Everyone thinks about starting some sort of health and beauty plan when they get engaged.
Weddings can create a lot of pressure to look beautiful and focus on your health. They are a great motivator to get your act into gear on things you may have been considering anyway. Being healthy on your wedding day, and creating a beauty plan is not all about losing weight and looking a certain way.
It’s also not about fitting into a specific clothing size and meeting some societal expectation. It’s all about being the most healthy that you can be, and feeling the best that you can, in your own skin.
Properly creating a health and beauty plan before your wedding day will ensure that you are looking and feeling your best on the big day. Not everything has to be expensive, or extreme. In fact, here is a recent post on DIY Beauty Treatments, all of which can be done inexpensively. Some parts of a beauty plan can be quietly added to your life. They can even be as as simple as making and showing up for an appointment.
Other parts take a bit more planning, commitment, and time to be effective. The purpose of this post is to showcase what is out there and allow you to plan ahead for it all.
How To Create A Wedding Health & Beauty Plan
This health and beauty advice is super general, so pick and choose what works best for you.
You may be considering a fitness routine. Or, maybe you want to look into enhancing your smile and simply trying out some new skincare regimes. Either way, this post is all about advice that you can use to create a pre-wedding health and beauty plan. Each item has the potential to be applicable to a large group of people. Also, many of the suggestions are those that I have personally done and can recommend.
Cheers to your wedding health and beauty plan!
EXERCISE & FITNESS
Getting your body moving can be one of the best things you can do for your overall health and beauty plan, even if you aren’t planning a wedding.
There is so much to say about exercise, so I’ll try and keep it reasonable. First off, exercise doesn’t have to be daunting. It doesn’t even have to be daily. It also doesn’t have to be miserable. Starting and keeping an exercise routine is all about finding something that you enjoy, that you can do a few times a week. Once you get into it, think about adding more variety to the routine.
Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk. It can be as complicated as hiring a personal trainer (which isn’t really all that complicated). It can be done free of charge by looking up videos online. You can also do it in your own home with your own body weight, or you can invest in some weights or equipment. Some great places to start with exercise are daily walks, light lifting of weights, and gentle yoga. As you get more into it, think about lengthening the amount of time you spend moving. Over time, increase the weights you use, or branch out into more complicated moves.
The most important part about exercise is that you are consistent and intentional about doing it. If you can find some movement that you enjoy, that you can stick to, not only will your body appear more toned, but your mental health will be better as well. And who doesn’t need more of that when they are planning a wedding?
When To Start: As soon as you’re ready
Costs: Can be $0 if you find free online tutorials, go on walks, or use your own home. Can cost more if you hire a trainer, start using an on demand program like Les Mills or Peloton, or join a gym.
Considerations: Aim to get moving a few times a week. An increase in heart rate, some weight bearing exercises, and stretching will do a body good. If you have any health concerns, be sure to check with your medical professionals first.
FOOD & NUTRITION
We are what we eat, right?
Kind of. I think we all need to eat different foods in moderation, aiming for incorporation of food that makes us feel good, and limiting food that we know isn’t the best for us. This does not mean cutting out certain food groups or depriving yourself of items that you love. This means that you start paying attention to what you put in your body and aim for more of the “healthy” food while aiming for less of the “unhealthy” food.
Don’t know what I mean by that? Well, look at adding more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains into your diet, if those are foods that make your body feel good. Limit sugar, alcohol, and processed foods to special occasions, if possible. If you are a junk food addict, start small. It may be easier to add in things instead of cutting stuff out at first. While you’re at it, pay attention to how you feel after each time you eat. You may find that your body really responds well to certain foods, and less to others.
I will caution you not to feel pressure to join fad diets or completely cut yourself off of certain foods, if you haven’t had success with that in the past. If you’re anything like me, the second you tell yourself you can’t have something, it’s all you want. Instead, be moderate, take it one meal at a time, and do your best.
When To Start: As soon as possible after getting engaged.
