An Algerian bride does not wear one outfit but several: karakou, chedda, kaftan, blouza, sometimes more for the Tesdira. Each calls for different hair and make-up. That is why preparation starts much earlier than people imagine.
Twelve to six weeks before
Twelve weeks out, we start on the skin: a facial every three weeks and a simple routine at home. No strong new products in the final month, to avoid any reaction. This is also the moment to choose the outfits and send us photos of them.
Six weeks out, the hair and make-up trial brings together the bride, Imène and me. We try the look for each outfit, take photos in daylight and write everything down: shades, accessories, the order of changes. Nothing is improvised on the day.
Between the trial and the wedding, keep your routine steady: a gentle facial two weeks before, waxing a week before, and a trim if needed, never a dramatic change. This is also the time to think about sleep and water, because no make-up replaces a week of full nights. The brides who arrive rested are the ones whose skin holds up best, from the start of the evening to the very last photo.
The final week
The hammam is three or four days before, never the day before, so the skin has time to settle. The manicure is timed for just after the henna night. If you want henna on your hands, choose natural henna and do a test patch first: so-called black henna often contains dyes best avoided.
On the day itself we arrive with an hour to spare and a written list of who goes when, from the mother to the friends. The bride has only one job: to enjoy it. For a wedding at home or in a hall, book three to six months ahead, especially in summer.
