Bridal Beauty Makeover

By Toni R. Lazzaro

Getting gorgeous for YOUR wedding day is a family affair. That’s the trend among many brides and grooms who have set the date and wouldn’t blink at spending thousands to achieve a picture of bridal perfection.

A little weight loss, a tan, fancy nails and big hair are small changes compared to what’s available to polish today’s bride and entire bridal party. While many have long accepted the beautification rituals of the bride in preparation for her wedding day, she is no longer alone. Many women in the bridal party (including the mother of the bride) and now, even the groom, are participating in wedding-day makeovers.

Bridal-industry experts say that many brides-to-be consider plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, refractive surgery, liposuction and chemical power peels. In the process, brides are spending $606 million annually on matrimonial glamour, according to figures released in May 2004 by the Fairchild Bridal Group, a New York publisher.

“There is a heightened awareness of cosmetic fixes,” said Dr. Kevin Welch, cosmetic dermatologist, from the Medical Center Clinic in Pensacola. “Especially on the maternal wedding party side, as they are in the limelight,” noted Dr. Welch.

Some are visiting dermatologists and plastic surgeons or “corrective medical spas” for collagen shots for plumper, more sensuous lips and Botox injections to erase wrinkles and prevent excessive sweating. These outpatient procedures can cost from $150 to $1,000.

Even though these medical options are mostly prompted by the upcoming nuptials these procedures “really are life changing,” according to Dr. Jennifer Murray, refractive surgeon from the Medical Center Clinic.

According to plastic surgeon Dr. James Frost, of the Medical Center Clinic, the wedding is now “considered a bench mark in a person’s life” and as such, they want to look their best.

As everything moves so fast during wedding preparations, the best beauty treatment that many brides and grooms can afford are massages for themselves throughout the wedding planning process.

“Relaxation is the key,” said licensed massage therapist Stephanie E. Knight, owner of Escape Wellness Spa, located on Bayou Blvd. in Pensacola. It’s typically the only time they have for themselves. No phones, no interruptions.

“I create a full-body relaxation massage that is tailored to individual needs,” said Knight. She also mentioned that a massage can be a gift extended from the bride to rest of the bridal party.

Day spas, in particular, have capitalized on wedding makeovers in recent years. At a minimum, brides are booking salons for “spa days” with their bridesmaids, girlfriends and family members, complete with manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and body wraps.

At Indulge at Dillard’s, an Aveda Salon, located at the Cordova Mall in Pensacola, salon manager Janet York said they cater to the bridal party on their special day – offering wedding packages according to the services of their choice.

At Studio Twenty-8, a salon located in downtown Pensacola, esthetician Sheryl Schwartz said she has frequently seen bridal parties booking the salon and importing champagne and snacks for pre-wedding pampering sessions.

“Weddings are emotional and sentimental days. And every female wants to feel beautiful, even if it’s not her wedding day,” said Jennifer White, freelance makeup artist serving the Florida Panhandle whose services include going on location to the bridal party.

Rocio Appleton, hairdresser from Studio Twenty-8 said it is “more comfortable for a family to be all together getting ready.”

Grooms, added Schwartz, aren’t above getting a little makeup to even out their skin tone.
           
“A lot of times, for older men, it’s helpful to smooth out their skin or cover up any dark circles under their eyes,” said Schwartz.

Take your walk down the aisle with glowing beauty and confidence. We’ve pieced together a cosmetic surgery and treatment guide that will have you looking picture perfect and beautifully radiant on your special day!