Helpful Tips for Brides and Grooms
by Ronnee Ruselle
For the Bride
- Six months prior to your wedding day, begin having a facial once a month to ensure that your skin is looking its best on the day. Also, ensure you get plenty of rest on the days leading up to the wedding and remove makeup before sleep using a gentle makeup remover.
- Healthy eating (plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables) and regular exercise will help as long along with drinking plenty of water. Avoid smoking and alcohol as they will make your skin look old and unwell.
- If you are spray tanning for your wedding, trial the product or professional service first, to make sure that you're going to like the result and avoid looking bad on your special day.
- Take good care of your hands and feet by having a regular manicure or pedicure. At home, you should moisturise your hands each day and soak your feet in warm water for about ten minutes, twice a week. Try using a foot soaker with peppermint or something else that will help them feel refreshed and combat any odour. File your nails two or three times a week and push the cuticles back. Doing this while you're in the bath will save you time.
- Clean your jewellery including your engagement ring.
- Try on your wedding gown again before leaving the store to make sure that it is a perfect fit. It's a good idea to wear the undergarments that you intend to wear for your wedding so that you can make sure they work well with the dress you've chosen.
- If you are wearing a strapless gown, remove your bra at least three hours before the photographer arrives on your wedding day to avoid bra strap marks showing in your pictures.
- Confirm your flowers, hair and make-up artists at least a month before your wedding day.
- Amongst the hustle and bustle, don't forget to eat on your big day. Pack straws and organise bite-size portions of food to be available so you don't spoil your make-up when you eat and drink.
- Have some handy items with you on the day - something for a nervous stomach, a handkerchief, safety pins (in case something falls off) and lipstick for touch-ups.
For the Groom
- Don't choose an aftershave that is too overpowering on your wedding day.
- Once you have selected the colour and style of your suits, get you and your groomsmen together at the one time to get measured up. Do this about three months prior to the wedding to avoid problems with getting the outfits you want.
- If you're buying your suit, take into account the time of year, climate etc as well as the time of day that you will be having your wedding. Make sure you leave plenty of time for any alterations that may need to be done. Have your shirt professionally cleaned and pressed. Buy your shoes, socks, ties and any other accessories at least 2 months prior to the wedding. Ensure that your shoes are comfortable. You may wish to buy insoles for them and also wear them around until they're comfortable, avoiding blisters and ruining your special day.
- If hiring a suit, choose a hire company who can offer you professional advice and a wide range of styles, as well as fitting rooms to try them on.
- Try on your actual hire suit at least two days prior to the wedding, checking that the colour, size and quality of them are correct. This allows time for adjustments and repairing any minor problems such as a loose button or thread.
- Organise a haircut and/or beard trim one week before the wedding for a more natural appearance. It's a good idea to splash out and get a manicure so your hands look nice for your wedding ring.
- Shave early in the morning before your wedding so that your skin has time to settle down in the case of irritations.
- Do not organise your bachelor party for the night before the ceremony - you will need your rest. Instead, try planning a group activity with your groomsmen (such as gold) as a way to relax early on the morning of your wedding.
- Make sure that you have your speech prepared well before the day and have a reliable friend organise any last minute jobs to help keep you stress free.
- Don't start to celebrate until it's time to on the day itself.