Whether you err on the more laissez-faire, wash-and-go end of the beauty spectrum or are a diligent 10 step, LED mask-donning devotee, there will be an element of beauty prep to consider ahead of walking down the aisle. We don’t mean to be sticklers for rules or didactic about dates, but because many treatments require downtime or time to take effect, a little timetabling is necessary.
From aesthetic clinics to wellness clinics, many places now offer bridal packages (luxury longevity destination The HVN’s ‘Bridal Preparation Programme’ is a one-stop shop for skin, body and mind; think everything from medical diagnostics to glass skin facials). For the rest of us mere mortals, we’ve enlisted a raft of experts to help keep you on track and introduce you to the treatments you might want to consider in the run-up to the big day. Because ultimately, you want to love the way you look.
12 months to go
Schedule in teeth straightening
While there are plenty of quick-fix orthodontic treatments, teeth are the one area where it’s better to give yourself a little more time, especially if you’re looking for a more dramatic smile overhaul.
“Straightening treatments take on average three to six months and you’d be surprised how quickly Invisalign can move your teeth even with complex cases,” says Dr. Tom Crawford-Clarke of boutique cosmetic dental practice Luceo Dental, who treated Daisy Lowe just eight weeks before her wedding. “But if you have severely misaligned teeth or a lot of crowding it can take up to 12 months, so the earlier you schedule in an appointment, the better.”
9 months to go 
Time to schedule a ‘bacial’?
Get body blitzing
Not that we’re suggesting you need it, of course. But for those who want a little help honing their haunches pre-garter, there are a raft of ‘body contouring’ procedures from fat targeting treatments like Coolsculpting (controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat cells) and Airsculpting (precision fat cell removal through freckle-sized entry points) to skin tightening options like Morpheus 8 (the radiofrequency microneedling treatment credited with tackling Judy Murray’s ‘turkey neck’) “It’s a great way to improve skin texture as well as to contour and lift,” says Dr. Pamela Benito. But as most treatments require three sessions, booking early is key to reap maximum results.
Factor in de-Fuzzing
“The ideal time to start laser hair removal for your wedding is at least six to nine months in advance,” says Monica Ella Botros, Managing Director at Strip Hair Removal Experts. “This allows for multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, aligning with hair growth cycles to ensure the smoothest, longest-lasting results by your big day. If you have darker or coarser hair, starting even earlier may be beneficial. Scheduling a consultation early on helps tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs”.
6 months to go 
Sometimes that wedding glow needs a little help
Schedule in your skinjectables
As with body treatments, many aesthetic skin treatments require a few sessions, so it’s good to factor this into your timeline.
There is a mind-boggling array of treatments on offer, but they generally fall into skin-boosters like Profhilo, biostimulators like polynucleotides and neurotoxins like Botox.
“Profhilo is a brilliant hydrating injectable that remodels the skin by boosting collagen and elastin to leave skin bouncier, firmer, and dewier,” says Dr. Preema Vig, who recommends starting six months ahead of W-day with two sessions spaced four weeks apart.
“Polynucleotide injections are something every bride should invest in to achieve radiant skin, as makeup and facials can only do so much,” adds Dr. Ivy, Founder of Academy of Face Design and Dr. Ivy Skincare. “They stimulate skin regeneration, improve texture and elasticity while promoting hydration from within in a different way to hyaluronic acid skin boosters, working over time to create a luminous glow. My bridal clients start treatments eight weeks ahead of their wedding day and I suggest a top-up two weeks later with one treatment of Profhilo to further enhance that bridal glow.”
As well as being a fan of both treatments, Dr. Sophie Shotter recommends a course of three sessions of MCT Plasma and Exosomes six months in advance for brides.
“This regenerative injectable uses a sample of your own blood from which we create PRP; a potently regenerative liquid which can improve overall skin quality and texture, undereye circles and even hair thinning.” And to ‘switch off stress creases’ there’s nothing like a gentle dose of botulinum toxin, according to Dr Sophie; “Botox is not designed to freeze all expression, but if you have movement-related lines that bother you, this could be a good option. I’d always recommend doing your first treatment between four and six months before the big day to make sure you like it and are happy with the results achieved, and then have your pre-wedding treatment about four to six weeks before the wedding, which gives time for any treatment adjustments which may be needed.”
