Our Hair & Beauty Countdown


• Take it from us, you cannot start planning your wedding too soon, especially when it comes to hair and beauty. To look your beautiful best on your big day, plan all your hair and beauty routines well in advance - do the groundwork now, make sure every minute counts so you'll be relaxed in the knowledge that you look simply divine when it really matters.

• I - Gorgeous Hair

• One Year

Start by getting into good habits. Wash your hair with the correct formulation shampoo for your hair type, then rinse with conditioner if needed. You should always apply conditioner to the old, dry ends of long hair but not to the oily roots as this will only make it limp.

Make sure you have your hair trimmed regularly to guard against split ends and avoid overusing heated appliances and styling aids.

If your hair is chemically treated, take special care to wash it with appropriate shampoo and conditioner, in order to achieve and maintain your hair in good condition.

• Six Months

Visit your hairdresser for a general chat about your hair and what you want to achieve. If you need to grow out a fringe or a perm, this gives you plenty of time. Discuss any radical changes of style and go for it now so that there's still plenty of time to limit damage if you then decide it’s really not you. Your Wedding is not the time to try out a completely new style or a new hairdresser unless he or she comes tried and tested and highly recommended by a friend you trust. But do you trust any friend that much?

• Three Months

You should have ordered your wedding dress by now, so you will know the shape and style. Get together with your hairdresser for an in-depth consultation about your style options. Don't feel you have to grow your hair and abandon all visits to the salon, it simply won't work. Concentrate instead on the looks you can create with your length of hair. Take time to discuss any changes of colour. If you've never tried this before, use a colour-enhancing wash-in/wash-out variety to see if it suits you first, as any drastic changes of colour should be approached with caution. (Try Laboratoires Garnier Movida Easy-Cream, which works in 15 minutes and lasts 4-6 weeks. If you do use a permanent colour, apply this a couple of weeks before the Wedding so you won't have any root re-growth.)

• Six Weeks

Have a practice session with your hairdresser so you can see if you like his or her wedding hairstyle suggestions and whether they suit you and your dress neckline. Make sure you take your headdress with you and don't forget to say if you're wearing a veil and, if so, whether you plan to take it off at the reception as this will affect the way your style is constructed and how it looks from behind.

• Two to Three Weeks

Have any colour treatments done now and if you are having a perm, give it time to drop before the big day. Whatever your style, have a trim to sharpen up the shape.

• One Day

Wash your hair the night before your wedding - freshly washed hair is hard to work with especially if you intend to put it up.

• On the Wedding Day

Don't be afraid to use styling products - if you're having a very structured or complicated hairstyle, its a good idea to get someone to carry a small can of hairspray so you can keep your hair under control at the merest hint of wind.

• WHICH HEADDRESS ?

• Alice Bands

Also called headbands, these are best worn with medium to long hair and should be worn with your hair down.

• Coronets

Just about anyone can wear a coronet but make sure you secure it by fixing it to your hair with long pins.

• Fresh Flowers

For a simple look, thread flowers through your hair or simply use them to cover the comb of your veil. Ask your florist to supply single loose flowers which will co-ordinate with your bouquet.

• Tiaras

All hair types suit tiara, just use pins to secure it in place. Bear in mind, a tiara might slip if you have very fine hair.

• Combs

Best for Medium to long hair, especially if you wear your hair up.

• Hats

Only wear a hat (with or without a veil) if it's appropriate for your outfit.

• Veils

Try on a full range of veils when you are having your wedding dress fitted so you can see which length looks best, or none at all.

•

The Body Beautiful

• One Year

Not many Brides are one hundred percent happy with the shape of their body, so now's the time to throw yourself into doing something about it - with a goal as important as looking completely gorgeous in your gown, you're bound to be successful. Whether you want to loose a lot of weight, just a little or simply tone up, you should take a look at your diet. Weight loss is only permanent when it’s low and, to loose weight slowly you need to eat healthily. Crash diets simply don't work when you most need energy. Exercise is the key to both weight loss and firming up, so introduce a simple regime that you will stick to and enjoy.

