And just a day before the actual day, a visit to a salon for a manicure, pedicure, facial, bleach.... the works, is important.

The day has arrived! Before applying your make-up, first take a bath. Add few drops of your favourite cologne or perfume to your bath water. If you are using warm water, then finish off with a cold shower, because cold water closes the pores of the skin and minimises the entrance of dirt and dust into them. After your bath, dry and powder yourself.

Time for make-up. Do keep in mind that the man in your life wants to see you the way he is used to seeing you. He wants you to look lovely and natural, not like some painted doll. Use a good base and a cream-based concealer. Allow the concealer to settle before applying foundation, which should preferably be water-based and similar to your skin tone. A light dusting of pink blush will add a warm glow to your face. Sweep it along the jaw line for extra shape. To combat shine, sweep a large powder brush with a forehead and pat it with a powder puff.

The focus for any bride must be her eyes. Lightly dust translucent powder underneath your eyes, which will allow any eye make-up that falls on your skin to be easily brushed off. Co-ordinate eye shadow with the colour of your sari or lehenga. Blend it carefully, no harsh lines should be visible. Apply a deeper colour of shadow to the eye-lid, highlighting the socket and brow bone with gold shadow. Add extra definition with black shadow on the outer edge. Brow-gel or a little vaseline will help you keep the brows neatly groomed.

Apply the lip colour last, so you can judge the depth of colour needed to balance the rest of your make-up. The secret of a perfect pout is to use a sharp lip pencil which will give a clear lip-line. Then highlight with a lighter lipstick. Top off with a touch of gloss. Next, we go to the hair. Make a centre parting, tie a neat ponytail and fold it into a bun. Add false hair and weave it into the bun to give it added height. Use hairspray and pins to keep hair in place. Your look is almost complete. Now, just add your bindi-decoration. Slip into your finery, and get ready to walk down the aisle. Don't be surprised if he falls in love with you all over again.