How to plan a wedding beauty timeline inspired by Sofia Richie – we reveal celebrity brides Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle, Nicola Peltz and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ skincare journey ahead of the big day

Aug 5 , 2023

Set a beauty timeline for a fairy-tale wedding, like Sofia Richie, who had a months-long build-up including facials and therapies ahead of her big day. Photo: Handout

Vogue dubbed Richie’s nuptials ‘this year’s royal wedding’ thanks to 3 Chanel gowns and A-list make-up artist Pati Dubroff – it’s likely they planned her beauty journey a year in advance

How do the A-list do it? Kim K, Chopra Jonas and Markle had monthly facials, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy, while Nicola Peltz relied on her long-time facialist, Lena Bratschi

Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey, but amid all the dress choices and critical cake decisions, it’s easy for beauty prep to slip through the cracks. However, ever since Sofia Richie’s fairy-tale nuptials in April, dubbed “this year’s royal wedding” by Vogue, the world has been captivated by the possibilities of bridal beauty.

Sofia Richie on her wedding day. Photography: @patidubroff/Instagram

With three stunning custom Chanel gowns, her wedding was a breathtaking affair. But achieving that ethereal look didn’t happen overnight. Lionel Richie’s youngest daughter worked closely with A-list make-up artist Pati Dubroff, and the result was a testament to careful planning. Together they crafted a master plan months in advance as part of her wedding beauty timeline, a concept that’s taken the bridal industry by storm in the past decade.

The goal is enhancing natural features, creating an effortless and understated look that feels like you – an assignment Sofia Richie understood to perfection

Meticulously crafted steps span several months to a year, guiding brides through every aspect of the build-up to their special day. From booking the make-up artist to arranging customised facials, hair colour- and skin-boosting meal plans, and even selecting the ideal perfume, the goal is to have the bride looking her very best as she walks down the aisle.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas with husband Nick Jonas on her wedding day. Photo: Handout

However, while Richie may be the latest star to spill the beans about her prenuptial beauty game plan, she’s not the first. Priyanka Chopra Jonas had monthly curated facials leading up to her wedding; Kim Kardashian focused on achieving a radiant complexion through laser facials, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy; and Meghan Markle got months of facial massages to define cheekbones, sculpt her jawline and help improve skin texture.

A wedding beauty timeline is not exclusive to superstars, though, with the industry evolving to meet the demands of modern brides. From curated programmes offered by renowned beauty centres worldwide, to expert advice shared online by well-known beauty professionals like Renée Rouleau and Clementina Richardson, there’s an abundance of resources to guide brides through their beauty journey.

If you’re planning on having a professional do your make-up, it’s best to book a consultation about 12 months ahead to secure their availability. Most brides strive for smooth, blurred skin and a beautiful, glowy look that lasts from the aisle to the dance floor; however, you must go through some trial and error to achieve that.

Nudies All-Over colour sticks by Nudestix. Photo: Handout

At the end of the day, the goal is enhancing natural features, creating an effortless and understated look that feels like you – an assignment Richie understood to perfection. The secret behind her radiant complexion relied on experimenting for months before deciding on Nudies All-Over colour sticks by Nudestix as the main players in her wedding day make-up bag. As beauty director for the brand, she trusted the popular set of multitasking sticks to achieve a healthy complexion with a sun-kissed hint.

To achieve a flawless look, though, it’s essential to lay a smooth and radiant foundation. As brides approach the 10- or 11-month mark, they should establish a dedicated skincare routine that addresses their specific concerns. Significant improvements often take at least four months – and even longer for those dealing with skin conditions like acne or rosacea.

Meghan Markle on her wedding day. Photo: Handout