Wedding Beauty on a Budget

Megan wedding shoes

Hair fascinator - sinamay loops

Small ring cushion with gathered satin ribbon

You don't want to cut corners on the most important day of your life, but no doubt that fabulous dress, the perfect wedding venue and the multiple small expenses of the occasion have left your purse rather thin. But you're going to be the focus of the day, and your face, hair and figure will be centre stage, so it's worth investing in your appearance. It doesn't have to cost a fortune, though!

Prep your skin months before the wedding date to make sure you'll have a flawless base for your make-up. Get lots of rest, eat well, drink at least a litre of water every day, and follow that cleanse-tone-moisturise routine faithfully. That should get you glowing. With great skin, you won't need much foundation, but you might conside investing in a primer to provide a perfect 'undercoat' for it. Good make-up brushes will also help inexpensive cosmetics do a better job, so try to acquire some.

Unless you have a dramatic look in mind, a clever 'natural' make-up will be best for most brides. That means subtle eyeshadow blended well with your great brushes, a stroke of blusher, mascara applied with a light hand and a nude or rosy lipstick. Of course, if you're going for the goth look or a forties vamp theme, black or red lippy will be your choice!) Don't spend on pricy new products - they might upset your skin. Your make-up bag will probably be well stocked already.

Your hair is another matter - it's difficult to economise on a wonderful cut and colour, so go ahead and invest. But if your hair is long and in good condition, why not just ask your hairdresser to curl it and weave in some flowers on the big day, or sweep it into a dramatic updo? It will cost less than a cut and look gorgeous. Short-haired ladies can transform their hair with a fascinator or a fabulous hat.

If you're flashing some flesh in an off-the-shoulder or low-cut dress, or getting your legs out, then silky, cared-for skin is a must But you don't have to bankrupt yourself at the spa or tanning parlour - fake tan, pedicures, manicures and other beauty maintenance jobs can be done at home. Although you might feel that the bride only deserves the best! Regular weekly preening will have you looking sleek and beautiful, able to avoid a panicky spluge on beauty aids at the last minute.Start now!

For hints and tips on on how to make sure you look totally stunning on your wedding day, check out our other bridal hair and beauty articles on our wedding information pages. They're an indispensable source of wedding planning tips and style advice for any bride to be and we are adding to them all the time so make sure you visit us again.

And don't forget to browse Henry Kaye's complete range of stunning wedding shoes (for brides, bridesmaids and pageboys too!), stylish pageboy outfits, gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, and exquisite wedding bags and wedding accessories.