Photo (above) : Photographer: Studio Visible
1. A new hairstyle
Don't experiment with your hair - try a new colour or a different cut, for example - in the week leading up to your wedding. If the result isn't what you'd hoped for, you'll have to do it at the last minute. Save yourself any headaches and try a new colour or cut in advance. In addition, schedule a trial cut with your hairdresser a few months or a month in advance. This will ensure that the final result is exactly what you want.
2. Some facial treatments
On your wedding day, you want to look your best, and that means glowing skin. So a new facial such as exfoliation or microdermabrasion (an intensive peel that removes dead skin cells) might well be on your beauty checklist. However, this type of treatment can cause redness and irritation for some time, so it's best not to plan it for the week before your wedding. Especially if it's your first treatment, you don't know how your skin will react. So it's best to carry out the treatment one to two months before your wedding, or ask your beautician what timetable she recommends.
3. New make-up products
You also don't want to wait until the week before your wedding to try out new make-up products. You never know if your skin will react badly to them. Instead, give your skin a rest and look after it with the products you're used to. Also, try on your bridal make-up well in advance at a trial session with your make-up artist. This way, you'll know how your skin reacts to make-up and can reassure yourself in advance that you'll look radiant!
4. Avoid alcohol
There are several reasons to avoid drinking (a lot of) alcohol in the week leading up to your wedding. You may sleep less well, whereas a good night's sleep will help you shine on your wedding day. What's more, alcohol retains a lot of liquids, so it can make your face look a bit puffy, for example.
5. A juice cure
A juice cleanse is a kind of crash diet in which solid foods are replaced by fruit and vegetable juices. While it's a quick way to lose weight, these juices often contain (too) few nutrients. In the week leading up to your wedding, you need enough energy for the final preparations and for the day itself. So choose healthy, balanced meals that contain enough nutrients to fill you up before the party!
6. Spray tanning
It's best not to plan a spray tan or sunless session in the week leading up to your wedding, especially if it's your first time. Your skin could react badly or the result could be less than you'd hoped for - the tan could be too light or too dark, for example. So test your spray tan beforehand and leave the treatment to a specialist. He or she will also be able to advise you on the best time to carry out the treatment.
7. Going to bed (too) late
As we said, a good night's sleep will help you start your wedding day in top form. Sleeping the night before and the day before your wedding will leave you feeling perfectly rested to say "I do" and have fun until the early hours. Even the final preparations can take energy. So do yourself a favour and sleep in on time this week.
8. Look for wedding inspiration
Planning a wedding can be fraught with uncertainty and doubt. If you're still in doubt, you might be tempted to search online for last-minute wedding ideas to compare with those of your guests. However, avoid doing this in the last week before your wedding and don't give your insecurities a chance to manifest themselves. Instead, trust the choices you've made. The most important thing is that you've organised your party the way you wanted to!
9. A new workout
Want to exercise the week before your wedding? Choose an exercise you do regularly and don't try a new sport. After all, you don't want to get sore during the opening dance, nor do you want to pull a muscle just before the big day!
10. Too much sun
Avoid the sun as much as possible in the week before your wedding to avoid burning your skin. If you get a bad sunburn, not only will your skin be red, it could also be sore and even peel. So stay in the shade or protect yourself well with sunscreen, even on your wedding day!
11. Mosquito bites
Are you going on a trip the week before your wedding, or are you also bothered by mosquitoes at home? Protect yourself even more against mosquito bites this week. Especially if you're allergic to bites and it causes irritation to your skin, it's best to take the necessary measures, such as mosquito spray.
12. Your singles
Plan your hen party at least a few weeks or a month before your wedding. This way, you can let loose and enjoy the alcohol or some of the crazier activities. Pole dancing, mountain biking or paintball, for example? If you come home with a few bruises, you'll be glad this outing wasn't planned too close to your wedding party!
If you avoid these 12 elements, you'll surely look fresh and radiant on your wedding day. Good luck!
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