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Bridal Must-Haves
Having worked and specialised in bridal make up for the last eight years, I thought would be a nice idea to let you know some of what I've learned over that time. Now, we all know the big things that have to be organised before a wedding - flowers, cake etc. But what of the little things?
Here is a list of my mini must-haves, a type of survival kit that will have you prepared for all eventualities. But this is just based on my experiences of working with brides, you may have more to add to the list!
Bridal make up is one of my favorite things to do. And in my experience there is nothing better than a relaxed and prepared bride as she can enjoy the day itself knowing she has done all she can do to prepare. Unless you are super relaxed and couldn't give a fiddlers, in which case I say more power to you.
I work with brides on a weekly basis and I understand that the run-up to weddings and the wedding day itself can be highly stressful for both the bride and members of the bridal party.
Our aim here is to ensure that every aspect of the experience is enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding for all concerned.
I hope you enjoy reading this as much I did writing it.
So pen and paper at the ready and if I have forgotten anything don't forget to comment!
Oils
I think that these little magic potions are super handy for all brides as they are a complete natural remedy to some bridal dilemmas. I like the DoTerra brand (I've referenced them below) but I'm sure there are loads to choose from.
Whether you use on your pulse points, diluted in water or in a diffuser, here are a few of the associated benefits.
Lemon: add to your water as a pick-me-up and to remove spots and blemishes. And it can even the skin surface leaving it in stunning condition for your bridal make up.
Wild Orange: rub on the bottom of your feet for an energizing and revitalizing aroma.
Lavander: to help you relax, calm and sleep well.
Helichrysum: apply topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Balance: put on back of neck to help with nerves.
Melalucca: Complete removal of cold sores. Also great for honeymoon for mosquito repellent.
DigestZen: to soothe occasional stomach discomfort, acid reflux, or general digestion issues.
Oregano, frankincense, on guard and Lemon: flu remedy in case you fall sick coming up to the day.
Deep Blue: to rub on your temples and neck for a soothing massage, or for any pulled or strained muscles.
Bergamot: diffuse in room while your getting ready to promote a cheerful and calm atmosphere.
Frankincense: Again an amazing anti inflammatory for internal use and one of the best anti aging skin care products known on the market.
Pen and Paper
For all the lovely speeches, and all the lists you might need to make, for jotting down ideas or thoughts, or writing notes to special people.
Lash Glue
Just in case things get emotional and the water lifts your or one of the bridal parties' lashes.
Eye Drops
For bright shining eyes or in case anything gets in your eye.
Heart Burn Medicine
Even if you don't usually suffer, with rich foods and tensions high, this could be the day. Just ensure you can resolve the indigestion issue, and fast.
Floss
There is nothing more irritating than having something stuck in your tooth all day long.
Tights
For when that ladder in your tights is just too big to fix with clear nail varnish.
Wipes
These are great for cleaning make up off clothing, cleaning shoes, removing fake tan stains, general cleaning - anything except actually removing make up. They are very harsh on the skin and shouldn't be used daily.
Mints
There will be kissing.
Tissues
It's an emotional day for all. Need I say more?
Stain Remover or Seamstress Chalk
You just don't know what might happen around a white dress. Especially if small children come in to the equation. Better safe than sorry and be prepared for all sorts of challenges.
Painkillers
There is nothing worse than a headache or any ache for that matter that you can't get rid of. Weddings can be a lot of work, which can lead to stress if you haven't slept much. And stress can cause tension headaches so always best to be prepared, especially if you have chosen a venue in the middle of the country side with no shops or pharmacies around.
Plasters
From blisters thanks to new shoes, to paper cuts and grazed flower girl's knees, a plaster always saves the day.
Rescue Remedy
It can be a morning and night before full of nerves, excitement, lack of sleep, shaky hands and more. Rescue remedy is great to have at hand to calm the nerves before you walk up the aisle or simply to help you get a good night's sleep the night before.
Needle and Thread
Useful for hems dropping, straps not staying up, flowers not staying together...
Safety Pins
You just never know when these will come in handy, from attaching button holes to hemming dresses - they are a life saver.
Clear Nail Varnish
Just in case you or one of the bridal party get a ladder in your tights.
Nail File
There's nothing worse than a hang nail catching on things like your tights, hair and other delicate objects.
Hairspray
Hairspray is wonderful for many things. It can work on flyaway hair, holding your hair pins in place, the soles of your shoes to stop them slipping on the shiny church floor. So helpful is this product that I'd consider actually marrying the hairspray.
Hair Pins
Even if you have the best hairdresser in the world, it's always good to have a few pins in your bag. If not for your own hair, then someone is bound to need one. Top tip for these is to spray them with a bit of hair spray before you put them in as it will provide a tighter grip to hold on to the hair.
Deodorant
Things can get a little hot and sweaty in all the excitement of the day. Get yourself a mini can to keep you fresh as a daisy.
Lipstick or Gloss
Whatever your colour, style or texture of choice... have back up.
It's an extremely long day, full of talking, kissing, eating and drinking, and these are all things that involve your lips. There is no artist in the world that can keep those lips as perfect as they were at 10am that morning when she did your make up, so make sure you have your lippy of choice in your teeny tiny bag.
Mini Perfume
Bridal handbags are teeny tiny, so its good to have an especially tiny bottle of your favorite perfume.
A lovely tip I once heard was to find a new scent for your wedding day. That way, the smell will forever remind you and your husband of your special day.
Blotting Paper
Brilliant for blotting any oiliness in the T-zone without disrupting your make up.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Fab for the morning of the wedding, to use while you are getting ready as you will be like a celebrity surrounded by the paps all day. Ah, Cheryl, we feel just like you today.
What Would You Put in Your Wedding Day Survival Kit?
Is there anything that we have forgotten that was a real life saver the day of your/a friend's wedding?
Credits for Images:
Photographer: Emily Quinn
Hair: Jane Akkerman
Make Up: Aisling @Empowerstudio_
Stylist: Sarah O'Conor
Model's: Charlie and Matilda Absolute the Agency
