Hands disclose revealing clues about the person that sports them. Rough pads with grazed knuckles should be reserved for prepubescent boys, though, while you (as the bride-to-be) should enjoy the luxury of soft, pretty hands for the big day. Remember that, with your wedding ring on, everyone will likely be admiring your hands, and your wedding photographer is sure to want some close-up shots of your intertwined fingers. In addition, you will be shaking hands with friends, holding hands with your new spouse and generally being quite touchy with the wonderful people who choose to share this special occasion with you.

It is wise to get a formal manicure for your wedding day, just to add those final finishing touches to your hands and nails. However, the preparation process should start weeks before this.

Begin by implementing a weekly care routine for your hands and nails. This is a simple and quick one:

• Remove any nail polish.
• File your nails in one direction (not back and forth) to neaten them up and to ensure that they are all one length.
• Wash your hands in warm water with soap.
• Soak your hands in a mixture of warm water and apple cider vinegar (which helps to get rid of dead skin cells) for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Massage ordinary olive oil (or any other cold-pressed oil) into your cuticles while your hands are still wet. Once they are soft and moisturised, push them back very gently.
• Pat your hands dry on a soft towel.
• With the soft side of a filing block, smooth out any ridges on your nails. Finish it off with a buffing chamois so that your nails are shiny.
• Use a rich hand and nail cream to lock all of that moisture in

Once a month, you may want to go for a special moisturising treatment along with a manicure. Paraffin waxes are excellent for moisturising and softening the skin of both your hands and feet. This involves dipping the hands into melted paraffin wax. Although the wax is heated, it is not hot enough to burn, but the heat facilitates the absorption of the oils and minerals. Usually, the wax will be infused with oils and other substances that help in healing and nourishing the hands and feet. A number of coats are applied so that the heat is retained for longer. Then, the hand or foot is wrapped in aluminium foil or plastic and left until the wax has cooled and hardened. It will then be removed.

The day before your wedding day is the best day on which to get your nails done so that they are as fresh and beautiful as possible. If you do not want false tips (whether gel or acrylic), perhaps consider an overlay onto your natural nails, just to ensure that they do not snap or tear on your big day. Choose a colour that you will not regret years down the line, steering clear of outlandish fashion trends.

In general, a spa offers a range of different massages (e.g. sports massage, Swedish massage and so on), facials, manicures, pedicures and hydrotherapies. The benefits of each of these different elements are manifold.

1. Relaxation – of course, this benefit is the one that is most strongly experienced soonest. As the warm, strong hands of the therapist manipulate and massage aching muscles and troubling knots, you will instantly feel looser and more comfortable. In fact, many clients drift off to sleep while in the middle of their massage. In addition, using specific scented oils (such as lavender) will enhance the relaxation as the body responds to these by feeling soothed and calm.
2. Circulation – the expert movements of the hands causes the blood circulation in your feet, legs, hands, stomach, back and neck to improve. This, in turn, carries more oxygen around the body (one of the reasons for feeling so relaxed). By so doing, the therapy can play an integral role in pain relief, particularly for arthritis, headaches and spasms in the muscles.
3. Detoxification – the therapist has been trained to use their movements to guide toxins from your tissues to your glands so that these can be excreted as waste. This is the reason that some patients experience a headache after their treatment; their bodies are processing and eliminating toxins that are, essentially, poisoning their bodies every day.
4. Rehydration – facials, manicures, pedicures and body wraps are often focussed on restoring the hydration levels of your skin and tissues. Due to compromised diet, sun damage, pollution, smoking and drinking alcohol, dehydration is one of the key causes of the signs of ageing. In this way, spa treatments also aid with youthful rejuvenation.
5. Dehydration – there are also therapies that deal with eliminating excess water in those patients that tend to retain water, which causes pain and swelling.
6. Metabolism – as the circulation and flow of oxygen are improved, wastes eliminated and water levels balanced, the overall metabolism of the body begins to improve. Of course, this needs to be done on a regular basis.
7. Cellulite, scar and stretch mark reduction – loose skin, cellulite, scars and stretch marks are all addressed through spa treatments. These treatments involve massage as well as the use of certain products. They are aimed at breaking down the fat cells, working the waste out of the tissues and into the glands for excretion and improving circulation.
8. Skin appearance – after even one exfoliation or scrub treatment, your skin will begin to look radiant and healthy. This is vital for your wedding photographs, as well as for those who will be sporting their swimwear on their honeymoon.
9. Mental well-being – as toxins are eliminated and muscle spasms and pain are eased, you will start to find that you can focus on enjoying the simple things in life. Wedding planning or pre-wedding jitters will be eased considerably, and you will be more able to enjoy the process to the full.
10. Skin disorders – acne, veins, dryness etc… are effectively treated through various spa treatments. Not only will your skin feel fantastic, but your confidence will be boosted exponentially.