• Six Months

Get into good body habits by using a body brush or scrub at least once a week to slough away dead skin cells. Start at your feet and work up the body in small circular motions, always moving towards your heart. To make sure your skin stays extra smooth, after every bath or shower, smooth yourself with a good body moisturiser.

• One Month

Now's the time to consider hair removal. If you want to remain smooth and hair-free through your honeymoon, waxing is your best option. However, to wax successfully hair needs to be a certain length and needs to be left to grow for at least a month. Other hair removal methods, like depilatory creams and shaving, need no consideration until nearer the day.

If you are very pale and would like a little healthy colour as you walk down the aisle, consider the self tanning option. It takes practice, which is why you should give it a go now. It’s best to apply straight after body lotion so that its absorbed smoothly and evenly. Once you've mastered the art, you can either keep applying it until the big day (each application lasts about four days), or leave it until a few days before the wedding.

Have a professional manicure, especially if your nails need a lot of work. if not give yourself a weekly mini-manicure (see below) from now until the big day.

• One Day

Do all those last-minute things such as removing unwanted hair, painting your nails and having a pedicure. If you've got time, treat yourself to a relaxing hour-long massage to soothe away any pre-wedding jitters. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy yourself!

• On The Day

Relax in a luxuriously fragrant bath. The only way to ensure that your perfume lasts throughout your wedding day is to layer it with products of the same scent. Choose your (or your fiancé’s) favourite fragrance and then indulge yourself. Start by having a bath or shower using scented gels and soaps, then apply your body lotion or moisturiser, talc or deodorant and finish with a quick spritz of eau de toilette (pure perfume is too strong) on your pulse points. Don't spray perfume directly on your dress as it will stain. Instead spray a cloud in front of you and walk through it.

• OUR STEP-BY-STEP

WEDDING MINI-MANICURE

• Remove your nail polish and file your nails into shape. Ideally the tips should mirror the base.

• Apply cuticle remover and leave for at least five minutes.

• Cover the 'hoof' end of an orange stick with cotton wool and gently work back the cuticles from the nail plate.

• Rinse your hands in soapy water and dry with a soft towel.

• Massage in plenty of rich, hydrating hand cream unless applying nail polish - in which case, apply the base coat to protect your nails, two coats of colour and a top coat. Then use the hand cream.

• Beautiful Face

• One Year

A clear, smooth, glowing complexion is every bride's dream and it is achievable if you start early enough. Skin renews itself once every 28 days, so that gives you 12 new skins to improve on!

Start by drinking more water - it's next to impossible to drink too much and it will help clear your complexion. Good basic skin care is also a must, so make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturize morning and night. Facial exfoliators will help to make skin more radiant so use one at least once a week.

• Six Months

Treat yourself to a monthly facial, especially if you've got lingering skin ailments that home treatment won't clear up. For serious skin complaints, ask your GP to refer you to a Dermatologist.

• Three Months

Now's the time to think about your make-up. If you are not entirely confident about applying it yourself, give yourself plenty of time to find a professional make-up artist in your area or have a make-up lesson. If you're planning to do your own make-up for the big day, its best to keep your colours fairly neutral. It’s always nice to have new make-up to wear on the day, so treat yourself to new eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, blusher and lipstick, choosing shades that have similar tones. Whenever you have time, practice applying one area of your make-up, such as your foundation, then another time work on your blusher or eye shadow until you build up the full picture.

• One Month

Have a complete run through of your make-up from start to finish so that you can gauge exactly how much time you will need to allow on the day. It’s a good idea to do your hair at the same time, especially if you're going to need rollers as you're hair is completely off your face so it’s the perfect opportunity to do your make-up. If, at this stage you know its taking too long, you've got time to simplify the process.

• One Day

Tidy your eyebrows and make sure you've got everything you're going to need for the wedding day so there are no last minute panics.

