The Quick Answer: A Week or 10 Days Before (Definitely Not Immediately)
Many brides buy a facial for the day before the wedding thinking it will look best. That is a wrong idea. The perfect time is 7-10 days before so your skin can calm down and still have that shine.
Why is it so? A facial may produce a small redness of the skin in some people and minor breakouts in sensitive individuals. These are called "healing responses". If you give your skin a week to settle down, you will be ready for the camera without the fear of catching an irritation.
The Full Bridal Facial Timeline
Three to Four Months Before the Wedding
Right now, you should start monthly facials. Consistent treatment is what your skin needs to get to the best state. This period allows you to have 3-4 treatments, which makes the results multiply a lot. Your skin will be improved to a great extent by the wedding day.
In these sessions, you should deal with the biggest issues of your skin such as acne, pigmentation, dullness, or texture. The aesthetician will come up with a plan just for you that targets your problems.
Six to Eight Weeks Before
If it is necessary, you can intensify your treatments. Add target facials if you have a single main concern (e.g. anti-acne, brightening, hydrating). If you are planning on a chemical peel, just do it now, not close to your wedding, so that all the peeling and sensitivity have time to disappear completely.
Two to Three Weeks Before
Keep up with the monthly facials and also think about the results. Are you satisfied with the progress your skin has made? Should you have one more intensive session or change to maintenance?
In case you are planning on doing extractions (blackhead/whitehead removal), make an appointment now—2+ weeks before your wedding. The extraction sites will be fully healed after some time.
One Week Before (The Most Important Time)
Have your last, mild facial that is:
Only hydrating (no extractions, no peels, no aggressive treatments)
Comforting and relaxing (the skin needs rest, not stress)
Glow-enabling (light exfoliation + moisturizing mask to help radiance)
This moment provides your skin with 6-7 days to calm down completely before the pictures.
48-72 Hours Before
Do not perform ANY facial treatments. Your skin is in the best possible condition. Don't take a chance.
If you really want to wear an at-home mask, make it very simple and gentle—a purely hydrating mask with no active ingredients.
Day Before / Day Of Wedding
Experimenting with new products or treatments is not a good idea. Just follow your usual routine. Your skin is at its best; do not interfere with it.
Put on your makeup softly. Your skin will appear and feel fantastic as a result of your good preparation.
The Science of the Timeline
Facials are temporarily inflaming the skin underneath that is brighter. The skin needs 5-7 days after the facial to fully calm the area and show the fresh glow underneath. If you do it too close to your wedding, the skin will still be inflamed. In case you do it too far in advance, the effect will be gone.
Alternative Timeline for Those Who Can't Afford Monthly Facials
If a monthly facial is out of the question for you due to the cost, consider the following schedule:
3 months before: 1 deep facial (main concern)
6 weeks before: 1 targeted facial
1 week before: 1 gentle, hydrating facial
Such a minimal plan will still have a significant impact.
Summary
Great wedding skin is the result of a well-thought-out plan rather than last-minute rushing. Begin with monthly facials 3-4 months before, book your last facial for 7-10 days before, and have faith in your preparation. This way, you will have radiant, flawless skin that will look perfect in your wedding photos.