Ah, the week before your wedding—when the stress level is high, your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt, and suddenly, every minor inconvenience feels like a personal attack. But don’t worry, we’ve got you. As a husband-and-wife team who has witnessed countless couples go through the final stretch, we’re here to give you a brutally honest, sarcasm-infused guide to preparing for the big day.
So, grab a coffee (or a mimosa, we don’t judge) and let’s make sure you don’t end up with streaky spray tans, chipped nails, or a last-minute breakout that rivals a high school yearbook photo.
7 Days to Go: Do NOT Try Anything New
This is not the time to experiment with a new skincare routine, try that “miracle detox,” or suddenly decide you want to cut bangs. We get it—your Pinterest board has been whispering sweet nothings about a bold, new look. Ignore it. Now is the time to stick with what you know and avoid any beauty-related horror stories that could leave you questioning your life choices.
Also, now is the time to start hydrating like you’re training for a marathon. Your skin (and your future self, when you’re crying on the dance floor) will thank you.
5–6 Days to Go: The Spray Tan Sweet Spot
If you’re planning on getting a spray tan, do it now. Not two days before, not the night before, and for the love of wedding dresses, not the morning of. A good spray tan takes a couple of days to settle into that “natural glow” instead of “Cheeto dust chic.”
Pro Tip: Exfoliate like your life depends on it before the tan, avoid tight clothing right after, and maybe sleep in dark sheets unless you want your bed to look like it lost a fight with an Oompa Loompa.
4–5 Days to Go: Hair Appointments & Facials
Thinking about getting your roots touched up or refreshing your balayage? Now’s the time. Not the day before. Because if your colorist accidentally turns your blonde into a lovely shade of canary yellow, you’ll need a buffer for corrections.
As for facials—go for something gentle. This is not the week to test out an intense chemical peel so you don’t run the risk of having your skin look like it just lost a battle with the sun. Stick to hydration-boosting facials to get that bridal glow without the added drama.
2–3 Days to Go: Nails, Brows, & Last-Minute Self-Care
Your hands will be photographed a lot (hello, ring shots), so get that manicure sorted now. If you’re doing gel or dip, this gives you time for touch-ups if you somehow manage to chip it before the big day (we believe in you, but accidents happen).
For brows, keep it simple. A quick clean-up? Sure. Full reshaping? No. The last thing you need is an overzealous waxing situation that leaves you looking permanently surprised in every wedding photo.
Also, take a breather. Seriously. Put your phone down, step away from the never-ending texts from distant relatives, and go for a walk or do something that doesn’t involve wedding planning.
The Night Before: RELAX (or at Least Try)
Easier said than done, we know. But trust us, the best thing you can do is sleep. No, you don’t need to triple-check your timeline at midnight. No, your wedding won’t crumble if you don’t respond to Aunt Susan’s 14th text about seating arrangements. Everything is in place. Let it be.
Lay out your dress, pack an emergency kit (bobby pins, blotting papers, fashion tape—just trust us), and drink more water. Oh, and if you’re drinking celebratory cocktails, maybe mix in a glass of water between each one unless you want to wake up feeling like a dehydrated raisin in your wedding photos.
Wedding Day: Show Up & Enjoy
The day is here, and guess what? Whatever isn’t done doesn’t matter anymore. You’re marrying your person, and that’s what it’s all about. We’ll be there capturing every beautiful, chaotic, emotional moment—so just breathe, laugh, and let the magic happen.
And if you start to stress, just remember: The only people who will notice minor hiccups are the ones you tell. So don’t tell.
See you at the altar (or, you know, behind our cameras).
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