This Is How the Best Bridal Beauty Experts Prep Their VIP Clients

June has arrived, carrying with it the sweet smell of springtime blooms, warmer days, and primetime wedding season. Whether you're heading to the altar in mere weeks or have a longer timeline to work with, it's never too early (or too late!) to get a jump on all things beauty. To lend a helping hand, we've tapped several beauty experts to provide their biggest do's, don'ts, and maybes as you piece together a wedding budget and timeline for treatments and products. Keep scrolling for our guide to all things bridal beauty (and get ready to screenshot before your trip down the aisle).

Meet the Experts:

Nichelle Temple: esthetician and founder at Inderma Studio

Emily Lansley: celebrity facialist, manicurist, and tanning expert

The Game Plan

To achieve ethereal-looking skin by your wedding day, a consistent skincare regimen is key. We tapped two experts: esthetician and Founder of Inderma Studio Nichelle Temple, and celebrity facialist, manicurist, and tanning expert Emily Lansley, for pre-wedding skincare guidance. "Few things are a one-time fix-all,” says Temple. “Some brides come in with a laundry list of improvements they’d like to see when realistically we should’ve started months ago to meet their expectations—whether that means stacking treatments, introducing new results-driven products, switching up habits, or helping to prioritize where the budget should best be spent." No matter what treatments you decide on with the help of your dermatologist or esthetician, solo experimentation should be avoided at all costs. "Now isn’t the time to play around with new treatments,” says Lansley. Instead, schedule a skin consultation as early as possible for guidance on what to add and how to use specific products, tools, and treatments.

The Timeline

A Month Before the Wedding

Facial + Retinol: “You'll want to concentrate on cleansing, extracting, deep-tissue massage, and LED light therapy. Use LED light therapy three to five times weekly, or roughly every 48 hours. Start a retinol, but introduce it slowly, just a few times a week to make sure your skin will tolerate it. I love Medik8 Crystal Retinol 3 Serum paired with the Advanced Night Restore." — Lansley

A Week Before the Wedding

Facial Massage + Exfoliation + Lots of Sleep: "A week before, get a sculpting facial massage and use an exfoliating mask (some of my faves are the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, Tatcha The Rice Polish, and Omorovicza Mud Mask). Sleep is important. I'd start taking Restful Nights Sleep Supplement from Lumity." — Lansley

A Day Before the Wedding

Hydrate + Light Therapy: "We want to keep everything really simple to avoid any breakouts on the big day. Focus on hydrating and firming the skin to enhance the skin's natural radiance. The day before, cleanse with the Jan Marini BioGlycolic Cleanser, tone with Amly Radiance Boost Rich Face Mist to give dewy, radiant skin, use MZ Skin's Red LED Light Therapy for collagen focus, the Celestial Black Diamond Lifting Sheet Mask, and the Noble Panacea's The Radiant Resilience Moisturizer." — Lansley

The Budget Breakdown

Cost: $

"If you have relatively normal skin but want to add a little something extra, I recommend a dermaplane facial. Makeup artists often recommend dermaplaning for better makeup application. Estheticians also like it for that reason, along with better skincare product absorption. If the bride is just looking for some peaceful time to unwind quietly, ask for a facial that’s more geared toward sculpting and lifting." — Temple

Cost: $$

"Try to get regular monthly facials, and maybe some add-on treatments like the Slimyonik Air Bodystyler. The Slimyonik Air Bodystyler works on the client's face and body simultaneously; it is amazing for cellulite, and feeling bloated, boosting metabolism, and a complete 360 wellness treatment that also helps with stress management. Work with a specialist to create a bespoke skincare plan including LED light therapy and a microcurrent device like the Ziip." — Lansley

Cost: $$$

"An all-out facial routine that includes dermaplaning, microcurrent, and HydraFacial. HydraFacial will clear out any congestion in the pores, lock in hydration with the targeting serums, and offer customized boosters that can give a more lasting radiance to the skin or help minimize dark spots. If you have a larger budget, similar add-ons like the Slymonik Body Air Styler and getting a tailored skincare routine crafted for you are great." — Temple

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Meet the Experts:

Kat Thompson: celebrity hairstylist

Mark Townsend: celebrity hairstylist

Min Kim: celebrity colorist and L'Oréal Professionnel global ambassador

The Game Plan

POV: Your wedding is mere months away, and you've yet to decide what you'd like your hair to look like. The first order of business is to find a hairstyle that compliments your features and outfit. "You want the hairstyle you choose to be flattering from all angles, as photos will be taken from all angles, so avoid too much hair around the face, as this will cover the face and also could cause shadows across the face," says celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend. When deciding on a style that will look as flattering during the ceremony and reception in person as it does in the photographs capturing your special day, it's best to avoid trends. Leading up to the big day, celebrity hairstylist Kat Thompson recommends getting a slight trim to clean up split ends, using a clarifying shampoo and a deep conditioner to detox, and prioritizing hydration from the scalp through your ends. That way, no matter what style you choose, you can trust your hair will be at its healthiest.

