In this section you can find advice and tips to ensure your day runs as smooth as possible.
Making lists
Create a breakdown of each ceremony and event with what it is you specifically will need.
Write down everything from outfit, jewellery, shoes and accessories. Make a couple of copies and give them to your designated bridesmaid/s or a family member, in case you forget or need to remember something. Plus is always very satisfying when you to tick something off the list.
Skin Care
I'd highly recommend developing a skin care routine 6 to 8 months before your wedding day. If you have one in place that has been in place way before, then fantastic! Book to see skin specialist and discuss what your goals for your skin are, any concerns and how best the results you desire can be achieved. I'd highly recommend Hydra facials and Micro-needling, as they boost the collagen within your skin helping to reduce fine lines, giving you a more radiant and glowing complexion. If seeing a skin specialist might not work for you, I'd recommend booking in a consultation at a beauty counter with the brand thats sells skin care as a main part of their brand, invest in some skin care products that will work for you. I promise this will be one of the best investments you make.
The night before
My advice would be definitely check into your hotel or venue (if accommodation is available) 24 to 48 hours before, I understand that this can be subjective due to different customs and ceremonies taking place the night before. But if you are able, use it to become familiar with the space, using the space in the room to set out your outfits, jewellery and shoes as well as any other accessories you may need for the day. Indulge in bubble baths, your skin care routine and aromatic body lotions to help relax and unwind. It's important that you stay connected to yourself in the experience of your wedding, as is easy to loose yourself in the chaos, the laughter and tears. Ordering room service with a breakfast that is light and satisfying with decaffeinated tea or coffee will help to calm your nerves.
The Morning of
How you start your day is super important. Why not have a playlist with a selection of Prayers, Recitation, Hymns or music, that will help calm, give you confidence and reassurance and help build the perfect atmosphere for you to begin your bridal preparations in. Getting ready in a space seperate to your bridal party, can help ease nerves, allowing you to take in the process of getting your hair and makeup done. This will also allow your artist to work well too.
Duppatta and Chunni
Having your Duppatta or Chunni pleated and pinned in the way you would like it to be worn, saves hugely on time. This truly allows for smooth dressing and quick securing of the Dupatta/ Chunni onto your outfit. I'd recommend that you do this with every outfit in which you will be wearing one.
Shoes
I'm sure you've heard it before, but ensuring that your shoes are comfortable will be something you thank yourself for later. If your shoes aren't necessarily going to be seen due to the length of your bridal outfit, than a block heel could be something that may offer you more support when you walk into your wedding hall. Depending on your ceremony and if you need to be barefooted, shoes that do not have a strap around the ankle and that you can quickly slip into and out of, will be ideal. Have your designated bridesmaid/s have a satin bag ready to pop your shoes into and out off, for when you're ready to put them back on is an idea too.
Capturing Candid Moments
When a bride has me booked for the full wedding day, I do offer taking pictures and videos off their day discreetly and as candidly as possible on their phone, so that you don't miss those moments as you’re moving through them. So you can look back the morning after and the days after, reliving and sharing those moments again. This can also be done by your designated bridesmaid/s.
Being ready for your artists arrival.
Before you bridal makeup artist or hair artists arrive, if your blouse or top part of your outfit is over the head or difficult to put on, I'd highly recommend you put it on before the arrival of your artists and cover yourself with a dressing gown or a garment that is easily to take off after and will not disrupt your hair or makeup. I'd also recommend that you wear your necklace this does not have to be tide up if it is on a drawstring. If it is a clasp back, then you do not have to worry until the end. Its also important to make sure there is sufficient space for your artist to set up, possibly near a window with as much natural lighting is always a plus!
Self maintenance
Please do not try any self maintenance services, that you don't usually do or haven't tried before. For example, if you usually bleach your facial peach fuzz do not decide to get it waxed, there is no predictability as to how your skin will react or respond to being waxed. There is also the possibility of being burnt as well as skin being waxed off too ( its happened). Same for eyebrows, if you normally thread them or pluck them just stick to what you know, this will truly help to minimise any unexpected surprises.
Be true to you
it's always great getting advice from others who have been through this process before you,
they may have advice and tips on what worked for them but this may not be true for you.
I advise when you go for a trial, that you just bring yourself or one trusted friend or family member, if your artist allows for this, as conflicting opinions or advice from friends and family can distort your personal ideas and wants, this also minimises the experience of the professional that will working with you. When it comes to outfit and jewellery shopping take those with you who are honest and can hold space for you to like or dislike something. Trust yourself on what feels good and what doesn't, of course a little advice and guidance may be what you need.
Itinerary
Ive seen how well these can work and how helpful they can be. Having an itinerary shared out, ensures you, your partner, wedding vendors and family know what will be taking place, where, at what time and their role in your day.
Self care
Self-care during this period of time is super important. I can appreciate in an ideal world we'd all love to be drinking smoothies every morning, exercising daily and sticking to our well planned diet and if you can do those things, great! Just incase, schedule out some time for yourself, whether this be indulging yourself with your favourite dessert, a spa day, meeting friends, sleeping in a little bit more than usual, listening to music or journaling.