Photo by Mayapapayapictures.com

Preparation Tips for Your Wedding Day

Taking care of yourself in the months leading up to your wedding is one of the most loving things you can do to feel your absolute best on your special day. Here are some preparation tips for hair, skin, and body that I recommend for my brides:

Tips for Your Hair

Healthy, radiant hair starts from within! To give your hair that bridal glow, make sure you’re enjoying a diet rich in fresh greens and foods high in Vitamin B, like fish, nuts, and eggs. This will nourish your locks from the inside out and give you that natural shine.

On the outside, treat yourself to a scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment about 4 weeks before your big day. This will not only feel wonderful but will also help stimulate hair growth and add body. If you’re noticing frayed or split ends, a light trim can make all the difference for sleek, smooth bridal hair.

Tips for Your Hair

Healthy, radiant hair starts from within! To give your hair that bridal glow, make sure you’re enjoying a diet rich in fresh greens and foods high in Vitamin B, like fish, nuts, and eggs. This will nourish your locks from the inside out and give you that natural shine.

On the outside, treat yourself to a scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment about 4 weeks before your big day. This will not only feel wonderful but will also help stimulate hair growth and add body. If you’re noticing frayed or split ends, a light trim can make all the difference for sleek, smooth bridal hair.

Tips for Glowing Skin

Your skin reflects your overall well-being, so focusing on a clean, balanced diet about 6 months before your wedding can be transformative. Stick to fresh, whole foods like leafy greens, a variety of vegetables, and avoid processed items. A daily intake of fresh produce—aim for six different vegetables per day—and limiting sugars and dairy will help give you that natural glow.

Drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day) to keep your skin hydrated and help flush out toxins. If you start this routine early, your skin will have ample time to adjust, ensuring a radiant, clear complexion. For a little extra hydration, especially in dry months, a natural facial mist with essential oils is a lovely touch.

Tips for a Strong, Energized Body

Exercise is another fantastic form of self-care. Starting early is key—you’ll feel stronger and less stressed if you allow yourself time to enjoy the process. Find movement that you love, whether it’s swimming, mountain biking, or a gentle yoga class. Outdoor activities can be especially refreshing, but remember to apply sun protection to prevent tan lines that might show with your wedding dress.

Keeping your body active and energized is about more than looks; it’s about feeling your best as you step into this beautiful new chapter.

Self-care is the foundation of feeling beautiful, confident, and ready to celebrate! These small, loving steps can make a world of difference on your wedding day and beyond.


 
Photo by Lear Miller

Photo by Lear Miller

 

BRIDAL HAIR: Updo or down styling, including the veil application. 

MAKEUP: Camera ready, personalized makeup application & lashes. 

TRAVEL: YAS!!! I love destination weddings, and I travel world-wide.

Sedona, AZ Spring Bride 2024

Downtown Pheonix Bride

North Scottsdale Bridal Prep

Photography ~ jimandchristyphotography.com

Photography ~ Perilla Productions Sedona, AZ

Estimated Time & Prep for Hair and Makeup

The wedding day is filled with nerves, excitement, and lots of moving parts, so it's important to give yourself—and me—enough time to ensure everything runs smoothly. For both the trial and the wedding day, I recommend setting aside 2 hours for hair and makeup application. While it usually takes less time, this allows ample space for my creative process and ensures a relaxed, no-rush atmosphere.

To ensure the best results, please have your hair washed and conditioned the night before the wedding day, and make sure it is completely dry when we begin. This ensures a clean look without product buildup or static, which can interfere with styling and negatively affect photos.

For makeup, please arrive with a clean face and just a light layer of moisturizer. I also suggest avoiding waxing, facials, or tanning a few days before your wedding. A facial, in particular, should be done at least a week in advance, as it can sometimes cause breakouts as toxins are released. This gives your skin time to calm down, so you’ll have the best possible complexion for your big day.

Estimated Time & Prep for Hair and Makeup

The wedding day is filled with nerves, excitement, and lots of moving parts, so it's important to give yourself—and me—enough time to ensure everything runs smoothly. For both the trial and the wedding day, I recommend setting aside 2 hours for hair and makeup application. While it usually takes less time, this allows ample space for my creative process and ensures a relaxed, no-rush atmosphere.

To ensure the best results, please have your hair washed and conditioned the night before the wedding day, and make sure it is completely dry when we begin. This ensures a clean look without product buildup or static, which can interfere with styling and negatively affect photos.

For makeup, please arrive with a clean face and just a light layer of moisturizer. I also suggest avoiding waxing, facials, or tanning a few days before your wedding. A facial, in particular, should be done at least a week in advance, as it can sometimes cause breakouts as toxins are released. This gives your skin time to calm down, so you’ll have the best possible complexion for your big day.

MOH and MOB Bridal Services

With my experience working with mature skin and hair, I am dedicated to making the Mother of the Bride (MOB) and Maid of Honor (MOH) feel radiant, confident, and ready to support their loved ones on this special day. My goal is to enhance their natural beauty, ensuring they feel just as beautiful and empowered as the bride herself.

For an organized and stress-free wedding day, I recommend scheduling the Mother of the Bride and Maid of Honor’s hair and makeup appointments before the bride's, so they can assist with pre-ceremony details, such as helping the bride into her gown and veil. My timeline allows for the bridal party to be completed 30 minutes before the bride dresses, ensuring everything is running smoothly and without a rush.

I like to build in some flexibility for things like eating and last-minute adjustments, as I know the day can be full of unexpected moments. And of course, I’ll be the “Hydration Police”—making sure everyone stays hydrated so they feel fresh and glowing throughout the day.

Makeup Application

With my published expertise and years of experience, I specialize in enhancing every skin type for a fresh, natural look that will withstand a day of smiles, happy tears, and lasting memories. My approach to makeup is grounded in soft, timeless beauty, applying techniques that look stunning both in person and in photos.

For a beautiful, eye-catching effect in photos, I often recommend lashes to subtly open and define the eyes—unless you have sensitivities or recent eye surgeries. My technique is to begin with a soft, lighter application, allowing room to gradually build up definition for a look that’s flawless yet natural. This layered approach ensures you feel comfortable while capturing that picture-perfect beauty that will shine in your memories forever.

Photo by ~ TJ Shull www.thomasshull,com. Fall Bridal 2024 North Pheoniz