The Best Beauty and Wellness Treatments for Brides

Joanna Vargas’ signature treatment, the Triple Crown Facial, keeps her A-list celebrity clientele—including Julianne Moore, Elisabeth Moss, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Williams—loyal. Using a unique combination of microdermabrasion, microcurrent, and oxygen-infused therapy, this 60-minute facial provides both instantly gratifying results—more refined, lifted, and toned skin—and cumulative benefits of collagen and elastin production. Be sure to ask for Elizabeth Valucci—she’ll give you the best possible blushing-bride glow.

Shop: $250 per session, $550 with Joanna

A treatment that you can do with your future spouse, Aire Ancient Baths Wine Bath Experience allows you to bathe in Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes and reap its antioxidant benefits. Aside from the 30-minute bath itself, the full experience entails the Ancient Thermal Bath circuit (hot, cold, warm, and ice baths), the jets bath, the Laconicum (a steam room with aromatherapy), and the Flotarium (a saltwater bath) as well as access to a warm marble relaxation space. The ritual concludes with a 15-minute cranio-facial and an hour-long grapeseed oil massage.

Shop: $1,100 for two

The birthplace of the Bergdorf Blonde—and inspiration for the novel—the John Barrett Salon tends to New York City blondes (Hillary Clinton, Martha Stewart) and visiting Hollywood dignitaries (Reese Witherspoon, the Hilton sisters). But Barrett’s expertise extends beyond blonde, to all hair colors and types, as well as makeup. A fan of the “makeunder,” Barrett is fond of saying, “I spend more time taking women’s makeup off than putting it on.” For the bride going for a more naturally beautiful look, Barrett’s salon is the one-stop shop.

One of the hottest brands on the boutique fitness scene, SLT (an acronym for Strengthen Length Tone), combines cardio, strength training, and pilates for full-body refinement. Responsible for the figures of celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Alicia Keys, Emmy Rossum and more, SLT offers 50-minute classes in over 20 locations throughout the country (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and more). We recommend private sessions with Nicole Byrnes, who’s guaranteed to get you white-gown ready.

For the bride who loves animals, there’s the Equus workshop in Santa Fe. Though equine therapy has been around since ancient times, there’s the newer field of integrated learning, which harnesses the power of horses as mirrors for humans. At the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (rooms from $429), visitors work with a horse or herd of horses, learning boundaries and engaging their emotions. “The horse’s nervous system is wired to resonate with our qualities and give very clear and direct feedback when they are lacking or obscured,” says workshop director Kelly Wendorf. These animals are highly attuned to energy, acting as a reflection of what we project. Simply put, they teach us about ourselves.

For your bridal nail care, opt for a “healthier” mani-pedi with Tenoverten’s non-toxic and cruelty-free treatments. While all of the procedures are free of the eight ingredients linked to toxicity—dibutyl phthalate (dbp), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and triphenyl phosphate (tphp)—the “Luxe” option is followed by a 10-minute hot stone massage and cream application. Visit one of their Austin, L.A., or four Manhattan locations, and try one of their new, neutral shades: Hester (canyon clay), Broome (desert taupe), and Canal (milky hazelnut).

Shop: $40 for a 35-minute “Luxe” manicure, $55 for a 45-minute “Luxe” pedicure

London-based breathing coach Aimee Hartley teaches conscious-breathing techniques at her Inspiration Space workshops and retreats across the U.K. “I see a lot of breath holders in class,” Hartley says. She’s also noticed a recent spike in what she calls tech apnea: the phenomenon of holding your breath while emailing, texting, and scrolling through social media. According to Hartley, targeted breathing exercises can improve lung function, support the immune system, and alleviate stress—which brides can certainly take advantage of before the big day.

Nothing goes better with white than a little glow. And who better to rely on than celebrity tanning expert Jules Von Hep, who’s most notable for giving Blake Lively her signature radiating skin. And now, the artist has launched a line of all-natural, self-tanning products for easy access.