A Guide to Looking and Feeling Radiant on Your Wedding Day

Hey there fabulous brides-to-be! If your wedding is approaching, I'm sure you're looking for ways to enhance your natural beauty. There is so much pressure for brides to look their best. But you don't need expensive products or treatments to bring out your most radiant self.

As a professional wedding hair & makeup artist, I believe brides should embrace their individuality instead of trying to change or fix so-called flaws. With just a few tweaks and changes to your routine, we can boost your skin's appearance and achieve a healthy glow.

So, buckle up, and let's embark on the journey to looking and feeling radiant on your wedding day!

How to feel beautiful on your wedding day

Figuring out how to look on your day can be super daunting — especially if you're not used to getting glammed up. The key thing is to stay true to who you are and choose a style that reflects this. That way, you still feel like yourself — just a more polished version!

My first tip is to focus on self-care. Weddings are stressful to plan, which can be bad for our skin. All those classic wellness tips like drinking lots of water, getting a good night's sleep and eating lots of nutrients can work wonders.

And while I know lots of people like the idea of having a tan on their wedding day, sun exposure can lead to dehydration. Instead, I recommend SPF every day and spray tanning rather than a suntan.

Here are some other ways to create a healthy glow:

Tips to feel radiant: Follow a good skincare routine

Now, let's talk about skincare — the foundation of any stunning bridal look.

I always speak to my brides about the importance and benefits of vitamin C-based products in the lead-up to the big day. Vitamin C can boost collagen production and encourage new collagen growth when applied to the skin. It also helps maintain the collagen you do have and protects precious proteins from damage.

Some of my favourite Vitamin C products include La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum and Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener.

For all brides (especially those over 25) hydration and skin nutrition is key. I personally swear by Weleda Skin Food Light Moisturiser for Dry Skin. Recommending this to my clients has been a game-changer. The cream doesn't contain fragrance and uses lots of natural ingredients so it's often perfect for people with sensitive skin.

For hydration, I love Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner and Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

Kirsty Mackenzie Photography | Makeup by me

Celebrate your individuality

In 2024, we're embracing beauty looks that let us shine. Soft, romantic styles with a touch of glam are stealing the spotlight. You want it to look natural and well-blended — no harsh lines or heavy coverage. With a touch of glam though, you can add a hint of shimmer to the eyes or some red to the lips.

Soft looks are generally glowy and radiant. For my brides over 25, let's highlight your mature beauty. Don't be afraid to play with soft smoky eyes or a bold lip – it's all about feeling confident.

Pro tip: opt for products like Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter and Beautiful Skin Foundation for 2024 for that gorgeous, lasting glow.

Go DIY

Let's be real; not every day is a spa day. That's why I'm sharing my favourite at-home beauty tips. For a quick pick-me-up, try a DIY face mask using honey and yoghurt – it's like a mini spa session right at home.

Drink lots of water Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and most effective beauty treatments — your skin will thank you. Many of us are dehydrated and this can affect our skin's appearance.

Pinch a small part of your cheek lightly and see how quickly it bounces back. If it doesn't bounce back when you let go or you notice wrinkles, you might have dehydrated skin.

Keep a bottle of water handy throughout the day and sip frequently.

Choose a complementary hairstyle

Your hair is your crown! From chic updos to loose waves, the options are endless. To look and feel radiant, consider hairstyles that complement your features. Embrace those natural curls or go for an elegant bun — the goal is to make you feel confident and comfortable.

During a trial, we can play around and find out which styles suit you best.

Mix and Match Budget & High

Weddings can get pricey, but that doesn't mean you need to compromise on your beauty regime. Some of the best products don't break the bank. I've had brides rock affordable finds that rival high-end brands. It's all about knowing where to splurge and save.

Some of my best budget buys include:

The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash

Find a makeup artist who understands you

Meeting with your makeup & hair artist isn't just about discussing looks; it's about finding someone who understands you. When I worked with Clare Walters, a 30-year-old from London, looking for a timeless yet trendy chic bridal look for 2024, our personalised consultation made all the difference.

Bridal trials ensure you love your look, and you'll walk down the aisle with confidence. A trial also ensures you have time to play and experiment, so you're fully satisfied with the final outcome.

Conclusion: Simple changes can help you look and feel beautiful on your big day

Feeling and looking all radiant and glowy on your wedding day is a case of switching up your routine and making some small adjustments. As you explore these trends and tips, remember, that there's no right or wrong – it's about what makes you feel like the radiant bride you are.

If you're looking for a wedding makeup artist or hair stylist, I'd love to see if we're a match. I'm also available for special occasions including prom and birthdays. Visit my contact page to schedule a free consultation.