Hair

Whether you choose an up-do, a down-do, or an all-around-town-do, your wedding hairstyle is something that you will want to practice a couple of times before the wedding. Talk to your stylist several months before your wedding about what you have in mind. Cut out pictures of styles you like and show them to your stylist. If you plan on letting your hair grow out, you'll need to know if you have time to get the length you want by your wedding date. You will also want to schedule an appointment with your stylist three to four months before the wedding for 'trial dos'. You can try a couple of styles and see which one you like best. This way you will know exactly what you want for your bridal portrait (2 months before the wedding date) as well as the big day.

Things to consider:

• Dress Style - Is it a romantic, high neck dress that calls for an up-do? Is the back of your dress something you wish to show off? Consider hairstyles that compliment your dress and the shape of your face.
  
• The Veil or Headpiece - you will need to consider your veil or headpiece design when choosing a hairstyle. Many veils may cover your hair. If you plan to wear the veil throughout the wedding and reception, let your stylist know so he or she can focus on the parts of your hair that will be visible. Take your veil or headpiece on each visit to salon, so your stylist will know exactly what he or she has to work with.
  
• No Headpiece - If you choose not to use a veil or headpiece, talk to your stylist about other options for your hair. You may want sprigs of baby roses, baby's breath, beads or sequins in your hair instead.
  
• Humidity - If your wedding is scheduled for a humid time of year, or if your hair does not hold style well, see if your stylist will come to the wedding site to do your hair. This way, you will simply have to put your dress on, and walk down the aisle.
  
• Hair color - If you color regularly, touch up your roots or get your normal highlights prior to the wedding. Don't experiment with hair color the week before your wedding. If you want a change, schedule the appointment with enough time before the wedding to fix any mistakes!
  
• Your own Style - On your wedding day, you want to be yourself. Pick a hairstyle that looks and feels like you, instead of just some model in a magazine!
  
• Special Materials - Do you need to supply your stylist with beads or sequins to match your dress?
  
• The Bridal Party - Will your bridesmaids want to have their hair done? Will you provide that service as a treat? Be sure to plan these things out in advance so your stylist can schedule an appropriate amount of time to make everyone beautiful.

Spend some time exploring your options and select the style you want well before the wedding day. That will ensure that you are vibrant and confident about your wedding day look.

Makeup
Keep wedding day makeup simple, elegant and natural. While it is important to look your best, it is also important to look like yourself and to be comfortable in the makeup you have selected. If you prefer a low-maintenance beauty style, look for long-wear lipstick, mascara, etc. Otherwise, have your mistress of ceremonies keep a "touch-up" bag handy for post-wedding photos and the reception so you can freshen up your look as needed.

You can apply your own makeup or have someone do it for you. You can pay a professional, or set up an appointment with a makeup counter specialist in a department store at your local mall. You can even have your bridesmaids join in the fun by scheduling appointments for them as well. Whatever you decide to do, keep the following tips in mind:

Pre-Wedding Day

• Take time to eat decent meals.
  
• Get your eyebrows waxed.
  
• Get your legs and/or bikini area waxed.
  
• Get at least 8 hours sleep the night before your wedding.
  
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
  
• Moisturize your skin.
  
• Condition your hair.
  
• Slough dead/dry skin from elbows, feet, etc.
  
• Paint your nails and allow them ample time to dry before you go anywhere near your dress.
  
• See our Fitness section for great information on looking and feeling your best.
• Get your eyebrows and mustache waxed.
• Clean out your ears.
  
• Trim or pluck unsightly hairs from your face and neck or nose.
  
• Use a whitening toothpaste for a few weeks prior to the wedding to give your teeth extra shine.
  
  

Wedding Day

• Use a foundation that closely matches your skin tone, so that the color of your face and neck blend.
  
• Use matte color eyeshadow.
  
• Select colors that work with your skin.
  
• Stay away from metallic finish lipsticks.
• Apply a thin layer of vaseline to your teeth to keep them lipstick free.
  
• Be yourself.
  
• Depending on the lighting, time of day, etc., you may need to use a little extra blush or eyemakeup to add impact to your look. DO NOT OVERDO. It is much easier to add small splashes of color to your skin than it is to take them away, so be careful.
  
• Be very careful when applying lipstick (especially if you already have your dress on).
  
• Pack an emergency beauty bag.
  • Moisturizer
  • Cotton balls, swabs
    
  • Concealer
    
  • Foundation
    
  • Eyeshadow
    
  • Eyeliner
    
  • Brow Pencil
    
  • Mascara
    
  • Lipstick
  • Lip Gloss
    
  • Lip Liner
    
  • Blush
    
  • Deoderant
    
  • Extra pair of hosiery
  • Bobby pins
    
  • Eye drops
  • Hairspray
    
  • Perfume
    
  • Toothbrush
    
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Breath mints
    
  • 1 botlle of clear nail polish
    
  • 1 bottle of nail polish to match your color
    

   

  

Nails
Don't forget the details on your wedding day. People will want to admire both your engagement and your wedding ring, so be sure to take great care of hands and nails. Avoid any cleaning or hard labor that might scratch your skin or give you blisters. Whether you plan to do your nails yourself or have them done, we've got a few simple tips for making them look great.

Hands & Feet

• Exfoliate - Slough off dead skin on a regular basis.
  
• Moisturize - Use lotion daily to keep your hands, arms elbows and feet soft.
  
• Trim - Keep your nails cut to the length and shape you prefer.

  Fingernails
  If you plan on doing your nails yourself, get plenty of practice. You may want to purchase a French manicure kit several months ahead of time and do your nails several times prior to the wedding date, so they will look great for the big day.

  If you plan on getting a manicure or pedicure, asks friends or family for recommendations. Again, schedule your first appointment several months in advance. Starting early will allow you to get a feel for the nail technician's style and the quality of her work. Talk to the nail technician about the following:

  • The length and shape you want for your nails
    
  • Whether you want a manicure, pedicure or both
    
  • Whether you want to work from your existing nails or use acrylics
    
  • The color polish you want for your wedding day (Don't forget! This is the color you'll have on for both the wedding and honeymoon, so select a color neutral enough to go with everything.)
    
  • Whether this will be a regularly scheduled appointment or a one-time pampering
    
  • Special appliqués or designs

To be beautiful on your wedding day, take good care of yourself. See our health and fitness page for information on nutrition and exercise. After you've learned to take good care of your body and mind, you can focus on the details like hair, makeup and nails!