighten your load and make the planning process a bit easier. How? We can tell you exactly what beauty treatments you'll need (and when you should schedule them) so that you look amazing on your big day.
We covered all the bases by getting beauty tips from cosmetic dentist Jeff Golub-Evans, DDS, dermatologist Susan Evans, MD, celeb makeup artist Joanna Schlip and hairstylist Ange Grmolyes. These experts told us exactly when to do all your beauty prep, from facials to pedicures. Mark these dates on your calendar, show up to the appointments, and you'll be able to tell your well-meaning (if a little overbearing) future mother-in-law that you've got everything covered.
