The Final Hour

Hold your breath for the moment of truth when you glide down the aisle in your beautiful bridal gown. You want everything to be perfect, and the moment you enter the church, there's no turning back. Those details that might have been overlooked can't be corrected. It's too late now to fix the minor blunders that mock you in the face. Of course, you don't want this disaster to happen. You might rather take that leap down the rapids rather than look all mismatched from head to toe on your wedding day!

Imagine yourself in a cocktail length bridal gown, sporting a stiff bird's nest for a hairstyle reminiscent of the 1960s coifs. This just won't work.

Choosing a Hairstyle

On your wedding day, don't go for an experimental hairdo. If you have never worn your hair up, don't start now. Go for the hairstyle that highlights the natural inclination of your locks, and don't get your hair all ironed out for the sleek straight look when you've never done it before.

Here are some hairstyles to consider when you wear a definite type of bridal gown or have a specific wedding theme:

* Fairy tale wedding - Wear an updo (bun or French twist) with a tiara. Short hair can be styled perfectly by a creative hairstylist.

* Strapless gowns - Wear your hair loose, or let it fall in soft waves over your shoulders.

* Island romance - Let tousled curls kiss your kiss your shoulders and adorn your long hair with flowerettes or pastel colored hair sticks or hair jewelry. Make sure your hair stays in place despite the soft breeze.

* Formal gown - have your swept up to show the contours of your face and accentuate your look with a tiara.

* Adventure wedding - Ask the hairstylist to come up with straight side bangs and loose curls at the bottom.

* Traditional gown - The chignon or the modern coif will perfectly suit a sparkling tiara.

Before going for any of these hairstyles, however, heed the hairstylist's advice. Hairstylists have to figure out the best hairstyle to go with the shape of your face, your bridal gown, your wedding theme, your body build, height, and your overall personality.

Wedding Make-up

Your make-up should be as close to natural as possible to avoid that caked look that makes you look older than you actually are. The make-up artist should always highlight your best features, hide the imperfections, and make sure that your make-up will stay in place the whole day. Eyelashes and eyebrows are also given a work up for that perfect wedding bride look.

Shoes and Accessories

As much as possible, avoid chunky shoes. These give an ungainly look to a gauzy bridal gown. The shorter your bridal gown, the prettier your shoes should be. When you're trying on those wedding dresses, bring along that shoes with the kind of heel you'd want to wear for the wedding. If you're not used to killer high heels, don't attempt to use it on your wedding.

Never make the mistake of over-accessorizing, or you'll light up the whole congregation with your baubles. If you're wearing a tiara, drop earrings, and a necklace, that would be enough. Elaborate gowns will be enhanced with simple jewelry and simple gowns will be chic with elaborate jewelry.