Best bridal look for you

Selecting the right look for your big day can be nerve-racking. Advice will be pouring in right, left and centre from well-meaning family and friends.

While some perspectives will be useful, it is important to listen to your gut when you plan your special day.

Right colour is like the right man!

Taking notice of colour is the first step when you shop for your wedding. Gone are the days of bright red bridal saris - today's brides are donning pinks, magentas and shades of orange too. Musing over the best colour for you is crucial, before you actually set out to buy.

The right shade, much like the right man, will make you radiate and glow.

So, what's the right colour?

Each wedding event warrants a different look. Don't be deterred by this daunting task. All eyes will be on you, for good reason! You may not anticipate it, but all the planning beforehand is guaranteed to give you sleepless nights.

To counteract this, choose colours that make you look healthy and bright. You know the colour you get in your cheeks after a good run? The hue of that rosy glow is the perfect shade to highlight your unique features.

Match-making with colours

Check your skin for its one-of-a-kind undertone. People with pink and violet tones have a cool hue. Colours like pink, purple, blue, deep red, wine and peacock will look stunning on women with a cool undertone.

If you have more golden undertones, opt for a warmer palette of sunshine hues. Think sunflower yellow, bronze, copper, orange, rust and brick red.

You wouldn't have thought it, but your undertone can also give you clues on the best type of embroidery for your outfits. A cool complexion will shine in silver accents, while a warmer skin tone will look brighter and healthier in touches of gold.

Opposites attract

Standing out on your special day can be seamless if you select outfits with contrast.

A cream lehenga with a deep blue dupatta will ensure that all eyes remain on you. This heavy contrast will also help your photos look more defined. Outfits where the colours merge together may get you lost in the crowd.

Flatter yourself

The most flattering shade of your outfit should be closest to your face, so choose your blouse and sari border accordingly, to give you that extra oomph. The light reflecting off this shade will add a sparkle to your eyes.

Colours are your secret weapon for figure camouflaging too. Ladies who want to look slimmer should choose an outfit in a deep colour, and wear the dupatta so it is longer than the typical style. This 'column effect' will take inches off your waist and cleverly add them to your height.

A blushing bride

Lastly, a bride's makeup must always complement her outfit, but not match it exactly. We've all seen brides who look like the witch in the Wizard of Oz movie - sporting a green lehenga with green eye-shadow and green accessories for a colour overkill!

Your makeup should work with both, your outfit and skin tone. For example, if you choose to wear a deep salmon outfit, touches of gold and bronze to your face will highlight your skin perfectly.