Wedding Planning: Looking Your Best for the Wedding Day Part 2

Now that you have the make up details for the wedding day set in stone, consider your other beauty needs. Here are other things to think about:

Hair

Your hair is important on your wedding day. It completes the overall look. Consider the following:

• Colour. Do you want to change the colour of your hair? If so, have a couple treatments well before the wedding day. Allow time to perfect the colour and make any adjustments necessary. Have your final colour treatment done one or two days before the wedding (your stylist will determine the timing of your last colour treatment before the wedding).  ALWAYS GO TO A PROFESSIONAL, they are trained to know the science of hair dye and how it will affect your hair.
• Cut. Do you want to change the cut? I suggested you figure this out and get you hair cut about 3 months before the wedding, giving enough time for any adjustments, to get used to the cut and to see how it grows out. Have your hair trimmed with the final colour treatment before the wedding.
• Style. Decide whether you want your hair up or down, straight or curly. Find pictures you like and have consultations and trails with hairstylists.
• On the day. Do you want the hairstylist on location, or will you have your hair done at a salon. Consider cost vs. time. Talk to your hairstylist about how to prep you hair for them (washing it the night before or in the morning, air dry or blow dry, etc.)

Spa Treatments

Look on websites like Way Spa, Spa Finder, or Spa Wish for deals on spa packages and services. If you are in the city of Toronto why not book a spa day outside of the city for a daylong get away. Try somewhere like Body Revival in Brampton, it is my spa of choice.

• Facial. Have a facial 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding day. Your skin will need some time after the facial to complete the cleansing/detoxifying process.
• Manicure and Pedicure. Avoid booking these on your wedding day (24-48 hours works well). Make sure you book enough time to allow your nails dry thoroughly.
• Hair removal. If you choose to wax, doing so about 4 days before the wedding will ensure your skin has recovered. If you chose to shave I suggest using Nair or Veet instead, this way you wont have to worry about razor cuts.
• Brows. Ideally, the shaping process should begin 8-12 weeks in advance of the “big day”. Arrange for a final “clean up” the day before the wedding activities begin.
• Tanning. Visit the tanning booth 3 days before the wedding date, after you have gone for your waxing. This allows a few days for any burning to fade. If you are using a self-tanning cream try it at least a month before the wedding to see how the product reacts with your body chemistry. Tan at you own discretion. If you are looking for a tanning salon try Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique.

Health and Nutrition

Confidence is beauty. Nothing enhances your beauty more than the healthy glow that comes from good nutrition, regular activity and plenty of sleep. As you wedding day approaches you will get busy attending pre-wedding parties and tending to last minute details. In the rush, you may be tempted to substitute convenience for nutrition, remove the gym from you to-do list and ignore your body’s cry for sleep. Instead, make your physical well being a priority. Remember to fuel your body regularly. Eat well-balanced meals and try to choose healthy snacks. Don't put yourself on a restricted diet by focusing on what you can't have, instead focus on healthy foods you enjoy. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Include regular physical activity in your schedule. My favourite work out is a Body Conditioning By Dancers class. BCBD classes are a full body work out structured to use you own body weight instead of depending on gym equipment. Visit the website to learn more and sign up for an eight week session. When you sign up for a BCBD class you are committing to a set scheduled class. If you cannot commit to a set schedule try drop-in classes at places like Aradia Fitness or Flirty Girl Fitness. These are women's only classes that are fun and sassy. It is an excellent way to find your sexy side and build confidence. To shy to go alone, encourage your bridal party to come with you. If you are looking more for stress relief and relaxation try yoga classes. I like hot yoga classes because the warmth of the room helps me clear my mind and lets my body relax into the stretches and poses.

Last and most important make sure you get enough sleep. Planning a wedding takes a lot of energy. By following these simple suggestions you will not only look fabulous but you will also have the confidence and energy to enjoy the day you so carefully planned.

*For help planning the other aspects of the wedding check out Exclusively Weddings or the Wedding Channel Store. For bride just starting the planning process you may want to consider a wedding planner.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).