At the risk of sounding like a killjoy, there’s a few things that you probably shouldn’t get up to the week leading up to the wedding! This week should be as low key and relaxed as you can make it with as much pampering as possible. It’s time to take a few days off work, enjoy the build up and excitement and throwing a dodgy fringe trim, reaction to a new product or too much vino in to the mix will just add drama where it’s not needed. Here’s a few things you shouldn’t do the week before the wedding…
1. Plan too much
Don’t jam-pack your schedule the week before the Big Day. It’s going to be busy as is (check out our wedding planning checklist here) and things may pop up so you need to be able to deal with them. You also need plenty of time to just soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a bit of pampering so be sure to take a couple of days off work to get in to the swing of things! It’s also time to get delegating – you shouldn’t be trying to juggle it all yourself so rope in help where needed.
2. Try a new hairstyle or visit a new hairdresser
Have your regular beauty treatments (waxing/tinting) and enjoy some pampering but the week before the wedding is not the time to try anything new (especially something that has the power to bring you to tears!) whether it’s an over-enthusiastic fringe trim, new hair colour or hairstyle. It takes at least a week for your hair to settle so now is the time to play it safe.
3. Break in your wedding shoes
You’ll be wearing your wedding shoes for the guts of 6 hours at least (even if you do have a pair of flats to change in to) so make sure they’re well worn in and comfy! Get walking in them around the house at least two weeks before the Big Day so you’ve time for any blisters/pain to ease up. The week before the wedding is cutting it fine as you’ll have lots going on and adding 4 inch heels in to the mix could just send you over the edge.
4. Try new beauty products
There may be an offer on a new moisturiser or foundation in Boots but the week before your wedding is not the time to go experimenting with new products! You want to be glowing and gorgeous so stick with your tried and tested products to avoid any unwanted allergies, reactions or breakouts. Facials are also a no-go; these should be done a month in advance so there are no nasty surprises afterwards.
5. Overdo the sun
It’s Ireland so we don’t see the sun nearly enough and even if it happens to make a surprise appearance the week of your wedding, don’t for love nor money try and get a natural ‘glow’. Sunburn is painful and can take aaages to go down and will look even more red and angry next to a beautiful white gown. Now is also not the time to experiment with fake tan if you’re not used to it – better safe than sorry!
6. Get your mani/pedi
It’s great to be organised but getting your mani/pedi a week in advance will more than likely have you rummaging around your makeup bag for your touch up polish. Chips and smudges are inevitable (even if you’re waited on hand and foot) so schedule them two to three days beforehand to be on the safe side.
7. Stay up late every night
Your wedding day and the few days leading up to it will be full on so make sure you get to bed early so you feel fresh and rested and ready for all the wedding day fun! As much as you want to hand glue rhinestones to every menu and table number, the week before your wedding should be as stress free as possible and a fight with a glue gun at all hours will not help matters. Stick to the essentials – things you really need to do – and rope in a team of volunteers if you really want your rhinestones.
8. Overdo the booze
It’s a happy time and naturally you’re keen to get clinking the odd glass of champers but too much alcohol will leave you dehydrated, tired and can even affect skin and your diet if you’re on the hungover side (pizza at 4am always seems like a great idea as does Chinese for dinner). Enjoy the odd glass (not bottle) so you’re feeling fresh the morning after. And defo don’t leave the hen until the last minute – this will require major recovery time!
9. Take up extreme sports
Now is not the time to indulge in your love of tennis! Bruises, black eyes, and broken limbs are not a good look on the bride or groom so give the physical sports a miss this week.
Credits
Main photo by DKPHOTO | Remaining photos from Kate & Alan’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty Photography