Costs: Can be as low as $0, or higher if you hire a nutritionist or join a program to help with healthy eating.
Considerations: Food works differently on each and everyone’s body. It’s super important to pay attention to what works for you and your body, rather than try to copy something you find online. A little goes a long way, so don’t feel pressure to drastically overhaul your diet.
HAIR
It’s very popular to have some hair goals as part of your beauty plan when you’re engaged.
Whether it’s to grow your hair out, try a new color, or style it in a new (or old) way, everyone does end up with a vision for their hair on their wedding day. It’s important to plan ahead, in order to make your hair dreams a reality.
If you’re planning on growing your hair long for your wedding day, work with your hair stylist to figure out if you need trims at certain intervals. Often, trimming off split ends will enable healthy hair to grow even longer over time. Additionally, look into any specified food, vitamins, or supplements known to help hair growth. Often you can help hair grow and be really healthy with the right nutrition plan, if you start early enough.
If you’re looking for a new hair color or style, that too is important to incorporate into your beauty plan. The weeks leading up to your wedding are not the time to start experimenting. You’ll want enough time to change your mind, should the color or look not be what you wanted it to be. Definitely ask your hair professional their opinion on when to start. Typically five to six months before the wedding should be enough time to allow any hair “experiments” to be undone and changed so you can have your dream hair style on your wedding day.
When To Start: Six months before wedding
Costs: Typically the cost of a regular trim, cut, or color. This all depends on who you hire to take care of your hair. You may also have the costs of vitamins or supplements added in there (check with a medical professional for recommendations).
Considerations: If you’re looking for a big change in your look before your wedding, make sure you have enough time to plan for “fixing” it if you don’t like it. If you’re just trying to stick to a tried and true hair style, you have a lot more forgiveness on the timeline.
EYEBROW MICROBLADING
I was recently informed on what microblading is, as I’d never heard of it.
If you don’t know what microblading is until now, it’s essentially a semi-permanent tattoo of your eyebrows. Many women opt to fill in their eyebrows every day, due to sparse hair or a certain look they like, and microblading removes the need to do this. Essentially, in the process of having microblading performed, a special eyebrow pen is used to create the look of eyebrows, hair by hair, on your face. Typically, it lasts about one to three years, and all you need to do to maintain it is a touch up about once a year.
The process is quite simple but isn’t exactly painless. A trained professional will sanitize and numb your eyebrow area and start the application. Afterwards, you’ll need to refrain from getting the area wet with water or sweat for about a week. Most people have to go back about a month later for a touch up and may have to repeat part of the process again. It’s important to follow after care instructions for best results. For more details, check out this article.
When To Start: A few months before the wedding.
Because the results last for awhile, it could be best to microblade three or more months before the wedding, avoiding scheduling it with any high-photo opportunities like your bridal shower or engagement photos.
Costs: $250 – $1500, depending on the location and professional.
Considerations: Do your research before you go somewhere. Look for reviews, ask friends, and don’t go into microblading lightly.
EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Having your professionally eyelashes extended is super popular these days.
Whether you have amazing natural eyelashes you just want to enhance, or you have sparse lashes that need some serious help, having a professional install lashes on your eyes can be a huge boost to anyone’s beauty plan.
The process is fairly simple. You just need to show up to your appointment with clean, make up free eyes, and be ready to lie still for up to a few hours. Afterwards, there may be some getting used to the lashes. They can’t just be washed and cared for like regular eyelashes. You may need to modify your skincare routine, add some steps in to brush the lashes (yes, this is a thing), and swap out some products that will shorten their lifespan (like oil). This article is super informative on eyelash extensions.
When To Start: A few months before the wedding.
Try lashes for the first time a few months before the wedding. They typically last for a few weeks, so if you like them, you can schedule an appointment right before the wedding knowing that you enjoy how they look.
Costs: $120 – $300, depending on product, location, and service.
