HEALTH & BEAUTY
Every bride is a beautiful bride. That doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t want to do everything you can to look and feel your best by the time your wedding day arrives. You’ll want glowing skin, the perfect hair style, a super-white smile, flawless makeup and all the finishing touches to make you look and feel gorgeous.
Ideally, you should address health and beauty issues well before your wedding day, especially if you’re hoping to lose weight or modify other physical conditions. You’ll want to consult your ophthalmologist, dermatologist, dentist, trainer and / or nutritionist six to 12 months in advance, if possible, as you’ll want to provide plenty of time to successfully acclimate to your desired outcome.
Ideally, you should address health and beauty issues well before your wedding day, especially if you’re hoping to lose weight or modify other physical conditions. You’ll want to consult your ophthalmologist, dermatologist, dentist, trainer and / or nutritionist six to 12 months in advance, if possible, as you’ll want to provide plenty of time to successfully acclimate to your desired outcome.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Choosing a hairstyle for your wedding day is a big decision. You know that all eyes will be on you, and you want to look perfect. So where do you begin?
* Your Stylist… Think about who will style your hair. It may be someone you’ve been going to for years, or you might decide to find someone who specializes in formal styles. This might be an ideal time to try a new salon and stylist. Either way, visit salons that offer hair, makeup and even spa treatment. Consider your budget, time and preferences.
* Hairstyles… When considering hairstyles, start by surfing the web. Be realistic. Is your hair long, straight or curly enough for the styles you like? Select a few photos and take them to your stylist for a trial run. Schedule this appointment three months before your wedding in case you need to grow your hair longer. If you don’t know whether you’ll wear your hair up or down, think about the style that best fits your face shape, and don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for advice. Consider what style will be most comfortable for you and your wedding day.
* Choose a style that complements your dress… If you want a romantic look, go for curls. If you want chic, try simple and straight or pulled back. If you’re wearing a tiara or veil, remember that these should complement your hairstyle, not hide it. For extra sparkle consider adding beads, flowers or jewels.
WEDDING HAIR CHECKLIST
* Schedule an appointment with your stylist well in advance of your wedding date. Take photos of your dress and any headpiece or hair accessories, as well as pictures of hair styles that you like.
* Determine if you need to grow your hair out for the hairstyle you choose, and improve its condition with treatments. Change the color a few weeks ahead of time if you’d like, but don’t wait until the day before in case it doesn’t turn out how you’d hoped.
* Don’t shampoo or condition your hair up, you can put it in a high pony tail at bedtime.
* If you’re going to be wearing a veil, ask the stylist to show your maid of honor to remove it without disturbing your style.
* On the day of the wedding, be sure you and your bridal party are wearing button or zip-up shirts to avoid messing up your style!
Choosing a hairstyle for your wedding day is a big decision. You know that all eyes will be on you, and you want to look perfect. So where do you begin?
* Your Stylist… Think about who will style your hair. It may be someone you’ve been going to for years, or you might decide to find someone who specializes in formal styles. This might be an ideal time to try a new salon and stylist. Either way, visit salons that offer hair, makeup and even spa treatment. Consider your budget, time and preferences.
* Hairstyles… When considering hairstyles, start by surfing the web. Be realistic. Is your hair long, straight or curly enough for the styles you like? Select a few photos and take them to your stylist for a trial run. Schedule this appointment three months before your wedding in case you need to grow your hair longer. If you don’t know whether you’ll wear your hair up or down, think about the style that best fits your face shape, and don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for advice. Consider what style will be most comfortable for you and your wedding day.
* Choose a style that complements your dress… If you want a romantic look, go for curls. If you want chic, try simple and straight or pulled back. If you’re wearing a tiara or veil, remember that these should complement your hairstyle, not hide it. For extra sparkle consider adding beads, flowers or jewels.
