Whether you've got a day, a week or more before the vows, here are some fun ways to bond, beautify and bliss out with your buds.

A Month to Go: Boost those Betrothed Booties!

Looking mahvelous (darling!) in your gown is high on the bridal priority list. And because we're all glamour gals at heart, honey, the femmes fatales accompanying you down the aisle need to look stunning too.

If you've got a month until your wedding consider enrolling yourself, your bridesmaids and moms in Cincinnati Adventure Bootcamp for Women, a transformative fitness regimen to which you will say "I do."

Besides literally working your butt off (but, hey, in a fun way), four weeks is all it takes to learn how to eat delish and nutritish, motivate your lazy bones, and bust stress. Plus, with locations in Blue Ash, Red Bank Road/Hyde Park and Florence, it's easy to reach.

Sweating (or "glistening" as owner Brian Calkins calls it) with your sweeties makes it more bearable while the nutrition, health and lifestyle tips will benefit everyone post-wedding. When you've set the wedding date, hook up fast as camps tend to sell out months in advance.

A Week to Go: Soothe with a Spa Soiree

Even those of us who have never had a wedding, (not naming names here, ahem) know that the week or two before is riddled with last minute changes and hassles (i.e. the "Straight Stress Express"). Unburdening yourself and your posse will help you all enjoy the actual event more.

Many spas in Cincinnati have bridal packages which include hair and makeup, but I'm talking about letting off steam. From the flower girl to the mother of the bride, who you include depends upon your budget. Consider massages, facials, body wraps, manis and pedis for a maxed relax session.

Work up a schedule with the spa's manager, including time for lunch. At Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa you are assigned a Bridal Beauty Planner to make sure you look your best. This wedding girlcan also plan a splendorific spa day for you and your ‘maids.

 Aimee Nienaber of Sableux Salon & Spa, in Crestview Hills, Ky., recommends asking guests which treatment they would like. If money's an issue, guests can add extra treatments if desired, at their expense. She also suggests bringing your own bubbly, as most spas don't serve alcohol.

Begin planning at least four months in advance for optimal treatment flow.

A Few Hours to Go: Star Stylistas

If most of your bridal party is out of town, waiting until the wedding day may be your only option, but it doesn't mean you have to skimp on the glam.

If your wedding is in the evening, go to a salon like Benzie Salon, in Blue Ash, that specializes in hair, makeup and nails. With 12 stylists, they can accommodate large bridal parties and even offer a 10 percent discount for bridal parties of three or more. Make it special by hiring your bridal limo to take you to the salon.

Got a.m. nuptials? It's probably easier to have the professionals come to you. A few of my local faves: Brideface (aka Nancy Dawson) has developed a niche doing makeup house calls befitting a Hollywood celeb. And the hair? Jimmy Thomas of Dylan Carter Salon in Hyde Park, specializes in stunning on-site bridal styles.

Congratulations to all you brides to be, and I'll see you at the spa!

 

PHOTO CREDITS

Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Models (left to right): Susan Dietrich and Gwen White, MTM Cincinnati
Makeup Artistry: Trina Paul
Wardrobe: Madison Avenue Bridal
Location: The McAlpin  

Candace Silvasy
		About the author:
		Candace Silvasy is Cincy Chic’s "Spa Chick." A spa PR consultant, author of Art of the Spa and creator of Spa Around the World, she is one mod Spa-shionista.
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Last update: 23-02-2009 20:14

Published in : Magazine Items, Beauty