The Timeline

A Month Before the Wedding

Haircut + At-Home Treatments: "I like my brides to get a haircut/trim one month before the wedding (just in case the trim is too short) and start hair treatments that are right for your type and texture. I am obsessed with Dr. Groot Miracle In Shower Treatment as a daily treatment (stop using conditioner) and I love Olaplex Bond Protector as a weekly treatment." — Townsend

A Week Before the Wedding

Stick to the Basics: "The week of, I say use your normal products or whatever your stylist has recommended, you don’t want to try anything too new so go with what you know. Depending on what’s best for your hair and how oily it is, one-day old hair or day of washing is typically best." — Thompson

A Day Before the Wedding

Don’t Overdo Your Products: "Avoid using anything too heavy prior to your styling day as it may weigh the hair down. I like to recommend using a lightweight leave-in conditioner like L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color 10-in-1 Color Care Leave-In Conditioner." — Kim

The Budget Breakdown

Cost: $

"Complex and intricate styles often require more specialized skills, so if budget is a concern, the bride might consider simpler, less complex looks that are easier to achieve, such as a classic French twist or loose waves. These styles can still beautifully enhance the bride's overall look while staying within budget." — Kim

"Gather a couple of realistic inspiration pictures and any extensions or accessories you want to add in. If a trial run isn’t in your budget, have you and a friend try out some looks beforehand just to get an idea of what you’re wanting and what’s possible for your hair. For the day of your wedding, you can either hire a stylist or even do it yourself. YouTube, IG, and TikTok can be great resources for tips and tricks on how to do your own hair." — Thompson

Cost: $$

"A trial run is always helpful! Also, purchasing extensions is a great way to add volume or length for the perfect style. You can hire your stylist for the day of the wedding and even have them stay through your first look photos and right before you head down the aisle." — Thompson

Cost: $$$

"Go all in! You can hire your stylist for the full weekend if you want, allowing you to have different looks for your rehearsal dinner, wedding day, reception, and even your next-day brunch. It’s such a treat to have your stylist be able to touch you up throughout the day to make sure you’re always picture perfect." — Thompson

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Meet the Expert:

Isabel Alysa: celebrity tan artist

The Game Plan

Achieving the perfect bridal tan is easier than you may think, but it takes some planning ahead to develop a natural-looking glow by your wedding day. "One crucial consideration for bridal clients preparing for their tan is to schedule their skincare and grooming routines strategically," says celebrity tan artist and Founder of Dolce Glow Isabel Alysa. This ensures brides will have the best skin condition and tan longevity on their special day. If you're not sure which treatments might counteract your tan, Alysa recommends having a phone consult with your tan artist for guidance on tan upkeep. Without proper instruction, she warns against excessive sweating, swimming, and applying moisturizers immediately after a tanning application, using harsh exfoliants or products containing oils that could strip away the tan prematurely.

The Timeline

A Month Before the Wedding

Exfoliate: "Start by exfoliating your skin regularly with an exfoliating mitt paired with your favorite sugar scrub. This helps to remove dead skin cells and ensure an even tan application." — Alysa

A Week Before the Wedding

Hydration + Complete Other Treatments: "During the week leading up to your wedding, prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of water. The more hydrated your skin is, the better your tan will be! Additionally, ensure you schedule all your skin-prep appointments (such as waxing, threading, and facials) at least a week before the big day. This allows your skin to recover and ensures it's in the best condition for a flawless tan application before your wedding day." — Alysa

A Day Before the Wedding

*More* Hydration + No-Soap Shower: "Make sure to take a non-soap shower, shave or wax, and exfoliate your skin thoroughly at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan. This step is essential to avoid any streaks in the tan. Keeping your body free of soap helps maintain a good pH balance on your skin, ensuring a smooth and even tan application." — Alysa

The Budget Breakdown

Cost: $

"For the bride who has a minimal budget, I would recommend using an at-home self-tanner that can range between $45 $53. Our Luce Clear Self-Tanning Mist is my recommendation because the clear formula is free of dyes and will not transfer onto a white wedding dress. It’s a fan favorite because it’s so easy to use! It’s just like applying an aerosol SPF." — Alysa

Cost: $$

"For the bride with a medium budget, I recommend an in-person studio spray tan ($85-$150). My recommendation is to get a spray tan using our Senza Sole Clear Professional Solution. This formula is bronzer-free and made specifically for brides. The spray-tan treatment takes 15 20 minutes and you’ll leave with the perfect glow!" — Alysa

