Body Language
We’re willing to bet that if there’s one thing that’s slipped through the cracks during the planning process, it’s you. You’ve been so busy taking care of the details, that you probably haven’t had a spare moment to relax and pamper yourself for all your hard work. A trip to the spa is in order, not only to help you smooth out your frayed nerves, but to check out the various treatments that you can enjoy on your wedding day.
It used to be that the word spa would bring about thoughts of affluent women flying off to exotic locations for a week of treatments and healthy eating. But the truth is that spas and day spas can be found in nearly every city, from stand alone facilities, to hotel spas, to full-service hair salons and dental spas. If you’re unsure where to find a spa that provides the services you’re looking for, there are a number of places to look. You can ask friends, family members, or your hair stylist for recommendations, or take a look at the health, beauty, and fitness section of Weddingpages magazine for a listing of the best professionals in your area.
Before you book their services, be sure to do a bit of homework on the spa you’ve chosen. See if they have a website that outlines the services and packages they offer, along with the prices for treatments. Just like restaurants, different spas have different menus of treatments and services; it’s in your best interest to shop around to find the one that’s right for you. If you’re not sure which treatments to try, we’ve tracked down a list of the most popular procedures that brides choose.
Facials
Creating skin that’s in the best possible condition for your wedding day can be achieved with regular facials. A basic facial is a procedure that uses a combination of massage, products, and sometimes extractions to remove dirt, oils, and buildup from the face to reveal newer, more youthful appearing skin beneath. Nearly every spa has their own menu of facials, so it’s important to discuss your goals with the esthetician so that he or she can analyze your skin and help you choose the facial that’s best for you.
If you’re planning to wear a backless gown for the wedding, many spas also offer back facials. This procedure deep cleans the skin on your back through exfoliation and massage followed by moisturizing treatment. The result is clear, glowing skin for your celebration.
Massages
The most popular massage and the one that most everyone is familiar with is the Swedish massage. During a Swedish massage a therapist uses long, sweeping strokes to increase circulation and relax the muscles. Though the technique is not penetrating or muscle specific, you can usually request a light or firm touch to achieve your desired results.
If you’re looking for deeper relaxation, try a therapeutic massage. During a therapeutic massage, your therapist will ask you about the goals you hope to achieve from the massage, such as relief from aches and pains, stress relief, or total relaxation. The therapist can then tailor his or her technique to help you achieve the best results.
A deep tissue massage concentrates on a specific area of the body that needs extra attention. During this intense procedure, the therapist uses all of his or her strength to remove excess lactic acid out of the muscle and encourage proper circulation to the area. This type of massage is perfect for athletes or those who’ve found that regular massage techniques barely scratch the surface.
One of the newest and most popular spa offerings is the hot stone massage. Aches and pains are melted away using warm, flat stones that are strategically placed on the body. The therapist then uses the stones in combination with massage oil to work your muscles into a deep state of relaxation with long, sweeping strokes.
You should plan to arrive a few minutes early for your massage, so that you’ll have time to prepare. Different spas have different preparation recommendations, so you may be asked to take a quick shower or just simply remove your clothing and wrap yourself in a robe that they provide. You’ll most likely be nude during your massage, but don’t be embarrassed: massage therapists see different sizes and shapes of bodies each and every day. However if you’d prefer to leave your panties on, do so. There’s no sense being uncomfortable during a massage … it defeats the purpose!
Hands and feet treatments
There’s the typical manicure and pedicure, and then there’s the spa manicure and pedicure. Probably the most popular procedure for the bride-to-be, a spa manicure and pedicure is similar to the traditional mani and pedi with a few extra perks for perfect nails. At most spas, hands and feet are soaked in an invigorating bath, and then hydrated with a special masque. The hands and feet are then massaged before the nails are clipped, shaped, buffed, and painted. Depending on the spa, you may even be treated to a paraffin dip where your hands and feet are dipped into warm paraffin wax to help seal in moisture to keep skin soft and smooth.
By now you should be convinced that a trip to the spa will do wonders not only for your body but for your mind as well. A little rest and relaxation will help you rediscover the carefree gal you used to be before guest lists, catering budgets, and gown alterations became your focus. So take a break from the daily wedding planning routine and
start preparing your body for that walk down the aisle. You won’t regret it!