We had an opportunity to pitch some questions to celebrity stylist Lindsay Hillyard-Driscoll for wedding day tips to keep you looking your best.  Lindsay, a recent bride herself, has worked with numerous stars including Kimora Lee Simmons, Chrisette Michelle, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, The Dixie Chicks, and Prince.  She offered tips and tricks that are regularly used by her celebrity clients to plan for the unexpected during big events to help brides look flawless from the time they put their veil on all the way through dancing the night away at their reception.

C+D:  What tips should brides remember in choosing their products for outdoor weddings?

Lindsay:  It’s just as important to feel good as it is to look good.  In fact, I believe the two are very closely related, so I always counsel my clients to choose a look that they can be comfortable in.  For outdoor weddings, that means choosing shoes that work in grass – no spiky heels – and a dress that works with the season – you don’t want a complicated, tiered dress in the middle of summer. 

C+D:  We work with a lot of clients that choose to have destination weddings—mostly outside.  What sort of things should they consider for their beauty game plan?

Lindsay:  To plan for an outdoor event – whether a red carpet walk or a wedding – think about how you’ll be moving.  If you will be walking a lot on uneven ground, I’d suggestion searching out a dress that isn’t too tight, and allows you to walk with long enough strides so you can make it down the aisle, whether in a cornfield or cabana. I also recommend that brides “blow rather than blot” – I always pack a hand-held travel fan that you can use to blow away perspiration beads on the face rather than blotting papers or tissues, which can remove or smudge make up. 

C+D:  What about the gentlemen?  Sometimes they have it just as bad as the ladies with their tuxedos and suits…

Lindsay: Grooms are often the most overdressed, if they are wearing a suit in the middle of summer.  So, to help them out, I suggest using a panty liner in their undershirt.  I know it sounds strange – but it works!  Just call them ‘sweat guards’ if your man is squeamish about feminine products. 

C+D:  That is amazing…I never would’ve thought of that. I will have to make a note to add “sweat guards” to our emergency kits!  Also with weddings, one thing that I notice that is really important is the endurance of a bride’s hair and makeup for her wedding.  Any tips there?

Lindsay:  To keep you and your look fresh all day, I say take fewer trips to the bathroom – you don’t want to over-do the touch-ups.  To keep yourself focused on the big day rather than bee lining for the bathroom, even if you are having your period, I suggest to my clients to use a menstrual cup.  I know lots of women haven’t heard of them, but they are safe to wear for 12 hours – fewer trips to the bathroom and less hassle!

C+D:  Any favorite simple accessible items for fast fixes?

Lindsay:  A white out pen can fix a French manicure or shoe scuff, a few bobby pins can keep falling hair away from your face, and a roll of electrical tape might be just the fix for a split in the groom’s pants or a loose cuff. 

C+D:  I know a lot of brides worry about being “too overdone” on their wedding day.  It can be really easy to fall into a trap of too much when planning for a big event.  What is your take?

Lindsay:  Stay as close to your natural look as possible – you can still look special but keep your look aligned with your overall style, that way you’ll know how to touch up your make up and hair more easily – it won’t be so foreign. 

C+D: Any other tips brides should keep in mind?

Lindsay:  Lots of good styling is about layering.  For your clothes, it’s about finding the right undergarments and most importantly for your wedding is the right bra.  Make sure your first layer fits well and is comfortable.  For your make up, there are lots of techniques where you can layer your look with a powder application in between the layers.  And even for your hair, layering in the right products (such as volumizer a few times with hairspray on top) can help preserve your style.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa State University, Lindsay Hillyard-Driscoll  was asked to join Prince’s ‘Musicology’ tour, where she dressed Prince and his band.  After the ‘Musicology’ tour, she joined Jay-Z and R. Kelly for the Best of Both Worlds tour.  She has since styled T.I., Ciara, Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy and became the lead stylist for recording artist Chrisette Michelle. She was also the in-house stylist at Black Entertainment Television, responsible for styling all VJs and news anchors.

Visit Lindsay’s website: Style Me Haute