insideKENT Magazine Issue 53 - August 2016 | Page 100

WEDDINGS

BRIDE TO BE

The Ultimate Wedding Prep
Weddings are a wonderful thing , but the lead up to the big day can be fraught . Decisions upon decisions about colour schemes , table plans and menus leave little time for much else , so what better time to stop and prioritise some ‘ me time ’ and get yourself bridal beautiful . BY SAMANTHA READY
Fitness Goals Now is the perfect time to join the gym , or an exercise class . Breaking a sweat not only provides some wedding stress respite , but will also make a difference to how you feel and look . In the eight weeks before my big day in June with the help of the trainers at the Pavillion at Eastwell Manor , I was able to lose over 14lbs and drop a dress size . It ’ s never too late to start but do bear in mind your weight / inch loss goals when booking your final dress fittings .
Get Body Beautiful So you ’ ve done the hard work , you ’ ve eaten like a rabbit for what seems like forever , and you ’ ve spent more time with the gym mat than your partner , so why not treat yourself to a few body beauty treats . The Universal Contour Wrap as offered by Dreams Spa at Eastwell Manor is a brilliant bridal fix offering a guaranteed minimum six-inch loss from just one body wrap and with results lasting 30 days you should be able to stretch this to cover your honeymoon bod too ! www . eastwellmanor . co . uk
Book a treat with the girls too , extend your hen do plans and book a spa day or stay . Nothing aids wedding prep de-stress than a few hours ( and a couple of glasses of fizz ) in an opulent spa with some blissful treatments . Reynolds Retreat ( www . reynoldsgroup . co . uk / retreat ) offers a range of pamper packages perfect for you and your hens .
Don ’ t Forget the Skin Regime It ’ s amazing how many people concentrate on the body and forget the skin in the lead up to the big day . Not only is it important to drink water and lots of it , but now is also the time to invest in a daily skin care regime too . If you can stretch your budget , treat yourself to some higher range products even if just for the months prior . See it as an investment ; not only will you look and feel great , your make-up will sit better and your photos will be amazing ! Also find a great skin therapist and treat yourself to a facial . My pre-wedding facial present was the Bionic Oxygen Facial by Exuviance by the wonder that is Nikki East at Beau Boutique ( www . beauboutiquesalon . com ). With no down time , a hands-on application and all natural products you could even have this treatment on the morning of your big day should you wish , and at just £ 45 it ’ s a bargain for the smooth , clear , fresh skin that you are left with .
Make-Up I ’ m sure Pinterest has become your new best friend in wedding planning , and you ’ ve Googled enough wedding hair and make-up pictures to last a lifetime ! If your budget allows , book a makeup artist ; the last thing you need on the morning of your big day is wonky eyeliner , a poor base and lashes that won ’ t stick . That said , always , always book a trial . That look you ’ ve become fixated on won ’ t be the same when you try it – remember that you want to look like you , but the best version of you ! As Gemma Morpurgo adds , don ’ t forget to ask which brands your artist uses so you can treat yourself to some for touch-ups during the day . www . facebook . com / gemma . morpurgo
Hair Don ’ t underestimate just how important your hair will be in bringing together your whole look for your nuptials . As hair extrodinaire Jerome Hillion ( www . jeromehillionhairandmakeup . co . uk ) explains , “ Now is not the time to try out a dramatic new look .” Avoid bold cuts and brash colours in the lead-up to your big day , you don ’ t want to be facing a hair regret with no time to fix it ! Jerome also recommends a trial and says be honest with your stylist ; if they have done something that you don ’ t like , tell them , but also try to use pictures as inspiration rather than final goals . Allow your stylist to work with you and your bridal party ’ s hair and face shape to create unique looks that they will all be happy with .
And breathe … And so the big day will arrive – you will look and feel great . Relax into it , enjoy every moment of the preparation as well as the day itself as ( EVERYONE will tell you ) it goes oh so fast !
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