9 Tips to Look (and Feel) Your Best on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed—and emotionally charged—days of your life. You’ve chosen the dress, the suit, the venue, and the people. Now it’s time to make sure you look and feel your absolute best when you walk down the aisle.

Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready like a pro, staying calm, and looking flawless from the first look to the last dance.

1. Start Your Beauty Routine Well in Advance

Don't wait until the night before the wedding to take care of your skin! In the months leading up to your big day, make your skin a priority. Wash your makeup off every night, cleanse and moisturize morning and night, and find creams and serums that will enhance your skin's health. Also a must: hydration and good sleep!

2. Book the Hair and Makeup Trial

You should have your wedding look nailed down well before the big day. While the additional cost of hair and makeup trials can turn some brides off, we promise that it's worth every penny. Use this to test out looks that you're liking, but keep in mind that what you see in a picture on Pinterest might look TOTALLY different on you! If you've hired a professional artist, give them some room to try what they think will be the best look for your style and features. They're pros for a reason! After your trial, have some pictures taken so that you can see how you look in photos. If something doesn't look right you have time to work it out with your artist before the wedding day.

3. Tan Before Nails

Let's face it. Once-white nails stained with a weird orange-y tint are not the look you want on your wedding day. Make sure you get that spray tan BEFORE your nail appointment to avoid staining your cute french tips.

4. Steam Your Dress!

You know what's not cute? A cathedral train covered in wrinkles. Don't let wrinkles ruin your look. We recommend having your dress professionally steamed a few days before the wedding. Here at Mimi's Bridal in Kalispell, Montana, we offer dress steaming and durable garment bags to keep your dress safe. However, since some materials can wrinkle easily with transport, we also recommend bringing a portable steamer with you on the wedding day. Use this to touch up your dress, bridesmaids dresses, and suits before the ceremony.

5. Optimize Your Day-Of Timeline

Time flies on your wedding day. A well-planned morning ensures you don’t feel rushed, miss key moments, or start the day stressed. Make sure you work out your timeline ahead of time with your hair and makeup artists, photographer, and planner to ensure everyone is on the same page. You'll also want to schedule time for a light breakfast and lunch (don't skip it!).

6. Pack a “Wedding Day Survival Kit”

Prepare for the unexpected with a few must-haves:

• Handheld steamer – Instant fix for dress or suit wrinkles

• Blotting papers – Eliminate shine before photos

• Lipstick/lip gloss – For touch-ups all day

• Double-sided tape or fashion tape – Just in case straps or necklines need support

• Bobby pins & hair spray – Especially for windier outdoor venues

• Mini sewing kit – For loose buttons or small snags

• Deodorant & breath mints – Self-explanatory (but important!)

• White Chalk – Our secret for minor stains and marks on your wedding dress!

7. Delegate a “Day-Of” Contact Person

You shouldn’t be answering texts or checking vendor arrivals on your big day. If you don't have a wedding planner or coordinator (which we HIGHLY recommend), designate a trusted friend to handle questions, timelines, or last-minute logistics so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

8. Hydrate, Eat, & Take Breaks

You’ll be on your feet, smiling, talking, hugging, and dancing—a lot. Keep water nearby all day, even during hair and makeup. Make time in your timeline for a few appetizers following the ceremony, and make sure you actually sit down to eat that fancy catered dinner! If you’re wearing heels, consider bringing a comfortable pair of shoes for the reception.

9. Do a Final Full-Length Mirror Check

Right before the ceremony, step in front of a full-length mirror with your photographer or maid of honor nearby. Check:

• Veil placement

• Train

• Dress for wrinkles

• Jewelry positioning

• Lipstick

• Bouquet in hand

• Smile on your face

Final Thoughts

Looking your best on your wedding day is about more than hair and makeup—it’s about feeling your best. That comes from preparation, calm energy, and surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you.

At Mimi's Bridal, we help brides and grooms prepare for more than just the aisle—we help prepare you for the moment. Need tips on undergarments and accessories? Just ask—we’re here to help every step of the way. And don't forget to give us a call to schedule your dress steaming for a wrinkle-free wedding day.

Book your bridal appointment today—we’ll make sure you’re aisle-ready and radiant!