Looking great on your wedding day means being radiant, relaxed, and ready to start a brand new existence with the person whom you've chosen to spend your life with. Your hair, nails, makeup, dress – and how you look in that dress – are all part of becoming the bride you want to be on that special day. Since pictures taken on that day remain part of your life forever, it's important to look and feel your best.

Your dress is one of the most important items in your wedding plans, so make sure you take enough time to choose one that suits you – not your best friend, not your bridesmaids, and not your mother. For the day of your wedding, you'll want a dress in which you can stand, walk and dance in without worrying about "wardrobe malfunctions" or causing you discomfort. Allow necessary time if you decide on having the dress made, but even if bought "off the rack," you'll need to factor in time for tailoring and any adjustments.

You don't want to overpower your dress and headpiece with a flamboyant hair style or color that overwhelms everything else. Keep it simple and classic, and remember to practice the look you want at home or with your stylist before the wedding day.

Have your nails professionally manicured the day before the wedding. This is one thing you don't want to do far in advance. Reduce the chances of a broken nail, chipped polish, or if using applied nails, one coming off, by having your manicure as late as possible. If you are not inclined toward colored polishes or long fingernails, make sure they are neatly trimmed, filed, polished, and buffed. Your hands will be a focus of attention when showing off that new wedding ring and for photos!

Use a slightly heavier hand than with your usual daytime makeup so your photos won't have you appearing washed-out looking, but don't overdo it. And if your wedding is at night, with more subtle lighting, apply makeup as though you were going to a club or restaurant at night – a little heavier than daytime, but not much! Avoid deep red lipstick as well as too-pale pink. Frosted eyeshadows or lipsticks are definite no-nos.

Buy fresh mascara to avoid clumping. Also, if you have sensitive skin, this is NOT the time to try a new brand. The last thing you want to do is head for the altar with blotches or zits thanks to an allergic reaction.

The night before your wedding is not the time for partying so get eight hours of restful sleep. If you're having a rehearsal dinner, or a bachelorette bash, make sure that it ends early. Drink moderately or, better yet, not at all. Bloodshot eyes and a banging hangover will not make for a fun wedding.

Don't gourge yourself the night before because we all know that there are strange forces at work which will try to make your wedding gown just a wee bit snug in the morning. To overcome excitement and nerves, try taking a long walk - it can help with pre-nuptial jitters. A relaxing bath with soothing background music, a cup of herbal tea, and you should be ready to doze off with images of a happy future marriage in your dreams.

With these tips, you're sure to have the perfect wedding day. May this day be the beginning of a lifetime of joy and happiness!

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