The Wedding Edit
So, you're getting married. While a post-engagement high can make wedding bells have the sweetest ring to them, getting into wedding planning mode is a whole different ball game—there are endless checklists, family expectations, and societal pressures to have The Perfect Day. You might want to go for a smaller, more eccentric wedding but end up with a 300-person bash at a venue you've never heard of (but your parents love), where you're suddenly sporting a sky-high hairdo and are surrounded by traditional (read: boring) bridesmaids' dresses.
Yes, it's easy to get lost in pleasing everyone but yourself (literally happens to everyone at one point or another, so no worries). Still, you must remember that you're not just planning a wedding—you're planning your wedding, which is ultimately about you and your partner. It's a celebration of your love and future together, so if going down a more unconventional route is more pleasurable for you and your future spouse, then by all means, go for it.
Now, we may not have all the answers about untraditional wedding planning, but we've seen enough brides-to-be to know a thing or two about tailoring wedding beauty and wellness to your unique taste. Ahead are our favorite tips that you (and your bridesmaids!) can use to feel like your best self on your big day.
Nails
Wedding nail trends have surprisingly stayed consistent for the past few decades, and brides will typically opt for a classic French mani. But if you're not like most brides—you like doing things with your own twist. Here are a few fun (and cute!) manicures to dip into this wedding season:
ARTFUL BRIDE: Because there will always be a moment for swirly designs on any occasion—even your literal wedding day.
FRENCH PEARL: Think of this as a Bridal Plus design—it's a classic French mani with a magnetic twist to add a hint of sparkle to your minimalist look.
PETITE BOUQUET: Because a wedding is never complete without flowers. Here are florals you'll have at your fingertips all night long—without having to hold a clunky, heavy bouquet.
YOU'RE A GEM: If you're one for bedazzling everything in your life, this jewel-encrusted mani is for you.
TOUCH OF GOLD: Gold is a massive symbol of matrimony in certain cultures—why not extend the metal to your manicure?
Want to take it up a notch? Ask your nail technician to swap the pale pink base for any of the colors below. (Bonus: You can also have your bridesmaids wear the same base color as you, but with a different design for a v cute "getting ready" photo moment.)
All of these designs are available in our Wedding Edit Service, which is exclusively booked with one of our top nail artists for all future brides-to-be for the perfect worry-free service. The Wedding Edit Service includes:
· Ultimate Gel Manicure or Advanced Design Manicure based on our curated Wedding Edit 2024 lookbook (full gel colour or nail art).
· Additional time for a thorough one-on-one consultation to cover all the guests' needs.
This service is also perfect for bridesmaids or loved ones to ensure they get the perfect colour to complement your colour scheme.
Hair
Pinterest searching "wedding hair ideas" will undoubtedly lead you down a road full of super glam Hollywood waves or voluminous updos with a few face-framing tendrils. While these hairstyles are just fine, here are a few styles that will accompany your Cool Girl style.
SIMPLY PINNED
Bridal hair doesn't always mean mega volume; Barbara Palvin's wedding hair is the perfect example. This simple design will allow your makeup to shine through and act as the perfect excuse for sneaking fun pins into your look.
BUMP IT
We're still not over '60s retro looks, and our love for this hairstyle is proof. To add your own touch to this look, you can wear a tulle headband in lieu of a veil.
Makeup
Besides your dress, your wedding makeup is probably one of the most important parts of your look—so why stick with a traditional nude smokey eye? Here are some options to make future generations say, "Wow, you were so cool," when looking back on your wedding photos.
BIJOU
This is the ideal makeup look if you're not a makeup girlie in your day-to-day life. You can ask your makeup artist for simple, eye-sculpting eyeshadow and add a wow factor with cute rhinestones.
SOMETHING BLUE
There's no reason your "something blue" should only be for shoes or undergarments—an icy blue or graphic indigo will look amazing with most skin tones and eye colors.
Wellness
There are two instances when unsolicited advice will come shooting at you at an all-time high: when you're sick, and when you're planning a wedding. Much like how loved ones feel entitled to share what they think your recent bloodwork means even though they're not doctors, they'll also have ten million opinions about your wedding even though they're not wedding planners. It's inevitable, but here's what to do when everyone won't stop going on about what they want for your day.
REMEMBER YOUR WHY
When you first get engaged, sit down with your partner and figure out why you're putting on a wedding ceremony to begin with. Is it because you've always wanted to get married in a villa in France? Or is it because you want to honor your shared love at the restaurant where you had your first date? Write down the reason you're getting married in the first place and return to it whenever you're feeling pressured.
SET BOUNDARIES...
Don't be afraid to assert your boundaries politely but firmly—communicate your priorities clearly to family, friends, and even vendors. The final decisions will always rest with you and your partner, and you have the right to remind everyone.
…BUT STILL, FOCUS ON COMPROMISES
While it absolutely is your day, your closest relatives and friends should feel comfortable at your wedding, too. Be open to discussing concerns (for example, a cut of a bridesmaid dress or your mom inviting her long-distance relative you've never met) and finding the middle ground where possible without sacrificing your core values.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Despite the challenges, remember that everyone around you really just wants to see you thrive on your day. Acknowledge their excitement and enthusiasm, even if it manifests in ways that may not align perfectly with your vision. Basically, say "thank you, next," but sincerely.
FOCUS ON SELF-CARE
Wedding planning is stressful, especially when dealing with conflicting opinions. Take time for self-care practices like meditation, yoga, or stopping in for a relaxing massage or facial (hehe).