Looking and feeling great on your wedding day requires serious effort and planning. We enlist the help of beauty veterans to curate a foolproof bridal guide.
DEADLINE TO D-DAY: 60 DAYS
MAKE-UP MUST-DOS:
“While you can begin researching looks and speaking to make-up artists as soon as you know you’re getting married, you need to move quickly to zero in on one and block their dates. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like, and try to build a relationship with the artist to see the best results.”
— CORY WALLIA, MAKE-UP ARTIST
TRESS TALK:
“Assess your hair health and check for damage or dryness. Based on that, schedule hair spa treatments that increase shine, and soften and hydrate hair. I would also recommend regular doses of Olaplex and products like System Professional Elastic Force to keep hair nourished.”
— ANCHAL MORWANI, HAIRSTYLIST
Photograph: Ashish Shah
BODY GOALS:
“Wedding time is extremely stressful for brides. Try building a fitness routine that challenges the body and calms the mind. I would recommend Iyengar Yoga that focuses on aligning the mind, body and spirit—it is challenging, but also very meditative.”
— RADHIKA VACHANI, YOGA EXPERT
DIET DRAFT:
“Ensure you drink two litres of water every day to improve your skin and hair quality. You must also consider adding at least six servings of cruciferous vegetables [like cauliflower and broccoli], cilantro and spinach to your meals, and one spoon of probiotic food, like fermented pickles, to improve gut health. Try vitamin D supplements to improve your metabolism.”
— DR AMY SHAH, WELLNESS EXPERT
TRESS TALK:
Get your wedding haircut a month in advance, especially if you want layers. It allows your hair time to settle and grow out a little to get to its optimum best.
— ANCHAL MORWANI
DEADLINE TO D-DAY: 30 DAYS
MAKE-UP MUST-DOS:
“Most brides want a trial before the big day, but this is often counterproductive without the entire ensemble, jewellery and hair. If you want a better picture of your final look, you must have all of the other elements in place as well. You want to look like the best version of yourself, something that’s true to who you are. Keeping this in mind, be realistic with the make-up look you’re asking for.”
— CORY WALLIA
BODY GOALS:
“Make sure your fitness routine is intense, but sustainable during the pre-wedding time. Pick a routine based on your fitness level and injuries if you have any — a mix of cardio and toning exercises are good enough. Pilates is great for toning the stomach, arms and love handles — areas that are usually highlighted in a lehenga. You can also do a genetic mapping test that tells you what vitamins your body lacks, an exercise pattern that suits you, and if a particular ingredient agrees with you or not.”
— DEANNE PANDAY, FITNESS EXPERT AND HEALTH COACH
DIET DRAFT:
“I love the concept of reverse fasting for brides-to-be to improve digestion and slow down ageing. Avoid eating after 6pm and resume only after 12 hours, that is at 6am the next day. You can also add amla to your diet to boost immunity and energy.”
— DR AMY SHAH
FACE TIME:
“If you’re signing up with a dermat for the first time, make sure you do this at least a month prior to the wedding so they can get to know your skin and find the right solutions for your needs. In cases of hirsutism or cystic acne, treatments can take up to six months, so it’s always wise to plan ahead. During this period, be sure to follow your skincare and body care routine religiously.”
— DR RASHMI SHETTY
DIET DRAFT:
Increase your water intake to four litres a fortnight before the big day, and stay away from grains, sugar and raw vegetables to avoid bloating. Try to eat cucumbers, celery and cooked vegetables, instead. You can also try ashwagandha supplements to calm nerves and balance the hormones.
— DR AMY SHAH
DEADLINE TO D-DAY: 15 DAYS
MAKE-UP MUST-DOS:
“Carelessness is your worst enemy. Pay close attention to your skin, exercise routine and nutrition; you can’t rely on make-up to hide poor skin health. Consult a dermatologist or endocrinologist if you wake up with an angry zit or allergies, instead of trying a new home remedy.”
— CORY WALLIA
TRESS TALK:
“While colouring your hair too close to the wedding might not let the true colour open out, doing it in advance may cause the colour to fade at the roots. Dye it about 15 days before your events begin, so the colour is toned down and shiny on the big day.”
— ANCHAL MORWANI
BODY GOALS:
“To bring a glow to your skin on the wedding day, begin practising pranayama and inversions (they improve blood circulation). If you’re trying it for the first time, it’s always best to practise it under the supervision of a trained expert.”
— RADHIKA VACHANI
FACE TIME:
“Most brides get stress acne around this time, thanks to their erratic schedules and junk food. Keep an emergency kit handy with your go-to creams to treat acne and dry spots during this time—get your dermat to prescribe these in advance. If you’re considering lip or cheek enhancements or invasive facials, schedule them now, as 15 days is enough time to heal from accidental bruising.”