WEDDING HAIR CHECKLIST
* Schedule an appointment with your stylist well in advance of your wedding date. Take photos of your dress and any headpiece or hair accessories, as well as pictures of hair styles that you like.
* Determine if you need to grow your hair out for the hairstyle you choose, and improve its condition with treatments. Change the color a few weeks ahead of time if you’d like, but don’t wait until the day before in case it doesn’t turn out how you’d hoped.
* Don’t shampoo or condition your hair up, you can put it in a high pony tail at bedtime.
* If you’re going to be wearing a veil, ask the stylist to show your maid of honor to remove it without disturbing your style.
* On the day of the wedding, be sure you and your bridal party are wearing button or zip-up shirts to avoid messing up your style!
MAKEUP DOS AND DON’TS
* Do wear waterproof mascara. You don’t want black streaks down you cheeks after the ceremony
* Don’t use black or brown eyeliner. Both are too dramatic. Choose a lighter shade of brown, such as mahogany.
* Do use a light color eye shadow, such as white for fair skin, and peach for darker skin, above the eyelid on the brow bone.
* Do color your eyebrows to define them.
* Do use an eye drop if your eyes look red from the lack of sleep, but now is not the time to experiment with a new brand.
* Do use a lush for added pop! For fair skin, use a light pink, and for those with darker skin, try a rosy color.
* Don’t touch your face often. This will only make blemishes worse.
* Do have your makeup done in daylight near a window or other natural light for the best view.
* Do use bronzing powder on your neck and chest if you need to even your skin tone.
* Don’t use foundation on your neck and chest; it may stain you gown.
* Do choose a lip color that’s bright to avoid looking washed out.
Whether you choose to apply your makeup yourself, have a friend do it or hire a beautician, be clear about desires.
SPA SERVICES
Some brides take advantage of spa services shortly before their wedding day to help them relax and remain focused. Simple services such as scalp or body massages have been proven to not only relax you, but also help you sleep better. Many also choose to have manicures and pedicures on these visits.
Some brides plan a spa night at home with their bridesmaids weeks before the wedding, during which, they exchange manicures, pedicures, facials and massages, while sharing stories and dreams. It’s a great bonding experience. There are tips online for hosting a spa night.
Some traditional spa services for brides and bridal parties include:
* Manicure * Facial
* Pedicure * Massage
* Eyebrow waxing
If you’re going to take advantage of spa services, choosing the spa you’ll use well in advance, and make reservations to avoid the stress of having to find a place just before the wedding.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
For many brides-to-be, an engagement ring is a signal to get into shape. If you’re already in great shape, congratulations and keep up the good work. If you’d like to lose some weight or simply improve your overall health and muscle tone, you should begin doing so as far ahead of your wedding as possible.
The sooner you target your “problem areas” and come up with a plan for how to address them, the better. The first step may be to join a gym, hire a personal trainer, or see a nutritionist.
* Setting Achievable Goals… If you haven’t been exercising, don’t expect to start running six miles a day or join the advanced yoga class. If your goal is to lose 15 pounds before your wedding day, you’ll need more than one or two months. Establish modest goals and, as you meet them, set new ones. This will help to keep you motivated.
* Better Health… If your goal is to lose weight, you might consider consulting a professional trainer or nutritionist to help you establish a plan. He or she could help you set realistic goals and provide information regarding the nutritional values of various food, portion sizes, healthy and unhealthy fats, and so forth. Additionally, you could visit some of the many websites available to help you understand these issues.
Avoid the temptation of trying a diet that is extremely limiting, or promises results that sound too good to be true. A well balanced diet that allows you to enjoy reasonable quantities of a wide variety of food, allows you to lose weight in a controlled manner, and keep it off. Moderate exercise is extremely important, as being physically active will help you shed those extra pounds and keep you energized, especially during the stressful months leading up to your wedding.
SOME TIPS AND TRICKS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE
* Eat smaller meals throughout the day
* Cut out soda completely
* Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
* Take a multi-vitamin
* Create a meal plan
* Remove temptation from your home. Throw away sweets and snacks.