Don't deviate from the make-up you have already chosen and rehearsed, as unplanned changes rarely work and you won't have time to rectify mistakes. Ask your mother or chief bridesmaid to carry your powder compact and lipstick so you can touch-up during the day.

•

• FINDING THE PERFECT FOUNDATION

• Foundations with a rosy tinge won't warm up your complexion. Blushers and bronzers are designed to do this.

• Test a new foundation on your cheek rather than on your hand or wrist where your skin tone is slightly different.

• Always check the colour of the foundation in daylight (outside is best), as shop lighting can be harsh and deceptive.

• Remember that skin tones change through the year so the foundation shade you bought for your winter colouring might be too pale for a summer wedding.

• Make sure your foundation is compatible with your moisturiser as some combinations do not blend.

• Ask for a sample to take home to test the colour match, skin compatibility, how long the foundation lasts, how it feels and how easy it is to apply.

• If you're looking for a new base, good foundations for summer brides include, Helena Rubenstein's Translucence Light Perfecting Make-up and Rimmel's Shine Control Foundation.

• Do not forget to set your foundation with a dusting of loose translucent powder.

Planning

Planning
• Start your wedding plans early, start your preparations from the day you get engaged.

• You must decide with your partner exactly what sort of wedding you would both would like. Formal or informal? Intimate or extravagant?

• When it is time to choose the date of the wedding, allow yourself enough time to plan the wedding of your dreams.

• Once you have decided on the venue for the ceremony, book it as early as you can. Popular dates during the summer, are booked anything up to a year in advance.

• Money is an important factor which must be taken into consideration and a realistic budget should be set. Then arrange a meeting for everyone who will be contributing towards the cost involved in the initial discussion.

• You must both decide at an early stage who will be paying for what. You don't want any nasty surprises at a later date and nor does your dad!

• Consider buying some wedding day insurance. Many companies now offer packages to cover accidents prior to and on the big day itself - just in case. The post office also does wedding insurance.

• The reception venue needs to be booked and confirmed as soon as possible. It is a good idea to visit as many possible reception venues as you can to compare what each one has to offer. It is a good idea to ask for written quotes so you can make your decision at home without feeling pressurised. Remember to check the grounds, it’s where most of your wedding photographs will be taken.

• You now need to compile a guest list and then decide on the type of catering your require. A lunchtime buffet works well when your guests are a mixture of young and old. It also keeps costs down. A formal sit-down meal is wonderful but is also your most expensive option.

• Ask the experts' advice on getting value-for-money and your best choices of drinks for the number of guests.

• The caterers will have many years experience on menu planning so take there advice when given. They will have lots of valuable experience about what works and what doesn't.

• Once you have found a suitable venue, book the date, time and exact room(s) you will need in writing. Ask for written confirmation in return.

• If you would like menu cards for the centre of the tables ask your stationers to print them and place-names if you are having a sit-down reception. It would be a good idea to have two large table plans to post either side of the dining room.

• Ask your parents to help with the seating plans to avoid any family upsets.

• Now it is time to start looking for a wedding dress for the big day. You may be surprised how long it takes to make a gown, even one brought off-the-peg. The minimum notice for any gown is about eight weeks.

• Consider the colour of your skin when choosing the shade of your dress. Pure white only really suits brunettes or black brides, blondes and redheads look better in ivory. Try on as many different styles of dress as you can. Some wedding dresses have little hanger appeal but look wonderful once they are on.

• Wedding dresses are expensive so you could consider hiring the dress. You can hire a one-off designer gown for about the same as you would pay for an off-the-peg manufacturer's dress.

• Decide on your 'something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue'. This is the prefect opportunity to wear treasured family jewellery and gifts from very special friends.

• Go shopping with your bridesmaids to choose dresses that suit them all. If they are of varying ages, use a theme rather than asking teenagers to wear the frills and flounces that only look cute on the under-tens.