Whether you are the bride- or groom-to-be, or simply a close friend or relative of the couple, the wedding day is a very special one. It is important that you look and feel your best so that you can focus on the joy, love and romance of the day.

In preparation for your wedding day, you likely underwent a stricter hair- and beauty regiment than ever before. Perhaps you learnt some new make-up tips or found a new colour that suited your complexion. Do not revert back to your pre-wedding regime as soon as you say the “I do’s”, but maintain your gorgeous radiance afterwards, so that you can feel and look your best.

Your honeymoon may be a time of relaxation, but that does not mean that you have to look shiny or drab in every photograph. The following tips should keep you looking in great condition while you enjoy your first holiday together as a married couple:

Hair

• Wear a hat or scarf when in harsh sunlight or wind to protect your hair from the elements.
• Use a good-quality conditioner to restore your hair’s moisture.
• Rinse your hair after every swim to rid it of harmful salt water or chlorine.
• Leave your hair loose if it suits you; otherwise pack a few cute clips and feminine accessories. Do not simply resort to tying it into a ponytail as you will not look or feel feminine.
• If your wedding hairstyle allows, try to get a good cut just before your big day so that your hair is in great condition before leaving for your honeymoon.
• Do not neglect your hair dryer, straightener and products when on honeymoon. These go a long way in achieving the perfect hair. This way, you can alternate between a casual tousled look, sleek and straight, and a formal curl.

Make-up

You only need a few key items to ensure that you look radiant and gorgeous all honeymoon long.

• Keep your day make-up natural and healthy, avoid using too much.
• Use bronzer instead of blusher.
• Use a sheer colour on the eyelids.
• Opt for lip balm or tinted lip gloss instead of lipstick, particularly during the day.
• For a more dramatic look at night, plump up your lips using lip liner (colour the entire lip with the pencil) and then fill them in with a complementary lipstick. Top the lipstick with balm to give it a glossy look and to ensure that it stays on for longer.
• Put foundation on your entire face (including eyelids) before applying make-up. This will make it stay on after a long day of exploring and sightseeing.
• At night, define your entire eye socket with a sheer colour and then line the top eyelid with an eye pencil. Apply at least two coats of mascara for romantic, full eyelashes.
• Use a white eye pencil to line your lower eyelids for a fresh, clear, bright look.

Underwear

You do not need to look like one of the catalogue models to look great in your honeymoon underwear.

• Do not buy items that you love if they do not look fabulous on you. You will end up looking and feeling self-conscious.
• Ensure that your honeymoon underwear is comfortable.
• When choosing the underwear, keep the taste of your new spouse in mind. You want your partner to like the underwear too as this is a gift for the both of you to enjoy.
• Make sure that your underwear fits you perfectly – not too big or too small.
• Bring a combination of ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ pieces, so that there is some variation.
• Choose a colour that suits your complexion.
• Bear in mind that darker colours are usually more slimming and will suit girls that are self-conscious about certain aspects of their bodies.
• Corsets are a great way to make small breasts appear a bit fuller.
• Ladies that are concerned about their stomachs should opt for a one-piece that covers their tummy so that they are not concentrating on hiding it or pulling it in all the time.
• If you have large thighs, choose something with a tiny skirt in sheer fabric.