* Make fruits, veggies and other healthy snacks your grocery mainstay.
* Don’t shop on an empty stomach.
* Take stairs instead of the elevator and park a little farther from the office or store.
* Keep yourself busy. Many people tend to eat more when they’re bored.
* Do wear waterproof mascara. You don’t want black streaks down you cheeks after the ceremony
* Don’t use black or brown eyeliner. Both are too dramatic. Choose a lighter shade of brown, such as mahogany.
* Do use a light color eye shadow, such as white for fair skin, and peach for darker skin, above the eyelid on the brow bone.
* Do color your eyebrows to define them.
* Do use an eye drop if your eyes look red from the lack of sleep, but now is not the time to experiment with a new brand.
* Do use a lush for added pop! For fair skin, use a light pink, and for those with darker skin, try a rosy color.
* Don’t touch your face often. This will only make blemishes worse.
* Do have your makeup done in daylight near a window or other natural light for the best view.
* Do use bronzing powder on your neck and chest if you need to even your skin tone.
* Don’t use foundation on your neck and chest; it may stain you gown.
* Do choose a lip color that’s bright to avoid looking washed out.
Whether you choose to apply your makeup yourself, have a friend do it or hire a beautician, be clear about desires.
SPA SERVICES
Some brides take advantage of spa services shortly before their wedding day to help them relax and remain focused. Simple services such as scalp or body massages have been proven to not only relax you, but also help you sleep better. Many also choose to have manicures and pedicures on these visits.
Some brides plan a spa night at home with their bridesmaids weeks before the wedding, during which, they exchange manicures, pedicures, facials and massages, while sharing stories and dreams. It’s a great bonding experience. There are tips online for hosting a spa night.
Some traditional spa services for brides and bridal parties include:
* Manicure * Facial
* Pedicure * Massage
* Eyebrow waxing
If you’re going to take advantage of spa services, choosing the spa you’ll use well in advance, and make reservations to avoid the stress of having to find a place just before the wedding.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
For many brides-to-be, an engagement ring is a signal to get into shape. If you’re already in great shape, congratulations and keep up the good work. If you’d like to lose some weight or simply improve your overall health and muscle tone, you should begin doing so as far ahead of your wedding as possible.
The sooner you target your “problem areas” and come up with a plan for how to address them, the better. The first step may be to join a gym, hire a personal trainer, or see a nutritionist.
* Setting Achievable Goals… If you haven’t been exercising, don’t expect to start running six miles a day or join the advanced yoga class. If your goal is to lose 15 pounds before your wedding day, you’ll need more than one or two months. Establish modest goals and, as you meet them, set new ones. This will help to keep you motivated.
* Better Health… If your goal is to lose weight, you might consider consulting a professional trainer or nutritionist to help you establish a plan. He or she could help you set realistic goals and provide information regarding the nutritional values of various food, portion sizes, healthy and unhealthy fats, and so forth. Additionally, you could visit some of the many websites available to help you understand these issues.
Avoid the temptation of trying a diet that is extremely limiting, or promises results that sound too good to be true. A well balanced diet that allows you to enjoy reasonable quantities of a wide variety of food, allows you to lose weight in a controlled manner, and keep it off. Moderate exercise is extremely important, as being physically active will help you shed those extra pounds and keep you energized, especially during the stressful months leading up to your wedding.
SOME TIPS AND TRICKS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE
* Eat smaller meals throughout the day
* Cut out soda completely
* Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
* Take a multi-vitamin
* Create a meal plan
* Remove temptation from your home. Throw away sweets and snacks.
* Make fruits, veggies and other healthy snacks your grocery mainstay.
* Don’t shop on an empty stomach.
* Take stairs instead of the elevator and park a little farther from the office or store.
* Keep yourself busy. Many people tend to eat more when they’re bored.