Planning Your Outfit
Do your research. Look at bridal or wedding-related magazines to get a sense of what you want to wear. These magazines are great for inspiration and for narrowing down your choices if you are feeling overwhelmed! You can even start a physical scrapbook or Pinterest board of designs and styles that you like.
Don't pick the first dress or suit you see. Even if it looks great on you, make sure you go to at least a few different shops and try on multiple things. You want to be assured that you made the right choice. To remember all your different options, take pictures of your favorite dresses so you can compare. Get the business card of all the shops that you visited and write notes on the back so you can remember where you saw each dress.
Get the input of your family or friends. Sometimes, it's hard to know what design looks best on your body type. It's easy to fall in love with a dress or suit and not be able to see that it might not be the best option for you personally. This is why getting the opinion of someone else is invaluable in picking the perfect outfit.
Store your dress or suit in a zipped garment bag after you purchase it. That thing was expensive! You want to make sure it looks pristine on your wedding day, so storing it in a garment bag is vital to making sure it looks the same way on your wedding day as it did the day you bought it. You can buy zipped garment bags at Sears of Walmart.
Buy shoes. Buy your shoes after you buy your dress or suit so you can match them. While you want to buy great-looking shoes, you also should make sure that they don't hurt your feet! Remember that you will be wearing these shoes all day for your wedding. They should be fashionable but also comfortable. When you find a pair of shoes you like, take a stroll in them. Walk around the store for five minutes and see how they feel. If after five minutes they feel like torture, they aren't the pair for you. Match your shoes to your dress or suit by making sure they are the same shade. If they aren't the same color, make sure that something about them, whether it be an accent or an embellishment, matches your dress or suit. Try to pick shoes made of soft leather. Soft leather is more comfortable and are less likely to cause blisters.
Buy accessories. Most brides, and some grooms, choose to accessorize their wedding outfits. A stunning necklace, pair of earrings, or watch can be a great way of making the outfit seem complete. For women, a wedding veil is also a traditional accessory they may choose to wear at their wedding. The key to buying the perfect accessory is to find one that matches your outfit but is special and unique on its own. Choose an accessory that is made of high-quality materials. You want your accessory to not only match your dress or suit in color, but also in the quality of the material. Wearing a cheap-looking accessory will seem out of place paired with your dress or suit. Don't overdo it. Choose one or two accessories. Less can be more when it comes to accessories because too many can look overdone.
Planning your Hair and Makeup
Check out hair magazines for style inspirations. These magazines can give you ideas that go beyond your usual look. There are many styles to choose from, and you want to make sure that you pick something that is a little more amped-up than usual but is still you. Be realistic about your hair. Everyone's hair is a little different. It's great to get ideas from magazines and online research, but keep in mind that your hair may not physically be able to be put in all the styles that you see.
Hire a professional. Many people, especially women, choose to hire a professional hair-stylist for their wedding. Hiring a professional is a great way to take some pressure off and also make sure that you look your absolute best. Have a consultation with your hairstylist to see what styles they would recommend for you.
Look up makeup inspiration. Many women choose to wear makeup on their wedding day. Even if you do not normally wear makeup, consider wearing it on your wedding day to give yourself the assurance of smooth skin and that extra rosy glow. There are many great resources for makeup online, and even doing a quick Google search for wedding makeup is a good way to find inspiration. Consider your skin tone and facial features and research what kind of makeup is most flattering for you individually.
Don't go too dramatic. Think of your wedding makeup as a couple notches above your everyday makeup. For instance, if you normally don't wear makeup, you don't want to show up to your wedding unrecognizable! Kick it up a couple notches but stay away from looks that radically change your appearance. If in doubt, stick to a clean, classic look. Your wedding day is probably not the day for a dramatic cat eye or purple lipstick. If you a wearing a traditional wedding dress, stick with a clean and natural look. Wearing a red lipstick is a good way to be bold but classic.
Purchase makeup that looks good in photographs. The most important thing is a foundation that will look good photographed. Foundations that have the word "HD" in their name are specifically formulated to look natural when photographed. Foundations with a high oil content or a lot of reflective particles can make you look washed-out or ghostly when photographed, especially if you have a pale skin tone.
Hire a professional makeup artist. Many women hire makeup artists in addition to professional hairstylists, or choose estheticians that can do both jobs. This makes your life easier, and since makeup can get messy it takes that worry out of the equation. Many professional makeup artists have websites with portfolios of their work. If you are thinking of hiring a particular makeup artist, look up some of the makeup styles that they have done to see whether they would be a good fit for you.
Practice your look with a trial. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, you want to practice your hair and makeup at least once before your wedding. This will help you to make sure it is exactly what you want, and it'll also get you used to the feeling of this different look. Don't wear your wedding outfit when you are getting your hair and makeup done. You want to avoid getting anything on your outfit and doing hair and makeup can get messy. If you aren't happy with how everything looks together, try to pinpoint what you would like to change or ask the opinion of your stylist and/or family and friends. If you seem to be having an allergic reaction to a makeup product, take note and try a different product the next day. Take a picture after your trial. Photograph your makeup and hair trial, and make sure to take close-ups. A picture will be a good reference so that you or your stylist will remember exactly what you want the day of your wedding.