• Sit down with your groom and work out what he will be wearing. Most men hire their wedding attire and this needs to be done about four weeks in advance./

• Once you have chosen your wedding dress, buy suitable bridal lingerie and take it to one of the fittings to ensure a perfect fit.

• You now need to arrange photographers for your big day. It would be a good idea to interview them and ask to see examples of their work and only book someone who seems flexible and has lots off ideas. Get confirmation of the booking in writing.

• Setting a colour theme for the whole wedding can make it easier when choosing your dress, the bridesmaids' outfits, the flowers and the reception decorations.

• Visit a number of florists but not on a Saturday when they are usually very busy. A good florist should work with you to create something to suit your individual style of wedding. Be wary of anyone who just shows you pictures of 'standard' bouquets. Ask your florist to prepare two very special bouquets as thank-you for both mums. These are traditionally presented by the groom during his speech

• Invitations need to be sent out about two months in advance. There are many different designs from the formal to the hand-made.

• Book your wedding transport and confirm the exact model of car and the colour if it's part of your theme.

• If you want your new surname on your passport to take on honeymoon, apply for the name change as soon as you can as this can take some time.

• Start shopping around for the best deals for your honeymoon. Room upgrades, champagne, flowers and a free dinner are readily available for honeymooners.

• Once the honeymoon destination has been decided upon ask about necessary visas and make an appointment with your doctor for any inoculations.

• Help your mum and future mother-in-law to choose their outfits. Ask your florist to design special corsages to match their colour schemes.

• Go shopping with your groom for your wedding rings. It is a nice idea to have the rings engraved inside. Even just your initials and the wedding date is very romantic.

• For the reception you will have to decide on the type of music you would like. A DJ is always a good option as they can play a variety of music. If you want to have live music, listen to tapes from potential groups and try to hear them live at least once.

• If you are having a live band, remember they need to take regular breaks so you will need some kind of entertainment to fill in the gaps. Ask your venue about facilities for taped music.

• Visit your baker or ask your caterers to recommend someone to make the wedding cake. Expect to pay at least £300 for a three-tiered traditional cake, a lot more if you want a cake with a theme.

• Save about half the cost of your cake by getting a clever mum or friend to make the basic cake then take it along to a professional to have it iced and decorated.

• Ring around all the local department stores and ask to be sent details of their wedding gift list services. Choose one or several stores and spend an afternoon choosing your gifts with your groom, your mum or your best friend.

• Ask someone in your family to be in charge of the guest list, ticking off names as and when they accept. Your venue will probably want you to confirm final numbers a week or two in advance.

• Obtain permission from your venues to throw confetti. If this is not permitted, tell your guests to bring rice, which the birds will eat, or rose petals.

• A month before the wedding visit your venue when it is not being used and plan your room decorations. Flowers everywhere are expensive and two well placed displays can be just as effective.

• Book your first night accommodation. Visit all the local hotels and ask to see the bridal suite. Check what 'extras' are included in their honeymoon package, like a chauffeur-driven care to drive you to the airport the following morning.

• Buy a supply of disposable cameras and put a couple in the centre of each table at your reception. This gives your guests something to do and you should get a supply of wonderful behind-the-scenes informal pictures to supplement your album.

• You need to buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids. Get the gifts inscribed with your names and your wedding date.

• Have a trial-run at the hairdressers a week or two before the wedding day. Take along your headdress and veil and even a digital camera to make recreating your wedding hairstyle easier.

• Treat yourself to a make-up lesson with a professional. Take careful note of all the colours they use and how they use them so that you can do the same on your wedding morning.

• It would be a good idea to pack your honeymoon cases and take them to your first night hotel the day before the wedding.

• Nominate one of your bridesmaids or a close friend to pack up your wedding attire following the reception and store it for you until after the honeymoon.

• Assemble a small bag with your wedding day essentials, like a hanky, a lipstick, an aspirin, a comb and hair grips and ask someone to keep it for you.

• And finally, Smile, Relax and above all have a Wonderful Day.