Considerations: Eyelash extensions are a great way to make your eyes pop, but they aren’t for everyone. You may not like how they feel, or the extra care that they require. Plus, the price can be hefty for how long they last.
SKINCARE
I recently wrote a whole post about pre-wedding skincare that can be found here.
Taking care of your skin before your wedding (or really at any point in your life) is so crucial to your wedding beauty plan. Having cared for skin means that your face will be brighter, clearer, and more radiant. It doesn’t have to be a big investment for time and money, either. You can spend as little as a couple of minutes a day on your skin to make a big difference.
If you don’t know where to start, try with a few different steps. First, always wear sunscreen. Second, look into a quality cleanser to use each night to wash off dirt, oils, and make up. Third, research any serums to meet your particular skincare concerns, and last, be sure to protect your skin with a good moisturizer. That’s all there really is to it! If you need a recommendation on clean, effective skincare that will work for almost any skin types, Beautycounter is always my go-to brand.
If you are interested in professional support, schedule a facial with specific recommendations from an esthetician. They can recommend products for you, and provide a service that will match your needs. If you do get a facial before your wedding, be sure to have it about a month before the big day in case you have any breakouts.
When To Start: As soon as you get engaged
Costs: Depends on if you purchase products or get a service, but expect $50 – $200.
Considerations: Everyone has different skincare needs, so be sure to do some research about what’s best for you and your skin. When in doubt, reach out to a esthetician for services or dermatologist for medical advice.
TEETH STRAITENING
If you’re considering getting invisible braces, why not use your wedding as a reason?
Not everyone qualifies for invisible braces, but if you do, let me tell you all about them. Depending on your own teeth, the process could take about six months to two years. You’ll need to see an orthodontist who can create a specific plan for you. They will take photos and molds of your teeth, so they are perfectly matched with little trays that you change out every so often. The trays slowly move your teeth until your smile is as perfect as possible.
While the process of moving your teeth isn’t exactly comfortable, it’s not painful either. There will be some sacrifices to make while you’re using the braces, such as not eating or drinking anything but water while they are in your mouth, and brushing your teeth after every meal, but the nice thing is that you can take them out when you want. The other cool thing is that you start to see results very quickly, like within weeks of starting your braces. This means that even if your treatment isn’t totally complete by the time you have your wedding, your smile will still be improved on your actual wedding day.
When To Start: As soon as possible.
It takes time to make appointments, receive the trays, and start the process of invisible braces.
Costs: This depends, but plan on at least a few thousand dollars. Often your dental insurance will cover part or all of the cost.
Considerations: Invisible braces do come with some sacrifices, and create another layer of intention during a time that you’re already pretty busy, so go into it with an open mind. They take a little getting used to, but after a few weeks you’ll feel like you have the hang of them. And seeing your smile improve is a big motivator to keep it all going!
TEETH WHITENING
This isn’t something that I’ve personally done, but have considered doing in the past.
Teeth whitening can instantly make your smile brighter. There are also a couple of different options to get it done. First, you can schedule a appointment where your dentist (or another professional), uses specialized treatments to immediately whiten your teeth. Most people have really good results from this, though some may have sensitive teeth afterwards.
You can also get over the counter teeth whitening strips or trays from your local drugstore. This is not as effective, and you’ll have to be intentional about using the trays, but it’s still a great option. Over the counter teeth whitening is super easy, and usually only requires 10 minutes a day for a week or two to see results. Depending on your teeth, though, you may not see any results.
When To Start: About a month before your wedding, but not right before.
This will allow any sensitivity to subside and also for your teeth to retain some brightness.
Costs: This all depends on if you go with over the counter, or professional services. You may be looking at $20, or upwards of $1,000.
Considerations: Do your research about professional teeth whitening, and make sure you choose this service from a location that you trust. You don’t want to mess with your teeth and gums right before your wedding with amateurs.
TANNING
This segment is all about spray tans, not tanning beds. Tanning beds will damage your skin, and I would never recommend them as part of your healthy and beauty plan.