Set up any beauty appointments at least 5 days before your wedding. Whether it be waxing, teeth-whitening or any other kind of beauty appointment, make sure to set it a few days before your wedding. That way if you have any kind of adverse reaction, it will settle before the big day. The couple days before your wedding will likely be hectic, so planning ahead will also free up some time during those last few crucial days. Get a manicure the day before the wedding. Doing it a day or two ahead reduces the chance of chipped polish. Even if you choose not to do color, make sure your nails are clean and trimmed. You're going to be flashing that ring quite a bit, and it's likely your photographer will want some close-ups of your hands.
Staying Healthy
Start a workout routine. Establish a workout routine about 6 months before your wedding. Try to work out at least three times a week for thirty or more minutes. This is the minimum amount of time needed to start impacting your body and seeing results. Working out doesn't only tone and thin your body, it's also a great stress reliever. If you can't make it to the gym or a fitness class, there are things you can do on your own as a workout. Take a run or a brisk walk around your neighborhood. You can also buy free-weights at stores like Walmart or Dicks Sporting Goods if you want to lift weights. Stretch before a workout. Stretching is essential to making sure you don't injure yourself before a workout. Stretching also increases your blood flow and circulation, which is energizing and can improve your mood. If you enjoy stretch-related exercise, try out a yoga or Pilates class.
Try to be more active in your daily life. This can mean things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or biking instead of driving. Doing this won't take any time out of your schedule, but it will make you happier and healthier. These are good ways to keep up your fitness in the busy weeks before your wedding.
Eat healthily by making small changes to your diet. As you are starting your fitness routine, make an effort to eat healthier. Choose 1% milk as opposed to 3%. If you are eating a sandwich, choose a whole grain bread. Try to find the healthy version of everyday things that you eat. These changes make it easier to transition to a healthy lifestyle without giving up your normal diet. Recreating your favorite foods at home is a great way to do this. If you crave pizza, buy a pizza crust from the grocery store along with sauce, low-fat cheese and some veggie toppings. This will satisfy your craving in a healthy way.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Try to make half your plate at meal times contain either fruit or vegetables. They are essential in giving you the vitamins, minerals and fiber you need for great health. Keep fresh vegetables like baby carrots or sugar snap peas around for snacking. Snacking on veggies is filling and good for your body.
Stop eating after you're full. Food is awesome, but if you're not hungry anymore then it's time to stop. Getting into this habit will help you maintain or even lose weight. Slow down how fast you eat, and really consider whether you are still hungry. Sometimes you get full before you mentally realize it, so eating more slowly will help you be in touch more with your body and hunger.
Start a skincare routine. You want to glow on the day of your wedding, not be worried about blemishes. In the months before your wedding, be sure to wash your face twice a day with a facial cleanser. To wash your face, splash lukewarm water on your face. Use your fingertips to apply cleanser gently to your face in circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water again and pat dry with a clean towel. If you wear makeup, be sure to remove makeup before with a gentle makeup remover before washing your face. Just washing your face will not remove all makeup. Do not wash your face more than twice a day. Washing to much can irritate or dry your skin. Try to wash your face only at the beginning and end of the day, or after sweating.
Moisturize daily. Moisturizing protects and revitalizes skin. Even if you are prone to oily skin, it's important to moisturize daily. It's best to moisturize at the beginning and end of the day after washing your face. Taking a bath or shower actually dries your skin, so any time you get wet it is a good idea to moisturize afterwards. You can buy moisturizer that is made for your skin type. If you know that you have especially oily, dry or sensitive skin, get a moisturizer specifically formulated for your skin type.
Wear sunscreen. Not only can wearing sunscreen prevent skin cancer, it can also keep your skin looking healthy and great. Take care when you are in the sun in the months leading up to your wedding by applying sunscreen thirty minutes before going out in the sun to all exposed body parts. Make sure that the SPF is at least 15 or above. Pay close attention to covering your face, which is a sensitive area. Reapply every few hours that you are in the sun according to the directions on the bottle. If you are worried about your face getting burned, consider wearing a hat as well as sunscreen for long periods in the sun. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, use a water-based sunscreen. If you are outside swimming, get a sunscreen meant for water exposure.
Getting Ready on your Wedding Day
Get enough sleep. You may have rehearsal dinner to attend the night before the wedding, or even a bachelorette party, but it's crucial you get those eight hours in (at least!). Keep drinking to a minimum and make sure any events end early so you can get to sleep at a decent hour.
Get up early enough to shower. You want to be clean and refreshed on your wedding day. Get up early enough to shower and to do your normal post-shower routine. A shower can also help you get awake and alert. You can wash your hair if you wish, but often times if you are styling it, it may be better to wash your hair the night before because fresh hair does not style as easily as less-clean hair. Try not to use any new products as you take your shower. It would be the worst to have an allergic reaction to a new product the day of your wedding! If you normally shave, whether it be your body or your face, shave after or during your shower the day of your wedding. This ensures that you have the closest possible shave and that you won't have any unwanted stubble!
