Everyone wants to look and feel their best on their wedding day and there can be a lot of pressure to do so. From beauty regimens to wellness routines, there’s no shortage of ways to prepare for the big day. We chatted with three of our past Sixpence brides to hear all about the self-care rituals and routines that helped them feel their most confident leading up to (and on!) their wedding day.
Past Sixpence brides – Brooklyn Roth captured by Julia Elise Co, Greer Byrne captured by Amavi, Lexie Appleby captured by Danielle Harris Photography
While there’s often a lot of focus on what the bride should do to look and feel her best, it’s just as important to stay connected as a couple throughout all the excitement. With so much happening, it’s easy to get caught up in the planning and start to feel disconnected.
“My husband and I set a weekly date night where we specifically did no wedding planning! Having one night a week to connect and love one another without engaging in the pressure of planning is so crucial to protect this sacred time + not get fully swept up in the busyness,” said Brooklyn Roth. “You’re planning your wedding as a step to a long, fulfilling, thriving future together – be sure to pour into it! Your relationship is always more important than the to-dos.”
Creating meaningful memories during the planning process can make this season even more special, just like Lexie + Austin Appleby did. “We found joy in the quirky and memorable moments – like cake tasting in our pajamas right in the living room, practicing our slow dance moves, or rehearsing our grand entrance. Plus, going to couples counseling during this time gave us space to strengthen our connection and communicate openly, which made the whole experience even more special.”
Past Sixpence brides – Brooklyn Roth, Greer Byrne, Lexie Appleby
While staying connected as a couple is essential, taking care of yourself individually is also important. Prioritizing your physical and mental wellness in the months leading up to your wedding can help you feel grounded, energized, and confident when your day arrives. From skincare routines to wellness habits, here’s how some of our Sixpence brides approached wellness during their wedding planning journey.
“Wellness is feeling my best – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually! My “wellness goal” for my wedding day + the festivities leading up were to feel fully like myself. The work and care that I put into my body prior to my wedding led to feeling proud, accomplished, and nurtured on the day of,” said Brooklyn.
Rigorous routines often aren’t sustainable or reasonable in a time as busy as wedding planning. Both Brooklyn + Greer focused on moving their bodies every day and nutrition.
“I prioritized strength training 3x a week, some form of cardio 2x a week, and walking 10-12k steps daily. Regarding nutrition, I focused on clean, whole foods. Think a protein, a vegetable, and a carb for most meals – things that are less processed and fresh,” said Brooklyn.
“I enjoyed regular infrared sauna sessions and getting 10-20k steps daily as I prepped for my wedding. I wanted to look and feel myself, so I focused on my health and immunity-building to not be sick for any wedding events instead of trying to make physical changes,” said Greer Byrne.
Past Sixpence brides – Brooklyn Roth, Greer Byrne, Lexie Appleby
Wellness lays the foundation, but skincare routines are where many brides find a sense of creativity and self-expression. Whether it’s glowing skin, a new skincare regimen, or perfecting a signature look, investing time in your routine can help you feel radiant and confident on your wedding day. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to skincare prior to your wedding, Face Foundrie (a Sixpence Preferred Vendor) has a great skincare guide leading up to your day. Check it out here! Use code 20SIXPENCE for 20% off your first visit.
Here’s how our Sixpence brides approached their skin prep in the months leading up to “I do.”
“I followed a very specific skincare regimen prior to our wedding, with monthly facials at Raye Skin Studio in Westfield! We kept my day to day routine simple and focused on light exfoliation and hydration for maximum glowy, glass skin,” said Greer.
“Starting 5 months out – I got a facial each month at Raye Skin Studio which helped my skin to stay super hydrated. I made sure to not try any new products in the months leading up to avoid a breakout – and wore minimal makeup! I didn’t feel I needed fancy or expensive skincare products – just sticking to clean ingredients + minimal junk really helped,” said Brooklyn.
There can be a lot of pressure to change up your entire beauty regimen leading up to your wedding, which can ultimately lead you to feeling not like yourself. Brooklyn suggests that you focus on finding ways to enhance your look vs. changing everything up. “Find beauty protocols and products that enhance YOUR natural beauty – not ones that change it! You want to feel like the most full, beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day, not like someone else! I don’t recommend: crash dieting, major hair changes, last min botox, or weight loss supplements of any kind. Your body needs more support – not less!”
Past Sixpence brides – Brooklyn Roth, Greer Byrne, Lexie Appleby
After months of caring for your body, mind, and skin, the week before your wedding is all about supporting the routines you’ve built and giving yourself space to fully soak in the moment. The week of your wedding isn’t the time for drastic changes, it’s a time to rest, reflect, and trust the work you’ve already put in. Here’s how our brides stayed grounded and glowing in those final few days before their vows.
“Wedding week can bring SO MANY emotions – I found myself falling back to the basics of my routine on this week. I weight lifted a couple times, and mostly just tried to squeeze in a walk wherever I could! This week it’s crucial to not introduce foods that you haven’t eaten in a while to avoid a breakout or upset stomach. Move your body daily, eat foods your body needs to be nourished, and enjoy the time with family and friends,” said Brooklyn.
“I’d recommend the week leading up to your wedding trying to limit sodium, processed carbs, and alcohol. I also recommend drinking your body weight in ounces of water (120 lbs = 120 oz of water daily) to help reduce water retention. I’d also couple this with a lymphatic drainage massage, infrared sauna, etc. for maximum results. I did this, and it helped reduce any puffiness like a charm,” said Greer.
And don’t forget about your fiance, Brooklyn reminds us. “Slot in time for you + your future spouse to spend time alone together in the 48 hours prior to wedding day! Whether it’s a date night, a slow coffee date, or a long walk – make time for the two of you to connect without outside distraction so you can enter your wedding connected and at peace.”
Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d done differently in your pre-wedding wellness journey?
“I wish I hadn’t put so much pressure on myself! Social media makes it seem like you need to completely transform yourself before your wedding – when in reality, you want to feel more like yourself. All that you care about on your wedding day is that you’re marrying the love of your life – everything else falls to the wayside.”
Brooklyn + Nick, captured by Julia Elise Co.
Loving the inspo? Looking for something specific? Email our creative team any time at creative@thesixpence.com. We’re dedicated to providing resources and inspiration that help guide and support your wedding planning journey. Be sure to follow the fun on Instagram @the_sixpence and our upcoming sister venue @westwoodvenue
And don’t forget to RSVP for our June 1st Spring/Summer Open House at The Sixpence! Come enjoy light bites, signature sips, a DIY charm bracelet bar, raffles, tours, and all the summer fun. Drop by any time or stay all day. Open to the public, free to attend | 6.1, 1 -5 pm.
As the co-owner and designer of The Sixpence, Shelby Dempsey brings her extensive background in wedding photography and videography to create a purpose-built venue that blends aesthetics with functionality. After capturing nearly 400 weddings across the country and internationally, Shelby designed The Sixpence with a photographer’s eye, ensuring that every space not only looks beautiful but also serves the practical needs of both couples and photographers on their special day.
