Getting engaged and planning a wedding is one of the most exciting things you will do in your life. As if that isn't enough, when your wedding day nears, you will need to focus on your beauty, hairstyle and makeup needs.

How you look as a bride will one of the things people will remember about your wedding. Videos and photos will document your glory and bring pride when taking a walk down memory lane. Planning your hairstyle and makeup in advance will assure that you look radiant and glowing with pride.

Before Your Wedding Day

The amount of sleep you get before your wedding will affect not only how you will look, but how you will feel. Keep in mind, this doesn't mean just the night before you get married -- but for the entire week.

Of course, planning on beauty rest and getting the rest you need are two different things. Make it a priority to get a full night's sleep, every night to relieve stress. Try to keep your daytime naps to a minimum so they don't interfere with your ability to get your night time shut-eye.

Pamper yourself every night with a warm bubble bath before bed. Get out the candles and wine if necessary to set a relaxing atmosphere. Turn on the answering machine to field phone calls and ask family members not to be disturbed.

Your mind will probably be racing, so keep a notepad on your nightstand so you can jot down ideas and to-dos. This way, it won't keep you awake at night. Just knowing you won't forget the small stuff will give you piece of mind.

Eat healthy and choose your foods carefully in the days leading up to your wedding. Avoid any foods known to cause bloating and gas. Now is not the time for a crash diet. Just be sensible and you won't sacrifice your health over a couple of extra pounds.

Makeup Tips

You're going to want to be a beautiful bride, so take into consideration if your wedding is scheduled for a day or night event. If your wedding takes place in the daytime hours, your makeup should look natural. When the night falls and the party begins, touch up your make-up with darker shades if preferred.

• Consider having your makeup done by a professional. Schedule a trial run.
• Exfoliate your skin and follow up with a toner.
• Your foundation should blend in with your skin tone. Blend it into your neck to avoid embarrassing lines.
• Neutral tones are the best for daytime.
• Use an eyelash curler to make your lashes appear longer.
• Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is a must! Brown/black will flatter both blondes and brunettes.
• To prevent clumping, don't use old mascara.
• Avoid a shiny face. Powder your face with loose translucent powder after you apply your foundation. Take along pressed powder for touch ups. This is especially important for your wedding pictures.
• Stay away from crème eye shadow. You need some staying power, so stick with powder.
• Apply lip liner under matte lipstick.
• Keep your foundation light to avoid any streaking and check it outdoors or in bright light when you're finished.

Bridal Hairstyle Tips

Your headpiece is just as important as your hair style choice, so pick it up from the bridal shop as soon as possible. Take it along with you to the salon for a beauty consultation about one month before your wedding. Your stylist will then be able to determine when you should get your hair trimmed and how to style your hair to compliment your headpiece.

Generally, if you need a trim, one week before your wedding will suffice. If you're going for a hair cut or total change, try this two to three weeks before your wedding so you have time to adjust.

If you plan on wearing large earrings, take them along too. They may look completely different with your hairstyle and headpiece than what you had in mind. Make all appointments well in advance so there are no unwelcome surprises.

• Your hair will probably be exposed to the weather more than usual.
• Use a conditioner or hot oil treatment to prevent frizz.
• Always carry a comb and pocket-sized can of hairspray with you or have your personal attendant carry it for you.
• Stay out of the wind as much as possible.
• Have extra bobby pins on hand for emergencies.
• When you get your final trim, get your eyebrows shaped.
• Have them touched up when you get your hair styled for your wedding.
• Don't forget your bridesmaids. Let their styles compliment your own.
• Remind the groomsmen and ushers to get in for routine hair cuts the week of the wedding.

Personal Attendants

Personal attendants are priceless! Make sure you chose a trusted friend or relative to take care of your personal needs. She will be a key player in your sanity and can carry along a large handbag to store essentials like a spare pair of panty hose, tissue, lip balm, needle and thread, make-up, hairspray and Tylenol. Prepare your personal attendant's list ahead of time so that you're not left at the altar without lipstick and other beauty essentials.

Quick Beauty Tips

It's a good idea to get a professional manicure, because your hands will show in many of the pictures. Make your appointment well in advance. Try to schedule it the day before your wedding.

Keep your fragrance light and romantic. Apply it before you get dressed taking care that you keep it off your gown. Even with dry cleaning, perfumes can leave a yellowish, permanent stain.

Bottled water may not be at the top of your list, but it will definitely save your make-up if your facility only offers drinking fountains. By planning in advance, you're sure to be a beautiful, blushing bride.




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