First thing first, congratulations on your engagement.  Whether you are newly engaged or counting down until the big day, wedding beauty tends to take a back seat until it may be too late.  Looking radiant and beautiful on your wedding day takes time and planning. To help you avoid any beauty disasters, I’ve created this wedding beauty timeline in two parts for every bride-to-be.   You can make the time for your beauty preparations and end up the glowing bride on your big day.    

Your wedding beauty timeline countdown; from 12 months to 6 months.

12 Months To Go

Major Changes – This is the time to start thinking about any major changes you might be thinking of making as you head toward your wedding day.  Be sure to take time to envision how you want to look and feel. This could be anything from treating acne scars to conquering anxiety, or anything in between.

7-8 Months to Go

Makeup and Hair Inspiration – Although most wedding websites won’t tell you to do this for a few more months, now is the time to start looking for your wedding beauty inspiration.  Use a Pinterest board, a physical binder, or a photo album on your phone to collect images of hair and makeup that you like and think would look good on you.  

Research local hair and makeup artists – If your wedding falls within a peak season, and you have your heart set on a certain makeup or hair artist; it’s best to book them as soon as possible.  Makeup artists can be booked sometimes up to a year in advance.

Hair Transformations – Decide whether to cut your hair or grow it out for the wedding day.  If you don’t have a hairdresser, research local hairdressers. Then create a plan for any major changes to your cut or color.

Skincare Regime – Start caring for your skin, both face and body, now. You have plenty of time to assess what products work best for you.  A regular skincare regime should be something that you can stick with for a radiant complexion. Don’t make it overly complicated.  For total beginners, a great place to start is with a simple cream cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF.  If you are looking to take your current regime up a notch, add a Vitamin C and a great exfoliator. If you want to learn more, I have a great virtual skincare class. We go through the basics and create a skincare regime specifically for you.  Book it here.

Health and Fitness – If you are looking to lose weight, tone up, or just increase your energy, start a health and fitness plan that works for you.  Take a look at your eating habits, add a beauty supplement, or take a yoga class to de-stress. Even just walking around the neighborhood for 30 minutes is a start.  As with any health and fitness plan, talk to your doctor before you start.

6 Months to Go

Makeup and Hair – Assuming you booked your hair and makeup artist(s), it’s time to schedule your previews.  Obviously, when your preview happens will depend on the artist; however, you should be getting them on the calendar now.  

Brows – How do your eyebrows look?  Decide whether to grow or reshape your brows. It takes approximately 4 months for brow hairs to grow out.  It might be time to put down the tweezers and book an appointment with a professional. Some makeup artists include brow shaping in their packages; I do.

I will leave you with six months of planning for your beauty needs. I’ll be back with a new post to help you plan for the last 5 months. Until then, check out my blog post on “Why You Should Hire a Bridal Artist.”