|
A Guide to Gorgeous
Written by: Kelly James-Enger
You’ve found the perfect sites for your ceremony and reception, and selected sensational invitations. You’ve chosen the caterer, the musicians, the menu, the florist and even the gown you’ll wear to wed. You’ve left no detail unattended to—or have you? Deciding how you’ll look as a bride is a duty that demands special attention.  After all, this is your once-in-a-lifetime wedding. Not only will all eyes be on you, but you’ll also be the focus of photos and video that will remain treasured documents of your nuptial celebration. With that in mind, you’ll want to be assured that you’re at your most beautiful when you walk down the aisle, and throughout your wedding day.
Plan Ahead
Sure you’ve got a million details to arrange, but don’t wait too long to make some decisions about your personal appearance. If, like many brides, you’ll be hiring a hair stylist and makeup artist, you’ll want to meet with them well ahead of your wedding. Make sure you schedule a “trial run” with any stylists before the day of the wedding. Doing so will give you an opportunity to see what your hair and makeup will look like before the morning of your wedding. You don’t want to have to decide between up-do and down-around-your-shoulders, or between matte lipstick and gloss, on the day of your wedding—you’ll have plenty of other things on your mind!
Bring photos to show your makeup artist and hairdresser what kind of look you want, and consider whether you feel comfortable with a stylist before you hire her.
Tell her what your expectations are, and make sure that you are confident that you can say anything you want without feeling intimidated. And reserve your appointments early—while many brides don’t start thinking about hair and makeup until a month or two before the wedding, stylists may be booked six to eight months ahead of time.
Coiffure Couture
Whether your hair is short or long, curly or straight, you want a look that will complement your dress and your face. It’s a smart idea to avoid trendy ’dos and stick with classic styles like low chignons, upswept buns or soft waves, which won’t look dated in photographs.
Hair up or down? It’s a classic bridal query, and one that many to-be-weds find difficult to answer. Even if you have a strong preference, make sure you take the expected weather for your wedding day into account. If you’re getting married in a hot, humid climate, those soft curls that look so fetching in the salon may be drooping by the time you arrive at the reception. Ask your stylist to suggest ways you can maintain the set of your style. In addition to hairstyle, you may also want to consider highlights, a flattering cut, or deep conditioning in the weeks before the wedding.
Makeup Test
When selecting makeup for your wedding day, you’ll probably want a natural look instead of bold or trendy colors. Consider classic hues like browns, smoky grays, pale pinks and peach shades. You want to use colors that highlight your features, but aren’t distracting, so that people notice you, not your makeup.  Most brides want their wedding makeup to enhance their natural beauty, not act as a showcase for every hot new item at the cosmetics counter. At the same time, it’s important to bring intensity to features like eyes and lips, so that you don’t appear washed out in wedding photos. (See sidebar, for additional pointers.)
Skin Deep
A beautiful face starts with beautiful skin. A series of facials will help get your skin in tiptop shape. To make sure that any redness or roughness—common immediately after extractions and exfoliations—have faded completely by the time you’re in bridal mode, it’s a good idea to have your last facial at least a week before the wedding. And don’t neglect the rest of your body. For an all-over glow, try a hydrating aromatherapy wrap that will make your skin look fresh and feel silky smooth. To complement your soft skin, don’t forget to schedule a pedicure and manicure as close as possible to the wedding date.
Smooth Move
For smooth, hair-free skin, try waxing, or sugaring, which is just as effective as waxing and leaves your skin feeling soft and silky. Regular sugaring treatments also slow hair growth; after six treatments, you should notice a difference. For smooth, comfortable legs and underarms, schedule your sugaring or waxing appointment at least 48 hours before your wedding. And for brows that wow, consider threading—a precise shaping technique that removes stray hairs without harming the delicate skin around them.
Damsel in De-stress
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of relaxing before your big day—after all, a relaxed bride is a beautiful bride. A massage or special beauty treatment the morning of your wedding—perhaps with your bridal party—may be just what you need. If you’re feeling nervous, a spa or salon date is a great way to escape from anxiety and spend some time with your closest friends and family so that you can enjoy your day to the fullest.
And remember that true beauty comes from inside. What matters most is how you feel about how you look. If you feel beautiful, you’ll look and act beautiful all day long.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
.jpg "WestLake Club, The") |
|
Where West Houston celebrates in serenity, sophistication and elegant surroundings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg "JW Marriott Houston") |
|
Dream weddings don't just happen, they're planned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg "Mia Bridal Couture") |
|
Mia Bridal Couture is a boutique where elegance combines with glamour and tradition is married with modern flair.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg "Willow Fork Country Club") |
|
Our convenient location, extraordinary customer service and competitive pricing make it the perfect choice for memorable events.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg "Schwartz & Woodward") |
|
Schwartz & Woodward, a husband and wife team that specializes in the comprehensive planning of distinctive weddings and unique events.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg "La Torretta Lake Resort") |
|
Nestled on the banks of beautiful Lake Conroe, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa offers a picture perfect setting for those once-in-a-lifetime events.
|
|
|
|
.jpg "Weddings In Houston")
