I may be in the running for the least-organised-bride-ever award. There is an award for that, right?
Anyway, DP and I are getting married in 6 weeks. I gave birth to DS2 9 weeks ago (here's a tip: if you are struggling to conceive, just start planning your wedding. You will fall pregnant instantly). I look exactly as you might imagine someone to look who gave birth 9 weeks ago - my body is emphatically not buffed, polished and moisturised, I don't appear to own a cleanser apart from soap and none of my make up is the right colour (I was pale, interesting and working in London last time I had much call for it).
And so, wise MNers of both style and beauty, I throw myself on your mercy. Help me look, if not like a magazine bride, at least vaguely human on my wedding day.
A little bit of information about me:
- I am 5'6 and around 11st 6lb (a good size 14). I am 30-day-shredding (and BFing) and hoping to be below 11st in 6 weeks, so a big size 12/small 14
- I have ginormous BFing boobs of doom (32FF)
- I am an hourglass shape
- I have about 45 minutes a day to myself for all beautifying to take place (25 minutes of which is spent Shredding) thanks to DS2 not understanding that it's nice to occasionally go more than 8 minutes between feeds, and DS1 demanding attention the odd time that DS2 does manage it.
*There are going to be 120 guests at our wedding. I would like to not alarm them by looking totally rough
- Colouring - I am brunette with kind of hazel eyes (sort of multi-coloured pale green/brown/blue). I am 'clear and warm' according to /colour Me Beautiful. This essentially means lots of bright, clear colours, no cold, muted tones, and white is out. Pinks, (bright) blues, reds, teals etc are often good.
- I am 28. I used to be quite stylish and cool (I think. Possibly I was the only one who thought so, of course...).
Here is just a small selection of things I am panicking about:
- Being fat - I am about 1.5st heavier than pre-pregnancy and feeling fat. I have completely forgotten how to diet. Give me tips! We eat on a tight budget, so can't do atkins or anything clever.
- Hands - this is the one and only time in my life that my hands are likely to be examined/photographed/admired. They are currently somewhat grubby, unmanicured and dry. Should I start looking after them now?
- Feet - not too awful, but have terrible hard/cracked skin on heels. If I don't wear a full length dress they will be visible.
- I have that bumpy upper arm skin. Have read that foot cream helps. REALLY?
My skin is crap - greasy, spotty, yet showing first signs of wrinkles. I need a good skin care routine. I used to use Eve Lom, and will splash out again if you tell me it's worth it.
The dress - yeah, no dress. I don't really want to wear ivory, but would consider it in a non-weddingy style (I am definitely not a candidate for a white meringue). I am still toying with making it (am competent seamstress, but am already making clothes for DS and shirt for DP, and have six weeks), but if not will have to buy it. Could probably stretch to £500+ for absolutely perfect dress that could be worn again for occasional black tie things, would prefer £2-300. Dress doesn't need to be BF-friendly - I will go inside the house (marquee in relative's garden) to feed if necessary. Will probably be wearing proper underwear anyway, so easy-access dress will be wasted
- Make up - I used to wear a reasonable amount, have not worn more than powder/mascara/blusher for about a year. I like Clarins and Mac. Prefer stuff not tested on animals. What do I need?
- Hair - I'll be doing my own hair and make up. How?! What products do I need?
- Shoes - reception is in outside marquee (i.e. there will be walking on grass involved), so wedges/flip flops/ballet pumps seems sensible. all suggestions welcome!
- DS1&2 - what the hell do you do with your own child/baby on your wedding day? Am contemplating arranging a grandparent rota for babysitting. Suspect DP will end up with DS2 in the sling, as he does not deign to sleep alone yet (wedding night should be a laugh ). Will DS1 (2.8yrs) just stay up stupidly late? We are staying in the house, so don't need to transport him for sleep.
We have spent a blardy fortune on this wedding, and I know it will be absolutely wonderful. I would like to be able to look back at photos (taken by the obscenely expensive but wonderful photographer) and not think how crap I look. Help me!