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Emma's Wedding Diary: Looking Good

Today is officially the start of my new regime to get into shape and look my best for the wedding day. I'm not normally vain, but knowing that there will be photos taken that everyone will be looking at for years is a good incentive!

I'm not going to go mad though, I've never been a gym addict, but regular walking and swimming a few times a week will be good. Katie is keen to come too (not that she needs it) but having an exercise buddy will be great as I'll be less likely to slack off if it means letting her down.

I've been reading up on how to make sure my skin is at its best. Lots of water every day is the most important it seems, not too much refined sugar and lots of fruit and veg. All common sense really. I'm treating myself and the bridesmaids to a manicure the day before the wedding. It'll be a nice treat but I'm also mindful of how many people will want to see the ring and my nails just won't stand up to scrutiny right now! I may have a pedicure too, anything to help my feet stay lovely when I've been on them for twelve hours.

I couldn't believe it but even Joe has been thinking about this; I found some 'moisturiser for men' in the bathroom yesterday! It's becoming more acceptable for men to care about the way they look and about time too! I've suggested to him that he might want a bit of a pamper before the wedding day but that idea may take him some time to come round to!

Wedding make-up - very necessary!

I'm getting quotes from the beauticians in my Wedding Organizer book to have my wedding make-up done. I wasn't going to bother until I spoke to Sarah who said that it was some of the best money she spent for her day. Not only are they experts at covering up the huge spot that I'm bound to get that morning, but they are also very aware of how flash photography can make your skin look in the photos and ways to make sure you don't look washed out.

A professional will also know how to make sure it stays put all day too - my mascara always ends up all over my cheeks by lunchtime so I definitely need some help! Some offer packages for the bridesmaids too, I'll need to look into that. One thing is for certain, I need to book a long way in advance as a good bridal make-up artist is in demand on a summer Saturday morning!

The Wedding Hairstyle

I've had a good chat with my hairdresser and booked an appointment for a practise of the wedding hairstyle as I want to have it put up. I need to take the tiara and the veil with me so that he can work out the best places to position it all and how much ironwork he'll need to use to keep it all in place.

We agreed it was best to have a practice a good while before the wedding so that we have time to have another appointment to try other options if I don't like it. He recommended that I don't have anything too radical done in terms of cut or colour just before the day as I may not like it. If I want to have a different colour for the wedding hairstyle he said it would be best to do it at least a month before so that it isn't too much of a shock but also so there is time to change it back if needs be.

Glasses and weddings?

Something I need to figure out now is what to do about my glasses. I've looked in so many glossy mags but none of the models wear them! I guess I have a few options, I woke up in the middle of the night worrying about this so maybe if I write them down it'll help me get my head round it all.

Option one: Don't wear my glasses.
Hmmm, that would be fine if I were one of those lucky souls who only needs them for reading but I'll break my neck if I go without. Either that or I'll have to hang onto someone if I want to navigate anywhere, then there would be the embarrassment of not recognising guests approaching - no, not an option.

Option two: Contact lenses.
Well, I have been tempted and they are much better than they used to be. When I asked the optician they recommended that I start using them a few months before so that I get totally used to them before the wedding day. I don't want to have bloodshot or streaming eyes from only wearing them the day before, so maybe I should look into that option more seriously as soon as possible.

Option three: Laser surgery.
Hmmm... not something I think I am ready for, but Katie has had it and said it was brilliant. Maybe next year.

Option four: Just wear them!
I think most of the guests will find it really odd to see me without my specs, maybe it would be better just to work around them. Saying that, they are a bit tatty and not exactly glam...

Option five: Aha! New glasses!
I've been meaning to get a new pair for ages, I just get some with more delicate frames, or even frameless... actually I saw some very swish designer ones the other day with a couple of sparkly bits on the frames, that may be the perfect solution - and something that I can wear to parties after the big day. I'm off to the shops!