Part 8 of our 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding is about cutting your bridal hair and make-up budget.

Bridal Hair & Makeup

64. Have a friend do hair and make up – Instead of hiring a professional to do your hair and make up, you can take a more DIY approach. Many people are often best at putting on their own makeup and know exactly how they like it.  Or, if your wedding is in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange or San Bernardino California county, take advantage of Bridal ‘N Beauty’s FREE professional bride’s makeup.

65. Go to a local cosmetology school – Consider getting your hair and makeup done at a cosmetology school instead of a licensed professional. These students are often just as good and will put extra effort into their work to impress their instructors.

66. Get a group manicure/pedicure – Make an appointment to get manicures and pedicures together with your bridesmaids. Let the salon know you are a bridal party. You can often negotiate a discount for the group of you, or get the bride’s free.

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101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 1: Wedding Planning

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Airbrushed Bridal Makeup

Selecting a makeup artist can be a big decision for many brides. A growing trend that seems to keep popping up in bridal forums is air-brushed make up. This type of make up has been used for years in television and movies. Now, the tricks of the stars can be yours. But is it worth the price?

Advantage of Air Brushed Make up

Air brushed make up definitely has some advantages over traditional makeup. This unique method provides an almost flawless look that should last up to 16 hours without the need for touch-ups. Air brushing can cover anything from freckles and fine lines to scars and spider veins. It can even cover tattoos. Because this method can be applied not only to your face, but to your entire body, this may be an ideal choice if you have noticeable flaws you want to hide, or if you don’t think that tattoo on your back will look so great with your backless dress. An important factor to note is that air-brushed makeup is typically only used to provide a foundation. Lip and eye color will be added in a more traditional way. Since air-brushed makeup can run up to $300 it’s important to decide if a flawless foundation is this important to you. If you are blessed with clear, smooth, skin, then airbrushing is probably not your best makeup choice.

Whether you choose air-brushing or traditional make up, it’s important to set up a practice session before the big day. Be up front and honest with your make up artist, and don’t settle for a heavy, caked on look. You makeup should look smooth and natural.

Traditional Makeup

If you decide to go with traditional makeup, brides looking to save some cash may want to consider doing their makeup themselves, or having a friend do it. This option allows for unlimited practice sessions, and a fraction of the cost.  Watch the video below for a step-by-step process of applying classic bridal makeup the traditional way.

The best wedding makeup will leave the bride looking fresh and radiant. Lips and eyes should be only slightly darker for the pictures. But keep in mind that this is not the time to try a radical new look. Stick with color pallets that complement your natural skin, hair, and eye tones and you will leave everyone in awe.

Photo:  Airbrushed Makeup Bridal Gal New York City Bridal Cosmetic Salon
Video: Traditional Makeup Amy B Ask Me Makeup

Radiant Bride

Every bride wants to look radiant and beautiful on her wedding day. There are some simple tricks that will keep you glowing and gorgeous. Follow this easy plan for a flawless wedding look.

A Few Months Before the Wedding
Don’t leave your entire beauty routine until the last minute. You should sit down a few months before your wedding and plan a routine to stay healthy and in shape. Planning a wedding can be a very stressful time, so avoid the pitfalls of getting too stressed out, such as eating lots of sugary and salty foods, or spending too much time on the couch with magazines, books, and to do lists when you could be out and about.

Forget the Crash Diets
You don’t need to go on a crash diet or take on an excessive new exercise routine. Just stick to the basics of a healthy lifestyle. Get out and get moving at least once a day, even if this means something as simple as taking a walk after dinner. Stick to a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and plenty of water.

Protect your skin
You should always be vigilant about wearing sunscreen, but you want to be even more careful before your wedding. Look into the best skin care routine for your skin type and invest in some quality moisturizer, face wash, and exfoliator. Commit to maintaining a good skin care routine in the months leading up to your wedding day.

A Few Weeks Before the Wedding
For a glowing smile, get your teeth whitened or buy an at-home whitening kit. You should also get in the habit of avoiding drinks that can stain your pearly whites, such as coffee and soda. The caffeine in these may give you a pick up, but it will also leave you dehydrated.  Stick to water and 100% fruit juice.

Practice your makeup and perfect your look.  You’ll want to wear your makeup a little darker than usual so you don’t look washed out in your pictures. This is not the time, however, for radical new shades.  Go for a very natural look. If you have a new lipstick shade you’re trying out for the wedding, put it on one morning and make sure it lasts.

A Few Days Before the Wedding
Go out and enjoy a day at the spa with your mother or bridesmaids. If you’re going to get a facial, you want to make sure that your schedule your spa visit for at least two days before the wedding.  A same-day spa trip can leave you with a red face – not quite the glow you’re going for! Indulge in a relaxing massage, mud bath, and other spa services if you can afford it.

Plan your bachelor/bachelorette parties for at least two days before the wedding.  If you have a rehearsal dinner, don’t stay out too late and drink in moderation if at all.  Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before the big day.

A Few Hours Before the Wedding
If you have an evening wedding, get your manicure and pedicure that morning.  Go with your bridesmaids and make an appointment so that you can have the place to yourselves and avoid a wait.  Sitting back and getting you hair and nails done can be a perfect way to relax and beat those pre-wedding jitters.

On your wedding day, you want to stick to light foods.  Have fruit and juice for breakfast and a light sandwich for lunch.  Don’t overindulge (you want to save plenty of room for the reception meal and wedding cake!).  If you enjoy bubble baths, make time for a long relaxing bath with candles, music, tea, and anything else you enjoy.  The key to true radiance is being healthy, happy, and relaxed.