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Wedding Day Beauty for the Bride: Do's and Don'ts

Arby has been a professional writer and researcher for over 10 years, and her areas of interest are shamefully diverse.

Bridal beauty begins with your skin.

Bridal beauty begins with your skin.

For the bride, beauty is usually pretty high on the list of wedding day worries. All of the planning and preparation can be overwhelming, and it's important to follow some fundamental rules so that you look your best on the big day. You'll be glad you did—every single time you look at your wedding pictures.

Keeping your face clean is key!

Keeping your face clean is key!

  • Do address any skin issues as soon as you start planning. Many brides with skin problems use their upcoming wedding as motivation to improve things. If you have a serious skin condition, such as cystic acne or psoriasis, make an appointment with the dermatologist. He or she can likely help you get your skin in shape for your wedding day, but some treatments can take several months.
  • Don't take skin matters in to your own hands, literally. If you have bumps, blackheads, or pimples of any sort, DO NOT squeeze or pick. This is a quick way to exacerbate the problem you already have and to create more zits. If you have acne and want clear skin on your wedding day, you will have to resist touching your blemishes no matter what.
  • Do invest in quality skincare products. Now is the time to take stock of your skincare regimen and see what is or isn't working. If you're getting breakouts, dry patches, or excessive oiliness: the products you're using are failing you. Start by researching products and looking for reviews by real users who have skin issues that are similar to your own.
  • Don't slack off on your new regimen. Once you've stocked up with your well-researched and high-quality beauty products, use them! Keep a regular routine, and never go to sleep without washing your makeup off! Once your skin starts to look nicer, keep at it, or you'll relapse and have to start from scratch. Keep your skin clean, treated (if necessary), and hydrated—and don't forget to protect it if you'll be outside!
Remember to include your neck, back, and shoulders in your skincare routine. Especially if these areas will show in your dress.

Remember to include your neck, back, and shoulders in your skincare routine. Especially if these areas will show in your dress.

  • Do get plenty of sleep, especially during those last few weeks leading up to the big day. Lack of sleep shows on your face and is often reflected in your behavior. Do yourself a favor and set a bedtime for yourself, making sure to keep it every night (except maybe the night of your bachelorette party). Your skin can't repair and regenerate itself properly if you aren't getting enough shuteye.
Get your beauty sleep to look refreshed and gorgeous at your wedding.

Get your beauty sleep to look refreshed and gorgeous at your wedding.

  • Don't go overboard on the partying. Sometimes, weddings are preceded by all kinds of festivities and get-togethers. Have fun, and relish in time spent with loved ones. Take care, however, not to drink too much alcohol or overindulge in unhealthy foods. Heavy drinking takes a heavy toll on your body and will show on your face if you aren't careful.
  • Do drink lots and lots of water. Staying hydrated is a key factor in getting your skin ready for all those close-ups. Simply upping your water intake so that you get at least 6 glasses a day will create dramatic results. You'll be clearer, more supple, and just generally more healthy-looking. I watched "America's Next Top Model" one day, and a model with bumps on her skin was told to drink water as often as possible. Apparently, this is a well-known thing in that business.

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Drink water. Then drink some more.

Drink water. Then drink some more.

  • Don't get stressed out. Planning a wedding can be frustrating, and it's important to decide not to become overwhelmed. Make sure to take time for yourself to unwind and relax. Delegating wedding duties can also lighten your load and ease stress. When all else fails, be willing to let things go.
  • Do focus on the important things. Try not to get lost in the details or things that don't go the way you planned. Stay in the moment throughout the planning process, and especially on your big day. Appreciate the people around you and really experience this wonderful time in your life. Remember that your inner state will reflect outwardly.
  • Don't wear too much makeup. You definitely want to look amazing on your wedding day, and this might entail the use of some serious cosmetics. Just remember to go for quality over quantity, and to test out your look before the big day. The best strategy is to go for a polished version of yourself rather than trying to look like someone else.
Try not to let the planning stress you out. Step away and take a break when you need it.

Try not to let the planning stress you out. Step away and take a break when you need it.

  • Do smile. A genuine smile is always flattering, whether you have perfect teeth, crooked teeth, or no teeth. So-called flaws can be melted away with a warm smile. In the worst-case scenario, a photographer can airbrush away a blemish or two. He or she, however, will not be able to fix a sour expression.

Most of all, relish in every moment of your wedding and be a gracious hostess to your guests. It's said that truly beautiful people have the gift of making everyone around them feel beautiful, too.

The perfect bridal look is one that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.

The perfect bridal look is one that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2011 Arby Bourne

Comments

Shannon Paigah from Irvine, CA on March 16, 2012:

Great advice! Emphasis properly applied, especially the part about not taking "skin matters into your own hands." Thank you :)

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