Once the invitations have been sent out, the dress has been selected, and the venue has been booked, it is time to turn your attention toward your wedding day look. After all, you have likely been fantasizing about turning heads as you walk down the aisle ever since you slipped that engagement ring on your finger. Now, it is time to ramp up your self-care strategies to make that dream come true. Whether you are fixated on having a flawless complexion or seeking a svelte physique in your gown, these tried-and-true tips will ensure that you look and feel your best on the big day:
- Get Your Beauty Rest
Sleep affects so many aspects of your health, well-being, and appearance, from your skin and your appetite to your ability to manage stress. And considering that you will probably be dealing with a fair share of stress relating to the wedding, it is extra important that you get adequate shuteye to allow your mind and body to recover. We are not just referring to the night before the wedding, either. Consistency is key for reaping the benefits of that rest, so make it a point to get seven to eight hours of sleep for the whole week leading up to it. Also, it is important to go to bed and wake up at the same time — establishing a regular cycle will ensure you get more quality snooze time, and therefore, feel refreshed on your big day. If you are battling some insomnia as you approach your wedding day, spritzing some relaxing essential oils and slipping on a silk eye mask may help (not to mention feel oh so indulgent).
- Consider Shapewear
When it comes to achieving a smooth silhouette under your dress, the right shapewear can be a serious godsend. So, particularly if you are wearing a form-fitting wedding gown, you might want to wear practical solution pieces underneath your dress to feel extra secure. These garments can make your dress hang even better on your body. And what better way to feel sexy on your big day than by sporting designer bridal lingerie? Pick out some luxe pieces that not only pair well with your dress, but also perfectly accentuate your assets, and your underthings are sure to give you a major confidence boost.
- Stay Hydrated
As a general rule, you should drink about eight glasses (or 2 liters) of water every day. This is super important for looking and feeling your best on your wedding day because staying hydrated impacts your energy level, as well as your complexion. So, make it a point to sip plenty of H20 in the days leading up to your “I do’s” and on the morning of your wedding. Staying well hydrated keeps you full (so you are less likely to overindulge on unhealthy foods), and also flushes toxins out of your system, leaving your skin with an enviable glow.
- Eat for Energy
On top of drinking plenty of water, you might also be mindful of what you eat if you want to feel your best. You will need all the energy you can get on your wedding day, so in the days prior, nosh on foods that are chock full of protein and fiber. For example, edamame is high in energy-boosting phytoestrogens, while apples and blueberries have lots of filling fiber, which delivers a slow, steady stream of energy. Eggs, almonds, yogurt, and fish are all packed with lean protein, so they can rev you up without weighing you down. Fresh fruit and dark leafy greens have detoxifying properties, and therefore, can help with digestion and prevent bloating. Especially on the morning of your wedding, you will want to reach for these kinds of foods, since they will give you a boost to fuel you through your big bridal debut. A couple of months before the big day, you may also want to start incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet via foods like chia seeds, salmon, and flax seeds, because they can keep your hair looking lustrous and your skin looking luminous.
- Test Run Your Look
Before the big day, it is a good idea to give your makeup and hairstyle a little test drive. This way, you can make sure you’re 100 percent happy with your look, and if not, make any necessary adjustments, whether that means a looser curl in your tresses or a subtler contour and highlight on your face. You might also use this opportunity to snap a few pics and see how your look translates to photographs. Pro tip: do not forget setting spray or translucent loose powder. These products can help to lock your makeup into place, so it lasts all through your special day (and well into the night). Plus, if you are concerned about shine, setting powder can combat that issue and help you to maintain a matte finish.
- Make Time To Move Your Body
Did you know that exercise boosts circulation to the skin, giving you a natural healthy glow? Not only that, but working out also triggers the release of endorphins, feel-good chemicals that can have a positive impact on your mood. Plus, the stress from wedding planning can throw your hormones out of whack, thus leading to breakouts, and breaking a sweat can help to relieve that stress. So, if you can muster up the energy to wake up early on your wedding day to squeeze in a yoga or spin class or even just a power walk around your neighborhood, you are bound to feel — as well as see — the benefits.
One final tip: stick with what you know where your skincare regimen is concerned. While it may be tempting to experiment with a new anti-aging serum or self-tanner right before you tie the knot, it is best not to experiment with something when you don’t know how your skin will react. So, play it safe with products that you know work for you. Most importantly, take time for yourself to relax as you approach the day of the wedding, because if you feel good on the inside that is bound to show on the outside.
