Experts share the ideal schedule for facials, tanning, nails and more to help your bridal clients look their best
Brides have plenty of beauty treatments to choose from before their big day – from waxing and facials to tanning and manicures.
But with so many appointments to juggle, it can be hard to know what to prioritise – and when.
As beauty professionals, it is your job to help guide your client on this journey, to make it as simple (and enjoyable) as possible.
To help facilitate this, we spoke to a range of professionals from different sectors to discuss the best order for pre-wedding beauty treatments.
When should brides start facials before the wedding?
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, as it will depend on the client’s skin concerns and expectations,” shares Tracy Tamaris, director of education and co-founder of the International Institute for Active Ageing (IIAA), which distributes skincare brand Environ in the UK.
“However generally, we would recommend a course of either weekly or monthly treatments, starting a minimum six months before the wedding.
“For example, if a client’s main concern is problem skin, we would recommend weekly TCA Peels combined with an appropriate skin supplement and topical skincare regime as recommended by the skincare professional."
She adds, “However, for a bride who just wants to look their best on the big day, six monthly vitamin A facials alongside appropriate topical and internal skincare homecare could be effective.”
With this in mind, is there anything you should avoid brides against when it comes to pre-wedding facials?
“It’s best to avoid any stressful or unfamiliar skin interventions near the wedding to prevent redness, peeling or breakouts,” says Dr Ana Mansouri, aesthetic doctor and medical director of Dr Ana the Skin Clinic in Birmingham.
“Instead, they should focus on hydration, maintaining a proven skincare routine, and more gentle professional treatments, like Hydrafacials.
“This way, your client’s skin will stay radiant, calm and beautiful for every photo and moment of their special day,” explains Mansouri.
“However, if your bride is also planning on getting a spray tan, it’s crucial that she schedules any facials – especially those that involve deep cleansing – before the tan, as these treatments can strip away or unevenly fade a fresh spray tan.
“For the best outcome, the facial should be done at least 24-48 hours before the tanning session. This allows the skin to be smooth, hydrated, and perfectly prepped for a more even, longer-lasting tan.”
Best time to book a bridal spray tan
For brides thinking about getting a spray tan, it’s important to encourage them to plan in advance – not just for the timing of the tan itself, but also the prep and other beauty treatments around it.
“I always recommend booking the spray tan two days before the wedding day – this allows the colour to fully develop, and time for a rinse and full shower to ensure all bronzer is removed,” shares Laura John-Baptiste, spray tanning educator, founder of spray tan company Get Bronzed and owner of home salon Get Beautiful in Shepperton.
“If the bride is getting married abroad in a hot climate, or planning swimming before the big day, then it’s worth noting that heat, sweat and chlorine can make a tan break down a little faster.
"In this case, I’d advise having the tan close to the departure date and recommend they pack a nourishing moisturiser or tan extender.
“However, it’s also key to manage their expectations, informing them that their tan won’t last quite as long as usual in these circumstances.”
When it comes to planning other treatments around a tan, John-Baptiste says that it’s important that any hair removal is done 24-48 hours before the spray tan to allow the skin to recover.
“All other beauty treatments should also be done before the tan, as the oils and scrubs used in beauty treatments can strip colour from the skin,” she adds.
When should bridal clients book their manicure?
“Before a bride books in for the big day, I always advise they come in for two-to-three manicures in advance, spaced no more than three weeks apart, to ensure their nails and the surrounding skin are in the best possible condition,” says Hayley Badgery, nail tech and educator for nail brand The Gel Bottle.
“If the bride would like to grow their nails, builder gel manicures are great for these appointments, to help stop the nails from breaking while also giving them a chance to try out different colours or nail art for the wedding day.”
Asked whether nail techs should ask bridal clients to bring anything to their appointments with them, Badgery says, “I usually ask my clients what jewellery or shoes they’re wearing, or if there’s any particular colours they have for the wedding or flowers. If they can bring one of these items along, even better!
“Following the trial appointments, I always get my clients to look at their nails in the natural light, as the salon lights can sometimes change the way they appear.”
As for the timing of the manicure, Badgery adds: “I would always advise bridal clients book their appointment after a spray tan, as brides tend to choose lighter colours – possibly French tips – that can be affected by the stain in the tan.”
With spray tans recommended two days before the wedding, the best time for bridal manicures would be the day before, where possible.
Need nail inspo? Tap below to view our gallery of expert-approved bridal manicure ideas.
Nail gallery credit: Hayley Badgery
