Weddings: How to look your best

Pam Black, Celebration House

It goes without saying that every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, but sometimes with all the stress surrounding the occasion it is difficult to find the time to just ‘chill out’ and enjoy some pampering.

I’ve heard it said that it can take as many as 250 hours to plan a wedding and if you have a full-time job to cope with as well, it’s not difficult to see why stress levels tend to rise. The answer to ‘creating’ more time is to try to delegate as much as possible! By doing so you will ensure that you find time to indulge in some necessary pampering before the day.

While doing research for my latest book, The Really Useful Wedding Book for South Africa, I was fascinated to discover the wonderful Indian Hindu tradition called Nelangu, which is one of the preliminary ceremonies leading up to the wedding day. At these women-only events, the bride is pampered by having her body beautified with the use of pastes and oils. And it is not only the bride who is given this special treatment; the groom is also prepared for his wedding day in a separate ceremony.

One of the best ways to ensure that you look your best is to try to get plenty of sleep and regular exercise — and adopt healthy eating habits — in the months leading up to the big day. A make-up artist told me that she has found that the skin of many South Africans is dehydrated. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is definitely a good practice to follow, as without a doubt it goes a long way to ensuring that your skin looks healthy and refreshed.

Whilst facials and massages are excellent forms of relaxation — and are wonderful for the circulation – if you are not used to having these treatments, it’s best to plan for them well in advance of the wedding day. They can bring impurities in the skin nearer to the surface, which could result in spots on the day — obviously the last thing that you want! It is advisable to instead pay more regular visits to a beautician in the months leading up to your wedding, and to let her assess your skin and decide on the best time to have a facial.

It is also worth bearing in mind that your wedding is the one day in your life when you are going to be photographed a great deal and it is important to remember that inexpert make-up will show on the photographs. In fact, professional photographers often insist on brides using a make-up artist, so that they obtain the best results on the day.

When asking for a quote from a professional make-up artist, always enquire if it includes a trial run. Trial runs are important, as they allow you to discuss in advance what your likes and dislikes are regarding the way in which your face is made up. Even if you use very little make-up, a good make-up artist should be able to enhance your features with a light application that doesn’t make you unrecognisable!

I have often joked that the length of an engagement tends to coincide with the time it takes a bride to grow her hair long enough to wear it in an ‘up’ style! Your hairstyle should complement your dress and regular treatments and cutting prior to the event will ensure that it is shiny and manageable on the day. Never let anyone talk you into wearing a style that makes you feel the least bit uncomfortable. A trial run with your hairdresser is equally important (especially if you are having an ‘up’ style and usually wear your hair down).

If you are wearing a veil, take this with you to your trial to discuss how it will be attached. (Remember that the short piece of the veil should be uppermost! Whilst this might sound logical, it is not unheard of for brides to have a last-minute panic before entering the church, when they discover their veil has been securely attached the wrong way.) If your veil is long, practise wearing it around the house to get used to the feel of the weight on your head.

From the minute you get engaged your nails are going to be on display and regular manicures are a must for anyone who is newly engaged. (Best to try and get out of the nail-biting habit now!) If your nails are chewed and neglected, it might be best to investigate the many treatments available, to ensure they are in good shape when your wedding ring is placed on your finger.

Lastly, don’t neglect your feet in your beauty routine — you are going to be on them for a long time on your wedding day. Wearing new shoes? Try and wear them in first around the house; if your feet are killing you, it is guaranteed to show on your face and, having spent so much time and effort on looking beautiful, that’s not what you want.

But rest assured, if you do kick off your shoes at the reception in order to party, you will certainly not be the first or last bride to do so! Have fun!