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Bottom Line: The Coronavirus altered most everything we do normally, which makes for creative, innovative and memorable ways of saying “I Do”. As a wedding hair and makeup stylist, I love to see my brides comfortable and gorgeous on their big day and I’ve also been actively thinking about the shift I’ve been seeing even amongst my clients. Here are some tips I’ve thought of based on what I’ve been hearing personally (because there’s more to a wedding than just looking good). So maintain 6 ft distancing, sanitize your hands, and enjoy your big day with those you ACTUALLY wanted there in the first place!

With many couples left having to change wedding plans drastically and unexpectedly, some are turning to truly tight knit gatherings; in fact, you can read stories about people who have decided to follow this trend to create some fantastic small ceremonies.
 
These “micro weddings” consist of 50 people or less and hold true to long standing traditions. Vow exchanges, speeches, dancing, eating and the like are still done, just on a small scale. For those looking for something even more low-key (shout out to the introverts) and intimate, they can have a “minimony”.
 
Minimonies differ from a micro wedding in that it's usually 10 people or less with the entire event whittled down to a couple of key moments. It can be paired with a traditional wedding  potentially held or later down the line (similar to a six month or one year in the future reception for those who couldn’t make it) or left as is. If an ordained minister is present, it can also be considered truly official.
 
Want something EVEN smaller, more intimate and even more adventurous? Some couples are turning to eloping. You can sneak away, just the two of you, to an ordained minister, courthouse or a legal marrying party, and have your ceremony  in about as low-key a manner as possible.
 
Use whatever you would’ve spent on the big day to travel locally in style, and enjoy your new life together that way. Lastly, there is always the option to postpone (and that’s ok!) for a better date in the future.
 
If you do choose to move forward with the set date in any of the updated fashions, here are some tips to ensure everyone stays safe, enjoys themselves, and makes memories:
 
1 - DON’T spend on less important items. Too many times, needless amounts of money are spent on wedding things that matter very little, if at all. Do you remember exactly what 3-course meal was at the last wedding you attended? Have you kept all of the Save The Dates you’ve ever received? Did you take home those flower petals that were tossed on the ground and stepped on 18 minutes later? Didn’t think so.
 
2 - DO spend on the most important things. Usually, there are only 2-3 items/services/etc. that make most weddings amazing. Talk to your soon-to-be spouse and agree on what those couple things are. You’d be AMAZED what a decent looking, well-tailored suit/dress, great photographer, makeup, and creative decor will do for you.
 
3 - HAVE SAFE FUN! After you comply with whatever the CDC states for your wedding day (providing hand sanitizer, social distancing, 50> people, etc), HAVE FUN. Enjoy yourself, your new spouse, and the company of the people you love and care about the most! Honestly, is there anything else you really need?
 
If you’re faithfully moving forward with your date and your loved one, these tips will ensure it’s one to remember.
 
And oh yeah, congrats on getting married! Happy Planning
 
About Lauren Gibbs: Lauren is a Boulder-based Colorado bridal hair and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience serving brides across the state. She loves seeing people look best on their big day and aims to make the experience enjoyable and give brides one less thing to worry about on their big day. 

Photography: https://www.thefollens.com/
Hair and Makeup: www.coloradobridalco.com

。Whether you have a regular routine at home, with a skincare expert, or nothing at all, there are a few steps that will help you in the months before your big day to make your skin look radiant!.......Ones that I suggest to all of my beautiful brides anyway.

Being in the beauty industry for so long, professional products and skin care experts are my bread and butter. (seriously, you should see how many different products I have in most rooms of the house......lotions, scrubs, masks etc.) Not everyone has a good idea of what is the best or even has a budget of a "hook up" for more expensive products, but it doesn't always have to cost you a ton of money to have great skin for your big day!

MOST IMPORTANT....especially in Colorado:
Moisturize, moisturize, and then moisturize some more. I am a firm believer that you should do so in the morning and the evening. I also like adding in a vitamin C serum or some sort of brightening serum. This will make sure that your skin has the hydration and a smooth surface for your makeup artist to work with.

IN THE MONTH(S) BEFORE
-Cut out dairy from your diet
-Start a daily skin care routine.
-Drink a TON of water...just like the most important step, your skin will thank you!
-Get enough sleep
-Exfoliate. Not just your face, but your chest along with the rest of your body.
-Get a facial or two.....you might as well treat yourself if it's in the budget!

THE WEEK BEFORE
-Get a professional spray tan...you'll thank yourself for spending the money with someone who does it for a living. You must exfoliate whole body before a spray tan. Ideally, you'll want to get this done about two days before.
-Waxing. Eyebrows, bikini, etc.
-Why not one more facial!!!
-Drink WATER!!!! 

Now, I know there are so many more things you can do before (Laser hair removal, Teeth whitening, botox, lash lifts, lash extensions), but at the very least taking care of yourself is the most important. 


...Don't forget to sleep!!!

​Happy wedding day!!!