Countdown to 'I Do': Your Wedding Self-Care Schedule

Planning your wedding should be exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you time your appointments just right—so you can focus on the fun parts and leave the guesswork behind. With a clear plan in place, you’ll feel more confident navigating each step of your preparation, making the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. Let’s dive into how to keep everything on track and make your appointment schedule one less thing to worry about!

photography by @_photosbybella

2 Weeks Before:

Teeth Whitening!

• A brighter smile is one of the easiest ways to feel confident on your big day, which is why teeth whitening is a popular part of pre-wedding self-care. Professional whitening treatments lift deep stains and lighten your teeth several shades, but timing is everything. It’s best to schedule your whitening at least two weeks before the wedding to allow any sensitivity to subside and for the final results to fully set in. After treatment, you’ll need to stick to a “white diet” for about 24 hours—avoiding dark foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, berries, or soy sauce—to prevent immediate re-staining while your enamel is still porous. The results, however, are long-lasting and photo-ready, making this one of the first appointments you should book in your self-care timeline.

1 Week Before:

Any and All Hair Appointments!

• If you’re planning to color your hair before the wedding—whether it’s a root touch-up, refresh, or a new look—it’s best to schedule your appointment about a week before the big day. This gives the color time to settle and look more natural, and if there’s an unexpected result or it turns out a little different than you envisioned, you’ll have a buffer to make adjustments without panic time. Plus, if you’ve made a big change, that week gives you time to get comfortable and confident with your new look before walking down the aisle.

Facials!

• A facial is a great way to give your skin a radiant boost before your wedding, but timing is key—especially if your skin tends to purge or react afterward. If you’re someone who experiences breakouts or redness post-facial (like I do!), it’s best to book your appointment on the earlier side of the one-week mark. This gives your skin time to calm down, heal, and reveal that fresh, healthy glow. Be sure to let your esthetician know the facial is for your wedding so they can tailor the treatment accordingly—opting for something hydrating, soothing, and glow-enhancing rather than anything too aggressive or exfoliating.

The Week of:

Pedicure!

• Getting your pedicure done at the beginning of wedding week is a smart move for a few reasons. First, if you’re planning to get a spray tan or self-tan, it’s important to have your pedicure done a couple of days beforehand—this prevents the exfoliation or soaking during your pedicure from interfering with the evenness of your tan. Doing it earlier in the week also helps avoid any last-minute chips, smudges, or cracks that can happen when you're rushing around in the final days. Personally, this was one of my most relaxing appointments, so having it early gave me a calm, pampered moment before the chaos of the week fully kicked in.

Manicure!

• You should get a manicure the week of the wedding, rather than the week before, to ensure your nails look fresh, clean, and chip-free for the big day. Nails can easily grow out or get damaged in a week, and having them done closer to the event guarantees a polished, photo-ready look. It’s also best to schedule your manicure before a spray tan—this way, soaking and scrubbing during the manicure won’t cause the tan to fade or become patchy around your hands and nails. Doing it in this order helps maintain both your tan and your manicure at their best.

Waxing!

• Waxing of any kind is best done as early in the week as possible leading up to the wedding. This allows any inflammation, redness, or sensitivity to subside well before the big day. Giving your skin a few days to heal ensures it's calm, smooth, and ready for makeup application or exposure—whether it’s your face, underarms, or anywhere else. Doing it early in the week helps avoid last-minute irritation and gives you peace of mind that your skin will look its best when it matters most.

Lash Extensions and Lash Lifts!

• Lash extensions or lash lifts are best scheduled mid-week before the wedding to ensure they look their absolute best on the big day. This timing gives the lashes a chance to settle, soften slightly, and look more natural—while still being fresh and full. It also provides a buffer in case any minor touch-ups are needed. Doing them too early can risk fall-out or curl loss, while doing them too late doesn’t allow time to address any irritation or unexpected reactions. Mid-week is the perfect balance for long-lasting, flawless lashes.

Brow Lamination (any brow service really)!

• Brow laminations or tinting should be done a few days before the wedding to ensure your brows look defined, polished, and natural on the big day. This timing allows any initial boldness to settle and gives your skin a chance to recover in case of minor irritation or redness. Doing it too close to the event risks a freshly-treated look that may appear too harsh in photos, while doing it too early could mean the effects start to fade. A few days out is ideal for perfectly groomed, photo-ready brows.

One of the LAST Things You Should Do!

Spray Tan!

• Getting a spray tan two days before the wedding is ideal... it gives the color time to develop into a natural, bronzy glow that’s perfect not just for the big day, but also for the rehearsal dinner and any pre-wedding events. It’s also the last thing you should do in your wedding week beauty prep because spray tans need time to set without being disturbed by water, friction, or treatments like waxing or manicures. By doing everything else beforehand, you avoid streaks or fading and ensure your tan stays flawless and even for your wedding photos and celebrations.

I hope this guide helps take some stress off your shoulders during this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) season of wedding planning. Taking care of these beauty prep steps in the right order and timing can make a big difference in how confident and relaxed you feel heading into your big day. You deserve to feel your absolute best, so here’s to smooth planning, glowing skin, and a celebration you’ll never forget!