The Ultimate Beauty Timeline to Follow When Your Wedding Is Around the Corner

The Timeline for the Ultimate Wedding Beauty Prep

12+ Months Out From Wedding

With a year or more out until your big day, you may feel like you have a moment to relax. We hate to break it to you, but the prep pretty much begins the day you set the date.

“A skin consult off the bat is key,” says Sharon Shon, an esthetician at The Diamond Face Institute in Beverly Hills. “A full laser treatment, for example, takes time—especially if you have many skin concerns and haven’t had any prior treatments. Get a sense of what you need done to reach your goals, and then plan to stay on top of it all the way up to the wedding.” 

Lasers aside, board-certified aesthetics nurse injector Annie Bruno suggests immediately hopping on a medical-grade skincare routine if you’re not on one already. A topical vitamin C, retinol, and SPF “are the basics that benefit every patient,” she says.

Newlywed and bridal MUA Joyce Platon says now’s the time to think about all of your long-term beauty goals. “If you’re considering Invisalign for a straighter smile, start ASAP, as treatments can take a year or more,” she says. “For skincare, book a consultation with a dermatologist or esthetician to address concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or uneven texture. Thinking about laser hair removal? Start now to complete treatments in time for the wedding.” And, of course, if you plan to go under the knife for whatever reason, you’ll want a consultation about the procedure and recovery time now.

Platon also notes that this is the time to get serious about self-care.

“Wellness plays a big role in bridal beauty, too,” she says. “Whether you want to tone up, build strength, or just feel your best, you’ll want to explore workouts like pilates, yoga, or weight training. On the nutrition side, hydration and anti-inflammatory foods (think leafy greens, berries, and omega-rich salmon) will set the stage for a glowing complexion.”

This is also when Bruno suggests starting Botox or another neurotoxin treatment, if that’s something you want implemented before your big day.

“If it’s something she wants, the bride should receive Botox every three to four months leading up to the wedding, with the final treatment scheduled one month prior,” the pro says. “Botox takes two weeks to reach full effect, so while the plan should be well-established with no touch-ups or adjustments necessary; we like to allow some flexibility to ensure the bride is completely satisfied with her results.”

8–10 Months Out From Wedding

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so booking your beauty pros for the big day should come sooner than later. This way, if something goes wrong, you have wiggle room if you need to book a replacement. This also provides plenty of time to play with different styles and lock in your look.

“This is also when you’ll want to book a cosmetic dentist if you’re planning on professional teeth whitening or other dental treatment,” Platon says. “If fuller brows are on your wish list, consider microblading now so they heal perfectly. This is also when you should start incorporating red light therapy into your routine—daily if possible. It boosts collagen production, reduces redness, and enhances overall skin tone, giving you that lit-from-within glow. And if you want to refine your diet for clear skin and steady energy, a nutritionist can help create a plan tailored to your needs. Don’t forget to keep up with strength training and cardio to boost confidence, posture, and stress relief.”

When it comes to hair in particular, start researching hairstylists and booking trials. Celebrity hairstylist Nick Arrojo says you’ll want to browse Instagram, websites, and reviews to find a stylist whose work aligns with your vision. It also can’t hurt to ask a friend or post your needs on social media and see who replies. 

“Choose someone who specializes in bridal or event styling, as they’ll know how to create looks that last through photos, dancing, and hours of wear,” he says. “Communication is key, so bring inspiration photos and be clear about what you want. A great stylist will offer suggestions based on your hair type and personal style.”

5–6 Months Out From Wedding

This is the stage Platon calls “test runs and refinements.”

“Now that you’ve previously booked your beauty pros, here’s when you can start testing looks and getting closer to your day-of aesthetic,” she says. “Also, if longer, fuller lashes are a goal, try a lash serum like GrandeLASH or Latisse now to see results by the big day.”

And, she adds, “Hydration is key, so start using overnight lip masks to prevent dryness. For fitness, strength training helps with posture and confidence, so if you haven’t started, now’s the time. Pair workouts with a diet rich in healthy fats, lean protein, and antioxidants for glowing skin.” 

Bruno says this is also the time where brides-to-be can start receiving filler treatments if that’s what they want to do.

“Filler should also be done six months before the wedding,” she says. “Most fillers last about a year, allowing the bride to enjoy her results for all pre-wedding events. If she prefers to wait until closer to the wedding, we recommend completing all injections at least one month prior to allow for full healing, resolution of any swelling or bruising, and optimal collagen stimulation benefits.”

When it comes to hair, if you’re going after more of a makeover or new look, you’ll want to get into it as early as now. Arrojo notes that you can always cut shorter if the look is too long, but six months “gives you time to adjust and allows for some regrowth if needed.”

3–4 Months Out From Wedding

At this point, you should be on a roll, as far as regular regimens are concerned.

“Your skincare routine should be locked in,” Platon says. “If you haven’t started regular facials, book one focused on hydration and brightening, and keep them coming. For brides doing Invisalign, check in with your dentist to stay on track—some switch to nighttime-only-wear closer to the wedding. If you plan on waxing, start now to let your skin adjust. On the nutrition side, focus on foods that reduce bloating, like leafy greens, lean proteins, and plenty of water. Feeling stressed? Incorporate meditation or gentle stretching to keep your mind and body balanced.”