Cost: $$$

"For a higher budget, I recommend scheduling a mobile spray tan ($250 $350). Opting for a mobile spray-tan appointment offers convenience and comfort as the artist comes to your home. This personalized service ensures a private consultation and a tailored tan application, resulting in a flawless look for your special day. Overall, choosing a mobile appointment adds ease and a personal touch to your wedding preparations." — Alysa

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Meet the Experts:

Iram Shelton: celebrity nail artist

Crystal Hoang: nail artist

Elle Gerstein: celebrity nail artist

The Game Plan

Fact: Creating your dream bridal manicure doesn't have to be challenging! The name of the game here is hydration and planning ahead. Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton encourages future brides to try the shades and designs before the big day instead of making an impulse decision. "I would recommend trying the shades you have in mind a few months before the wedding and leaving them on for one to two weeks at a time to see if you like the color," she tells us. "Same goes with the length and shape of the nails." For your wedding day nails, celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein recommends asking your nail artist to use a builder gel to help you get the length and shape you'd like. Once you've identified the nail look you'd like to create, it's time to start practicing nail care with the help of regular manicures, SPF, and oil application.

The Timeline

A Month Before the Wedding

Consider Your Length + Plan a Trial Service: "About one month before the wedding—if you are planning for length—let them grow from here. Now is also a great time for a trial service to see what you might like to have for the wedding." — Hoang

A Week Before the Wedding

Cuticle Oil + Nail Protection: "A week before, be careful with chores and water. You don’t want to weaken the nail to prevent chipping or breaking. Also, cuticle oil will be your best friend. Cuticle oil hydrates the skin around your nails better than lotion can. Use it whenever possible!" — Hoang

A Day Before the Wedding

Sugar Scrub + *More* Cuticle Oil: "A day before, continue using your cuticle oil and you can even use a gentle sugar scrub for an extra softness boost. Always use your cuticle oil before wedding photos so they look fresh!" — Hoang

The Budget Breakdown

Cost: $

"I think, regardless of the budget, when it comes to a bridal manicure, the most important thing is ensuring that the bride-to-be feels comfortable and 100% loves her nails because, after all, they are going to be photographed a lot with the ring, of course. A low-budget manicure might end with creams and an oil massage." — Shelton

Cost: $$

"For a medium budget, I’d recommend a nude color but ombré that into a white shade or a milky white. Still classy and elegant but with that little something." — Hoang

Cost: $$$

"For an all-budget manicure session, I would suggest a full removal of any previous product and a thorough prep and reshape if needed. The nails want to be as clean as possible.

I would then paint the chosen color or design and would usually opt for gel. For a luxury massage, I love to create a bespoke treatment for the hands. [It’s] something that isn’t just a one-off and will be a few sessions leading up to the big day." — Shelton

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Meet the Expert:

Jamie Greenberg: celebrity makeup artist

The Game Plan

We spoke with Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup, on how brides can collaborate with their makeup artist for an unforgettable wedding look over a few months. Take advantage of social media platforms and put together a portfolio of makeup looks they can draw inspiration from. "Online perusing is going to be your best bet for inspiration, but be realistic," she explains. According to Greenberg, the best way to a makeup look that compliments a bride's natural features while also presenting well on camera is by creating a glowy base. The easiest way to know how well your makeup will perform? Put it to the test long before your wedding day. When you're moving from a ceremony to a reception and send-off, the last thing you want is splotches or streaks that will be captured in wedding day photographs forever.

The Timeline

Something to note: The timeline for your makeup differs from the other previously mentioned bridal beauty treatments, as you should be on the lookout for inspo long before your wedding day and trialing makeup looks and products along the way.

About Six Months Before the Wedding

Plan Your Look: "Plan your look six months before the start of your wedding planning journey. No less than three months before." — Greenberg

A Week Before the Wedding

Stick to Your Skincare Routine: "Don't get new-to-you facials or treatments the week of [the wedding]. Stick to things products and routines that you know for a fact won’t cause a reaction that might not clear up by the day of the wedding," — Greenberg

The Budget Breakdown

Cost: $

If you're working with a lower budget, Greenberg suggests that brides pay a makeup artist to give them a tutorial on how to create a classic, easy-to-achieve bridal look that can be achieved on their own. That way, you can tap a knowledge resource to learn from the best!

Cost: $$

If you have a medium budget, consider reaching out to a makeup artist who can help you develop your bridal makeup look ahead of the event and offer your makeup collection rather than using the artist's product lineup. That way, you're using the products you know and trust, as well as avoiding any extra charges unrelated to transportation to the venue and makeup application on the day of your wedding.

Cost: $$$

With larger, more flexible budgets, feel free to describe to your makeup artist what a dream look would be, and then develop a plan with them months before your wedding day on how to achieve that. While forming a budget around your makeup look, be sure to factor in possible skincare treatments, pre-wedding makeup trials, and experimentation with products.

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