Eat a light but filling breakfast. Don't overstuff yourself the day of the wedding. This could give you a bloated look and make you not fit quite as well into your dress or suit. Instead, eat a meal with fruit and vegetables, protein, and whole grains. This will fill you up and give you the energy you need for your big day. Remember to hydrate. Drinking enough water gives you glowing skin and will help you to feel more full. Try to stay away from dark berries, red wine and coffee in the couple days before your wedding and on your wedding day. These foods might stain your teeth or make them appear less white!
Show up to your hair and makeup appointments 15 minutes early. You never know what can happen. Even if applying your makeup or doing your hair only took an hour during your test run, it may take slightly longer for you or your stylist to do it on your wedding day. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to finish your hair and makeup no matter what. Ideally, your makeup and hair appointments should be at least two hours before your wedding. This way it will not be last minute, but at the same time your hair and makeup will still look perfect. Make sure to set your hair and makeup. Use hairspray for your hair and makeup setter if you are wearing makeup. This will ensure that nothing will shift in the hours before your wedding. Wear a button-down shirt while you are getting your makeup done. That way your dress will not get stained or dirty, and you will eventually be able to change into your dress without affecting your hair or makeup.
Bring touch-up materials along with you after your appointments. You want to make sure that you look great and it may be good to do additional touch-ups after your appointments. One important thing to bring along is a comb or brush for your hair. If you are wearing makeup, it is a good idea to take some blotting papers and powder with a powder brush to reduce shine. You also may want to bring along the lipstick you are using if you are wearing lipstick as lipstick can easily smudge and move. A compact mirror is always a good idea too because you can check up on your appearance while you are on the go.
Looking Incredible at your Wedding
Try to relax. Just before you go out and begin your wedding, take a few deep breaths. You want to feel and appear relaxed. Remember that it's normal to feel wedding jitters, just about everyone does! Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing tension to escape your body. This will ensure that you appear confident and graceful as you begin the service.
Smile. This is one of the most important days of your life, so don't forget to smile! Let everyone see how excited you are to start the next chapter of your life with the one you love. Smiling truly brings out your radiance and beauty, and can even make you more relaxed and confident.
Do a touch-up after the service. You just got married! You probably don't have your appearance on your mind, but after the service and before the reception, you should do a quick touch-up. The passionate kiss you shared with your spouse may have shifted your hair or makeup, and you want to make sure everything is on point for the next part of your day.
Avoid spills. During your reception, you will no doubt be eating a drinking. Avoid spilling anything on your dress or suit by eating carefully. Make sure you are eating over your plate and not leaning back to much. Place any beverages in front of your plate and try not to do any reaching. Place a napkin in your lap and make sure it covers your entire lap. If you drop something on your dress or suit, immediately got to the kitchen or bathroom. Get a clean napkin or towel and moisten it with water. Then dab the area repeatedly until you see the stain coming out. Do not vigorously rub or scrub the area. Though it seems counterintuitive, dabbing is actually the best way to get out a stain.
Looking Great in Photos
Use a hired photographer. A huge part of looking great at your wedding is looking good in your wedding pictures. It's a photographers job to make sure you look fabulous. They know what you are looking for in your wedding photos and will give you instruction and feedback as they snap their photos.
Stand up straight. Good posture is flattering to your body and makes you look slimmer. It also gives you an air of confidence. Slouching in your wedding photos will make you look uncomfortable or unhappy, so even if you don't like getting your picture taken, make an effort to straighten up. Try to elongate your spine and push your shoulders back. Make sure to keep your chin up so that your face is pointed at the photographer.
Smile for the camera. Make sure you are giving a big, natural smile. Remember how happy you are on this day and try to let that show in your face. Concentrate on making the smile go all the way to your eyes! Some people's eyes naturally squint when they smile. Try to keep your eyes open when you smile, because a lot of emotion is lost when your eyes aren't visible. Smile in a few different ways. Do a close-mouth smile, then an open mouth, and then experiment with the wideness of your smile.
Pose in a couple of different ways. Don't get stuck in one pose. You want to make sure that you find a pose that is flattering and natural for you, and that might mean posing in a couple different ways. Start with a straight-on, traditional pose. Then angle one shoulder at the camera with one foot slightly in front of the other. Experiment with putting your hands on your hips. Changing poses should feel subtle and natural, so don't try to do any poses that feel strange or unlike you.
Interact with your spouse. This day is about the two of you becoming family, and you want that to show in your wedding photos. Put your arm around your spouse or give him or her a kiss for the camera. You can also look at your spouse and smile. That is a very sweet pose and it communicates how happy you are to start your new life with your new spouse.
Vary who is in the photographs. Do series of different shots that feature the important people in your life. Make sure that you get photographs of just you and your spouse. Other ideas for shots include you and your bridesmaids or groomsmen, a shot with both of your families, and a photo with friends. If you are hiring a professional photographer, he or she is paid to orchestrate these photographs. The photographer will direct the different shots so that your friends and family will know when they are needed.
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