A Northeast Georgia Wedding Expert’s Top Beauty Mistakes Brides Make on Their Wedding Day

(and How to Avoid Them)

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed and memorable moments of your life, so naturally, you want to look and feel your best. But amidst all the planning, it’s easy to overlook beauty-related details that could lead to stress, discomfort, or even mishaps. From trying new skincare treatments last-minute to underestimating the effects of humidity, here are the top beauty mistakes brides often make—and how to avoid them, ensuring you look radiant for your wedding at venues like Chapman Hill.

1. Experimenting with New Skincare Treatments Too Close to the Wedding

It’s tempting to try the latest facial or skincare treatment in the months leading up to your wedding. However, introducing new products or treatments too close to your big day can lead to breakouts or irritation.

How to Avoid It: Stick with your regular skincare routine for at least three months before the wedding. If you want a facial, schedule it at least a week in advance to allow any redness or breakouts to subside.

A radiant bride puts on the finishing touches in the elegant comfort of Chapman Hill’s bridal suite.

photo: @austyn_seitz_photography

2. Overdoing It with Spray Tans or Self-Tanners

While a sun-kissed glow is a popular bridal look, a streaky, uneven tan can ruin the overall appearance. Brides often opt for a last-minute spray tan or new self-tanner, leading to patches or an unnatural shade.

How to Avoid It: Schedule a trial spray tan at least a month before the wedding to ensure the shade is right. Get your final spray tan two to three days before the wedding to allow it to settle and fade to a natural glow.

Take your time, soak it all in, and get ready in style—Chapman Hill’s bridal suite was made for moments like these.

photo: Stepping Stones Photo

3. Skipping a Hair and Makeup Trial

A trial run for your hair and makeup is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises. Without a trial, you might end up with a hairstyle that doesn’t suit your dress or makeup that feels too heavy.

How to Avoid It: Book a hair and makeup trial at least 1-2 months before the wedding. Bring inspiration photos but remain open to your artist’s recommendations. Make sure to wear a light-colored top to see how the makeup complements a bridal look.

A gorgeous bride gets the finishing touches on her elegant hairstyle and veil as she prepares for her special day, with the help of a stylist in the bridal suite.

Hair and Makeup - @catiehoydichair

4. Neglecting Waterproof Makeup

Emotions run high on wedding day, and between happy tears and hours of dancing, non-waterproof makeup won’t hold up. The last thing you want is mascara streaking or foundation melting off.

How to Avoid It: Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner to keep things in place. Set your makeup with a long-lasting setting spray, and carry oil-blotting sheets to touch up without disturbing your makeup.

Be sure to choose products that can withstand each tender moment of your big day.

photo - @southernframe_studio | coordinator - @lovelydayweddings

5. Not Prepping Your Lips Properly

Dry, cracked lips can make even the most beautiful lipstick look uneven. Brides often focus on skincare but forget about lip care, especially since they’ll be kissing and smiling all day.

How to Avoid It: Exfoliate and hydrate your lips in the weeks leading up to the wedding. On the day of, apply a hydrating lip mask before lipstick, and choose a long-lasting lipstick that won’t dry out your lips.

Classic makeup never goes out of style—it’s timeless for a reason.

photo: Stepping Stones Photo

6. Choosing the Wrong Foundation Shade or Formula

A mismatched foundation can make you look unnatural in photos. Flash photography can make certain formulas appear shiny or washed out.

How to Avoid It: Match your foundation to your neck and chest, not just your face. Choose a long-wearing, medium-to-full coverage foundation and avoid formulas with high SPF, as they can cause flashback.

The natural glow of a bride on her wedding day is the ultimate skin formula

HAMU - @manesbymicahs | photo - @photography.byjulien | coordination - @lovelydayweddings

7. Forgetting About Humidity, Sweat, and Weather Conditions

Outdoor weddings, especially at venues like Chapman Hill, can be affected by weather. Humidity or sweat can ruin your hair and makeup if you're not prepared.

How to Avoid It: Choose a humidity-resistant setting spray and mattifying products to control shine. For hair, work with your stylist to select a humidity-proof style, such as an updo that’s less likely to wilt.

For those warmer months, a pretty hand fan is our go-to tip for staying cool and keeping your beauty look fresh all day.

photo - @valentino_lauren @kchesbro | floral - @jldesignsweddings | coordinator - @georgiadollevents

8. Overloading on Highlighter or Glitter

A little glow is great, but too much highlighter or glitter can make your face look greasy or unnatural under flash photography.

How to Avoid It: Apply a subtle highlighter to key areas like your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow. Opt for soft shimmer over chunky glitter to avoid an overly shiny look.

Chapman Hill’s bridal suite is a salon-quality space with plenty of room for your hair and makeup team to work their magic in comfort and style.

coordinator - sarah copeland | photo - @carinmcmillianphoto | floral - jana fredricks

9. Ignoring Your Nails Until the Last Minute

Chipped nails or neglected cuticles can put a damper on close-up photos, especially ring shots.

How to Avoid It: Schedule a manicure 1-2 days before the wedding, choosing a neutral or classic color that complements your dress and flowers. Bring along a touch-up polish for any emergencies.

A joyful moment captured as a bride, dressed in white, shares a laugh with her bridesmaids in navy robes, surrounded by warmth and friendship.

photo - @johnandkymcreativeco | coordinator - @georgiadollevents

10. Not Getting Enough Sleep or Hydration

Beauty products can only do so much—if you’re dehydrated or haven’t had enough sleep, it’ll show on your skin and in your eyes.

How to Avoid It: Drink plenty of water leading up to your wedding to keep your skin hydrated. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.

Your wedding day should be a celebration of love and joy, and your beauty routine should reflect that. By planning ahead and avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you look and feel amazing from the first look to the last dance, whether you're exchanging vows at Chapman Hill or another special venue.