Photo: Courtesy of The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
Your hair and makeup appointments are set for the morning of your wedding. But why stop there? Chicago salons and spas are at your service to ensure you’re plucked and primped as you walk down the aisle. Check out our favorite spots to book your getting-ready services–plus expert advice on how far in advance to schedule your appointment.
Eyebrow Shaping: Channing’s Studio & Spa
The studio caters to a ritzy clientele of celebrities and Gold Coast elite, so you can rest assured your brows are in the right hands. Before Cheryl Renella begins tweezing–she’s opposed to irritating waxing and threading–she’ll look at your face and shape each brow to highlight your features. She’ll also identify “no pluck zones,” which is helpful if you have time to let your brows grow in where they need to.
When to go: If your brows are in serious need of repair, schedule your first appointment two to three months in advance to begin the reshaping process. “The last appointment should be as close to the wedding as possible,” Renella says. “The day before would be ideal.”
Nails: Cowshed at Soho House
The experience at the Soho House’s spa is an intimate one; there are only six mani-pedi chairs. Since you’ll spend your wedding weekend surrounded by throngs of loved ones, revel in the chance to relax with a small group or go completely solo. The Ultimate Cowshed Manicure and Pedicure use Cowshed’s best-in-class products to leave your cuticles clean, skin soft, and nails filed and polished.
When to go: One to two days before the big day to maintain that just-done glossy look.
Facial: The Spa at Trump
The Spa at Trump’s Chicago Diamond Experience Facial offers equal parts relaxation and exfoliation. The former comes courtesy of spending 90 minutes in the zen spa environment and the use of balancing stones designed to help you calm, while the latter is thanks to a triple-exfoliation method that delivers that bridal glow.
When to go: Kendra Rice, spa director at The Spa at Trump, recommends booking an appointment one month before your wedding, another two weeks later, and the final two days before.
See More: Find More Chicago Beauty Services on Our Local Vendor Page
Waxing: Trim
It’s no wonder Trim is a regular destination for brides-to-be: Their services menu includes wedding packages that go beyond your basic bikini wax. One offers eyebrow shaping, a Brazilian wax, and a full leg wax to leave you fuzz free.
When to go: Make an appointment four to six weeks before the big day for a trial run. Then, plan to come back to the Bucktown or Lincoln Park salon two to five days before the wedding. That’s close enough to go time to ensure everything’s smooth while still giving any redness time to calm down.
Spray Tan: Glowout
Airbrushed Golden Girl Tanning at Glowout is the Chicago spot to score a faux tan that doesn’t look faux at all. An expert from the salon will apply the tan by hand and tailor the color to your skin. No need to worry about leaving the salon stinking like chemicals. It’s all odor free here.
When to go: “We suggest a trial a few weeks prior to the wedding so we can ensure the tan photographs and wears exactly how the brides envision it,” says Jennifer Dieas, founder and CEO at Glowout. Then, stop by the salon two days before the wedding for the real thing.
Everything: Spa at JW Chicago
The Spa at JW Chicago’s bridal packages take care of your primping needs in one fell swoop. The Spa-Luxe includes a manicure, pedicure, and hydrating foot exfoliation, plus your choice of a massage or facial. The Prime & Prep package offers a little bit of everything: a 25-minute facial, a soothing eye and lip treatment, polish change, and a massage or Moroccanoil body treatment. No matter what you choose, the spa will welcome you with Champagne to kick off the celebration.
When to go: The day before the wedding, suggests Marie Parodi, spa director at the Spa at JW Chicago. “The light exfoliation and hydrating masque prime the skin, resulting in a fresh and clean canvas–perfect for a flawless makeup application,” Parodi says.
Check out our favorite makeup artists in Chicago by visiting our Local Vendors page!