3 months to go
A makeup trial is best done after you’ve decided on the dress
Make time for your makeup trial
“I recommend my brides schedule their makeup trial between three to six months before their wedding day, ideally after they’ve chosen their dress and accessories,” says Bobbi Brown Global Pro Artist Amy Conway. “With this time frame, you tend to find their vision is clearer, they know exactly the style they are looking for and they can enjoy tweaking different options for the day, whilst still having plenty of time before any kind of panic sets in.”
Line up your lasers
“Lasers take many different shapes and forms, but for most brides, smooth, even-toned skin is what they’re aiming for,” says Dr Sophie. “Fractional lasers can help to improve skin quality and texture, whilst vascular lasers or IPL are great for addressing redness and blood vessels in the skin. Pigmentation can also be addressed with either laser or IPL. Most brides need a few sessions, and if you are having fractional laser you will need several weeks of collagen remodelling for best results.”
But lasers are not just for your skin. Dr. Tom advises scheduling in a laser gum contouring consultation at least three months before the wedding to address a ‘gummy’ smile.
Pick a peel
“Chemical peels are another great pre-wedding option,” says Dr. Sophie. “If you’re looking to treat deeper skin concerns like pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles, you may want to explore a course of medium-depth peels around 6 months before the wedding. However, superficial peels (which can use many different types of acid) are a great pre-wedding option. Book your first one about three months ahead as it’s possible to experience light shedding or dryness before planning your final one a week before the big day.”
2 months to go Timetable teeth whitening
To brighten your smile, Dr. Tom recommends asking your dentist for at-home whitening treatments with custom-fit trays six weeks before the wedding to allow results to develop over several weeks and to avoid temporary sensitivity before the wedding.
Two weeks to go 
Weddings are a time when many women consider extensions
Experiment with extensions
“Extensions are an incredible bridal beauty tool, they make your hair feel like it’s in better condition, which makes it look more polished, adds volume and of course length if you want it,” says hair stylist and extensions specialist Hadley Yates.
“The best time to get extensions done before a wedding is around two weeks prior. This allows enough time for you to make any tweaks should you need them; you may feel like you want to add or remove a few. I would always recommend getting keratin bonds for any bridal hair, as they are more versatile and mean you can still wear your hair up.”
Book in tooth bonding
We’re talking a quick fix for small chips, cracks or uneven edges allowing a week for adjustments if needed. “This is also the time to book in a professional clean (we use Air Polishing technology in our clinic) to brighten your smile and remove surface stains,” says Tom.
One week to go Set up a spray tan
“A tanning trial for your wedding is as important as your dress fitting or makeup trial,” says tanning expert extraordinaire and Three Warriors Global Creative Artist James Harknett. “It’s a great idea to schedule it two days before a makeup trial so your MUA can match your foundation.”
According to James, most brides decide that their spray tan looks its best two days afterwards. “In this time, you’ve had around three cool showers to ensure all guide colour has been washed away and gives peace of mind that nothing will rub onto the inside of the wedding dress.”
James recommends ensuring your hair removal is done well in advance to avoid colour settling into open pores; “Tanning straight after waxing is a disaster, so wax a good two to three days before the tan and shave 24 hours before.”
Whether nude or maximalist, nails should never be an afterthought
Dial up your digits
“I’m counting down the days to my wedding now and my BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) mani is top of my beauty prep list!” says Amber Hancock, Brand Ambassador at The Gel Bottle. “I always recommend booking it in two to three days before the big day so it looks ultra-fresh and removes any last-minute stress.
“Plus, with BIAB’s strength and shine they’ll stay flawless from ‘I do’ right through to the honeymoon if you’re jetting off straight after.” Amber recommends trialling your look a set or two before your wedding mani to ensure it’s exactly what you had envisioned.
The night before
© Jun WangMasks are your pre-wedding day BFFs
This is no time to go off-piste with your skincare or schedule in anything other than an early night. Focus on hydrating, calming products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and omegas and opt for de-puffing eye gels over heavy creams. The pre-wedding day evening is when sheet masks really come into their own.
Now all that’s left to do is walk down the aisle.
