You've got the dress, but there's still tons to do before that walk down the aisle. Mark your calendar with our prep list and find out which essential steps you should be taking months, weeks and hours before you say "I do!"
GIVE SKIN SOME TLC
Unless your doctor says otherwise, start this skin regimen at home: Wash your face twice a day with a mild to deep cleanser, depending on skin type; slough twice a week with a fruit-enzyme exfoliant; use a brightening serum and a high-SPF sunscreen daily; and apply a hydrating cream with gentle anti-agers every night.
SCHEDULE A SERIES OF FACIALS
If your skin is in good shape and doesn't require a doctor's care, We recommend a facial every four to six weeks, starting six months before the wedding. Early on, experiment with different kinds—a brightening antioxidant facial one time, a rejuvenating light-emitting (LED) facial the next—to see what your skin responds to best. We highly recommend @cindy_microdermabrasion_queen
SEE A BROW SPECIALIST
"You need lead time to sculpt virgin brows or grow back sparse spots," At Monali we Like to follow the natural line of your brows and take a conservative approach. "The most flattering shape for brides is full with a nice arch," Book shapings every four to six weeks leading up to the wedding, and abstain from DIY plucking between visits.
CARE FOR YOUR HAIR
When you shampoo, spare your ends by focusing on your roots, shampooing only every other day. However, do condition daily and use leave-ins for added manageability. Give the straightener and curling iron a rest to let hair heal, and remember to use a moisturizing hair treatment weekly.
LET IT GROW!
If you dream of flowing locks on your wedding day, start working toward your goal now. Keep in mind that hair grows about a half inch per month. Trim no more than an eighth of an inch each time.
CONSULT A COLOURIST
Discuss any hair colour changes you're contemplating now. Semi-permanent glazes are great gateway dyes that give a hint of tint. Permanent single-process colour easily covers greys. Golden highlights photograph best, adding depth, texture and sparkle.
HAVE A DRESS REHEARSAL
Bring a snapshot of your gown and headpiece to your hairstylist. If you'll need hair extensions, ask your stylist to order them now; they'll need to be cut and coloured to match your hair. Still having trouble committing to a look? Try a classic chignon or a half-up, half-down creation.
BOOK WEEKLY MANICURES
Schedule weekly manis—especially if you're a nail-biter—and monthly pedis to create a uniform length and shape for nails (think medium length with rounded square edges). If you haven't yet chosen a nail polish for the wedding, pull a dozen colours you like and try a new one each week. Once you decide on your colour, buy a bottle for emergency touch-ups.
GET YOUR LASH ON
Eyelash extensions or Lash lifts are the perfect solution for that extra pop. Make sure to get your extensions done at least once or twice before your special day 3-4 weeks apart and then a refresh top up 2-3 days before your big day is ideal. At Monali we tailor your lashes to best suit your eye shape and look you are going for.
DECIDE ON YOUR MAKEUP LOOK
At your trial run, "aim to look like yourself but better by defining brows, lashes and lips, and giving skin a healthy glow. Take pictures of your finished face—indoors and out—so you can see how you look in different lighting. Studying these shots can help you determine if you want to pump up your shadow or switch from a foundation to a tinted moisturizer.
POLISH YOUR PEARLY WHITES
"Get a professional bleaching now since the procedure can leave teeth sensitive for two weeks afterward," Keep your teeth dazzling by avoiding red wine, coffee, tea, and berries leading up to the wedding.
TRY ON A SPRAY TAN
Professional air bronzers can customize your colour—test out different aestheticians to find the one who does the best job. Your glow should last between five and seven days. Keep your new colour going strong with an at-home gradual self-tanner. We recommend @melt_beauty for the perfect tan.
GO FOR ONE LAST TRIM
Three weeks before the wedding is ideal. "Any blunt lines will soften by the big day, giving you a clean, natural look that falls perfectly,"
THINK BEFORE YOU LATHER
Wash your hair the day before the wedding if you plan on wearing it up so strands will be easy to work with. Squeaky-clean hair gives bobby pins and accessories the slip, so don't lather up the day of.
HYDRATE!
"Drinking plenty of H2O, using water-based moisturizing products, and spending time in a steam room can plump up skin cells and enhance luminosity," If you don't have access to the latter, run a humidifier in your bedroom the night before the big day
This is such an exciting time in your life so make sure you enjoy the lead up and let us at Monali help take the stress off you!