Planning A Pre-Wedding: A Guide To Getting It Right

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming task, but it is also an exciting time for couples to celebrate their love and union. Pre-wedding events and celebrations are a great way to create lasting memories with close friends and family and to calm those pre-wedding jitters. From engagement parties to bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties, there are several pre-wedding traditions and festivities to choose from. While none of these events are mandatory, they can add a special touch to the wedding journey and provide an opportunity for the couple to relax and enjoy quality time with their loved ones before the big day.

One of the most important aspects of pre-wedding planning is deciding on a suitable date and venue. It is essential to be flexible and choose a few potential dates, as availability can be scarce, and prices tend to vary depending on the season. Creating a guest list is also crucial, as it will impact the venue and budget.

Another key consideration is the wedding style and theme. Whether it's a specific colour palette, a seasonal or cultural theme, or a unique concept like a Roaring Twenties-inspired wedding, choosing a theme can help guide design decisions and create a cohesive look for the celebration.

Last but not least, it is essential to assemble a reliable and supportive wedding party to provide emotional and tactical support throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself.

With careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to ask for help, couples can navigate the pre-wedding journey with ease and create lasting memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Pre-wedding parties: from engagement parties to rehearsal dinners

There are several pre-wedding parties and events to choose from, from engagement parties to bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. While none of these celebrations are mandatory, they are a great way to enjoy nuptial traditions and calm pre-wedding jitters. Here is a guide to help you plan and navigate the different pre-wedding parties:

Engagement Parties

Engagement parties are usually the first pre-wedding celebration, where the couple officially announces their upcoming marriage to relatives and friends. They are typically held at an intimate venue, such as the host's home, a favourite restaurant, or a special venue. The bride's parents traditionally host the engagement party, but any relative or friend of the couple may also organise the celebration. Some couples even choose to have two separate engagement parties, one for family and one for friends.

There are many unique and Instagram-worthy engagement party themes to choose from. For example, a backyard engagement party can be a simple and cost-effective option, where guests can enjoy an "I Do" BBQ with romantic string lights and lawn games. For a more glamorous option, a rooftop engagement party with sweeping city views can be a stunning choice. Other fun themes include a carnival-themed party with popcorn and cotton candy, a nacho-themed party with a build-your-own-margarita bar, or even a casino-themed party with James Bond-inspired attire.

Bridal Showers and Wedding Showers

Bridal showers are traditional women-only celebrations, while wedding showers are events for the couple, allowing the groom and his family and friends to attend. During these showers, guests usually bring gifts, enjoy food and drinks, and play games. Wedding showers are a great opportunity for friends and family who are travelling from far to attend and connect with the couple before the wedding.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

A bachelor party is a male-only get-together where the groom celebrates with close friends, family members, and groomsmen. The best man traditionally plans the bachelor party, and it usually takes place one to four months before the wedding.

The bachelorette party is a chance for the bride-to-be to let loose and enjoy one last night of being single with her close friends. It is typically planned by the maid of honour or a bridesmaid and should also take place around one to four months before the wedding.

Rehearsal Dinners

Rehearsal dinners usually take place the night before the wedding, or sometimes two nights before, to give everyone a chance to relax and recuperate before the big day. This celebration is typically planned and paid for by the groom's parents, but it is becoming more common for both sets of parents to contribute. The rehearsal dinner is a chance for families to spend time together in a relaxed setting and for the couple to exchange gifts with the wedding party and parents.

There are many ways to make your rehearsal dinner unique and memorable. For example, you could have a vintage car photo area, a bonfire with s'mores, or a nautical-themed dinner on a sailboat. For food, a simple restaurant dinner or a pizza party are always popular choices, but you could also have a seafood boil or a taco bar for a more casual and fun vibe.

In conclusion, pre-wedding parties are a great way to gather with loved ones and create memorable moments before the big day. Whether you choose to have a simple celebration or a glamorous event, these parties are a perfect opportunity to enjoy traditions and spend time with your closest friends and family.

Pre-wedding beauty routines: from manicures to hair removal

Nails

As soon as you get engaged, you'll want to show off your ring, so it's a good idea to get regular manicures. You can experiment with colours and get to know your manicurist. You could also opt for gel manicures, which use UV technology for a harder and smoother finish – these can be pricier but last longer.

