Hands down, destination weddings are the way to go. Speaking from experience, I just returned, well back in April I returned from my very own destination wedding. So recently, when a bride-to-be asked about my experiences and to give her some advise I was excited to oblige and relive some special moments. Beauty speaking, I have to admit was at the top of my list of importance. After all, I was the bride, it was my day, so I should be the best dressed and done up! Right?

So for you brides-to-be getting ready for your destination weddings here is my advice:

First things first, you must get yourself an Eccotique Bride Guide. View it online or better yet pick one up at any Eccotique Spa. This little book saved me from so much stress by doing the thinking for me. Each month for the 12 months leading up to your big day, Eccotique has put together an easy and simple beauty check list, from tasks like booking those important hair colouring appointments with my stylist, to eating healthy energy inducing foods. Leave the thinking to Eccotique, pick up a Bride Guide NOW and never worry that you might be forgetting something.

I could go one and one about all the prepping I did, (multiple colour appointment to get that just perfect blond hue, many months of NOT biting my nails and reapplying OPI’s nail envy, looking at hundreds of make-up photos for the perfect colours, searching high and low for the cutest designer heels, dress shopping, dress shopping and more dress shopping….) Ooopsy, sorry about that, didn’t mean to go on and on. Your beauty prep list can be as long or as short as you please, so if I could narrow it down to a few essentials I would advise you focus on hands, face and feet.

Hands are number 1 in my book because no matter how humble you might be about showing off your engagement ring, you love it when someone asks you to show it, you love to show it, and frankly a set of beautifully manicured nails is the best accessory to highlight your bling! No matter what manicure you choose, the best way too go is to upgrade your polish to Shellac. Like getting a set of gel nails, once the polish is applied you place your hands under the cool UV lights and the polish cures in a matter of a few seconds. No more waiting for 20min after your manicure, only to reach into your purse, messing it up 21min later. No more chipping! EVER! Now this is a serious selling feature for me. I absolutely hate having to think about my nails after I leave the spa, having to be aware when I chip my polish, then having to touch it up myself. Way too much hassle. With Shellac, the colour is so strong it stays until you choose to have it removed. So for destination wedding brides, you can have your manicure done a few days before leaving and I assure you it will last up to three weeks after. Sweet bliss!

The second thing on my list would be feet. Mainly because I always had this dream that I would walk down the aisle in some super expensive designer heels, and wouldn’t even dare to step foot into them unless my feet were looking their best. So when I finally found my perfect pair, (Badgley Mischka’s), and then a second perfect pair, (Michael Kors) I knew it was time to choose my pedicure colour! I was even more excited to find out that Eccotique had a special offer on pedicures for brides. At $39.95 for a basic pedicure, one could have this service done every week really. Well that’s a bit much, but you get my point, best price in town for the services Eccotique offers. If you are like me, love the heat and have chosen a hot destination for your wedding I would also recommend booking in for a Shellac polish upgrade on your toes. Believe me, it’s a must in my opinion. The minute we arrived in Mexico the first thing we all did was hit the beach, and I’m telling you, I was the ONLY girl to leave the sand without a chip in my pedi polish, thanks to Shellac! Did I mention that my colour even lasted 3 weeks after my wedding? Make sure to mention you want this service when you are booking so they book enough time.

Ok, last but certainly not least, number three would have to be your face. More specifically your eyelashes. Who wants to have running mascara on their big day? Who hates waterproof mascara? And who thinks applying mascara before going to the beach or pool is so not cool? I DO! Your solution, (and it’s not being totally granola and going without long lashes), I would be the last to advise on this, as for most of my life the one thing I would NEVER leave the house without putting on was my mascara. What I am advising you on is getting a set of lash extensions before setting sail, or before lift off, or before you leave on your trip where ever that may be. They will allow you the freedom of having the perfect dark, long lashes without the hassle of applying mascara all day long. Move aside Kim K, cause you’ll be the fairest one on your big day.

Oh, almost forgot!! If a cruise ship wedding is more your style, I recommend choosing CruiseShip-Wedding. CruiseShip-Wedding is a Vancouver based Destination Wedding Agency that specializes in Cruise Ship Weddings. Not only will they provide you with information on the best Wedding package to choose, but their team will assist you in booking your cruise and wedding for your entire group! They also have a special Free Cocktail Party Offer for groups of 16 cabins and more!

Check out their website www.cruiseship-wedding.com for details!

Now I think you are a little more prepared for your big day. You are going to be beautiful I know it.

Good luck, have fun and Bon Voyage!