On your big day, you definitely want to look absolutely flawless in your wedding dress! The problem is, many brides get so caught up in planning that they forget to take care of themselves, or try to cram all beauty treatments into the final week—which can sometimes backfire!
Today, Wedly presents the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Prep Timeline. Let's break down exactly when to start your skin treatments, hair coloring, and nails so you look radiant and confident on your wedding day!
⏳ 6 Months Before: Start the Foundation
This is the perfect time to start long-term beauty and health goals.
- Fitness & Diet: Start your workout routine and eat healthy. If you're planning to wear a fitted mermaid gown, now is the time to tone up! Our month-by-month bridal skincare and diet guide covers what to actually eat and apply.
- Dermatologist Visits: Consult a doctor for major skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, or acne scars, as these treatments take months to show results.
- Laser Hair Removal: Start laser treatments for your underarms, arms, or legs, as it requires multiple sessions for perfectly smooth skin.
Don't forget to nourish yourself from within, too — wholesome food like fruit-and-veggie smoothies helps your skin glow with that lit-from-within radiance.
⏳ 3 Months Before: Bookings & Procedures
Your body is getting into shape; now it's time for the details.
- Book Hair & Makeup Artists: Top-tier MUAs get fully booked fast! Secure your preferred artist as soon as possible — here is how to choose a bridal hair and makeup artist and what to ask before you book.
- Botox & Fillers: If you want to slim your jawline or fill in fine lines, do it now. The results will look completely natural by the wedding day, and you won't look "frozen."
- Body Scrubs & Spa: Start getting body scrubs or spa treatments 1-2 times a week for soft, glowing skin.
Beyond the skin benefits, regular spa sessions are also a wonderful way to melt away wedding-planning stress.
⏳ 1 Month Before: Finalizing Your Look
The wedding is close! Do not try any new skincare products from this point on to avoid allergic reactions.
- Hifu or Thermage (Optional): Great for lifting and tightening your face for the perfect camera angles (doing this 2-3 months prior is also excellent).
- Finalize Hair & Makeup Looks: Send references to your MUA. If you have the budget, book a makeup trial to see how the look suits you in person. Not sure what to send? Compare bridal hairstyles by face shape first, then brief your stylist.
- Final Dress Fitting: Try on your wedding dress for the last set of alterations to ensure a perfect fit. (Still shopping? Start with the bridal gown guide.)
⏳ 1-2 Weeks Before: The Finishing Touches
We are in the final stretch! Focus on colors and small details.
- Hair Coloring: This is the ideal time to dye your hair. The color will settle perfectly, and your roots won't show. (Wedly recommends ash brown or chocolate tones to brighten your face and highlight hair texture!)
- Eyelash Extensions / Lifting: (Skip this if your MUA prefers to use false lashes on the day.)
- Eyebrow Shaping / Waxing: Get your brows professionally shaped so your makeup artist has a clean canvas to work with.
⏳ 1-3 Days Before: Relax & Glow
- Gel Nails: Get your manicure and pedicure done 2-3 days prior. Your nails will look pristine with no risk of chipping or growing out too much.
- Final Body Scrub: A gentle scrub and heavy moisturizing lotion.
- Hydrating Sheet Mask: Use a hydrating mask you already know and trust. Again, do not try a new formula!
- Get Plenty of Sleep: Drink lots of water and get enough rest. Sleep is the best skincare you can get!
Summary
Beauty takes time! Planning ahead prevents last-minute panic and guarantees the best results. Apply this timeline to your routine, and don't forget to add your clinic or salon appointments to the Checklist feature in the Wedly app. Our app will send you reminders so you won't miss a single step on your journey to becoming a beautiful bride!
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