Everyone knows that your wedding day is a pretty big deal. For the most part (unless you're Kim Kardashian), you only get one shot to do it all, and while you want everything to go smoothly and perfectly, there's one thing that sits at the top of your priority list: How you look. Maybe the flower girl decides she doesn't want to walk down the aisle or the best man sloppily slurs over his words during his speech. That's all fine by you as long as you look stunning. And not just any kind of stunning — you're talking Gisele Bundchen meets Blake Lively meets Lupita Nyong'o stunning. Because, dude. Those photos will last forever.
Don't worry, you're not vain. Everyone gets it and every bride feels the same way, which is why you need a plan. You're not leaving it to your makeup and hair stylist the day of. You're planning ahead — like, months ahead. (Not any more than that, please, because you'll just drive yourself crazy going back and forth between options.) And because it might sound daunting, I consulted a few beauty experts to get tips on how to prep ahead and look your best. Here's exactly what you need to do when.
TWO TO THREE MONTHS BEFORE
This is the perfect time to start doing work on your skin. You want your complexion to look as natural and flawless as possible, so it's a great time to get a brightening facial. If you're one of those brides-to-be who considers using Botox or Juvederm, the time would be now. But, we don't think it's completely necessary — instead, start really committing to washing your face every single night, and applying lotion and serum two times a day. And drink tons and tons of water! In addition to taking care of your complexion, it's a good time to start thinking about your hair and makeup. Find an artist and hair stylist you'd like to use and lock them down.
THREE TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE
Now that you've had a facial, consider getting a good cleanse and a peel. "I would recommend a deep pore cleansing to really get the skin nice and smooth for the big day. Having one four weeks out will give the skin time to heal. Follow with an LED light session so the pores start to shrink and you can get the skin even toned and perfect for the big day," says celebrity skin care specialist Joanna Vargas. Vargas also suggests a double exfoliation peel, to get your skin "resurfaced, clear and glowing." If your hair is colored or highlighted, make sure to schedule a touch-up for your roots and ends — that way there's plenty of time for it to grow out or be re-done if anything goes horrible wrong.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
Time to work on those (not-so) pearly whites! Decide whether you want to take the professional route and visit a dentist for an in-office whitening procedure or save some cash and bleach them yourself with a trusty at-home treatment. As far as your makeup goes, celebrity artist Sonia Kashuk suggests doing a trial run of how you want your face and hair to look for your special day.
ONE WEEK BEFORE
It's crunch time! This is the time to help your skin look as radiant as ever on your big day. Schedule a microcurrent facial to help de-puff your face and elevate your cheekbones — or try some of these cucumber beauty DIYs for a natural way to soothe your skin. It'll also make sure your jaw and neck look picture-perfect. And if you're prone to surprise zit visitors, consider visiting your dermatologist for a cortisone shot. This will help reduce the size of any blemishes that pop up unexpectedly. A week before is also a good time to get a spray tan or use a self-tanner, if you're into that sorta thing. A couple days before, head into the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure. Last, but certainly not least — get a quick massage. You'll need it.
THE BIG WEDDING DAY
Besides the obvious hair and makeup appointments, consider grabbing a box of those Crest 3D White One or Two-Hour Express Whitestrips to use the day before or day of your wedding. If you don't have enough time for either, Dr. Marc Lowenberg, celebrity cosmetic dentist, suggests using "Luster Toothpaste, which will make teeth appear brighter instantly." In addition, Lowenberg says to apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your teeth to "act as a barrier to prevent stains and help keep lipstick off your teeth." That actually might be a tip to consider using on non-wedding days, too. Oh, and have a few or several glasses of champagne. You deserve it, Missus!
Images: Giphy