Photo Credit: Best Beauty Tips

These include:

• Use a lightening cream if you have spots and blemishes.
• Have a beautician assess your skin long before the wedding day so that you are aware of your particular skin type.
• Tone, cleanse and moisturise regularly, using good quality products that are suited to your skin type (oily, dry, combination, etc…).
• Sunscreen is essential and should have an SPF of at least 15.
• Exfoliate, if necessary, but use smooth pastes rather than harsh scrubs as black skin is very sensitive.
• Regular exercise and a healthy diet do wonders for a radiant black skin.
• Get an expert opinion on the colour foundation and the concealer that you should use to cover blemishes and dark rings under your eyes. Be prepared to invest in these products, it’s worth it!
• Line your eyes all around the rim to make them ‘pop’ – dark skin allows for this darkening.
• Gloss your lips for ultimate glamour. Black women make lip gloss look amazing. For a more natural look, keep the gloss, but opt for more neutral shades on your eyes and cheeks.
• For a healthy glow, replace a pink-based blusher with a radiant golden bronzer.

Black hair responds particularly well to good care. Moisture and strength will transform dull, brittle curls to a lush, soft crowning glory that will wow your man and look fabulous in wedding photographs. To care for black hair, follow some of these tips and guidelines:

• Make hair care a matter of habit – this is a long-term commitment that will leave you with gorgeous tresses in the future.
• Healthy foods, such as fruit, vegetables and lean meat, give your hair a healthy foundation on which to grow, leaving it strong and healthy from the root. Eat foods that are rich in protein, niacin and vitamins A, B6, B12 and E.
• Wash your hair regularly – at least once every 4 to 5 days.
• Always use shampoo for dry hair and a leave-in conditioner.
• Be gentle when washing your hair, gently massaging and dry-patting it, rather than rubbing vigorously.
• Avoid the use of hair dryers and / or heating irons.
• Moisturise your scalp every 2 to 3 days with Jojoba oil. Once a month, apply warm coconut or olive oil to your roots with a swab of cotton wool.
• Do not dye your hair; the chemicals in the dye are very harmful to black hair, drying it out and making it brittle.
• Unknot and pin up your hair before going to bed. You should lay your head on something soft and smooth, like a silk or satin scarf.
• Avoid sun damage by wearing a scarf on your head when outdoors.
• Trim your hair regularly (approximately once every 8 weeks).
• Brush your hair gently and dampen the brush slightly with warm water before brushing.

The following guide will assist you in making the necessary changes at the right times:

Six Months Before the Wedding

• Establish some sort of exercise regime (including weights and cardio) if you do not already have one.
• Decide on a realistic amount of weight you want to lose, if necessary, and begin your efforts now.
• Start a regular detox schedule now to prepare your skin and ensure that your body (particularly your digestive system) is in good working order.
• Make sure that drinking two litres of water every day becomes a habit as of now.
• Take Vitamin C and Zinc tablets or eat foods rich in these to combat colds and other illnesses and to strengthen your immune system.
• Cleanse and moisturise your skin every night from now on.
• Exfoliate your face and body once a week until two weeks before the big day.
• Start going for monthly facials to get your skin looking clear and radiant.
• Start enquiring about available make-up artists for your big day.
• The next few months will be fun and exciting, but also stressful. Try to start yoga, meditation, Pilates or a hobby that you know relaxes you now.
• If your hair needs to be longer for your wedding hairstyle, stop cutting it as of now. To keep it strong and healthy, trim the ends slightly every six weeks and do monthly conditioning treatments.
• Start looking around for a stylist to do your hair for your wedding now.

Three Months Before the Wedding

• Decide on your make-up artist after looking at their portfolio and making sure that they understand you and your needs.
• If your eyebrows are natural or you pluck them yourself, start seeing a professional beautician to do this now.
• Decide on a hair stylist now and have one or more trial sessions.
• If you want to colour your hair for your wedding day, start experimenting with colours at this stage.

One Month Before the Wedding

• Have a make-up trial and take photographs in different lights to see how the make-up will look in your wedding pictures (sometimes the foundation looks far lighter in the pictures, giving you a ghostly look, for example).
• If you have decided to do your own make-up, start experimenting at this time.
• Have a hair trial with your veil, tiara or fascinator.

