For the Bride: Spa Treatments

Anna Kidman at Forme Spa.

Hady Wenham, managing director of Forme Spa, recommends planning ahead when it comes to spa treatments.

What do your recommend to brides wanting to look their best for the big day?
For those planning six months out, we do a consultation to discuss what they would like to change about their appearance and put a plan in place.

This could involve IPL to address pigmentation issues, regular microdermabrasion, facials or peels to address specific skin concerns, IPL hair removal, massage for relaxation, back treatments for someone with a spotty back, Ionithermie for body tone/cellulite issues, concluding with the final preparation stages of a spray/lotion tan application, manicure/pedicure, any last-minute grooming and facial treatment before the big day.

For those with a more constrained budget or timeline, we would just move to the final stages with tanning, manicure/pedicure, exfoliation treatment and a couple of weeks before, a nice hydrating facial to give a plump dewy skin on the big day.

What can brides do at home to optimise their appearance in the weeks leading up to the wedding?
Hydration - drinking lots of water to keep their skin looking radiant helps, making sure they wear sunblock to avoid any peeling patches or uneven tanning, applying moisturiser from head to toe, including the heels, manicure oil on the nails to keep the cuticles in shape, hand cream during the day and before bed, and we love the Babor ampoules - a mighty vitamin concoction in an individual glass ampoule to ensure maximum efficacy for radiant skin.

Any do's and don'ts in the days right before the wedding?
When you have your last facial depends a bit on your skin and how it normally is after a facial - we normally suggest a day or two before the wedding.

Waxing is also best three days before your wedding if you are having tan applied and we recommend tanning a day or two before the wedding.

Nails are usually best done the day before, unless it is a Shellac manicure which lasts longer and is more hard-wearing.

If it is an afternoon wedding a massage in the morning can do wonders for pre-wedding nerves, then hair and makeup concludes the get-ready plan on the big day.

Anything else?
If you are on a budget, prioritise what are the most important things for you but try to squeeze in at least one facial as no amount of makeup can give you the radiance of dewy skin that a facial can.

Hand cream massaged into your cuticles and nails each night doesn't cost a fortune, but if you do it for a month before the big day your hands will be in much nicer shape when you are flashing your new wedding ring.

Another trend is for hens' parties to be a spa-party with the bridal party enjoying a get-together at the spa using one of our relax rooms to spend time with each other in between enjoying some pampering.

- VIVA