NaShara Mitchell is the owner and creative director of Ready to Blush, a beauty and wellness concierge offering makeup artistry, detail and wellness services, workshops, and socials to enhance, empower, and educate the everyday celebrity. Questions are always welcome at ask@readytoblush.com or on twitter @ReadytoBlush.

Last year, Ready to Blush asked a few wedding planning friends to share their personal beauty tips with prospective brides.  As wedding season hits its stride, we believe their thoughtful advice bears repeating for brides and wedding professionals.

“I Do” Beauty Too: Wedding Planners Give Beauty Tips

(Copyright 2009-2010 Ready to Blush Makeup Artistry LLC Original 2009, Edited 2010)

No matter their title–wedding planners, bridal coordinators, event designers, magical moment directors, or dream fulfillers, you’ve selected someone you totally trust and vibe with to help pull off your cherished forever day.  You’ve given them full, or at least slightly uninhibited, reign on every minute detail and are giddy with excitement when you see how they’ve turned your “I was wondering ifs” and doodles on napkins into reality.

So far, they haven’t disappointed you with their prowess, but can you trust your wedding planner with wedding day beauty advice, too?  Ready to Blush says, you surely can!!!  We recently asked some of our wedding planning friends what beauty advice they give brides.  Their responses were spot on.  We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events in Memphis, TN says, “Rest and keep your stress levels down. Eat well, drink lots of water and don’t overdo it on alcohol the night before the wedding.”

{BLUSHer:: For the bride who likes to bling at all times, try Fillico}

Kerline Docteur of Joie de Vie Events in Orlando, FL says, “Drink plenty of water, drink vitamins and have a professional do your make up.”

Eliana Baucicault of Elly B Events in Atlanta, GA and New York says, “Begin a facial regime about 5 months before the wedding.”

Latrice Cushenberry of Opulent Couturier in Nashville, TN says, “Drink plenty of water, have facials at least 2 weeks before the wedding so your face is not blotchy in pictures. If a bride sweats heavily under their arms, a few shots of Botox cures that and saves their dress from having stains. Depending on the market it’s not that expensive.”

April Foster of April Foster Events in Indianapolis, IN says, “Find a good moisturizer for your skin and use it every night before bed to keep your skin soft and supple. Use a face moisturizer with spf (even during the winter) – sun is damaging to the skin and makes it age faster. Use a gentle exfoliator daily. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go to expensive cosmetic counters to find moisturizers and products that work for you. Drug store products usually work great without breaking the bank.”

{BLUSHer: Cetaphil and Neutrogena are drug store standouts}.
If you want a nice bronze, start experimenting with professional spray tans 3-4 months prior to your wedding. This way you can find the type (booth or person spraying you) that works best for your skin type.  You can also determine the day the tan looks best on you – usually the 2nd-4th day.

{BLUSHer: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily and Natural Glow Express BodyMoisturizers, Sally Hanson airbrush series or St. Tropez self tanning line are ideal for those seeking a tanned or even-skin tone.

Unless you bite your nails, try to stay away from acrylic nails as they destroy your natural nails.  Keep your nails looking healthy and natural by using a clear protein polish and a monthly manicure.

{BLUSHer: OPI is a mani fave. Nicole by OPI and Sally Hansen are drugstore standouts. Some brides are turning to the less damaging alternative of gel overlay during their salon visits while others are returning to the temporary nails like Revlon or KISS updated temporary nail systems}.

Sleep, staying hydrated and maintaining healthy eating habits along with skin and nail care regimes was the advice of choice for these planners.

What personal tips do you share with your brides?