11 Bridal Beauty Mistakes to Avoid on Your Big Day

You've made and checked your wedding checklist too many times to count, you've visited your perfect venue so many times you could get there in your sleep, and you've figured out all the hazy details behind changing your last name.

While you're guaranteed to look gorgeous going down the aisle (you'll have that bridal glow, after all), you need to know all of the pretty pitfalls to keep an eye out for on your wedding day. Sure, you may have booked your makeup artist already, but that's not nearly enough. From spray tans to what to wear during your makeover, we've got all the tips you need to know to keep your day as stress-free as possible. Source: Getty / Paul Archuleta

Not getting a makeup trial.
Getty | Fernanda Calfat

Not getting a makeup trial.

As you walk down the aisle toward your spouse-to-be, you don't want the first look at you to be of abject horror because you look like a caricature of yourself. At the very least, don't book a makeup artist without seeing a portfolio of his or her work! You didn't do that for your photographer, so why would you do that for something as important as your face? This goes for your bridesmaids, too!

Not knowing what you want.
Getty | JP Yim

Not knowing what you want.

While you pin affordable wedding favors and honeymoon destinations, make sure you pin bridal-beauty inspiration. Not having an idea of what you want your makeup to look like on your wedding day is setting you up for disappointment and your makeup artist up for frustration. Just like hairstylists, makeup artists like having a framework to work with. The more specific your inspiration images are, the more likely you'll look exactly how you want.

Trying something outside of your comfort zone.
Getty | Fernanda Calfat

Trying something outside of your comfort zone.

If you've never rocked a red lip in your life, don't make the big day your first day trying it. You want to look like a glamorous version of yourself — not someone totally different. Plus, any cold feet are bound to be exacerbated by a beauty style that makes you uneasy.

Not wearing a button-up shirt when you get your makeup done.
Getty | Randy Brooke

Not wearing a button-up shirt when you get your makeup done.

The last thing you want is to ruin your hair and makeup by simply removing your t-shirt before putting on your gown. Choosing a top that buttons will let you strip down without smudging your face. If you have a gown that you can't step into, be sure to protect it from your makeup by lining it with towels before you put it on.

Trying something trendy.
Getty | Fernanda Calfat

Trying something trendy.

As much as a contoured complexion and eyebrows on fleek are popular now, they will likely not be the trend du jour when you're showing your wedding album to your grandchildren. Prevent teasing from future progeny by keeping your look classic. Channel Kate Middleton, and you simply can't lose!

Skipping primer, powder, and setting spray.
Getty | Fernanda Calfat

Skipping primer, powder, and setting spray.

You might forgo all these steps on a regular basis, but your wedding day is not when to cut corners. Not only will these products help your makeup last from getting your hair done through a sweaty performance of the Cupid Shuffle, but they'll make you look flawless (not shiny!) in your photos. The last thing you want to do is spend precious wedding moments in the bathroom fixing smudges and smears.

Wearing makeup with SPF.
Getty | Fernanda Calfat

Wearing makeup with SPF.

We know, we know — how could we tell you to skip SPF on one of the most special days of your life? Turns out, some mineral sunscreens (particularly titanium dioxide) found in foundation can make camera flashes appear white on your skin. You don't want to look back at photos and discover an uncanny resemblance to Casper. Try an SPF setting powder if your ceremony is outdoors.

Wearing the wrong false lashes.
IMAXTREE | Armando Grillo

Wearing the wrong false lashes.

There's nothing wrong with adding some extra flair to your fringe, but if your wedding guests can tell your lashes are fake before you're at the altar, you've gone too far. Try semipermanent lash extensions instead — they'll last through the honeymoon. And since you need to get them put on a few days before the wedding, you'll have time to get used to them.

Trying to get a tan too late.
Getty | Randy Brooke

Trying to get a tan too late.

First of all, you shouldn't be laying out in a bikini with the goal of looking golden for your wedding — it's bad for your skin and will create unseemly tan lines. If you want to get your glow on, go for a spray tan instead! Don't visit the tanning salon any later than two days before your wedding, as you don't want to stain your white dress. Read more of our bridal spray-tan tips.

Not wearing lip liner.
IMAXTREE | Daniele Oberrauch

Not wearing lip liner.

Lip pencil isn't just for older women and Kylie Jenner fans! No matter what color you're puckering up with, you should line and fill your pout with a matching pencil. Applying pencil first will ensure a long-lasting, budge-proof kiss.

Forgetting to bring a touch-up kit in the right colors.
Getty | Randy Brooke

Forgetting to bring a touch-up kit in the right colors.

Since you got a makeup trial and know exactly what you'll look like on your wedding day, you can (and must!) go out and buy the same lip shade, blush, concealer, mascara, and nail lacquer for emergency quick fixes. You should also have hair spray, deodorant, eye drops, makeup remover wipes, cotton swabs, and anything else you could need . . . just in case. Ask your maid of honor to hold on to your kit on the big day. Download this checklist for brides to be totally prepared.