Say I Do to (Wedding) Picture Perfect Skin

Are you, like so many of us before, planning your perfect fairytale wedding? Once the venue’s booked, every little detail matters – your favourite flowers, your dream dress (are we talking frills and flounces or elegant silhouette? Spaghetti straps, Bardot neckline, or lacy sleeves?) and who sits where and with whom… Every little thing really MATTERS. I can guarantee you’ve thought about hair – up or down? Tiara or flowers? – and make-up, too.

Time to Prep, Time to Plan

It’s such an exciting time. And not just because you’re getting married to – hopefully, anyway – the love of your life. If you’re a bride, you’re unarguably, undeniably Queen for the Day. Centre of attention and the star of your own show. That’s why those little details are so crucial – you’ll be on those photos forever, and you want the perfect reminder. You need to think about more than make-up. More even than skincare. You need to be WELL.

This isn’t a gig that you can flake on (pardon the pun) if you’re a little under the weather. So yep, we’re here to help you glow from the inside out as you prepare for your big day – but also to give you the best foundations for health and wellness. After all, the best way to look well is to BE well. We can sort your skincare, but wellness is key to looking and feeling your absolute best.

Self-Care Starts Now

And remember, a skincare regime isn’t just for wedding preparation. It’s everyday common sense. Either way, it’s never too early to instigate a proper skincare routine. It’s also never too late. The important thing to do is START; right now – but more of that later. First things first:

• Hydration is Key: Beauty and clear, fresh-looking skin starts from within by staying well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps your skin plump and radiant but also supports overall wellness. Aim for at least eight glasses a day.
• Eat Well to Nourish Your Skin and Your Body: Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet is essential. Think fruits, veggies, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid ultra-processed or very sugary foods. Your skin will thank you – as will your overall health.
• Beauty Sleep is Real: It’s called “beauty sleep” for good reason. Prioritise getting enough rest each night. Good sleep contributes to clearer skin, brighter eyes, and an overall refreshed look.
• Relax: Wedding planning can be stressful, so take time for yourself. Explore relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep both your mind and skin calm and collected.
• Regular Exercise: Regular – and ideally enjoyable – exercise can boost circulation and promote a healthy glow. Plus, it’s a great way to alleviate stress – and avoid nasty surprises at dress fittings.

So far, so good. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of a really good skincare regime to make sure you’re glowing on your big day. A caveat here, yes, we said it’s never too late to start. However, the earlier you start (and no recriminations for not already having a routine in place, honest. Well. Not many, anyway), the better.

Skincare and SPF – Non-Negotiable

Begin a consistent skincare routine NOW. Right now. Hopefully, it’s still well in advance of the big day. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are essential steps, along with a good serum, and at night, a retinol product. Don’t forget to add a weekly exfoliation and a face mask for that extra glow. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, end of.  Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. This will help prevent any unwanted sunspots or blemishes from making an appearance on your wedding day as well as being THE number one way to minimise skin ageing.

Book a consultation and we can analyse your skin concerns and set you up with the perfect products for your optimum routine for healthy skin and a beautiful glow.

Wedding Ready Skin Week by Week

Many brides – not to mention mothers of the bride, mothers of the groom and even the bridesmaids – are looking for a little extra help to look their best. It’s critical to get the timing just right with any aesthetic treatments or facial treatments that may require a little downtime. Again, get in touch, and we’ll be happy to advise, but here’s a rough guide:

• Problem skin: Issues such as acne or pigmentation need addressing in good time, ideally 9-12 months before the big day. That’s also a good timescale to use for anti-ageing treatments. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, an effective treatment for signs of ageing such as sagging and dullness) and RF Microneedling (microneedling with radio-frequency – all of the benefits of microneedling, with additional skin tightening and collagen production) are both good options.
• Smooth and glow: if you’re not already enjoying the benefits of skin boosters and chemical peels, you’ll see excellent results within weeks. Regular treatments beginning about six months before the wedding will really pay dividends. These treatments maximise what nature’s given you rather than filling or immobilising.
• Anti-ageing aesthetics: Yes, it IS possible (and also advisable) to keep a natural look with dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Done cleverly, nobody need ever know. Schedule these treatments 6-8 weeks ahead for best results, so, in the unlikely event of any minor bruising, there’s plenty of time for it to fade.
• Trial run for wedding hair and makeup: Schedule a makeup trial well before the wedding day to ensure you love the look. This gives you time to make any adjustments and eliminates last-minute surprises.

Massage and a Nice Facial

Why not treat yourself to a professional facial a few weeks before the wedding? Although not packing the same punch as more robust clinical treatments, a good facial is a great way to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate your skin for that extra bridal glow. In fact, as part of the whole ‘relax and take care of yourself’ advice, we’d suggest a Spa Break for the hen do. There are some stunning Spa Hotels around the UK, to suit all budgets.

Some of our favourites are:

• Lion Quays, near Chirk. You could explore Chirk Castle and Llangollen
• Daffodil Hotel and Spa near Grasmere in the Lake District
• Carden Park near Chester
• Titanic Hotel in Liverpool
• Ribby Hall

Which spa hotels would you add to that list? And why?

Be You, Be Beautiful and Be HAPPY

Above all, remember that you are already beautiful just the way you are. Don’t EVER feel pressured to make drastic changes – just do what makes you feel your best. Embrace your natural beauty and let your confidence shine through.

And whatever you do, don’t forget to join us at the Crown in Hawk Green near Marple on Saturday, 16 March. They’re hosting a FREE wedding showcase, showing off their beautiful function suite and letting you meet lots of local wedding suppliers such as Cake Creations by Rebecca and Barbara Sutton –  Gold Travel Counsellor. As if that’s not enough to tempt you, there’ll also be fizz and canapés. See you there – or ideally before because you’re going to book in for your pre-wedding skin consultation!