SIX MONTHS:
* Meet with your beauty consultant to discuss your bridal gown style, accessories, skin and hair care needs, and book your initial appointments. Avoid any last minute stress by pre-booking your appointments now to ensure you lock in your preferred dates & times.
* Would you like to grow out your hair or try a new color or cut? Start experimenting now with hair extensions and highlights.
* Get a hair trim to remove any split ends and keep in good condition.
* Begin your skin regimen with your first skin analysis and custom facial. Religiously follow a personalized cleansing and moisturizing plan.
* Schedule a nail-strengthening manicure and apply a nail strengthening top coat weekly.
* Start your wedding day shape-up plan with regular exercise and drink plenty of water (9-13 cups per day is recommended by the USDA).
* Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen every morning. Begin a stress-relief regimen. Make a date with yourself one night a week for some non-wedding fun – try Reiki or a relaxing massage.
THREE MONTHS:
* Now is a good time to experiment with tanning products. Air brush tanning provides a natural, gorgeous glow and can be customized for individual preference.
* For chemically treated hair, avoid chlorinated pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis. It can discolor and be much harder to correct.
ONE MONTH:
* Hold a bridal beauty clinic for your attendants. Guests will enjoy a skin condition analysis and beauty tips for the wedding day.
* Exfoliate and moisturize – soft and silky elbows, hands and feet are marriage musts.
* Want a sparkling big-day smile? Cut down on tea and coffee and try Crest White Strips or a professional bleaching system by your dentist.
* Make all needed salon & spa appointments up to your wedding day to avoid any last minute crisis.
* Decide on your wedding day fragrance. Certain scents can invoke powerful, nostalgic memories.
TWO WEEKS:
* Trim and color hair as needed. See your stylist and makeup artist for your practice up do with veil and practice makeup application.
* Deep condition your hair preparing for those harsh sun rays on the honeymoon. Try a MicroMist Ultrasonic hair therapy for a silky, soft mane.
* Organize your Bridal emergency repair kit. Suggestions include:
Throw-away garter, earring backs, clear nail polish, small
sewing kit, masking tape (for ripped hems), white and off-
white chalk, Tums, Tylenol, small first aid kit, nail file,
deodorant, hair spray, bobby pins, lint remover,
toothpaste/brush, nail clips, corsage pins
ONE WEEK:
* Pack a skin care and makeup kit for your honeymoon.
* Enjoy your last facial before the big day – allow enough time for skin irritation to subside.
* Time for that special couples massage to re-group with your sweetie and reconnect. You probably haven’t had much quality time as a couple over the past several months!
THREE DAYS:
* Wax eyebrows, bikini area, legs to allow for any skin irritation to subside. Properly groomed and shaped brows help enhance and add expression to the face and are without a doubt an essential step to completing any wedding makeup application.
TWO DAYS:
* Get your final airbrush tan application with a gorgeous bridal shimmer.
ONE DAY:
* Get a manicure and pedicure. Pay the technician before getting your nails done to avoid nicking the polish.
* Gather your accessories together. Try on your entire ensemble including wedding gown and veil. Note any last minute repairs and needs.
THE BIG DAY:
* Eat Breakfast!
* For a long-lasting scent, smooth on a fragranced body crème and body powder after your bath or shower.
* Wear a button-down shirt for your wedding day up-do appointment (should be done prior to your makeup application).
* See your makeup artist for your makeup application. Select waterproof mascara and make sure your foundation matches any changes in your skin color – particularly if you had an airbrush tan application. Get touch up tips to maintain a photo-perfect look throughout the day.
* Apply fragrance before slipping into wedding gown. Never spray fragrance near clothing as it can stain the fabric.
* Begin dressing in your gown about 2 hours before the ceremony to allow enough time for photos.
* Once your dress is on, put on your jewelry to avoid catching gems on lace.
* Secure your headpiece just before the first pre-ceremony pictures are taken.
Lisa Leoni is owner of the Naperville Jon’Ric International Salon & Day Spa, [http://www.jonricnaperville.com/]
