A Comprehensive Guide to help brides nail their look for their big day
Once the big question is popped, the gears in the minds of most brides start turning in preparation for their big day.
Despite everything that needs to be prepared, the bride also has to look ethereal, as all eyes will be on her for the ceremony. That being said, the best way to stay on the ball is to have a comprehensive guide that will help her organize her thoughts and ways to execute her look for the big day.
The Different Types of Brides
Before you start planning out your timeline of events, you need to have a think about what type of bride you are going to be on your wedding day.
Traditional Brides
These brides are more conservative in their attire and prefer to have their wedding in a religious venue. They also follow the tradition of “something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new.”
In addition to this, a traditional bride in other cultures takes on a renewed meaning, as they will have to include cultural practices and rituals in the lead-up to the wedding. Brides from different cultures also have unique additions to their wedding outfits, for example, Indian brides wear bright red outfits and nose rings, while brides from Norway wear crowns to ward off spirits. Japanese brides wear full white from head to toe in order to show their maidenhood.
Modern Brides
As the name suggests, these brides do not stick to traditional viewpoints and are willing to take a few risks with their attire. They will be more accepting of having a themed wedding, or a dress that isn’t white and princess-like. They are more risque and it shows in their style, which includes plunging necklines, Grecian-style dresses, and even form-fitting dresses in soft pinks instead of white.
Alternative Bride
For brides who are into alternative sub-cultures, they will most likely include their aesthetic in their wedding by showcasing their piercings and tattoos. However, some do like to take a subtle approach – this can be done by using retainers or matching hoops and studs. For the brides who want to take it a step further, they can not only show off their modifications but amplify them. For example, if you want to incorporate your style into your wedding, and if you have stretched earlobes, why not use a gauge or plug in the color that matches the rest of the jewelry? It can be a beautiful addition to your bridal jewelry while still maintaining your authentic self.
Start Planning Your Wedding Day a Year Ahead
By starting the preparation stage from the one-year mark before the wedding, you will have a stress-free time and will most likely find the entire process enjoyable.
The first step of the planning process is to do your research. Create a Pinterest account and have a look at the different dress types and beauty looks that catch your eye. From here you can create a mood board of the looks you like. Keep in mind your theme, which also influences aspects like your venue, decor, and other wedding needs – in addition to your dress.
As a side note, have a physical journal to record your wedding day planning timeline and checklist. In this binder keep your mood board to show to your wedding planner, who can help you achieve your looks.
At this time it would also be a good idea to get in touch with relationship coaches as a way for you and your partner to connect with each other, and move past any underlying issues.
The Testing Round: Eight Months Ahead
If your wedding day planning includes having custom-made jewelry and dresses, then you need to factor in the time it would be to make these pieces, as well as the time needed for alterations after you have them fitted. This is the trial and error period, so you can tune in on the finer details later on.
It would be ideal to acquire your dress at this point, you can shop for dresses at a boutique, have it custom-made by a seamstress, rent a dress, or alternatively you can acquire one through online boutiques and rental stores.
You need to consult with the hairstylist and make-up artists that you liked and narrowed down on during your research. Make an appointment with each of them, so that you have a trial run done. This trial will help the artists give them an idea of your expectations, as well as how to navigate your skin type.
This period is also a good time to get a skincare and fitness routine going. This is so that you can tackle any underlying skin issues that you may have, as well as make sure your body will be in peak condition by the time your wedding rolls around.
The Finer Details: Six Months Prior
At this time, you need to start picking out accessories for your wedding outfit. Take a sample of your wedding dress’s material with you, so you can match it up with jewelry, shoes, and other accessories.
When picking out your accessories, keep in mind your wedding theme as well as your personal style and comfort.
If you decide on having a post-wedding outfit for either the reception or the honeymoon departure, then you need to look at dresses, accessories, and shoes to match, especially if it is a different color.
The Final Steps: Two Months Prior
This point is when you need to make sure everything is in order and attend to any adjustments that need to be made. This includes final fittings for your dress, and confirming your appointments for the wedding. This includes your stylists, make-up artists, and hair stylists.
This is to make sure there is no double-bookings, and show that you as a client are aware of the appointment. If you have outstanding fees and deposits to pay, this would be the time to do it.
Rounding Up The Regime: A Week Prior
This is the final week leading up to the wedding, this is when you need to undergo beauty treatments and go to the spa to relax.
You also need to pick up outfits from the tailors and have them steam cleaned and away from anything that can cause damage to the dress.
Also pack an emergency beauty kit that is complete with a sewing kit, fashion tape, safety pins, and even menstrual back-ups.
The Big Day
The day has arrived, and you will need to begin with your hair and makeup before getting dressed and putting on the final touches and accessories of your outfit.
Make sure that the appointments for your make-up artist and hairstylist are early enough that you have time beforehand for your wedding videographer to take photos and videos.
Following the ceremony, if you decide to change your outfit, make sure that your stylists are around for any touch-ups or changes that you may need.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to your wedding, it requires a lot of time and preparation for it to go off without a hitch. To make sure that the beauty side of things takes place as smoothly, you need to prepare a cohesive timeline to make sure that you are on the ball with all your wedding beauty needs.