Teeth

You'll want pearly whites for all those wedding photos, so consider whitening your teeth. Most toothpastes have whitening ingredients, but for faster results, choose a special whitening toothpaste or whitening strips. You could also head to your dentist for a professional whitening, but be sure not to go overboard – anything that looks too artificial will be too prominent in pictures.

Skin

• Exfoliate and brighten: As dead cells build up on the skin, they can dull your complexion. Regular exfoliation paired with a brightening serum will give you a lit-from-within glow on your wedding day.
• Juice it up: Green juice is great for the skin as it's oxygenating and contains vital minerals to help stimulate the lymphatic system and drain out puffiness.
• Shower power: Most people don’t realise that your skincare routine starts in the shower. Using a gentle cleanser is key – try a sulfate-free body wash and gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply lotion within minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in moisture.
• Laser hair removal: Your wedding (and honeymoon) is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to laser hair removal. It's a splurge, but it will be worth it when shaving is the last thing on your mind.
• Pay attention to your décolletage: This area is prone to wrinkling due to thin skin. Start with an over-the-counter retinol product and move on to a prescription if your dermatologist deems it necessary.
• Humidify: Introducing moisture to the air via a humidifier can help treat keratosis pilaris, which is caused by excess keratin and can lead to bumps on the skin.
• Dry-brushing: A body brush is a great beauty investment. Dry-brushing exfoliates the skin and increases blood circulation, giving you a healthy glow. It also revs up the flow of lymph, which whisks toxins out of our systems.
• Spray tan: Get a trial spray tan before your final fittings to figure out if you want to look tanned before the big day. Start exfoliating your skin in preparation a week before.
• Facials: Find a reputable aesthetician to help keep your skin in tip-top shape. Be sure to address your goals and needs, and don't be afraid to speak up about what you need.
• Microdermabrasion: This is a cosmetic procedure that uses a mechanical medium to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest, neck, or hands.

Hair

• Conditioning: You can give yourself a deep conditioning treatment at a salon or do it yourself at home by slathering wet hair with a hydrating hair mask.
• Hairstyle: Choose a timeless look – an elevated version of yourself. If you never wear your hair up, don't let anyone talk you into that for your wedding. The same rules apply to grooms – choose a haircut that makes you feel your best.
• Extensions: If your natural hair is lacking volume or your desired hairstyle requires extra length, look into trying hair extensions. Start your research early so you can find the best styles before your hair trials.
• Colour: The general rule for big-day colour shifts is to stay within two shades of your natural hue. Bring inspiration photos to your colourist and be clear about your hair goals. Get your hair touched up seven to ten days before the wedding to ensure it looks its best.

Brows

• Brow shaping: Take this opportunity to splurge on brow shaping. The pros at salons will follow your advice and offer suggestions for the best brow shape according to your face.
• Microblading: If your brows are sparse, consider microblading. This technique achieves natural-looking brows without worrying about sweat or water washing them away. The whole process calls for planning ahead, so do your research and go to someone reputable.

Lips

Take care of your lips each night by applying a generous coat of lip balm or Vaseline and gently rubbing it over your lips in a circular motion with a wet washcloth. This will exfoliate and soften your lips at the same time.

Fitness and Diet

• Exercise: Working out will help tighten and firm your body while also detoxing your skin. It boosts energy and makes you feel happier.
• Healthy eating: Avoid deprivation crash diets, as you're likely to binge and regain weight. Instead, aim for a healthy meal or snack every three to four hours.
• Sugar and alcohol: Limiting your sugar and alcohol intake will help keep skin clear, plump, and fresh-looking. It will also help control stress levels and keep you more even-keeled and clear-minded.

Final Preparations

• Makeup trial: Scheduling a makeup trial is one of the most important tasks to consider. Stay away from anything that's too extreme or different from what you generally prefer for special occasions.
• Lash extensions: Lash extensions are great for brides who want beautiful lashes from the rehearsal dinner through the honeymoon. They also look fantastic in photographs.
• Contouring: Proceed with caution when contouring for your big day. Opt for a sheer, blendable cream formula to add just a hint of depth under the cheekbones.
• Hair removal: Start getting monthly waxes for best results. If you don't like the pain, salons now offer special waxes using ingredients like chocolate wax and sugar.

