Okay, so while I’m fully in the thick of bridal prep, facials, workouts, sourcing the perfect looks, I’ve found myself slightly overwhelmed by what “bridal prep” is supposed to mean.
On one hand, yes, I’m doing it. I’m being intentional. I’m adding in the extras. But on the other hand, I’m genuinely confused by how intense the narrative around it has become. It suddenly feels like the expectation is filler, Botox, chemical peels, microneedling, a full overhaul in the name of “wedding glow.”
And I just don’t feel called to do that.
Of course I want to look my absolute best. I want to feel glowy and strong and like the most elevated version of myself. But I don’t want to stray far from my normal routine just because there’s a wedding attached to it.
So here’s what bridal prep actually looks like for me.
I’m adding in more walks and maybe one or two extra workouts a week. I’ve added red light sessions more consistently. I’m getting facials a bit more frequently than usual. But no microneedling, no filler, no chemical peels outside of what I already know works for me.
I love this era. It’s fun to dedicate time to prepping and getting ready. There’s something really special about being intentional with yourself before such a big moment. But there’s also a fine line between enhancing and overhauling, and I’m very much staying on the enhancement side.
I’m not doing anything I wouldn’t normally choose for myself just because it’s “what brides do.”
With that said, let’s get into the details.
Morning routine. Night routine. The exact products I’m leaning on.
Morning
I wake up around 7am, brush and floss my teeth, and go straight into skincare.
My routine is pretty consistent right now. I start with CE Ferulic from SkinCeuticals, then Caudalie Vinoperfect, followed by the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream. For daytime, I mix my Victoria Beckham glow drops with my Tower 28 tinted sunscreen. It gives just enough coverage while still feeling like skin.
I’ve been trying to incorporate gua sha in the mornings for a bit of added definition. I’ll be honest, I’m not the most consistent with it, but when I do it, I notice a difference.
Beyond products, I’ve been focusing on simple habits. Drinking more water, starting my day with hot water and lemon, and hitting 10k steps daily, which I’ve been consistent with for the past month. I also have been adding Wellbel into my routine, just for that added layer of hair growth. Nothing extreme, just small things that make me feel better overall.
Night
At night, I try to slow things down a bit more.
Before I get into skincare, I use my red light face mask and stand on my shake plate for about five minutes. I’m not entirely sure if the shake plate is doing anything, but it makes me feel like my body is moving and reset before bed, which I like.
Then I brush my teeth and wash my face using Kate Somerville. I follow with Biologique Recherche P50, then Caudalie Vinoperfect and the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream. I’ll add a bit of Summer Fridays lip balm and finish with eye cream from Ole Henriksen.
I braid my hair down the back of my head and add in Kérastase night hair serum before securing it. It’s become a little ritual I really enjoy. And I can’t forget my retainer. I am very loyal to my retainer.
*If I am washing my hair that night I swear by the ROZ shampoo and conditioner and Salt & Stone body wash. I always finish with the Salt & Stone body oil or Osea body oil. Also trying to incorporate dry brushing pre-shower but admittedly I forget most of the time.
Also, every single one of these products is a ride or die for me. I will repurchase them forever.
What I’m Adding In
In terms of treatments, I’m keeping things minimal and consistent.
I’m doing a facial once a month with Kate Somerville (their Melrose place location is fab) and adding in Clear + Brilliant (ClearSilk) laser. Most other lasers honestly intimidate me, so this feels like a comfortable middle ground, plus it has no downtime like other lasers.
I’ve also been trying to do a red light sauna session at least once every two weeks. I’m whitening my teeth every two weeks and doing laser hair removal on my legs and underarms (TMI but sharing everything here).
Another thing I’ve added is acupuncture. I originally started for a health reason, but it’s become a weekly moment where I have 45 minutes to completely relax, and I genuinely notice a difference.
Again, nothing extreme. Just small, consistent additions that feel aligned with me.
At the end of the day, I keep coming back to this idea of enhancing, not overhauling. I don’t want to look back at this time and feel like I tried to become someone else. I want to look like me, just more rested and more glowy.
The biggest treatment I’ve added in the name of bridal prep is PRP. I’m getting it done with the most trusted and incredible dermatologist, Dr. Rogers.
My under-eye area has always been the thing I’m most self-conscious about, and while I’m two out of three sessions in, I do see a difference. I’m excited to finish my third and final session in the next month or so and really see the full results.
I won’t lie, I hate needles and anything involving blood, so this was a bit of a mental hurdle for me. But I’m really glad I committed to it ahead of the wedding.
She’s also doing a very subtle “baby Botox” for me about a month before, just to feel fresh and rested.
Lastly, I’m doing a trial lash lift this week so I can repeat it about two weeks before the wedding. I love the idea of waking up and already looking a little more awake and put together for the whole weekend.
That feels like the right kind of prep. Subtle, intentional, and actually sustainable.
xx Sara
Past Brides! Any tips or anything I am missing? Let me know!
Would love to hear about your prp experience if/when you feel comfortable sharing! ♥️
Yesss always the Summer Fridays