Weddings are such joyful occasions, but let’s be honest, they can also bring on a wave of stress. What will you wear? Will your make-up last all day? Will the photos capture your best angles or the ones you’d rather delete straight away? As a mum of two and a make-up artist, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings, both as a guest and working behind the scenes, and I know just how overwhelming it can feel trying to look and feel your best.
The good news is, with a little preparation and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can walk into any wedding feeling confident, comfortable, and camera ready.
Finding the Right Dress
The first step in feeling confident is choosing an outfit that truly makes you feel amazing. It is easy to get caught up in what is trendy or what everyone else is wearing, but the secret is finding a style that works for your body shape. If you are struggling with where to start, Prom Dress Finder has some great advice on choosing a dress that flatters your figure. It is not about hiding anything, but about celebrating what makes you, you.
Personally, I always say that comfort is key. If you cannot sit down without feeling restricted or if your heels make you wobble like Bambi, it will show. Weddings are long days, with hours of standing, dancing, eating, and chatting, so choose something you can move in.
Make-Up That Lasts
As a make-up artist, I could talk all day about this. Wedding make-up does not have to be full glam if that is not your style, but it does need to last from morning to night. Think about a good primer, setting spray, and products that work well in photographs. Powder is your friend for touch-ups, especially when you are balancing a glass of fizz in one hand and a plate of canapés in the other.
I also think weddings are the perfect time to go a little bolder than your usual everyday look. A slightly stronger lip colour or a touch more definition on the eyes can make you feel polished without looking overdone.
The Confidence of Good Photos
Even when you feel great in person, sometimes photos can knock your confidence. I’ve been there, seeing a picture and thinking, “Do I really look like that?” The truth is, wedding photography can be unpredictable because you do not always know who is behind the camera.
One thing I love is that guests can now easily share and swap photos through sites like Wedding Photo Swap. It means you get to see all the moments from different perspectives, not just the official shots. Often the most flattering and natural photos come from friends and family catching you mid-laugh or enjoying the day without posing. Those are the ones that make you realise how much fun you had, and that is the confidence boost we all need.
Practical Mum Hacks for the Day
Being a mum at a wedding comes with its own set of challenges. You are often juggling bags, keeping an eye on little ones, and still trying to enjoy yourself. My top tip is to pack a small “just in case” kit in your handbag. A mini powder, lipstick, tissues, safety pins, and plasters can be absolute lifesavers. You never know when you will need them, and being prepared takes away a lot of the stress.
Another little trick is to plan your footwear wisely. I often start the day in heels but have a pair of flats ready for later. No one cares if you swap shoes after the first dance, and your feet will thank you.
Celebrating Yourself
At the end of the day, weddings are about love and celebration. No one is scrutinising you as closely as you are yourself. Everyone is too busy enjoying the happy couple, the food, and the dancing. So give yourself permission to relax, enjoy the moment, and remember that confidence shines brighter than any outfit or make-up look.
Feeling confident at a wedding does not come from looking perfect, it comes from being comfortable in your own skin, wearing something you love, and letting yourself enjoy the day. Whether you are there as a guest, part of the bridal party, or even working behind the scenes like I sometimes am, the memories you make are what really matter.
So next time you are invited to a wedding, focus on choosing a dress that makes you feel amazing, make-up that enhances your natural beauty, and soaking up every moment. Because when you feel good inside and out, it shows in every smile, every dance, and every photo.