Two Weeks Before the Wedding

• Call all of your service providers and confirm your appointment with them for the wedding day.
• Do your last full face and body exfoliation.
• If you need one last trim, do it now so that your hair has time to regain a natural look.
• Touch up your roots or overall hair colour, if necessary.

One Week Before the Wedding

• Have a bikini wax.
• Do your final eyebrow shape so that you do not have redness or rashes around your eyes for your wedding day.
• If you are subject to water retention, reduce the amount of salt in your diet from now on.
• If you are using self-tan for your wedding day, apply it two days before the date. You should have already experimented with various types to ensure that the one you use suits you and looks natural.

The Day Before the Wedding

• Have a pedicure and a manicure.
• Wash your hair well and apply a light conditioner on the day before rather than on the day itself.
• Relax and pamper yourself, getting ready to enjoy the excitement ahead, rather than working yourself up to a panic. Have a soothing foam bath, take your time in applying body moisturiser, and so on.

On the Wedding Day

• Do not forget to eat.
• Wear a zip-up or button-up shirt while you are having your hair and face done so that you do not need to pull it over your head.
• Relax and take your time, enjoy the preparation process.

Image Courtesy of Poema Santorini Weddings

Do not try to use the essential oils without having a good knowledge of what base oil they should be combined with and what their key function is. The following oils are those most commonly used (either alone or with a base oil):

• Apricot Kernel Oil – rich in Vitamin E with a long shelf life. Ideal for aromatherapy massages.
• Sweet Almond Oil – very popular for various massages, this is easily applied and does not leave an oily film afterwards.
• Jojoba Oil – this is a waxy substance that has antibacterial properties. It also has esters (fats) that resemble skin sebum, making it ideal for use on people that suffer from acne, as it will both sterilise the area and not contribute to its oiliness.
• Sunflower Oil – a light oil that contributes to healthy skin for its high content of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. The short shelf-life can be extended by adding a little pure Vitamin E oil.
• Avocado Oil – a heavy oil that is usually used in conjunction with Sweet Almond oil as a base.
• Grapeseed Oil – this odourless oil is smooth without leaving an oily residue. It is sometimes considered inferior as it is not extracted directly from the source, but is still a popular choice.
• Kukui Nut Oil – a great option for sun-damaged skin, this is a non-greasy oil that is ideal for all skin types.
• Sesame Oil – as a medicinal oil in India, this is perfect for detoxifying and nourishing those suffering from anxiety, constipation, dehydration and bad blood circulation.
• Wheat Germ Oil – this thick oil is very rich in Vitamin E. It must be blended with a lighter base oil to aid in spreading it around. It is great for stretch marks and scars, and gives skin a youthful look and feel.
• Hazelnut oil – ideal for moisturising, this oil plays an integral role in cell rejuvenation and strengthening capillaries.

Natural oils contain a variety of elements and trace elements. Those with allergies need to be aware of the potential of harmful reactions. If you are allergies to nuts and seeds, be careful to avoid coconut, sweet almond, sunflower, peanut and sesame massage oils. If you have adverse reactions to latex, you may have an allergy to avocado and Shea massage oils.

Image courtesy of My Yoga Online

1.    Breathe – our brain tires when we do not give it enough oxygen. Take a few slow breaths that feel as if they are filling your entire lung, right to the top. This also lowers the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our blood and increases the number of endorphins we have, which are great for our energy levels.

2.    Eat breakfast – many people complain that eating breakfast just makes them hungry at 10am. This is a good thing. It means your metabolism is getting the chance to work. Protein and vegetables are a great idea for breakfast, as is fruit, nuts and yoghurt.

3.    Watch your posture – slumping limits the amount of air getting into your lungs, which then limits the amount of oxygen enriching your muscles, tissues, organs and brain. Sit straight up behind your desk and in your car.

4.    Get moving – stand up every now and then and move around so that you revive your circulation. If you drive a lot, make sure you make regular stops and stroll around the car a few times. You should move around at least once an hour.

5.    Listen to music – if you feel your concentration slipping and your eyelids drooping, listen to some energetic music that is guaranteed to lift your mood.

