How To Maintain Your Bridal Look All Day Long

Planning your special day can take months, often years.  From the very first save the date notification to purchasing your bridesmaid thank you gifts, most brides eat, sleep and generally breathe every aspect of their weddings.

However, amongst the planning and organising, many brides forget to take care of what is most important, herself.  Of course, the ritual facials, teeth whitening, and excessive visits to the gym may (in a bride's eyes) fall into the category of self-care, in the midst of all of the wedding chaos, it isn't until the wedding day that they are able to sit back and relax.

Plan a Trial
I reccomend booking a hair and makeup trial at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding day.  This is the perfect way to try out differnt styles and looks.  A style you may have fallen in love on Pinterest with may not look so great when you try it out.  We all have our own individual beauty that needs to be highlighted in a variety of different ways.  Your trial is all about finding out what is best for you and Enhancing your natural beauty.  I recommend wearing your makeup for the rest of the day to see how it feels and lasts.  Anything you notice. for example you needed more blush by the end of the day, or your skin was on the shiny side come evening - then I can adapt the products or application so that it will be absolutely perfect on your wedding day.

Timings
Always ensure you plan enough time with your hair and makeup artist on your wedding day.  Utilise your trial to discuss the wedding morning and agree the timings for your day.  I understand how time can slip away so planning to finish an hour before the ceremony before you need to leave gives you plenty of time to get into your dress and have last minute photos and time with your bridal party without any rushing or stress. I allow 45 minutes for each member of the bridal party and 60 minutes for the bride for makeup and if I'm working with another hairstylist I explain that we will work around each other seamlessly.  If it is me doing the hairstyling as well I will allow 1hr25 for each bridesmaid / mother of the bride and 2 hours for the bride.  With larger bridal parties I will bring an assistant to help and we will allow time once the bride has been made up for any final touch ups and more lipstick!

The Essentials and Touch-Ups
I am not able to stick around for the entire day, I am happy to discuss the essentials you should invest in to maintain your look all day long.  This may include purchasing a lipstick or lip gloss or perhaps a pressed powder to help keep a flawless shine free finish all day long.  The foundation I use along with a spritz of setting spray really will be enough to last the duration, even on a hot summers day, but obvsiouly I cannot promise everyone will be completely shine free, so a pressed powder or blotting sheet can be the one thing that keeps your makeup looking picture perfect all day long. 

If you have any specific questions then please drop a comment on this post and I'll get back to you or if there are any other MUAs reading this that have any other advice please add to the comments. 

Emma x