5 things brides freak out about before the big day

Weddings and freak outs go hand in hand. There is a lot of pressure and build-up put on the shoulders of this one day and it’s only natural for the bride (and I’m sure groom too!) to worry about one, or 10, things.
As bridal season is just around the corner, and with a new sparkling ring taking up residency on my left hand, it’s the perfect time to ask, what do brides freak out about before the big day?
Freak out #1 – Being photographed
Your wedding day would be right up there with one of the most photographed days of your life, so having a make-up look that translates through the lens is vital! It was also what bh’s Rosie was most worried about. "Having never had my make-up done professionally before, I was beyond apprehensive about letting someone do my make-up on the most important – and most photographed! – day of my life,” says Rosie.
“The lip colour I chose was an absolute winner on the day – Nars Satin Lipstick in Rosecliff. It's a soft nude/pink hue that perfectly defined my lips in photographs."
It’s also important to remember that flash photography is quite intense and some make-up with SPF can cause a white-cast to show up in the pictures. To avoid looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost, try using products with SPF 15 or lower.
bh recommends:
- M.A.C Face and Body Foundation
- L'Oréal Paris Infallible Liquid Foundation
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($95, myer.com.au)
RELATED: Choose the perfect base for your big day
Freak out #2 – Getting a cold sore
Cold sores are notorious at popping their ugly heads up when it’s least convenient, and a wedding day would take the cake. bh’s Astrid was also crossing her fingers one wouldn’t pop up.
“I am so susceptible to cold sores when I've been out in the sun, and since I got married while on a Euro summer holiday, I really put myself in the danger zone! Knowing how prone I am to them though, I packed a ton of ViraproX Lip Balm and COMPEED® Invisible Cold Sore Patches into my suitcase and took a daily dose of Lysine to keep any inkling of one far, far away from my pucker,” says Astrid.
But if one of those suckers does spring up, we have you covered. Apply concealer to the area (work in layers if you need to) and then set with a matte, pressed powder. Opt for a lipstick with a longwearing formula that won’t slip and move throughout the day.
bh recommends:
RELATED: What you need to know about cold sores
Freak out #3 – Not loving the finished look
There are so many variables that come into play with bridal make-up: Too much, not enough, and ultimately not loving the look you end up with. For bh’s Sarah this was one of her major concerns and unfortunately it became a reality. “To be honest I didn't really like my make-up on the day,” says Sarah.
But don’t panic straight away, because even if your make-up look isn’t what you were originally after, it can be fixed! “In the end I added a bit more colour to my cheeks, darker eyeliner and added my own lipstick,” Sarah continues.
Keeping an emergency make-up stash on hand just in case you need to do a few tweaks is the way to go. Think along the lines of make-up eraser sticks to remove mistakes, individual false eyelashes for adding more drama, and a refreshing setting spray for when things are looking too heavy.
bh recommends:
- Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks
- bodyography Ready, Set, Go Makeup Setting Spray
- e.l.f. cosmetics Individual Lash Kit
RELATED: The best bridal beauty looks of the year
Freak out #4 – Too many options
Deciding what feature element you want your make-up look to have is a tough choice. With so many options available, narrowing it down can be tough and bh’s Michelle felt the pressure of the decision! “My big wedding day make-up issue was whether to go for a strong lip or not. I love the dramatic look and it suited my dress, but I was stuck weighing it up against a smoky eye and natural lip,” says Michelle.
“In the end the lower-maintenance nude lip (M.A.C Cremesheen Glass in Deelight) won out. It was a good decision as I went hours without checking or touching up my make-up on the day and it wasn't an issue.”
Whether you opt for a dark or neutral lip, go for something that is comfortable and isn’t too drying on the lips – the last thing you want to be worrying about is high-maintenance make-up.
bh recommends:
- Clinique Long Last Lipstick
- Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick
- Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick ($36, mecca.com.au)
RELATED: The most popular lipsticks and their dupes
Freak out #5 – Breaking out
bh’s Alicia went into panic mode when she starting breaking out two weeks before her big day. “I had a complete breakout of pimples all around my chin and above my lip which never happens to me,” says Alicia.
“I went back to my old trusty QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser and also Dr. LeWinn's Multi-Moisture Multi-Use Balm to hydrate my skin once the pimples had dried up. Lucky for me they cleared up the day before my big day and my make-up was perfect.”
Thank goodness for make-up though, so if a pimple does rear its head, try using a tinted treatment to help it on its way.
bh recommends:
- Dermalogica MediBac™ Concealing Spot Treatment
- Clearasil Daily Clear Tinted Pimple Treatment Cream
- Natio Young Tinted Spot Cream
RELATED: Watch: How to cover a pimple with make-up
What did you freak out about on your wedding day? What do you think you would worry about when it comes to your make-up look?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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91 Member Comments
I would do my own makeup. I have for all the big events in my life. I feel like I know my own face better than any MUA could
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I would be a nervous wreck the day before my wedding
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Hubby and I eloped.
Our witnesses were our two besties...
Makeup was kept simple.
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I hate being photographed too.
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Can't imagine the feeling of not liking your final look when you've been all-glammed up. I'd really freak out!
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I had the worst experience with my wedding photographer.
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I had pimples at my wedding!
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My wedding was very low key, so there were no freak outs!
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Even though I am not married, I can completely understand these freak outs.
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Keep it simple and don't be a bridezilla.
I spoke to a restaurant owner in December who said he isn't doing wedding receptions anymore because he is sick of bridezillas (his words),
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I've promised myself that I won't freak out during my wedding! But after reading this article, I'm not too sure!
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SPF is not the problem. The problem is physical sunscreen. If u use a chemical sunscreen you can go up to 'Spf 50+
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I didn't think about any of this stuff when I got married to be honest. In regards to not liking the look; they do a trial before your actual day to ensure what you want' maybe this doesn't happen anymore?! I have been married for 10 years :P LOL
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Yes these all ring true. So stressful! Love the tips. Well done BH!
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I think I am most worried about break-outs and looking good in our photos. Little blemishes can be covered with makeup however bigger ones still looks obvious so I am going to stick to a good skincare routine and healthy eating before hand.
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Recently I had to get my photos taken and got my makeup done professionally (3 different times). Unbeknownst to me the makeup artist applied a mismatched pair of faux lashes on my lash line for the last photoshoot. I noticed the slight difference when I looked in the mirror to inspect my makeup but thought I'm over analyzing things until I took the lashes off when I came home. I can see why brides would feel anxiety putting trust in a makeup artist to do their makeup properly.
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I'm so nervous I am going to break out on my wedding day. Hoping to clear my skin before then!
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Back in the day I got married, it was just basic make-up and get there on time. I think I was more worried about what my mother in law was going to wear and her horrid make-up that she wore. I think she spoiled all the photos we had taken.
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I didn’t have too many freak outs, I did try to increase my water intake, look after my skin better etc.
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I didn't have any of those thankfully! I was too focussed on getting to my honeymoon destination the next day lol! I was so excited!
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I’m so nervous about getting my makeup done on my wedding day by someone else and hating it!
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A makeup artist neighbour of a friend of mine did my makeup. Can't even remember what she used, but I know I liked my makeup, so that's the main thing! :)
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I loved my hair and makeup for my wedding, but when I was a bridesmaid I looked like a drag queen.... not good.
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I absolutely hated my hair and makeup for my wedding! I regret not having the courage to say something
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Oh god not liking my makeup and having acne before the big day would totally freak me out!
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