6.   Get some sunshine – nothing like fresh air and sunshine to reawaken the mind and body.

7.    Sleep more – you cannot run on fuel you do not have, so get a good night’s sleep in.

8.   Spoil yourself – if you have been working for weeks on end with no bright light in sight, give yourself a break. Go to the salon, watch a game with your friends or spend your Saturday in bed with DVD’s. Do whatever it takes to get your mind off work or wedding planning and just spoil yourself.

9.   Switch off – When you are trying to relax or enjoy yourself, turn of your mobile phone, unplug your landline and seal your laptop. This may stress you out at first, but you will soon get used to the peace.

10.    Take a stroll – Walking for just half an hour a day is a great way to ease your mind from the stresses and strains of the day. It also increases the metabolism, improves circulation and increases the amount of oxygen getting around your body.

11.    Drink less coffee – most people combat feelings of tiredness or lethargy by glugging another cup of coffee. However, this just makes your mind and body less receptive to the invigorating effects of the caffeine. By cutting your coffee consumption down, you will find that, when you do have a cuppa, you will definitely feel its effects. Do not forget to drink plenty of water, though.

Photo Courtesy of The Calm Space

The time before your wedding (or that of someone close to you) is exciting, fun and, it must be said, stressful. To make the most of the planning experience, many brides-to-be, grooms-to-be and even those in the wedding party (such as bridesmaids and best men) are urged to indulge in a trip to the spa for beauty treatments, massages and so on. These aid in overall stress-relief and relaxation, and will address specific issues, such as knots in the neck or certain skin problems.

However, when visiting the spa, there are certain unspoken rules that should be adhered to. These will make the therapist’s job easier and will, ultimately, allow you to enjoy your treatment more fully.

These guidelines and expectations include:

• Do not be late for your appointment. In fact, try to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the time booked so that you are able to get ready.
• Make sure (for your sake and that of others that are trying to relax) that your phone is off or on silent mode.
• For massages, you will need to be completely or partially naked. The therapist will tell you what they expect from you. Although generally respectful of inhibitions, refusing to remove an article of clothing will likely make the therapist’s job more difficult.
• The therapist needs a certain amount of time to perform certain therapies or treatments. Allow this time and do not expect any freebies (for example, resist the urge to say, “while you’re massaging my feet, would you mind removing my nail polish too?”).
• If you would like the therapist to press harder or more gently, or to focus on certain areas, it is acceptable to express this to them.
• Feel free to remain silent, or to make light conversation. Try not to use this time to ‘offload’ as you are then unable to get the full benefit of the treatment.
• Do not bring your children with you.
• When using the ablutions or the therapy room, remember that others have to make use of these facilities too. Leave them in an acceptable state.
• Leave the room shortly after your treatment, even if the therapist urges you to take your time. The next patient may be waiting for their appointment.
• On booking your appointment, find out if gratuities are included in the therapy price.
• Never expect to be accommodated if you have not made an appointment.
• Be polite to the staff members.
• If you are called out to an emergency, or if you are experiencing pain, you have every right to stop the treatment and leave.

In addition to the protocol for those receiving the treatment, the therapists and spa themselves are expected to fulfil certain obligations. For example, you should be able to trust that details regarding your body and any ailments will remain confidential, that your therapists are appropriately trained, that your environment is hygienic and that you will be treated with dignity and respect.

However, in addition to all of these expectations, requirements and obligations, the reason that you will be visiting the spa is likely to aid you in your relaxation and / or pain-relief. So, the key is to relax and put yourself in the capable hands of the therapist.

Photo Courtesy of Arcos Gardens

Swedish Massages
A Swedish massage is the most common form of massage. It involves the use of long, firm, smooth stroking, kneading and moving in circles on the upper muscle layers (i.e. those just beneath the skin). This massage can be performed on the entire body, or just on the back, legs, neck or shoulders. An oil or lotion is used to enable the therapist to move his or her hands easily and without friction. This is a gentle, relaxing form of massage, ideal to work off pre-wedding jitters.

