It is that time of the year again, the wedding season! Marriage is a huge step in everyone's life. Marriage is stressful and nerve racking for most people. Below are a few tips to ensure that the day for a bride turns out to be even better than her dreams.

Most brides know of their wedding at least 6-8 months in advance. This may seem like a long time but it is best to start your grooming immediately. This will ensure that you start looking your best at the right time. Start by consulting a good beauty therapist and she will set a complete beauty regime for you.

Skin is the largest external organ which the eye makes contact with first. If you have slightly acne prone and problematic skin the sooner you start the better. Acne scars and marks take a while to clear and regular treatments spaced over a span of time will give you that beautiful, glowing and clear skin you have always yearned for. Treatments for acne vary from laser treatments to advanced clean-ups to treatment-oriented facials. If acne has been a persistent problem it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist who can suggest some medical tests that may need to be taken incase of hormonal imbalance or such other problems. Accordingly, some clinical treatments can be advised to solve the problem.

 You have to be born under special stars to have clear and flawless skin! But the stress related to weddings and the running around can leave you looking dehydrated, dull and washed out. You can start treatments maybe a month and a half to two months in advance, as they will improve the skin texture and bring out the glow. These treatments can start with just mild cleanups and go onto gentle facials.

Eye treatment
Along with the face start some treatment for your eyes as well.  Firming eye treatment will revive tired eyes and with a cooling eye treatment you can instantly reduce puffiness and fine lines!

 Hair treatments should also follow in parallel. If the hair has some specific problem like hair fall or dandruff or very dry damaged hair etc. then related treatments are recommended to address the same. Otherwise just regular spa treatments or nice hot oil massages done every fortnight (for about 2-3 months before the wedding) will really de stress you and help in nourishing your hair and improving blood circulation. Along with this, use good products at home as well and see the wonders this routine works on your hair.

Hair treatments
If you plan chemical treatment for your hair like colouring, smoothening, rebonding, perming etc. please do so in consultation with a hair expert and at least 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding date. You must avoid leaving this for the last minute.

Now that you have taken care of your skin and hair you should focus on your body. You can contemplate visiting a spa for several treatments including a relaxing, invigorating massage to revitalize your over all being. This will ease sore muscles, relieve tension, release toxins from your body, and increase overall circulation. You may want to ponder including a body-wrap as well. Several spas have a number of body-wraps available which have been shown to help in skin toning and tightening.

Full body scrub
Consider having a full body scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and achieve a silkier smoother complexion from the neck down. There are some body spa treatments which are also available for tan removal and skin lightening. Do maybe 3-4 spa treatments in a span of about 3 months to see tremendous improvement.
For areas of your body like arms, neck, back etc. which are darker than the natural complexion it is advisable to consult a dermatologist who may start some Fruit Acid Peels treatment for you. This will help in making the complexion even.

A session just 1-2 days prior to the wedding which is an absolute must is getting your manicure, pedicure and waxing done. Do a nice indulging manicure and pedicure. You are after all sporting a new wedding band, in traditional Indian weddings everyone is looking and photographing hands and feet after Mehendi. Get specialized treatments for healing cracks and removing tan etc.

Waxing is a must for hands, and feet. Do not take a chance with back waxing and stomach waxing if you have not done it before. You may get a bad last minute rash which would be close to impossible to conceal. You are definitely safer doing a body bleach. You can do bikini waxing as well but make sure you do it in hygienic conditions with a trained specialist. It is advisable to do a bikini wax once or twice earlier.

YOUR QUESTIONS
Beauty expert Manjul Gupta answers queries on style  and grooming. Write to her at Living c/o Deccan Herald,  No. 75, M G Road, B’lore -1 or email: styletips@ rediffmail.com

Next column: Tips for the groom-to-be