Whether her budget allows for platinum or pewter, every bride wants to be at her most glowing, beautiful best on her wedding day.  With all of the effort and months of planning that goes into such an event, it’s a great idea to plan – and budget- ahead of time for the steps to getting gorgeous.

Step One:  Weight and Fitness

Nine to twelve months prior to the wedding date, take an assessment of where you are physically, where you would like to be, and where your lifestyle will likely allow you to be on your big day.  While you may have chosen your dress with a final fitting scheduled months down the road to ensure it  and your body are in harmony, it’s also the time to take a look in the mirror at your neck, arms and face. 

Nine to 12 months is plenty of time to change your fitness routine to make sure your upper arms are ready to go ‘sleeveless’,  but at the same time, note if there is fullness under your chin, and whether your face feels too round or full.  If you’re contemplating major changes such as arm or chin liposuction, now is the time.  You will need a complete six months of recovery – and post surgical exercise- to get these areas smooth and firm as possible.

Step Two:  Body Art – or Your Mother’s Worst Nightmare

So maybe you never told your Mom about that butterfly tattoo on your back.  Now is probably not the time either, but nothing says ‘spring break mistake’ like a brightly colored tattoo peeking out below your updo.  While laser tattoo removal has come a long way in the past several years, it’s not yet perfected, and chances are you’ll need at least 5 treatments to get results.  Plus, most lasers have trouble effectively removing certain colors and you may be left with what looks like a ‘paint smudge’ in the treated area.  To remove your art or not is up to you, but plan ahead of time to have a makeup artist cover the area on the day of the wedding.  A dress rehearsal is absolutely necessary – especially if you’re planning to do some sunless tanning so that colors are matched perfectly (NEVER succumb to the tanning bed temptation!  It’s simply not worth the risks – or the damage.)  Typically, an experienced makeup artist will need about 20 minutes to ensure good coverage, and she or he will use water-proof makeup to ensure that your secret is safe regardless of the temperature or weather.

Step Three:  Skin – 6 Months Out

Now is the time to work on two major issues for maximum ‘glow’ on the big day- color and texture.  Broad-Band Light (also called BBL™) or IPL treatments are the most effective way to get rid of both brown spots or patches and redness or broken capillaries.  You’ll need to budget and plan for 2-4 treatments spaced at least two weeks apart, and don’t forget your neck and décolleté (As Grandma would call it- your craw)!  Brown spots will get markedly darker right after being treated and will gradually slough off.  It’s also not uncommon to develop some serious swelling in the treated areas post-procedure, so don’t think it will be ok to try this a couple of days before the ceremony – you won’t like the outcome, and there will be some major re-touching on your wedding photos.

The MicroLaser Peel™ is also ideal for smoothing out fine lines and banishing rough texture.  This erbium laser peel – sometimes called ‘The Weekend Peel’ will  require a few days of looking less than your bridal best as your skin heals and sloughs, but is unbeatable when it comes to eye-catching results.   Again, like most of these new-fangled ‘non-invasive’ treatments, results are best when you can commit to at least 2 sessions pre-wedding.   If you’re a blushing bride over 40, the combo of BBL™ and the MicroLaser Peel™ will give you at least five years back – if not more.

A word about your protecting your investment:  If you’re planning to spend your hard-earned dollars to improve your skin, why in the world would you ever venture outdoors unprotected?  Invest immediately in two excellent quality sunscreens- one that you will use daily (religiously, rain or shine!), and one that you’ll use for the times you plan to be outdoors and need some extra care. Be sure to cover your neck and chest as well.  Hats are coming back – have you heard?  Try on as many as you like and find one you are truly comfortable in so that you’ll wear it anytime you’re outdoors.

Step Four:  Finishing Touches- Two or Three Weeks Out

Since you’ve got rehearsal dinners, and maybe a few family gatherings to attend, now is the time to get your Botox™ and dermal fillers.  There is definitely a reason Botox™ has become a household name – when done correctly, it works brilliantly and will last up to four months.  Make sure you schedule your appointment with your plastic surgeon or dermatologist well ahead of time – and again, a dress rehearsal treatment several months ahead of time is the best plan so that you and your physician can determine exactly where you’ll be treated and the number of units necessary.  First time Botox™ treatments can sometimes cause a pretty serious headache as a side effect, so putting this off till the Friday before the ceremony is not a good idea.  Plus, Botox™ begins to be effective after about 72 hours, and gets more effective over the course of seven days – it’s not an immediate fix.

One note about ‘Bridal’ Botox™ parties:  If your finances allow, treating your bridesmaids is a wonderful gesture; however, it should never be done in an informal ‘party’ location or when anyone has consumed alcoholic beverages.  Keep in mind that Botox™ is extremely safe to use in the minute amounts indicated for wrinkle treatment, and in a medical setting, but it is still one of the most powerful poisons on the face of the earth.  A non-physician provider, or a provider that sees no harm in injecting patients who have been drinking (and whom are legally unable to sign the required consent forms) is best avoided.  Your physician will likely be happy to coordinate a group discount for your visit to his or her office, and going out for a round of cocktails afterwards is fine.

If you prefer to skip the Botox and fillers, it’s  still time for a Facial or Microdermabrasion treatment to ensure your skin is at its best.  Facials tend to cause some post-treatment inflammation at times, so one to two weeks ahead of time is ideal.  Microdermabrasion should be done no closer than 10 days prior to the wedding.  After this time – and this is important – do not change your skincare routine!  Allergic reactions or sensitivity can trigger redness, swelling , watery eyes and a host of other conditions that are not conducive to glamour on your wedding day.  Don’t be tempted – stick to what works for you and what you know.  You can always visit your Aesthetician for a post-honeymoon, detoxify session after the event.

Last Details:  Semi-permanent eyelash extensions were simply made for your wedding day.  Eyes ‘pop’ open, less makeup is needed to achieve a ‘finished’ look, and they are a huge time-saver.  Have your full set applied, or your current set filled 10 days to one week prior to the ceremony.   Don’t forget to pick up two sets of lipstick and gloss – one for your ‘getting ready’ bag, and one to go in the bag your maid of honor will bring to the reception!

Andréa Bradley-Stutz, Director

Ology Spa – Carmel & Avon, Indiana

www.ologyspa.com