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Beauty, Hair and Makeup

Your Guide to Pre-Wedding Beauty Treatments

Headshot of Katie Stout
Katie Stout Updated:
2nd of July 2025

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, so it's only natural to want to look your absolute best. From anti-wrinkle treatments to the perfect tan, from covering tattoos to non-invasive cosmetic procedures, there are countless ways to enhance your natural beauty for your special day.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wedding beauty treatments, helping you make informed decisions about what's right for you. Whether you're considering botox for the first time, planning the perfect tan, or deciding how to handle existing tattoos, we've got you covered with expert advice and practical tips.

Anti-Wrinkle Treatments: Botox Before Your Big Day

What is Botox and How Can It Help?

Botox is a general term for Botulinum Toxin A, with three licensed brands in the UK: BoCouture, Azzalure, and Botox. Also known as anti-wrinkle or wrinkle reduction injections, it's a non-invasive treatment that temporarily smooths wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing targeted muscles. For some, this temporarily refreshes their skin for a more youthful look.

Bride and groom smiling together

Expert Timing Advice

  • Ideal timeline: Begin treatments 6 months before your wedding
  • First treatment (6 months out): See how your face responds
  • Second treatment (3 months out): Refine and perfect for natural results
  • Third treatment (3 weeks before): Final personalised touch-up

Short on Time? If you haven't got six months, visit your cosmetic dermatologist six weeks before your wedding. This gives you two weeks for the treatment to work, two weeks for a follow-up visit, and two weeks spare for any tweaks.

What to Expect

Pain and Downtime: Most patients describe botox as tiny pinches—over before you even register what's happening. If you're nervous, numbing cream can be applied thirty minutes before treatment. It's a zero-downtime procedure, so you can return to wedding planning immediately.

Results Timeline

  • Treatment takes 2 minutes to administer
  • Takes 2-4 weeks to fully settle
  • Effects last 3-4 months
  • Every face responds differently

Key Considerations

Natural-Looking Results: The goal is to make you look like yourself, just fresher and more rested. The key is working with a medical expert who understands facial anatomy and tailors treatment to you—no cookie-cutter approaches.

Common mild side effects include:

  • Light redness or tiny bumps lasting 15-30 minutes
  • Possible minor bruising that fades within days

Reversibility: Botox isn't permanent, your body naturally breaks it down over 3-4 months. If you don't love the results, they'll naturally fade.

Benefits for Your Wedding Day

Bridal party before the wedding

Enhanced Makeup Application: Botox creates a smooth, even canvas for your wedding makeup, helping foundation and concealer glide on effortlessly. It prevents makeup from settling into fine lines or creasing by the end of the night.

Perfect for Photos: Wedding photos are high-resolution and last a lifetime. You'll look fresh, polished, and radiant while maintaining natural facial expressions for laughing, crying, and all the emotional moments.

Lasts Through Honeymoon: After months of planning and the wedding whirlwind, honeymoon exhaustion is real. Botox effects will continue beyond your wedding day, ensuring you look great throughout your honeymoon.

The Perfect Wedding Tan: Dos and Don'ts

Bride and groom in military uniform

Preparation is Key

Do a Patch Test: Before applying any new self-tan product, do a patch test 24 hours in advance to check for allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.

Exfoliate and Moisturise

  • Exfoliate thoroughly before application to remove dead skin cells
  • Keep skin well-moisturised in the days leading up to tanning
  • This creates a smooth surface for even application

Application Techniques

If applying yourself, practice beforehand, especially if you're not a regular self-tan user. Pay special attention to blending areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, which absorb more product.

Select a shade that complements your natural skin tone:

  • Lighter shades for fair skin
  • Deeper shades for darker skin tones
  • Avoid going too dark for a natural look

What to Avoid

Don't Rush: Take your time to avoid streaks, patches, or uneven colour. If you're inexperienced, start practising 6 months before your wedding.

Avoid Over-Tanning: Stick to one or two light coats rather than layering multiple applications, which can result in an unnatural, orange appearance.

Timing Matters

  • Apply before bed to develop overnight
  • Avoid sweating, water, and moisture for the recommended time
  • Don't experiment with new products last-minute

Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments

Addressing Skin Concerns

Many brides use their wedding as motivation to address long-standing skin concerns such as:

  • Rosacea (red patches)
  • Acne scars
  • Broken veins
  • Birthmarks

Popular Pre-Wedding Treatments

Permanent Hair Removal: Perfect for honeymoon preparation, IPL treatments can provide permanent solutions to unwanted hair. This isn't just for brides—many grooms opt for hair removal or to tidy up designer stubble.

Skin Rejuvenation: Non-invasive treatments delivered as gentle courses can address various skin concerns without the need for surgery.

Permanent Makeup: Consider permanent makeup options rather than battling with waterproof mascara on your wedding day and honeymoon.

Professional Guidance

Numerous skin clinics offer these non-invasive options. While treatments come with a price tag, your wedding is an ideal time to address issues that have always bothered you.

Tattoo Decisions: Show Off or Cover Up?

Bride with tattoos stood next to groom

Making the Choice

Choosing whether to show or hide tattoos on your wedding day is deeply personal. Consider:

  • Your tattoos' meaning and significance
  • How they complement your dress style
  • Your comfort level
  • Whether you only want to hide them for photographs

Showing Off Your Tattoos

Choose dresses that accentuate tattoo placement:

  • Low necklines for chest/shoulder tattoos
  • Low backs for back pieces
  • Shorter sleeves for arm tattoos

Incorporate tattoos into your wedding theme:

  • Tattoo-inspired invitations and stationery
  • Tattoo-style wedding cake
  • Temporary tattoo stations for guests
  • Matching tattoos with your partner

Covering Up Options

DIY Makeup Coverage

  • Choose durable, long-lasting products
  • Use setting powder to ensure longevity
  • Practice application beforehand
  • Consider the tattoo's size and darkness

For large, dark, or hard-to-reach tattoos, work with a professional makeup artist who can:

  • Provide expert colour matching
  • Ensure even, long-lasting coverage
  • Handle complex tattoo designs

Alternative Solutions

Dress Design

  • Choose long sleeves or high necklines
  • Work with bridal consultants to find the perfect coverage
  • Consider accessories like boleros or wraps

Confidence is Key

Bride taking a photo of the groom

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love as a couple. Whether you choose botox, fake tan, tattoo coverage, or any combination of treatments, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Your partner already loves you exactly as you are, and any beauty treatments should enhance your natural beauty rather than change who you are. Take time to research, practice, and work with qualified professionals who understand your vision.

Most importantly, don't let beauty treatments overshadow the joy of your special day. Plan well in advance, practice thoroughly, and then relax and enjoy every moment of your wedding celebration.

Find Professional Help

Looking for qualified professionals to help you look incredible on your big day? Whether you need expert makeup artists, skilled tattoo coverage specialists, or medical aesthetic practitioners, professional guidance ensures the best results.

Special Offers:

  • Use code GFB for £25 off treatments at Inject Set
  • Follow Dr. Sandrine on Instagram or visit her website
  • Contact makeup artists and beauty professionals through our website
Headshot of Katie Stout
About the author
Introducing Katie, a 2025 bride-to-be, travel expert, and wedding lover! As she plans her own wedding, she’s up-to-date on the latest trends and knows what makes a wedding memorable. With a background in art & design and experience as a former cabin crew member, Katie has a great eye for fashion, styling, and travel. Having attended many weddings, she knows what really stands out to guests. Whether you need honeymoon tips, style advice, or planning help, Katie is your go-to for all things wedding!
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