Aromatherapy Massages
As its name implies, this type of massage involves using one or more essential oils (scented plant oils, like jasmine, grapefruit and lavender). The type of scent used depends on the desired objectives. Some oils soothe the body and mind, while others reduce stress and still others are designed to realign the internal balances.

Hot Stone Massages
This type of massage has proven increasingly popular in recent years. It prescribes the placement of heated stones onto certain pressure points on the body with the aim of loosening the muscles and balancing the energy centres. The stones are very smooth, enabling the therapist to apply some pressure with them, if required, without inflicting any pain.

Deep Tissue Massages
These massages are more intense as they are targeted at reaching the layers of muscle and tissue that are deeper down beneath the skin. Slow strokes are administered along the grain of the back. Deep Tissue Massages are designed for sportsmen and –women as well as for those with chronic muscle pain, postural problems or injuries.

Shiatsu
This Japanese massage technique comprises the use of finger pressure on specific acupuncture meridians in a rhythmic, organised sequence. The fingers exert pressure on each point for up to eight seconds, which aids in energy direction and balance.

Reflexology
This type of manipulation is administered to the feet (and, occasionally, hands) without the use of oil or lotion. By applying pressure to very specific points on the feet, the healing effect is felt in the organ or limb corresponding to that area on the foot. For a chart on these pressure points and how they correspond to the body, click here:

Bottom of foot
Top of foot

A straightforward back massage is to massage as espresso is to coffee. It is a quick, relaxing, invigorating sample that achieves much of what a full body massage achieves. These usually take about 30 minutes and involve the technique of a Swedish Massage.

1. Do not suntan or visit the tanning beds – you are tempting fate to burn you, leaving you with peeling skin or blisters.
2. Do not experiment with self-tanning lotions. You will have to do this long before the time and take photographs of yourself to ensure that the colour looks natural and evenly applied. Once applied, a make-up artist or beautician can do very little to undo any damage you may have caused.
3. Do not drink red wine before or during your wedding. This will leave your teeth yellowed or even stained with a purple hue. This looks terrible in real life and in your wedding photographs. The same applies to dark-coloured foods, such as berries and dark chocolate.
4. Do not get your legs or bikini line waxed for the first time. You may break out into an unsightly and uncomfortable rash.
5. Do not change your birth control, unless it is done months ahead of time. Such drastic hormonal alterations can cause skin breakouts, mood swings and irregular bleeding patterns.
6. Do not change your face wash or detergent as your skin may have an adverse reaction.
7. Do not cut or colour your hair less than two weeks before your wedding day. These two weeks will give it time to look natural and will give you time to rectify any mishaps. The same applies to dying and waxing your eyebrows and other facial hair.
8. Do not flat iron your hair for at least one day before the wedding. This will compromise your hair’s ability to curl or stay in position.
9. Do not consume foods or beverages with sodium in them (such as salty food, cold meats, salad dressings, sauces and so on), as this increases the amount of water retention in your body, causing you to feel bloated and weigh more.
10. Do not forget to drink plenty of water for at least four weeks before the big day as well as at your wedding reception to avoid becoming tipsy.
11. Do not wear a bra for the entire day of your wedding so that you do not have bra strap lines on your shoulders.
12. Do not forget to pack and carry your emergency beauty kit, complete with lipstick, foundation, bronzer, make-up remover, clear nail polish, a small packet of tissues, a nail file, tampons, and so on. Touch up your lipstick and, perhaps, mascara during the course of your wedding.
13. Do not cry too much. Granted, this is a special and emotional day. But you will regret opening the floodgates when your expensive, beautiful make-up is a mess.
14. Do not assume that your make-up artist and hairstylist know exactly what you want. Communicate clearly and well with them, bringing pictures of what you do and do not like and being honest in your feedback.
15. Do not use too much bronzer or foundation as this can look really unpleasant in photographs.
16. Do not use a pencil to colour your eyebrows as this often makes you look brow-heavy or angry.
17. Do not be too adventurous and modern with your make-up. Fashions change and you do not want to regret your choices of colours or styles.
18. Do not use a lipstick that is very dark or one that is frosted or beige as neither will translate well in your photographs.