The camera cannot lie, so now may be the time to consult the professionals whose experience will ensure that your wedding photo shoot will portray you at your very best.
But first things first, it cannot be said enough that a good diet, exercise and plenty of sleep (ideally eight hours per night, during the months leading up to the wedding), will result in both a healthy mind and body and will do wonders for your confidence.
Its inevitable that you will feel the pressure building up, but dont panic and try to keep things in perspective. Make a worry list and deal with the main one first. Learn to delegate. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the planning of, and the preparing for, your wedding - the day itself will fly by.
Physical signs of stress can be weight loss or weight gain, a bloated feeling and muscle cramps, caused by the body producing excess adrenaline.
The best way to off-set nervousness and the production of excess adrenaline is to breath deeply taking the air down into the bottom of your lungs. Also, drinking lots of water will help detoxify your body.
Just 20 minutes exercise, twice a week will not only combat the side effects of stress in your body, but it will improve your mental ability to deal with anxiety. During exercise endorphins are released into the bloodstream and so into the brain creating positive vibes and a feeling of well-being. It also speeds up the body's natural detoxification processes.
Adrenaline is stored in the muscle fibres so jogging; tai chi; swimming and yoga are excellent stress busters as is regular massage. A really special treat, or even an alternative Hen or Stag do, would be a relaxing weekend at a health spa. Enjoy the benefits of aroma therapy, reflexology, a sauna, and facials - just the things to ease away those pre- wedding tensions.
Yogurts and cereals
Fish, nuts, avocados and spinach
Celery and fennel
Milk, lemon or ginger tea
Eggs and bananas
Every morning and night, cleanse tone and moisturise. Also, use eye creams to prevent lines and wrinkles especially if you smoke or spend a lot of time at a computer screen. Don't forget to moisturise your hands (maybe treat yourself to a manicure or nail extensions with a free hand massage thrown in). Elbows, knees and feet need a bit of moisturising too. Plus, as you will be on your feet most of your wedding day, a visit to a chiropodist will be a real treat.
If you usually wear bright coloured eye-shadows or lipsticks, stick to what reflects your personality. However, the secret of good make-up is not to notice exactly what it is that makes you look so good. Most brides will want a flawless image which above all looks natural. This is achieved by selecting the right products, shades and colours carefully which, when applied expertly, will stay fresh all day.
Professional make-up artists can either train you in how to achieve that perfect look for yourself or, they will do your make-up for you on the day. A trial run is essential as you will want to feel comfortable with them and be assured that you can trust their advice.
- Always test and choose foundations in natural, not fluorescent light.
- Yellow based concealers will even out skin tone by counteracting redness. Water base formulas will hydrate the skin and wont dry out and cake.
- Use loose powder to start your day, then pressed powder during the day for quick touch-ups.
- If you apply your blush before your eye shadow you will avoid overdoing your eye make-up.
- Apply eyeliner before eye shadow. Your eye shadow will soften the line and create a more natural look.
- Always apply blusher starting from the outer part of the face and move towards the centre. Use circular movements to avoid stripes.
- When applying both eyeliner and mascara, open your mouth slightly to relax the eye muscles.
- Close your lips when applying lip liner. That way the pencil won't fall into the folds.
- Apply lipstick to the centre of the lip first and work towards the corners. To help colour last, blot lips with a tissue and apply another coat.
Looking good and feeling great is about putting your best face forward and is a mark of self-respect, not a sign of vanity.
- If using a professional, book your appointments well in advance and check how long your make-up takes so that you can schedule this into your Wedding Day diary
- For colour coordination, take along material swatches of your outfit or wear a similar colour
- Check your make-up in both natural and artificial light. In the summer you may need a more matt finish. In the winter or in the evening, something slightly heavier may give better results as will a lip gloss
- Do you want your eye shadow or lipstick to pick out a colour from your outfit or your flowers?
- Will you be wearing your hair up? This will change your look
- Waterproof mascara is essential
- Your skins condition changes, so have a trial make-up no more than two weeks before your wedding
- Try new products or treatments several months, rather than weeks, before your wedding. (Any adverse skin reactions are best treated by your doctor.) Be wary of seeking advice from make-up counters, the assistants are trained to sell latest colours and products which may not be the most suitable for you
- Set aside a quiet, well lit space to prepare on the Day. Wear something that buttons at the front so not to spoil your hair and make-up you change. If your outfit needs to go over your head, be sure to cover your face.
There are many products on the market to whiten your teeth: toothpastes, gels and strips. However, a specialist dentist can give you instant results or provide you with an at-home bleaching kit. These treatments use stronger products then can be bought over the counter.
For that Hollywood tan, check out two or three salons over several months before your wedding as different products produce different results. Tell the salon you are preparing for your wedding.
Exfoliate and moisturise your skin for two days beforehand, paying particular attention to dry areas: ankles, knees, elbows and knuckles, but don't overdo the moisturising immediately before your visit. Moisturising afterwards will prolong the results.
Have your final tanning treatment 2 days before your wedding.
- Most salons and mobile beauticians will offer a special wedding day package for all members of the bridal party but you must book well in advance. The packages can include hairdressing, make-up, manicures, pedicures and face and body treatments.
- Ask about the discount structure - does more cost less?
- If using a mobile technician, does the cost include travel expenses?
- Have your mum or bridesmaid carry these for you: make-up, perfume, mini deodorant stick, tissues, hairbrush, baby wipes, needle and thread, hair grips, spare pair or tights or stockings.
- If you are wearing a strapless gown or outfit, wear a strapless bra for the couple of hours before the wedding to avoid marking your skin.
Why should the girls enjoy all this pampering and not you? Book a Stag do with a difference at your local spa; enjoy a heavenly massage, hot towel facial, or relax with an Indian massage.
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