Beauty: Look good on your big day.

WEDDINGS take months and sometimes even years to plan. Skin care, make-up and hair for the big day are no exception, so I thought some tips for brides, mothers of brides and guests would be appropriate for this column.

Brides. Choosing the dress may seem to be the most pressing and exciting priority but do start thinking about hair and skin care soon after this. What will complement the dress? Will you need to grow or colour your hair and get the cut into shape? Is your skin neglected and needing a more specific skin care regime? A lot of brides buy a headdress at the same time as the dress, but do bear in mind that consulting your hairdresser first may be a better option as they can advise on whether it will work for your hair. For example, fresh flowers may work better for fine, soft curls than a heavy tiara.

I would recommend your first visit to the hairdresser about six months before the wedding, a practice session about a month before and colour and cut a week before. Do make sure your hairdresser is good at dressing hair and putting it up, as generally speaking you will need a bit more than your usual cut and blow. If you don't know who to go to, be guided by recommendation or pop in for a free consultation at a few salons and see who inspires you.

On the final practice or even before, make sure you take your headdress. On the day, time always seems to go quicker than you expect, so allow extra time for your salon appointment. This will also allow you to have some relaxed photographs beforehand. A word of caution too -- avoid having your hair cut on the big day, it's risky and itchy!

On the subject of skin care. If your complexion perfect, then of course stick with the products that suit you. If, however, you suffer from dryness or blemishes, tackle the problem a few months before. Get some good advice from a beauty salon with specific recommendations for your skin type, and make sure you adopt a good cleansing, moisturising and exfoliating routine. Less frequently, a mask would be beneficial too.

Make-up needn't be planned so far ahead, but a practice is a good idea.

Bear in mind that your wedding day is over quickly, but you will keep the photos for ever, therefore your make-up needs to be camera friendly which may be a little different to your every day look. When you go for the practice it might be helpful to take fabric or colour samples so that the makeup complements your colour scheme. Never be shy to say it is not quite as you imagined it.

Plan beauty treatments too, and don't forget honeymoon requirements such as leg waxing. A rough guide would be to have a trial make-up about a month before. If you have the time a relaxing massage about a week before will be well worth it and Mum would certainly love one too! If you don't want a pale, English rose look, book your fake tan three to five days before and bear in mind you may need two sessions. With two days to go I recommend a leg wax, eyelash tinting, eyebrow shape and pedicure. Manicure should ideally be the day before.

For more tips visit www. lizcollinge. com/brides

MAKE-UP tips for the big day. Whether you are bride, mother or guest there are simple rules to follow when having your photograph taken. Most brides prefer to look quite natural too.

p You will need a foundation to look good on photographs. Oil-free is best for a long-lasting result.

p Don't forget foundation on neck -- and chest too depending on neckline. p Spots have a habit of appearing when you least need them, so have a concealer handy.

p A little powder may be advisable, particularly if you are prone to shine which looks awful on photographs.

p If you do like shimmer and shine, keep it to a minimum.

p Use lip liner all over lips for a long lasting colour, followed by a little lipstick p And, finally, don't be tempted to go in the sun before the big day. The day could be ruined by red noses and cheeks.

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