The phrase “high-maintenance to be low-maintenance” has gone viral for a reason—it’s all about putting in a little effort now to make life easier later. For brides, that means investing in the right facials, tweakments, and long-lasting treatments so you can wake up looking polished without the constant upkeep. From laser hair removal to baby Botox, keratin treatments that tame humidity, and BIAB manicures that outlast the honeymoon, these are the long-game habits that do the heavy lifting—because the secret to being a “low-maintenance bride” is knowing exactly when to be a little high-maintenance.
LED Light Therapy
A low-effort treatment with big results, LED therapy uses targeted wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen, calm inflammation, and fade breakouts over time. You can do professional sessions in a clinic or use a medical-grade at-home mask for consistent results. Start incorporating it a few months before your wedding and keep it up weekly. It’s one of the simplest ways to maintain that post-facial radiance right through to the honeymoon.
Eyebrow Tinting & Lash Lift
Wake up camera-ready with brow tinting and a lash lift or tint. These quick treatments add definition, shape, and color that last several weeks—no mascara or brow pencils required. Test them a few months in advance, then book your final session one to two weeks before the big day. The result: open eyes, structured brows, and effortless polish that holds up through tears, humidity, and late nights.
Baby Botox
Less “frozen face,” more fresh and rested. Baby Botox uses smaller, precise doses of botulinum toxin to soften expression lines while preserving natural movement—perfect for smoothing the forehead, crow’s feet, or frown lines. The results develop gradually and last three to four months, so book your first session around that timeline. It’s a subtle tweak that leaves you looking like you, just a little more well-rested.
Laser Hair Removal
A commitment now for complete freedom later, laser hair removal targets hair follicles with concentrated light, gradually reducing regrowth with each session. Begin at least six months before your wedding to allow time for the recommended series, especially if you’re treating larger areas. By the big day, you’ll have smooth, maintenance-free skin with no razors, waxing, or frantic last-minute appointments required.
Huy Luong, Stephane Martinelli
Hair Oiling at Home
A centuries-old ritual that’s made its way back into modern beauty routines, hair oiling is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward treatment. Using nourishing oils like argan, rosemary, or amla strengthens strands, soothes the scalp, and adds shine that even the best serum can’t replicate. Massage it in once or twice a week, leave it overnight, and rinse out the next morning. Start three to four months before your wedding, and your hair will be smoother, softer, and visibly healthier by the time you walk down the aisle.
BIAB Manicure
The secret to strong, glossy nails that last through every event. BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is a strengthening gel formula applied like polish but with the durability of an overlay, protecting your natural nails and encouraging growth. It lasts up to four weeks without chipping, making it ideal for brides with multiple pre-wedding occasions or travel plans. Start a few months ahead to test your shade and nail tech, and book your final manicure two to three days before the wedding for a flawless finish.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Part sculpting, part self-care, and entirely worth it. Lymphatic drainage uses rhythmic, gentle pressure to reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and leave you feeling lighter. Start monthly about three months out, then move to weekly sessions in the final weeks. It’s one of those treatments where you’ll both see the difference and feel it: calm, de-puffed, and glowing.
Teeth Whitening
A bright, confident smile is the easiest upgrade. If you’re opting for an in-office treatment, schedule it four to six weeks before your wedding to allow for settling and sensitivity to fade. For custom at-home trays, begin two to three months out for a more gradual, gentle brightening. Maintain results with occasional touch-ups so your smile stays subtly radiant — the kind of glow that catches the light every time you laugh.
HydraFacials
Loved for its instant, camera-ready glow, the HydraFacial combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration in one gentle treatment. It removes buildup while infusing the skin with nourishing serums that leave it plump and dewy with no redness or downtime. Start monthly about three to six months before your wedding, then go biweekly closer to the date for that fresh, even finish. It’s the kind of glow that looks like skincare, not makeup.
Gradual Tan
For a believable, sun-kissed glow that builds slowly and evenly, a gradual tan is the way to go. These lotion-like formulas add subtle color with each application, letting you control depth and tone without the pressure of a spray tan. Start using one a few months before your wedding to find your perfect shade and maintain it with regular exfoliation and hydration. By the time the big day arrives, you’ll have a natural, consistent glow that looks like sun-kissed skin, not self-tanner.
Keratin or Brazilian Blowout
For frizz-free hair that actually behaves, both keratin and Brazilian blowout treatments smooth and strengthen the cuticle, but with slightly different results. Keratin gives a sleeker, straighter finish, while Brazilian blowouts tame frizz while keeping your natural texture intact. Start three to four months before your wedding, with a touch-up a few weeks out if needed. The payoff: glossy, low-effort hair that looks just as polished on day five as it did on day one.
Dry Brushing
A quick ritual that makes a real difference in skin texture. Using a natural-bristle brush on dry skin before your shower helps exfoliate, boost circulation, and leave your body feeling smoother and more energized. It’s not a miracle detox, but it does create a subtle glow — especially when followed with a lightweight body oil to seal in moisture. Start a month or two before the wedding and brush two to three times a week for your softest, most photo-ready skin.
