Just like every other bride, you have a serious vision as to how you want to look on your big day, all the way down — or, up — to your eyelashes. Chances are, you’ve seen someone rocking extensions and realised they could be the perfectly pretty or daringly dramatic addition to your wedding-day look, too.

Still, because you haven’t ever had such extensions, you have a few things to think about before signing up for your own set of falsies. Here are the five most important things you should know:

1. You Shouldn’t Get Them on Your Wedding Day

Just to clarify, there’s a huge difference between false eyelashes and eyelash extensions. If you’ve ever applied false eyelashes yourself, you know that they typically come in a single strip, meaning you adhere a single strand to your lash-line. Although this method’s efficient, it doesn’t always look natural or even. Eyelash extensions work differently, though.

An lash specialist will apply your eyelash extensions one piece at a time. That’s right — they take tiny tufts of faux lashes, moisten them with a semi-permanent glue, and then place them onto your lash line. You’re probably thinking, “That sounds intense.” That’s because it is! The entire process can take anywhere from one to two hours, which would be a huge chunk of our wedding-day prep. Do it well in advance.

Another reason to try eyelash extensions before your big day — you might have an allergy to the glue, which could irritate and swell your eyes. Therefore, have them put on at least a week in advance to account for an adverse reaction.

2. They Require the Right Makeup

Once you have eyelash extensions, you won’t have to worry about mascara. In fact, you should avoid applying the lash-lengthening and thickening solution, as it can damage your extensions. This tip especially applies to waterproof versions, which can be tough to remove.

To that end, you should be sure that you choose extension-safe makeup to use on your face and eye area, especially as your wedding nears — the last thing you want to deal with is a wonky eyelash before you walk down the aisle. Your best bet is to stop using oil-based products, as these can get into the lash line and dissolve the glue, effectively removing your extensions.

3. You Have to Maintain Them Post-Application

Makeup’s not the only potential damaging agent out there. The first 48 hours post-eyelash extension prove to be the most crucial in preserving your beauty investment. For starters, experts suggest avoiding getting them wet during that period so that the glue can properly adhere to your lash line. Steam can have the same effect, so beware of lengthy hot showers, too.

Another pro tip: sleep on your back for the first few nights that you have your extended eyelashes. Belly sleepers can inadvertently crush or flatten their falsies.

4. They’ll Last Post-Wedding, Too

Honeymooners, good news — your gorgeous, fluttering lashes will last far beyond your big day, especially if you get them done in the week leading up to your nuptials. Because the extensions adhere to your natural follicles, they shed along with your lashes. Because your lashes’ life cycle lasts about six to eight weeks, you can expect your extensions to stick just as long.

Of course, they don’t all fall out at once, so you might notice some of your extensions start to detach after 2-3 weeks. For this reason, eyelash extension regulars get theirs filled at the same interval. The lash-filling service tends to cost less and take less time, but, if you get your lashes more than three weeks before the wedding or honeymoon, you’ll have to factor this service into your prep, too.

5. They’ll Look Glam No Matter What

Now that you know how to care for your lashes, when to get them and what to expect once they’re on, you’re ready for your pre-wedding beautification. And, chances are, you’ll be glad you did. Perhaps the best thing about extensions is that, once they’re glued and left to properly dry, they are resilient. You can cry, sweat and cry some more on your wedding, and they won’t budge. You won’t have to worry about mascara running down your face, either — that glam look will stay with you from the ceremony to the reception and into the after-party.

Ready for your full set? Grab your planner and figure out the perfect time for you to get your extensions pre-wedding, then make your appointment with an experienced beauty pro who will handily apply your fluttering, full lashes. Then, all you have to look forward to is your big day — and the glam you’ll be rocking, starting with a fresh set of faux lashes.

Written by Kacey Bradley

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!