When it comes to the wedding, it's normal for brides to only be interested in advice from the experts; you've been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl and it's important that your aspirations are accomplished in the best possible way. You don't have any time to spend on any one aspect of the wedding planning. Sometimes, the only way to create shortcuts and arrive quickly at solutions is by listening to people who have been in the business for a long time.

The bridal gown ensemble is perhaps the most important constituent of the entire wedding. It's the first thing that enters a bride's mind upon the proposal, and the last thing she thinks about every night until the wedding day. Some questions that could be racing through her head are: How much can I spend? What shoes should I wear? Should I do my own make-up? The worries go on and on. A bride could drive herself crazy trying to piece together the most ideal outfit; there are just so many accessories to consider and a million-and-one bridal styles. Are you a princess, contemporary, couture, or casual bride? Knowing who you are and what you are looking for is only half the battle.


A Few Words of Advice: Monique Lhuillier

Nobody knows bridal gowns and brides better than fashion designer, Monique Lhuillier. With more than 12 years in the wedding dress biz, Lhuillier has managed to surpass even the fussiest bride's wildest imaginings. Her Ready-to-Wear collection has serviced celebrity brides such as: Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey, Angelina Jolie, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Janet Jackson, and Jennifer Connelly. With such reputable clientèle under her belt, it's no surprise that Lhuillier has quickly become one of the most influential and innovative designers in the industry.

1. It's Pamper Time!
When it comes to the bridal gown, Lhuillier believes that it's the Oscar moment of your lifetime. Thus it's critical that you should make every moment count; not just in finding the right dress, but every minute prior to the wedding. Pamper yourself properly so that when your special day arrives, you not only look like a star, you feel like one too. In many ways, how you feel is so much more valuable than your external appearance.

Indulge your senses and body in some relaxing rituals. Drink a lot of water and eat healthy. This may seem strange advice coming from a bridal gown designer, but it makes all the difference. You'll feel balanced, energetic, and less bloated than you do on a regular basis. The dress will therefore fit and look better on you. Water is always an excellent remedy for poor skin – it will help give you that radiance you're looking for. If you can, go get a massage or two prior to the wedding date. This will assist in loosening up all of those tense muscles you acquired during the long planning process.

2. The Bridal Make-up
Lhuillier says that “less make-up” is in. You want all of your natural glow to shine through, so don't hide it under pounds of foundation and eye shadows. After the make-up is thoroughly applied, you should have a fresh look. If your wedding is at night, then a little more can be applied. Achieve make-up success by use of muted tones and subtle highlights.

3. Gown Accessories
She also advises against “over-accessorizing.” Too many jewelry accents could take away from your bridal gown. When it comes to the bridal look, less is more. A great ball-gown could look fantastic with subtle drop earrings or necklace – but try your best not to combine too many together! If you have a great dress and gorgeous hairstyle, you may not even need accessories.

4. The Gown Fitting
The secret behind harmonizing the bride with the wedding dress is: the fitting. Lhuillier recommends that you get at least two gown fittings. After the first adjustments, it's possible that the alteration company could miss a small detail or two. Make sure that you try the dress on before taking it home so that they can give it another once-over. If one area isn't altered to fit just right, the dress won't look as good on you as it could.

5. Shoes That Fit
Above all else, wear comfortable shoes. Lhuillier remarks that uncomfortable shoes could ruin your entire experience, as well as make you feel very “unglamorous.” Try your best to find shoes with a low heel that you can see yourself wearing all night long. Combined, the ceremony and reception could end up being 7-8 hours long; this is a long time to be one one's feet! Make sure that you give this element of your bridal ensemble plenty of consideration.