1. Get a Facial from a Pro! My face was a mess from pre-wedding day stress. My acne usually flairs up when I’m overly anxious, so it was no surprise that my skin was worse for wear in the weeks leading up to my wedding day. I got a deep pore cleansing facial the week before my big day and then one more hydrating and rejuvenating facial the week of. I also had an eye contour treatment add-on to make sure my eyes looked bright. My skin never looked better. Be sure to go to a licensed professional in a clean and trusted environment. Whatever you do, don’t squeeze or pick your skin yourself — it may lead to infection and scarring. If you have a blemish and can’t get to a pro, use an overnight treatment based on salicylic acid – the blemish should be gone by the time you wake up.
2. Get a natural glow. My complexion is peaches and cream on most days, but I always prefer the way I look with a bit of a tan. Afterall, you are wearing white and we all know white always looks best with a nice golden hue. Now, please don’t get an orange glow – you are not auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. Applying a light selftanner the week of your big day will give you a nice splash of color without turning you into an oompah loompah. Don’t ever go to a tanning salon as the rays are cancer-causing and don’t tan outside even with an SPF because you may end up with tan lines not to mention it’s never safe to be in the sun for extended periods of time. A tan in a bottle is a safe alternative and gives you a nice healthy glow.
3. Eye Lash Extensions! My hair/make up artist recommended that I get lash extensions. I was apprehensive at first, as I don’t love the idea of something glued to my lashes not to mention the hefty price tag but trusted the advice of my stylist. The lashes were well worth the investment. They survived the tears that I shed before and during the ceremony – never having to fear a streaky tear moment á la Lindsay Lohan! My sister turned to me and gasped “after the wedding you have to tell me what mascara you are wearing…” Bonus — my lashes looked great throughout our beach honeymoon in St. Barths. Having great lashes saves you loads of time in the morning, not to mention, waking up looking just as pretty as when you went to bed!
4. Get your hair and makeup touched up after the ceremony. It was wonderful having my makeup/hair stylist there after the ceremony to touch up my makeup and change up my hair. I let my hair down after the ceremony, literally, and I was ready to party the night away.
5. Calm down. It’s your day. Enjoy it. Words that are easier said than done. I didn’t know that my nerves and the emotions of the day would get the better of me but thankfully my sister was there to calm me down with some calming essential oils. She cusped her hands and let me breathe into them. Whatever it is that helps you relax, have a trusted friend or relative be equipped to be the one to help you through the moment. Just breathe and enjoy it. Remember, it’s your day and you have a lovely man waiting for you at the end of that aisle because he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. Everything else will fall into place.

Photo: iStockPhoto|Elle.com