Pre-wedding glow-up: The sooner you start, the better

Winter is here, and so is the wedding season. By now, the heavy lifting is probably done — the venue is booked, the menu is set, and the guest list is finally under control. But as the dates get closer, the stress of planning tends to show up exactly where you do not want it: on your face.

We all know that photos last forever, and with hundreds of guests (and cameras) focused on you, you want to look your best. While a great makeup artist can do wonders, they are not magicians; they need a good canvas to work on. If your skin is dehydrated or your hair is fried, makeup can only hide so much. That is why the "pre-bridal" phase is not just about pampering; it is about preparation.

If you ask any expert when you should have started your skincare routine, the answer is usually the same: begin early enough that treatments can work and mistakes can be corrected because it takes time for the skin to recover.

"Ideally, I always recommend starting at least three to six months before the wedding," said Asmita, the owner of Glam by Asmita. She points out that real transformation, the kind that looks healthy and sustainable, does not happen overnight. "Even simple habits like consistent cleansing, moisturising, sun protection and hydration can make a huge difference when started early."

Alavee, the owner of Kensho and Yugen Waterfront, agrees to the same thing. She suggests that while three months is a solid timeframe to heal and regenerate the skin, starting even earlier is better. "For brides seeking deeper transformation and the most refined outcome, beginning four to six months in advance is truly ideal."

Basically, if you have the time, use it. As Asmita reminded us, the most effective beauty trick is boring but essential, "We always recommend brides get enough sleep and drink three litres of water."

Photo: Glam by Ashmita

One size does not fit all

Walking into a salon for a bridal package should not feel like ordering off a fast-food menu. It needs to be personal because every bride's skin and stress level are different.

Pinky Peya from Studio Ombre believes the relationship between the artist and the bride is the most critical part. She prefers to do consultations weeks or even months in advance. "No matter how good the makeup or service is, if she is not comfortable with me or I am not comfortable with her, our vision will not match," Pinky explained. 

She has been doing this for years and emphasises that she needs to see the bride up front to create a care chart that actually fits her lifestyle.

This sentiment is echoed by Alavee, who describes the process as a 'comprehensive consultation' where they look at everything from skin type to the wedding timeline to curate a bespoke plan.

It is also about the total look. Ramisa Parvin, the owner of Swing Salon, said that they use the consultation to look at the big picture. "We also ask about the look they want for their makeup and hair, as well as their outfit and jewellery, so we can plan their overall look ahead of time."

So, what do most brides actually try to fix? 

"The most common concerns I see are uneven skin tone, dullness, pigmentation from sun exposure, acne marks, and sudden breakouts," shared Asmita. 

Her approach is targeted. For uneven tone, she uses brightening facials or Hydrafacials. For texture issues, she recommends hydrating glow facials like their Strawberry or Spa options to get that "soft bridal radiance".

At Kensho, Alavee notes that many brides are chasing "glass skin". To achieve that porcelain-like finish, they use their signature Aurora Glass Skin Facial or a Japanese Rice Milk Facial for deep hydration. But she is careful with active acne. "We focus on calming, medically guided treatments that reduce inflammation without overwhelming the skin," she explained.

Then there is the hair. Between trials, heating tools, and skipping conditioner because you're busy, bridal hair takes a beating. "Many brides face dryness, frizz and lack of shine," said Asmita.

Since Swing Salon is well-known for hair care, Ramisa sees this constantly. She recommends timing your colour appointments carefully, at least two weeks before the event, so the colour has time to settle. 

For brides worried about frizz in the winter air, she suggests keratin treatments. "It keeps their hair smooth and manageable throughout their main events and afterwards, allowing them to look effortlessly beautiful at post-wedding dawats as a new bride."

Photo: Studio Ombre

The late start: What if you only have a month?

Not everyone plans six months ahead. If you are reading this and the wedding is in three weeks, do not panic. But also, do not go crazy with new products.

"If time is limited, focus on consistency and choose treatments that give visible results quickly without being harsh," advised Asmita. The goal shifts from 'transform' to 'maintain and hydrate'.

Alavee recommended, "Avoid introducing anything unfamiliar too close to the wedding day." Instead, she suggests focusing on precision and high-impact treatments that do not require downtime.

Ramisa agrees. For the time-crunched bride, she recommends hydration-based facials and hair treatments that give an instant boost of shine. "Clean skin, good sleep, proper hydration, and balanced meals make a noticeable difference even within a short period," she said.

Photo: Kenshō

Packages and trends

Salons make this easier by bundling services. Kensho, for example, offers ranges like the 'Pre-wedding Glow' or 'Red Chrysanthemum Bridal Spa,' which can cost between Tk14,000 and Tk20,000, depending on your needs. 

Swing Salon packages include the practical 'head-to-toe' essentials like full-body waxing, polishing, and nail care, ensuring you do not find yourself worrying about chipped polish on the morning of the wedding.

The end goal of all this time and money? A look that feels modern. The trend of heavy, caked-on makeup is on its way out. "Brides today are loving a cleaner, softer look," observed Asmita. "It is a balance between minimal and glam, where the skin looks like skin but enhanced."

Alavee calls it a shift toward an "effortlessly refined glow." The modern bride wants to look luxurious and confident, but she still wants to look like herself. And that is exactly what a good pre-bridal routine gives you — the confidence to step into the light and enjoy your day.