I've put together a timeline based guide, from skincare to the final touch ups, to help you prepare for your special day. You don't have to do it all. It's about picking the things that give you peace of mind and help you feel like the best version of yourself, present and at ease, when you walk down the aisle.
3 Months Before (Now)
- Start a consistent skincare routine. Talk to a dermatologist or esthetician about a plan tailored to your skin, or just stay consistent with your regular routine. It helps so much.
- Begin facial treatments every 3 to 4 weeks. Hydrofacials help even out tone and texture. Dermaplane removes dead skin and peach fuzz, giving your skin a smoother base for makeup.
- Whiten your teeth if you're planning to, so you have time for touch ups closer to the date.
- Start hydrating from the inside out. Try getting your water intake to at least 2 liters a day. Collagen or biotin supplements can help too (check with your doctor first).
- Start planning your bridal look. I'm happy to book a video call consultation to go over it, or we can plan it all over email.
- Body treatments: exfoliating scrubs, self tanning trials (never try a new tan for the first time close to the wedding), and moisturizing routines.
- Start a daily meditation or breathing habit. Mindfulness rituals help so much once wedding planning gets busy.
- Finalize your dress fittings so alterations have enough time.
6 Weeks Before
- Continue facials, dermaplane, and hydrofacial sessions every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Manicure/pedicure trial to settle on colors and finishes.
- Test antiperspirant wipes. If you're not used to Riviera Maya's heat, if you sweat a lot, or if you'll be taking pictures under the sun between 11am and 3pm, I suggest you and your fiance try sweat block wipes. Drugstore brands work great, but for the best results, go with a dermatologist brand. Do a trial run now, not on the wedding day, so you know how your skin reacts. If you're planning to use them on your face, check with your dermatologist first. Some brides have used drugstore wipes on the face at their own risk and it's gone fine, but it's better to ask a professional beforehand.
- Buy straws. Resorts usually don't offer them, and having some on hand for you and your bridal party helps keep your lipstick in place while getting ready.
2 Weeks Before
- Last dermaplane treatment, timed 1 to 2 weeks before the wedding so skin looks smooth without irritation.
- Final hydrofacial session, ideally 3 to 7 days before, for that lit from within glow.
- Avoid trying new products. Stick to what your skin already knows and loves.
- Put together a wedding day items list and keep everything in the same box, bag, or suitcase. This includes everything you'll use while getting ready (robe, slippers, toiletries), everything you want your photographer to capture (perfume, printed invite, special item), everything you'll wear (jewelry, hair accessories, veil, shoes, undergarments), and everything you'll want for touch ups during the ceremony or reception (lip product, a portable electric fan, stain remover).
- Hair care: deep conditioning treatments, keratin treatments, trims, or color touch ups if needed.
Wedding Week
- Light hydration facials only. Nothing invasive or new.
- Final manicure/pedicure.
- Sleep and hydration are your best friends this week. Try to avoid alcohol.
- Pack an emergency kit: blotting papers, lip balm, mints, safety pins, stain remover, Advil, Dramamine (if you have a boat trip), and sunscreen.
- Spray tan: pool and beach time usually makes a tan patchy, so consider bringing a touch up product just in case.
- Write your vows if you haven't already.
When you arrive in Riviera Maya: wear a hat and sunscreen at all times to avoid sunburn on your face. Sunburn means you'll need much more coverage, and we don't want that.
One day before the wedding: wash your hair, and make sure all your wedding day items are gathered in one spot, ready for tomorrow.
Wedding Day
- Eat breakfast. Something light but satisfying.
- Stay hydrated throughout hair and makeup.
- If you're using the sweat block wipe, use it before your hair and makeup appointment on all the areas you sweat the most (neck, armpits, back, cleavage, between thighs, etc). Wash your hands right after using it, and do not touch your eyes, nose, or any other sensitive area. The wipe's formula dehydrates the area completely, and we don't want that anywhere it shouldn't be.
- Before your hair and makeup appointment, make sure to take care of anything you need to, so you can just sit down, relax, and let the magic happen.
Note: Always consult a licensed esthetician or dermatologist before starting any new skin treatment, especially close to your wedding date, to avoid reactions or irritation on photos.