— DR RASHMI SHETTY
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DEADLINE TO D-DAY: 0 DAYS
MAKE-UP MUST-DOS:
“Be confident about the look you have chosen with your make-up artist and don’t ask friends and relatives for a second opinion. This only ruins the expert’s creative process and trust. Train yourself to relax and delegate tasks. And more importantly, be happy.”
— CORY WALLIA
TRESS TALK:
“Make sure your hairstylist is prepping the hair with heat protectant sprays to avoid damage from the constant styling for multiple events — Nashii Hydrating Spray is a favourite. Carry a reference picture if you know what you want, and allow your stylist to interpret it into the perfect version for your face type.”
— ANCHAL MORWANI
DIET DRAFT:
“Ensure you finish your caffeine intake before noon to give yourself a good energy boost. In between multiple functions, sneak in a quick power nap of 10 minutes. This short nap, called a non-REM sleep, won’t make you groggy and tired, but instead replenishes hormones and lifts your mood.”
— DR AMY SHAH
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BODY GOALS:
“Fitness is also about your mental state, and your wedding time can be extremely emotional and stressful. Make sure you follow a fitness routine and eating pattern that can be carried forward even after the wedding. Remember, you never fail a diet, the wrong diet simply fails you.”
— DEANNE PANDAY
SCENT AND SENTIMENTALITY
Picking your wedding fragrance is often an overlooked step. Céline Roux, head of global fragrance at Jo Malone London tell us why it should be on top of your to-do list
THINK ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE
“Pick a fragrance depending on the day, the wedding setting, the season and the flowers in your decor. Consult your florist about pairing flowers from the decor to match your chosen fragrance. For example, Jasmine Sambac & Marigold works really well for Indian weddings and feels luxurious when mixed with the summer night air, while Pomegranate & Noir has spiced fruits and woody notes, making it perfect for a winter wedding.”
MAKE IT PART OF YOUR DECOR
“Choosing to scent your reception space with the same fragrance as you’re wearing can lend a personal touch and make your guests feel more involved. You can try scented candles in floral arrangements to create an aura that cements memories, or even spritz a linen spray over napkins and the tablecloth.”
MY BEST BEAUTY ADVICE:
“My wedding took place in Goa and I decided to stay there for four months before that. While I usually follow a very low-key routine, I realised I would have to tweak my regimen to keep my skin in check during the hot days. I made sure to drink lots of coconut water, use sunscreen diligently and apply aloevera gel to moisturise my skin. I also had a few of my closest friends, like Elton J Fernandez doing my make-up for the ceremonies, so I didn’t have to worry much and left the looks entirely up to them. I simply made sure I was following a regular workout routine that kept me energised and showed results, so I didn’t find myself fussing over how my outfits looked towards the final day.”
CHANDNI SAREEN, FASHION DESIGNER
MY WEDDING PREP ROUTINE:
Photograph: Aditi Varma, Photosynthesis
“I was in panic mode on my engagement day, and I didn’t quite realise this until my aunt told me I was looking worried. Reducing my stress will probably be the most important thing I work on in the run-up to the wedding. Besides that, I’ve increased my food and water intake, and cut down on caffeine and greasy foods to maintain healthy skin. A few days before the engagement, I stopped eating carbs post 7pm to reduce bloating and have a more visible jawline — it ensured I didn’t have to worry about bad photo angles.”
— TRISHALA SIKKA, INFLUENCER
MY BEAUTY NON-NEGOTIABLES:
“My dermatologist, Dr Rickson Pereira, advised me to keep it simple before my wedding day and not complicate my routine with peels and treatments I hadn’t tried before. But I did follow my skincare regimen regularly. I exfoliated my skin, protected it with sunscreen and kept it hydrated with a moisturiser. My biggest mistake, however, was the lack of sleep. I decided to design my own clothes for the wedding, along with the outfits for my husband, my entire family and some of my friends who were from London and Los Angeles. Thanks to the time zone difference, my sleep cycle was nothing like I had planned. I would correct this in hindsight.”
— KRESHA BAJAJ ZAVERI, FASHION DESIGNER
MY GO-TO PRODUCTS:
“Part of being a model means I’ve got to keep my skin healthy and follow a daily beauty regimen. But I do love a little pampering for special days, and naturally, my wedding was one of them. The ceremony was quite simple and I wanted to keep my prep simple as well. On the morning before the ceremony, I followed my regular skincare routine and then applied a face mask for 10 minutes. I swear by the Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic and Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack to get glowing skin. That, and a good night’s sleep works best.”
— RASIKA NAVARE, MODEL
Featured image photograph: Ashish Shah
