Countdown to the Big Day

We know you're busy choosing invitations, florists, bridesmaids dresses, and honeymoon hot spots, but don't forget about the most important thing of all -- YOU! A few short months is plenty of time. Here's our step-by-step beauty timeline to have you looking your wedding-day best:

6 MONTHS BEFORE:

Want to grow your hair out or try a new color or cut? Find a great stylist and start experimenting!

Get serious about skin care: Start a good cleansing, nutrition, and stress-relief regimen.

If you don't already, start exercising! A few sessions with a trainer may help to jump-start your routine. Try practicing yoga; the postures build strength and are great tension relievers as well. You'll look great, feel better, and be less stressed out.

1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE:

Find and meet with a makeup artist for a trial run.

Or, get a makeover at a department store counter and purchase anything you need now (so you have time to practice).

Bring your veil to your hair stylist to try out big day 'dos.

Have your eyebrows professionally shaped. Why not? It's your wedding!

Test out at-home masks or a salon facial. (Don't risk an allergic reaction on your wedding day.)

Exfoliate and moisturize! Soft and silky elbows, hands, and feet are a marriage must.

Want a sparkling big-day smile? Cut down on tea and coffee now and try a whitening toothpaste.

2 WEEKS BEFORE:

Eat right! (Load up on fruits and veggies for energy, and nix the salt and fat.)

Drink lots of water and keep up the exercise, exercise, exercise.

Get your final haircut or trim. No experimenting here, just keep up your great look.

Touch up your haircolor or perm.

Do a full big-day hair trial before your final dress fitting. (If you're not happy, now's the time to speak up!)

1 WEEK BEFORE:

Avoid overindulging in salty snacks and alcohol at those fab pre-wedding parties.

Get a bikini wax, a final eyebrow shaping, and shave those legs. You want to be prepared for that honeymoon lingerie!

Remind your man to get his final trim if he hasn't already done so.

Splurge on a massage or reflexology. (If your budget's already stretched to the limit, ask your fiance to do the deed, and give him one, too.) You both deserve it!

Get a final facial. Don't wait until the day before to do this! (Your face may need a day or two to adjust.)

1 DAY AND COUNTING:

Drink lots of water! Have we made ourselves perfectly clear?

Pack an emergency beauty kit of items you shouldn't leave home without.

Deep-condition your hair.

Scrub your skin so it gleams on your wedding day.

Have a professional pedicure and manicure (especially since everyone's going to be looking at that ring on your finger).

Take a long, relaxing bath!
DAY OF:

Be beautiful and enjoy!