10 Things You Need to Do NOW to Look Your Best on the Big Day

Now that you're engaged, the countdown to the big day has officially begun. And while it might seem a little early, it's probably the right time to start thinking about your wedding beauty and fitness routines—especially since we all know it can take a while to see results!

Here are ten things you should get started on, stat so you can look and feel your best when it's time to say "I do":

If you’re hoping to have long, luscious locks on your wedding day it’s important to start growing out your hair ASAP. To keep it healthy, you’ll need a few trims throughout the process, which can set you back a few inches along the way.

There are many at-home whiteners that will do the job as well as a professional, but like all good things, whitening takes time. Allow yourself up to 2 months to achieve the perfect smile, and avoid any tooth-sensitivity close to the ceremony. You can also consult with a professional now, who can help you map out a game plan.

If you’re going to go for the glow, try a few self-tanning options well ahead of your big day. Some may look too orange, or others may not pack enough of a punch. Get your self-tanning recipe down pat so you feel confident at the main event. And avoid a wedding beauty fail by not doing anything right before the big day that could rub off on your white dress!

Have you ever heard the phrase “abs are made in the kitchen”? Well, there is some truth to that! To maximize the new workout regimen you’ve faithfully adopted, give yourself a fighting chance to see results by avoiding sugar, salt, and processed foods. All of which can cause not so helpful side effects, like bloat.

Despite what you may have heard, you will not bulk up from lifting weights. In fact, most women don’t actually have the hormones needed to produce bulky muscle. Lifting weights is the fastest, most effective way to tone trouble areas (think: strapless dresses). So pick up some weights and get to it!

This is another beauty regimen to start well in advance. See a professional and discuss the shape that you think is best suited for your face. After a few months of working with them, you will have clean, beautiful brows to frame your perfect wedding makeup. You might consider threading too, which is less likely to irritate skin compared to waxing.

In addition to cutting out salt, sugar, and processed foods, hydration is a beauty and fitness secret. By drinking more water, you will flush out unwanted toxins, leaving your skin with a healthy glow. Additionally, you will feel more full and balanced, and won’t have as many cravings for junk food. Win-win.

Instead of opting for the fake eyelashes at CVS on your wedding day, consider getting lash extensions months before you walk down the aisle. A professional will be able to safely add them to your lash line, and if you start now, you’ll have time to experiment with the length and thickness.

Before you pose for pictures, make sure you’ve got your hair and makeup routine down. Meet with a hair stylist and makeup artist months before your wedding date (and multiple times if needed). Ideally, after your trials, take your look out on the town to see how it photographs and to be sure that you’re comfortable.

If you want to tone up or try out a new look, set a goal and put it in motion. Change takes time (especially if you’ve got big wedding beauty dreams!). Plan well in advance, adopt a routine, and stick to it.