If you’ve never gotten a spray tan before, you should totally check it out sometime. To get one done, you strip down to your comfort level, and a trained professional will spray your body, add color, and give you care instructions. It’s a painless and sun-damage free way to get some glow on your skin. The process doesn’t take that long, maybe 30 minutes, but there are some after care instructions.
If you are thinking about getting a spray tan before your wedding, make sure you do a trial run in the months leading up to your wedding. You may want to time this with an event like your bridal shower or bachelorette party. A trial run will allow you to decide if you like the color on your skin. It will also help you understand any limitations that you may face with a spray tan.
For example, you won’t want to get your skin wet for a period of time after the tan. Nor should you be putting on a white dress immediately after either. Plus, a trial run will help you to see how to properly exfoliate or moisturize before the spray tan, so you’re prepared should you get one before your wedding.
When To Start: Try it out for the first time in the months leading up to your wedding.
If you want a spray tan before your wedding, plan your appointment a few days before.
Costs: $75 – $200, depending on your location and service.
Considerations: Look at reviews before you get a spray tan, and make sure try it out before your wedding.
WAXING
No matter what you’re part of your body you’re having waxed, it’s important to try it out before your wedding day.
Getting a wax for the first time may be a little intense. It’s important to note how your body responds to it, and how you like the outcome. For example, having your eyebrows waxed may leave them reddish for a few days. This is something that you’ll want to note should you go to get your eyebrows waxed in the days leading up to your wedding.
Waxing isn’t that complicated, and typically doesn’t take that long, but there may be some aftercare instructions. For example, depending on what you have waxed, you may need to avoid certain activities afterwards, or avoid certain products. You may feel uncomfortable at first, too. There are things you can do ahead of your appointment to help with this, so be sure to do a test run ahead of the wedding and speak to your waxing professional so you’re super prepared on your wedding day.
When To Start: A few months before the wedding.
Try out a trial run a few months before the wedding, and then schedule an appointment for 5-7 days before the wedding.
Costs: This depends on what you’re having waxed and what your location is. Anticipate $20 – $100.
Considerations: Be sure to go to a professional who knows what they are doing. Look at reviews, ask around, and if you aren’t happy with the service, don’t go back. Follow all care instructions, and know that the first time is the worst time, it will get easier.
NAILS
There could be a whole post about pre-wedding nails, so I’ll keep this one reasonable.
When it comes to your nails, there is a lot to consider. Fake nails are an option, or you can grow your own nails out. You could have gel applied to your nails, or stick to a basic manicure. There is also the option of doing it all yourself at home, or seeing a professional. Let’s get into what you can do for yourself, to give your nails the best shot.
No matter what path you choose for your nails, you can do some stuff ahead of time to make them stronger. Vitamins, supplements, and eating properly will all ensure that your nails are in tip top shape on your wedding day. Even with the application of fake nails, this is important, because you’ll still want your nails healthy underneath.
Nail prep should be done a few days before the wedding, but not too early. This will allow any polish to properly dry, and limit the risk that you’ll chip or even lose a nail. It might be worth it to have a trial run ahead of time if you’re not used to having your nails done, but this isn’t totally necessary. This is an aspect of pre-wedding beauty that is pretty forgiving.
When To Start: Book your appointment 2-3 days before your wedding, or do it yourself during that timeframe.
Costs: $20 – $50, depending on location and service.
Considerations: Make sure you take care of your nails leading up to the wedding so they are in the healthiest shape.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Wow, this was a lot of information on your wedding health and beauty plan. Remember, it’s not all about fitting into a certain size or looking a certain way. It’s about taking care of your body, being intentional with any services, and planning to set yourself up to feel and look the best on your wedding day.
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:
How Queen Victoria’s Wedding Influenced Weddings Forever
How To Deal With Wedding Planning Stress
12 Unity Ceremony Ideas & Customs
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