SOME will say that the pen is mightier than the sword, but mightiest of all is the make-up brush – in the right hands of course.

This article was featured in our Weddings 2025 magazine – you can read the full magazine here!

Make-up has the power to completely transform and change you into someone unrecognisable and … that’s exactly what experts say you don’t want to do on your wedding day.

In fact many leading make-up artists (MUAs) dislike the term ‘bridal make up’ in the first place – as it suggests a whole different set of rules, or a different approach for this occasion. Really, the vibe is all about enhancing yourself – you’re already lovely!

Of course skin preparation is always advised, but the message to brides-to-be is not to have cosmetic work done simply because they’re getting married.

That doesn’t make sense! Lip fillers just because you’re walking up the aisle? Nah!

Slow things down, take a breath, find yourself a qualified and trusted skin therapist and book in for a consultation.

They will assess your skin, figure out what treatments, if any, will benefit you (in general, and not just on the wedding day) and what skincare regime to follow.

Ultimately, achieving good skin health is where a lot of your focus should be and this is even more important than usual as the trend for brides right now is to look more glowy, than concealed. Farewell heavy contours – the trend is for skin to look dewy and light.

But as your wedding day (most likely) will be the day when you’re most photographed, it’s about finding the balance between a foundation that looks dewy, but still provides enough coverage to look good on camera.

This is where the expertise of your MUA will come into play as they’ll know from experience what will endure, what won’t transfer to your gown, what will look well in snaps, but not too heavy in person.

And this is why trials are crucial – sometimes more than one – as it’s not something that can be rushed on the day.

Once this is right, you’re on the home run basically.

The tried and tested advice for bridal make up is to adopt a classic look but it’s really a matter of taste.

If you’re getting married abroad, don’t forget that adjustments will need to be made to deal with high temperatures and humidity; and it goes without saying that you should never (ever) try a new product in the run up to the day, regardless of what it promises to do for your skin.

For on-trend brides tying the knot over the coming months, it’s all about dramatic eyes, or at the very least using winged liner.

If that feels like a step too far, have it for a second look for after-dinner dancing.

Lips are glossy – or matte, depending on who you believe and a statement red looks great on a winter bride.

Fake lashes are always popular with brides, particularly individual lashes, but on-trend brides are having fun with coloured lash wings.

It’s gimmicky but sometimes you need a bit of that.

And remember, most important of all is to smile. Say cheese!

This article was featured in our Weddings 2025 magazine – you can read the full magazine here!