A Month-by-Month Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best Before the Big Day

Engagement season is right around the corner, which means many brides-to-be will soon be starting their wedding countdowns. Even if you aren’t the one walking down the aisle and are standing proudly as the Mother of the Bride, or you’re preparing for another milestone event; looking and feeling your absolute best is important!

Achieving that radiant confidence often comes down to a thoughtful, customized treatment plan designed to maximize results while giving your body and skin time to heal and glow naturally. Plus, many treatments work best as a series and require time for optimal results. By planning ahead, you’ll feel confident and radiant without the stress of last-minute fixes.

Keep reading for our skincare experts’ 12-month bridal (or big event) glow-up timeline, including the types of treatments we might recommend along the way. 

*An Important Note: Since everyone’s skin, body, and goals are unique, a consultation is the best way to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, timeline, and concerns. This outline is a fairly comprehensive approach to preparing, and our providers can help you address as much or as little of it as you desire.

12 Months Out – Build a Solid Foundation

So you just got engaged – congrats! Even though your wedding might feel like it’s a long way off, now is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for your big day. Establishing healthy skin and starting long-term treatments now will give you the most natural, radiant results.

  • Consultation: Start with a comprehensive skin and body assessment with one of our providers to map out your personalized treatment plan. 
  • Sclerotherapy: Now is the time to begin treating leg veins, if needed. This treatment often requires multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart, so starting early ensures smooth, confident legs in time for the big day. 
  • Laser Resurfacing (Fraxel or CO2): Starting Fraxel or CO₂ laser sessions now helps correct sun damage, uneven tone, and texture on areas like the chest, arms, or face. 
  • Medical-Grade Skincare: It’s important to build a regimen for acne, pigmentation or dryness that supports and enhances your in-office treatments. 
  • Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! If you aren’t already applying sunscreen every day, begin that healthy habit now and apply it religiously from here on out (and even after your event). Sun damage throughout the year can set you back and even undo some of the progress you’ll make through this process.

6-8 Months Out – Collagen & Contour

With a strong foundation in place, now is the time to begin refining your features and addressing deeper skin concerns. Gentle collagen-stimulating treatments and subtle enhancements create a natural, lifted look that develops gradually, leaving plenty of time for adjustments.

  • Microneedling or Fractional Lasers: Start a series of collagen-boosting treatments to improve scars, fine lines, and overall skin texture. 
  • Dermal Fillers: Enhance cheeks, under-eyes, or frown lines with subtle contouring. Early treatments allow plenty of time for adjustments before your final wedding-day touch-up.
  • Neuromodulators: Smooth and refine with neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport. Starting early allows time for perfecting your results before the big day and lets you enjoy a refreshed look for bridal showers and bachelorette celebrations.

3–4 Months Out – Even Out Skin Tone

With the big day approaching, it’s time to perfect your complexion. Focus on treatments that smooth, brighten, and even out your skin so that you have a flawless, makeup-ready canvas.

  • Final Fraxel or CO2 Session: Your skin will need a little time to heal and glow, so plan this step out. 
  • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Target redness, brown spots, or broken capillaries for a flawless finish. 

6–8 Weeks Out – Lock in the Glow

At this stage, it’s all about gentle, no-downtime treatments that keep your skin radiant. You’re polishing your results and getting ready for the final touches that will make you shine.

  • HydraFacial Series: Start a series of 2–3 facials for ultimate hydration and glow. 
  • BioRePeel or Light Resurfacing Treatments: Refresh skin without the downtime of deeper procedures. 

1–2 Weeks Out – Wedding Ready

This is it—the final countdown! Focus on smoothing, brightening, and perfecting your skin so you feel confident and radiant on your big day. These treatments ensure you look picture-perfect from every angle.

  • HydraFacial + Dermaplaning: The ultimate duo for fresh, glowing, makeup-ready skin. 
  • Botox Touch-Up (if desired): Subtle smoothing of frown lines, forehead, or crow’s feet for a natural, refreshed look. 

Other Treatments to Try

Your face isn’t the only focus when preparing for a big day. Depending on your goals, you may want to consider:

  • Liposuction: For long-lasting body contouring. 
  • Laser Hair Removal: Because no one wants to worry about in-grown hair or constant maintenance on their big day (or Honeymoon!).  

Ready to Create Your Own Glow-Up Timeline?
Every bride is unique. Book a consultation with our team to design a personalized plan that fits your timeline, goals, and concerns. Now is the perfect time to start your journey.