1–2 Months Out From Wedding

This is when the bride-to-be should get her final round of Botox leading up to the big day.

“One month before the wedding allows the product to fully settle and soften, creating a natural, well-rested, and smooth appearance in photos,” Bruno explains.

This is also when she can implement an extra dose of hydration, by way of Skinvive, for example. “Skinvive can be injected around one month before the wedding, as it takes full effect at four weeks,” Bruno says. “It’s a biostimulator and internal moisturizer that smooths lines, improves texture, and enhances glow for a dewy complexion.”

This is also when you finalize your beauty game plan. ”Book your last makeup and hair trial, and schedule any brow shaping, tinting, or lash extensions,” Platon says. “If you’re considering Botox, filler, or lip blushing, this is the latest you should do it. And fine-tune your diet to reduce inflammation—cut back on processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, and focus on hydrating options like cucumber, watermelon, and greens. At the gym, shift your focus to consistency over intensity to avoid injuries.”

If you already have a longer hairstyle that suits you, getting a trim about a month before the big day “keeps ends fresh and polished without risking an awkward grow-out phase,” Arrojo says.

This is also when celebrity colorist Cassie Cohen, of Chris McMillan salon in Beverly Hills, suggests getting your final round of highlights, if you don’t opt for single-shade color. But this wouldn’t be the time to step out of your comfort zone.

“To prepare for your wedding, it’s very important to trust in the vision you and your colorist discuss,” she says. “If you’re happy with what your colorist is currently providing, I say stick to what’s working. Your relationship was not formed and bonded overnight. Trust is key.”

It’s also around this time that we suggest the bride locks in a signature fragrance for her big day. It’s important to remember that the weather can play a role in how the fragrance settles, so you’ll want to test at the same hour and environment of the wedding. Your local department store or Sephora will have plenty of experts to guide you through scents. IPSY also carries a wide selection of fabulous travel-sized minis so you don’t have to commit to a full purchase. Some of our personal picks include the deliciously layered ELLIS BROOKLYN Vanilla Milk Eau de Parfum Mini, the unique, fresh JULIETTE HAS A GUN Not a Perfume EDP, and the comforting 5 SENS In Too Deep Eau de Parfum.

2 Weeks Before Wedding

After months and months of prep, you’re finally in the home stretch.

“Schedule your final hair treatment, whether it’s a gloss, toner, or conditioning service,” Platon advises. ”If you’re prone to bloating, consider a lymphatic drainage massage. Get your nails done (gel or dip for longevity). For diet, keep it clean: lots of water, whole foods, and minimal sodium and sugar to prevent puffiness. Light workouts like yoga or walking will keep you feeling energized without adding stress.”

This is also when short-haired girlies can book their final cut. 

“If you rock a bob, pixie, or other structured cut, book your final trim seven to 10 days before the event so your style looks precise yet natural,” Arrojo suggests. 

1 Week Before Wedding

If you opt for a solid, single-shade hair color, this is when you’ll want to book your final service.

“This pertains to a single process, especially if it’s to cover gray,” says Cohen. “This timing allows for the hair to maintain its shine, and a fresh look.” 

This is also when Bruno suggests getting a dermaplane face treatment to remove dead skin and peach fuzz. She also advises getting a DiamondGlow facial to exfoliate dead skin cells, ensuring a flawless makeup application on the big day.

1 Day Before Wedding

“Exfoliate your face and body for smooth, radiant skin,” Platon says. “Use an overnight hydrating mask, drink plenty of water, and get a full night’s sleep. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that might cause bloating.

Pack a wedding day touch-up kit with essentials like lipstick, blotting papers, setting powder, and any must-have beauty items.”

Morning Before Wedding

“Start the day with a big glass of water and a nutrient-packed breakfast,” Platon says. “Stick to your usual skincare routine—no experimenting today! Stretch or do a few breathing exercises to stay relaxed. If you’re wearing Invisalign, decide if you’ll keep your aligners in for the ceremony or remove them for photos. Most importantly? Enjoy every second of getting glam—you’ve done the prep, and now it’s time to glow, celebrate, and soak in the magic of your big day.”

And, of course, you can’t forget your beauty tools and patches. Bruno loves depuffing with THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL Ice Roller and SKINMEDICA Instant Bright Eye Masks to enhance a lit-from-within wedding glow. We’re personally huge fans of the KITSCH Ice Roller, which helps calm inflammation and increase blood circulation (a must for those jittery nerves!).

One imperative note Shon adds is to be proud of your commitment to bettering yourself for the big day. “Have realistic standards, and don’t compare your wedding day results to what you see on Instagram or on magazine covers,” she says. “Seriously, you can’t, because celebrities, for example, have a job to look the way they do, and they work on themselves monthly, even daily—and they’ve been doing that work for years. If you do what’s in your reach in the time you’re given, you should end up with impressive results regardless.”