Beauty treatments to do before your wedding, from low-end to luxury

Pampering yourself, whether it’s on the cheap or expensive side, is essential during that last stretch of wedding planning. You’ve got a lot on your plate, so it’s probably good for your mental health (and everyone’s around you) to indulge in beauty treatments that will help you de-stress before your big day.

In order to make things easier for you, we scoured high and low for options that are both affordable and bougie, because it’s always nice to see what’s available. HelloGiggles also spoke to a few experts about how these beauty treatments are beneficial for brides. From a soothing massage to a calming facial, check out our list below.

1Facial

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Splurge: A high-end facial with a LED device

Treat yourself to a fancy facial before your big day. If you have dehydrated skin, blemishes, or inflammation due to stress, a deep-cleansing facial treatment, like a HydraFacial, will do the trick. You’ll have a coveted glow on your big day.

Skin Matrx esthetician Rosanna Siracusa says brides should get this facial seven to 10 days before the wedding. Siracusa explains, “That way if purging happens—purging is when things come up from under the skin after using a certain product or having a facial—it will clear up and the skin will be fresh, exfoliated, and prepped for smooth makeup application.”

Siracusa noted that brides should start facial treatments at least four to six months leading up to the big day. Your esthetician will not only understand your skin better, but you can come up with a plan to treat any skin issues before the wedding.

Save: An affordable facial at a local spot

If you’re on a budget but still want to take care of your skin, try hitting up local spas or spa chains like Massage Envy—not only will it be easy to find a facialist that can treat your skin concerns, but you won’t have to break the bank.

Massage Envy’s lead esthetician, Diana Durazo, told us that “facials let you target and treat multiple skin concerns,” so it’s beneficial to treat yourself to a facial before your wedding. She added, “Treatments done by licensed estheticians use professional-grade products with active ingredients at much higher concentrations than your at-home products. This, along with the techniques your esthetician uses, allows products to better penetrate your skin and give more visible results.”

2Body Treatment

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Splurge: a bougie body scrub to de-stress

Getting a bougie body treatment will not make you feel relaxed and refreshed, but your skin will look (and feel) brand new. Plus, it’s nice to indulge every once in a while.

Katie Morena, spa director at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, told us, “There are many benefits to a body scrub and a body wrap. Skin can regenerate and return back to its healthy glow once dead skin is removed by a scrub, like the KOS Body Tonic. It provides all the necessary nutrients to revitalize any dehydrated areas of the body.”

Save: a body massage that won’t break the bank but will still feel amazing

Even if you don’t want to spend money on other beauty treatments, you should at least consider getting a massage—it’s a great way to detox your body and clear your mind of wedding planning. Body treatments don’t have to be expensive, either. You can find a spa anywhere, and at a price point that works for your budget.

“Planning a wedding can be stressful so it’s important to carve out time for your wellness routine. Body care should be part of that—just like going to the gym and eating clean—and it’s probably the most enjoyable part,” Durazo explained. “In addition to relieving stress, regular massages can improve sleep, soothe anxiety, and release endorphins that enhance perspective and clarity.”

3Tanning

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Splurge: a professional spray tan so you can glow from the inside and out

If you want to fake a glow, spray tanning is your best bet. If you have room in your budget, you should book an appointment at a tanning salon prior to your wedding.

The founder of Bronzed Bunny, Jeni Castro, said, “Brides should come in for a trial tan before their actual wedding to ensure Bronzed Bunny gets them the color they want.” In terms of when to come in for your tan, Castro recommends booking an appointment two days prior to the wedding.

Save: Give yourself a spray tan—it doesn’t have to be scary

If you’re a bride on a budget (let’s be real, weddings are expensive AF) but still want to have a spray tan on your big day, tanning products are a good place to start.

The St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert, Sophie Evans, told us, “The St. Tropez Gradual Tan One Minute Pre-Shower Tanning Mousse ($20) is great for brides, as it only takes one minute, so you have more time to spend on your hair, makeup, or other wedding responsibilities.” She added, “The Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist ($30) is great for touch-ups.” She recommends applying the products two days before the wedding.

If this is your first time self-tanning, fret not. “Your secret weapon when applying self-tan is using moisturizer as a barrier. Apply prior to application on problem areas so that they don’t go any darker (this is always elbows, knees, hands, feet, and any severe dry areas).” If you find streaks, Evans said, “Apply baby oil to the darker area and leave for 10 minutes (this allows the exfoliation to be more effective). Scrub the skin with an exfoliator, then buff the skin using a hot damp washcloth. Hair removal cream is also very effective. Apply with a Q-tip onto the darker area, leave for half the time as recommended, then remove.”

4Teeth Whitening

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Splurge: book an appointment with your dentist

Even if it isn’t time for your yearly checkup, you can schedule a professional teeth whitening before your big day. After all, you’ll probably be smiling all day long, so why not make your teeth as white as your dress?

Celebrity dentist, Dr. Maddahi, told us brides should book a teeth whitening appointment at least one month before the wedding. If you have sensitive teeth, even after your professional whitening, he said, “Don’t do any whitening at home with peroxide-based whitening products.” Use Oral Essentials whitening products instead, especially since they contain naturally-derived ingredients. Leading up to the wedding, he suggested that brides stay away from coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods that contribute to teeth discoloration.

Save: an at-home whitening kit

If you can’t afford a professional teeth whitening, don’t worry. You can still get a fresh smile before your wedding without having to spend a fortune.

Howard S. Glazer, DDS FAGD, recommended brides use the Supersmile Platinum Plan since it comes with so many products: “The bride and groom each get their own toothpaste and plenty of the whitening pre-rinse, accelerator, and professional activating rods for extra boosts in whitening leading up to their big day.” He explained that brides can start seeing results “in as little as three days, but more often 7-10 days,” but he suggested brides use the Platinum Plan at least a month before the wedding.