Essential advice on how to look your beautiful best in your wedding photos

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. You've probably been looking forward to this day for years and it's only natural to want your soon to be husband to think "Wow!" when he sees you walk down the aisle. And, let's not forget, your wedding day will be captured forever in your photos, so it's more important than ever to look your very best - all day long.

A professional photographer should know all the tricks of the trade to make you look your best in the photos - that's what you'repaying for. For details of wedding photographers in your area see the "photographers" section.

Correct Lighting is essential for flattering photographs. Photographs taken in bright midday sun can create harsh black shadows and a bleached-out wedding dress so it's often better to wait for an overcast moment or to move to a more shaded area. Angles are also important if you're to look your best. Instead of standing with your shoulders completely square to the camera, which can make you look wide, turn your body by 30 to 40 degrees - you'll look a lot slimmer. And try the supermodel trick of tilting your face at a 45-degree angle to make your face appear slimmer.

Make-Up Advice and Tips

• Wedding day make-up is a delicate subject. To look your best we think you should aim for a more polished version of your everyday look. It's a careful balancing act - looking natural without appearing washed out.

• You'll probably experience some last-minute nerves on the morning of your wedding, so it's worth thinking about having a steadier hand apply your make-up. We do recommend that you hire a professional make-up artist or ask a trusted friend.

• Whether you choose to do your own hair and make-up ask a professional to come to your house and have at least one trial run before the day.

• Avoid going for a dramatic new image on your wedding day. Stick to a more natural effect, so that you'll look like yourself - just a slightly more glamorous version.  

• Certain camera techniques such as soft focus can make your face lose definition. Try to define your features as much as possible, but avoid the hard lines of liquid liners and eyeliners.

• Pinky-brown lipsticks whiten teeth whereas orange or red can make them look yellow. If you have very pale skin, a cherry red lipstick can look harsh. Steer clear of overly pale or pearly lipstick.

• If you're having black-and-white photographs take extra care with your make-up. Dark red lipstick and heavy-handed blusher will look even darker in black-and-white photos, while pastel colours can fade out completely.

• Make sure you invest in a good waterproof mascara - just in case you shed a few tears.

• Pluck your eyebrows and wax your legs at least four days before the wedding so any redness has time to calm down.

• Be wary of too much fussiness around your face. Make sure that your veil, jewellery, headdress and neckline complement one another to avoid an overly cluttered look.

• Treat yourself to a professional manicure. Your hands are likely to be the focus of many pictures - and everyone will want to have a look at your wedding ring.

• Remember to freshen up your wedding make-up throughout your wedding day - the last thing you want to have is a shiny nose!