What to Indulge in as a Bride-to-be
Becoming engaged is a dream come true for most girls! It certainly was for me. It was something I anticipated my whole life and TV and the movies make it look so special, and I must say, my now husband did an incredible job at creating a dream proposal.
While we may have a vision of what we would like to see and have on our wedding day, planning and reality checks come in fast and swiftly. From budgets to bookings, guest lists to flowers, it can become very stressful quite quickly.
While all this is happening around you, it is very important to remember to treat yourself along the way. I used the excuse “I only get to do this once” to my advantage time and time again. I found a lot of the wedding planning was catered to the guests and the whole spectacle of the day. While it was all based to things we loved and we surrounded ourselves with those we love, my husband and I are both people pleasers and wanted everyone to enjoy themselves as much as we did.
Here are a few things to consider indulging yourself in leading up to your big day.
Manicures and Pedicures – Even if you plan on wearing closed toe shoes, get your toes and feet done. Dancing without shoes on will likely happen. As for manicures, I personally am not one who goes for manicures often, if ever. I had only ever had two manicures prior to the 6 months before my wedding. I didn’t have great experiences with them, I always took care of my fingers and hands myself. I was able to find an aesthetician I really liked and she did a lot of my treatments and made me feel more comfortable with it.
Facials – I recommend starting facial treatments anywhere from 6-9 months ahead of time. This allows your skin to adjust to any treatments, prevents breakouts close to your big day and time to heal in case you react and heal to anything used on your skin. Your face is the focal point of the day, so you will want your skin glowing and flawless. You will likely be recommended to come every 3-4 weeks, which can become very pricey depending on the treatment selected. Speak to your aesthetician prior to booking numerous appointments and explain your desired budget and they will likely be very reasonable and conservative with treatment timelines.
Regular Hair Cuts – I am notorious for only getting hair cuts or trims every 6 months. I know, I know, hair professionals are cringing right now. I have long hair and like to think I take care it, but I should do better. This brings me to my point on getting regular hair cuts. Even minor trims every 2-3 months allows your hair to stay health, and grow healthy. It is not necessary to get the full blowout treatment with every appointment, discuss this with your hair stylist professional and they will work with your budget and will help to keep you in tip top shape. Especially if they are the ones doing your hair for the day of, it will be easier for them to manage and they will know your hair very well by then.
Bridal Magazines – I was shocked by how expensive bridal magazines can be. But it can be fun to get inspiration from professional publications. Pinterest will also be your best friend through the wedding planning process, but I found bridal magazines showed me styles and perspectives I may not seek out myself.
A Tanning Treatment – Spray tans or tanning treatments are an easy way to give you that sun-kissed glow and flawless coverage. Be sure to inform your makeup artist if you plan on doing one though so they can insure they have colour options in their makeup kits for this new you.
Dental Care – While it is always important to take care of our teeth and mouth, dental care before your big day can really upscale your smile and prevent bad breathe before that seal of a kiss at the ceremony.
Miss to Mrs. Subscription Boxes – This was a fun splurge! This is a subscription service that sends you exciting items themed to where you are likely at in the wedding planning process, leading up to your big day. Each box is themed to inspire, pamper and celebrate you as a bride-to-be. From “I said yes” items to bachelorette decorations all the way to wedding day accessories and even a box for the honeymoon! While this is not at all necessary, it was a lot of fun and exciting to receive these boxes leading up to my wedding day and kept me on track while planning to be sure I was getting things done. Here is the link to getting your own Miss to Mrs box subscriptions!
Hair and Makeup Trials – This one is important, brides-to-be! What is nice is you can schedule your trials for other events such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party so your hair and makeup is all done up, ready to go. Please be sure to test out your makeup artists first, as my experience was an absolute nightmare. I had my makeup trial done by a recommended artist from the hair salon I was using. While I do not bash this artist in any way, she simply did not do well with my skin or face. Once I saw the final work done in daylight, I cried. None of the work she had done on me, suited me or made me look like myself. Luckily, I had plenty of time to find a new makeup artist, and I was able to hire a dear friend of mine, who made me feel the most beautiful I had ever felt in my life. Give yourself this option and time to find a makeup artist who will be sure you feel incredible on this big day.
Massages – This is simply for relaxation and destressing during the planning process. Enjoy!
There is nothing wrong with treating ourselves, and we can do so on a budget. Everything mentioned here are simply ideas. Pick and choose or go for it all. As a bride-to-be, there is so much pressure and so many demands already happening to you, around you and for your attention. Pay attention to yourself for once and enjoy yourself!
Melanie xoxox