There’s nothing that causes as much stress as marriage does! For most people, it is the most anxious periods of their lives. Below are a few tips to ensure that the day for a bride (as well as the groom) turns out to be even better than their dreams.
Most brides hopefully know of their wedding at least 6-8 months in advance. This may seem like a long time but it is best to start immediately to make sure you are relaxed and everything is well planned.  Consult a good beauty therapist and ask her to 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. 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 in case of hormonal imbalance or such other problem.
For girls who are blessed with clear skin then I have to say you are very lucky! But the stress related to weddings and the running around can leave you dehydrated and looking dull and washed out. You can start treatments maybe a month and a half to two months in advance, as they will just improve the skin texture and bring out the glow. These treatments can start with just mild cleanups going to gentle facials.
Start some treatments for your eyes as well.  You can do some nice firming eye treatment which revives tired eyes with a cooling eye treatment that instantly reduces puffiness and fine lines!
Along with skin you should start your treatments for hair also. If the hair has some specific problem like hairfall or dandruff or very dry damaged hair etc. then do treatments to help solve these problems. 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.
If you plan to do some chemical treatment for your hair like colouring, smoothening, rebonding, perming etc. it is always best to do it in consultation with a hair expert and at least 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding date. Please avoid leaving this for the last minute.
Skin and hair
Now that you have taken care of your skin and hair, you should also treat your body. You may want to contemplate visiting a spa for several treatments including a relaxing, invigorating massage to revitalise your over all well being. You can ease sore muscles, relieve tension, release toxins from your body and increase your overall circulation. You may want to ponder including a body-wrap in the regimen. There are several spas that have a number of body-wraps available which have been shown to help in skin toning and tightening. 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 spas 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 can start some Fruit Acid Peels treatment for you. This will basically help in making the complexion even.
Bridal wear
Bridal clothes can be planned in consultation with your make-up and hair expert. They will be able to advice you on the best colours suited for you. Once the colours and dresses are decided, you should also sit and plan how you want your hair styled for the wedding and what kind of make-up you are looking at doing for different occasions. A proper trial should be done so that you establish a good relationship with your artist and you both understand each other. This will help in avoiding last minute stress and panic. 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 and in traditional Indian weddings everyone is looking and photographing hands and feet after Mehendi. How dreadful it would be to have feet with cracks and untrimmed nails! Get specialised 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 rash last minute which would be close to impossible to conceal. You are definitely safer doing 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 prior to the final time.
For the groom
We pay a lot of emphasis to how it is probably the most important day in a woman’s life but it is a very big step in a man’s life as well. By looking his best, the groom will be more confident and it will be reflected in all the wedding photos. Contrary to popular misconception, there is nothing un-masculine about taking care of your looks!
The skin, hair and body treatments meant for brides are all applicable for a groom as well. Facials for the skin would give them the clear and glowing complexion. Hair treatments help in nourishing the hair and giving lots of shine. For grooms, it helps tremendously because they can just wear the hair naturally with little styling gel for the occasion and it would look very smart and sophisticated. Avoid doing a haircut just a day or two before the wedding. Do it about a 5-7 days prior to the wedding.
There will be lots of hand shaking for the groom on his wedding day, so nails should not be neglected. All grooms should go in for a basic manicure and pedicure, which involves soaking the hands and feet, pushing back the cuticles and then cleaning, filing and cutting the nails. Not only is it hygienic, it will tidy up your hands and can be a nice and relaxing treatment.
Gym workouts, yoga, meditation and breathing techniques will all go a long way to helping you feel more relaxed and in control in planning your big day! This is something both brides and grooms should get involved in. Drink tons of water and juices so that you are constantly hydrating yourself. More than anything, be positive and calm. A wedding day should be exhilarating. If you’re smiling on the inside you’ll be a beacon of light to everyone who encounters you.

The author is a beauty therapist and can be contacted at g_manjul@ yahoo.co.in