Pre-wedding photo shoots: from choosing a photographer to selecting outfits

A pre-wedding photoshoot is a great way for couples to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a rapport with their photographer before the big day. It's also known as an engagement photoshoot and usually takes place days, weeks, or months before the wedding.

Choosing a Photographer

When choosing a wedding photographer, it's essential to consider their style and how well you connect with them. Look at their portfolio and imagine yourself and your partner in their photos. Do you like the tones they use? Are you looking for candid shots, posed portraits, or a mix of both?

It's also crucial to meet or video chat with the photographer beforehand to discuss your expectations and get a feel for their personality. This will help ensure you're comfortable working with them.

Selecting Outfits

When it comes to outfits for the pre-wedding photoshoot, couples usually wear regular clothes, but some choose to wear their wedding attire, especially in Asian cultures. It's a good idea to discuss the outfits with the photographer, who can provide guidance and help set the desired mood for the photos.

For a more casual and relaxed look, consider outfits that reflect your personalities. If you want to incorporate a specific colour palette or theme from your wedding, coordinate your outfits accordingly. For example, if you're having a tropical destination wedding, you might wear a beach-appropriate outfit for the photoshoot.

You can also offer an engagement session long enough to include a change of clothes, providing more variety to your photos.

Other Considerations

In addition to choosing a photographer and selecting outfits, here are some other important tips for a successful pre-wedding photoshoot:

• Choose the right location that aligns with the couple's interests or has emotional significance.
• Make a shot list to ensure you capture all the essential photos, such as close-ups of the engagement ring.
• Suggest activities for the couple to do during the shoot to help them relax and be themselves.
• Capture candid moments, as these often result in the most romantic and natural-looking photos.
• Experiment with different poses, including classic romantic poses and fun, creative ones.
• Use ambient lighting to your advantage, such as shooting during the golden hour or in soft, natural light.
• Play with the depth of field to create interesting focal points, such as focusing on the engagement ring or one partner while keeping the other out of focus.

Pre-wedding skincare: from injectables to exfoliation

Injectables

If you're considering injectables, it's best to start as early as possible. Injectables include Botox and fillers, which can help to smooth wrinkles, remodel muscles in the face, and add volume. It's important to find an experienced provider and get used to the results, so book your appointments accordingly. The final appointment should be no later than one month before the wedding, as it takes about two weeks to see the complete effects.

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Pre-wedding videos: from choosing a template to adding music

Pre-wedding videos are a great way to capture the excitement and joy of the lead-up to your wedding. From the engagement party to the rehearsal dinner, there are plenty of memorable moments to include. Here are some tips for creating a pre-wedding video, from choosing a template to adding music.

Choosing a Template

Firstly, you'll want to select a video template that suits your style and the tone you want to set for your wedding. There are many free templates available online, with different themes and styles to choose from. Some popular pre-wedding video templates include:

• Wedding Invitation Video: A digitized invitation is a modern and creative way to share your upcoming nuptials. You can add photos, videos, illustrations and music to make it unique.
• Save the Date Card: Remind your loved ones to keep the date free and give them a sneak peek of what's to come with this type of video.
• Wedding Announcement: Share your love story with the world and let everyone know you're tying the knot soon.
• Bachelorette/Bachelor Party Invitation: Get your friends excited for your upcoming celebration with a fun and playful video invite.

Adding Music

Music can make or break your pre-wedding video, so choose a track that matches the mood and your personal taste. Whether it's a upbeat song for a fun invitation or a romantic melody for a wedding announcement, the right music will enhance your video. Many online video makers have music libraries with songs organised by mood and genre, making it easy to find the perfect track. You can also add voiceovers and sound effects to make your video more engaging and dynamic.

Other Tips

In addition to choosing a template and adding music, here are some other tips for creating a memorable pre-wedding video:

• Include photos and video clips: Mix in footage and photos from your relationship to make your video more personal and captivating.
• Keep it simple: You don't need to overcomplicate things. A simple, elegant video can be just as effective in sharing your news and building excitement for your wedding.
• Customise: Make your video unique by customising the template with your own scenes, added details, and personal touches.
• Share: Once your video is ready, share it with your loved ones via email, social media, or your wedding website.

Creating a pre-wedding video is a fun way to document your journey towards your special day. With the right template, music, and personal touches, you can craft a video that will be cherished for years to come.

Frequently asked questions