They say "all brides are beautiful" - and of course they are. However if she doesn't happen to be an impossibly tall bean pole with perfect bone structure, she will probably feel less than beautiful, which would be a pity for her very special day.

Beauty, however, is not just a matter of height, figure and bone structure. It comes from a number of different things including the glow of a good complexion, a happy expression, carefully arranged hair and a well fitting outfit. This last together with good deportment will make up almost completely for any lack of height and extra pounds so beauty on the big day is actually quite within reach of all potential brides -- if they work at it.

First stop should be the local beauty salon. An all over assessment is called for and they will give it, no punches pulled. They will probably recommend a series of remedial skin treatments which, together with a few healthy changes to her diet, will soon help that skin to glow with good health.

Hands will be on show on the day so beautiful nails are essential. Regular attention from the manicurist and nail technician will put matters right if the treatments are started soon enough. Decorated nails can be fitted semi-permanently but it is a good idea to have them done in advance so they may be got used to.

The health of one's feet are always mirrored in the face. For a bride especially, good feet are essential on the day as she will be on them for a long time. A visit to the chiropodist might be a good plan. If it is only a matter of hard skin and badly cut nails, however, the manicurist, who may also be a pedicurist, should be able to help.

Diet and exercise will go a long way towards improving deportment and shape so after a chat with her GP the

bride-to-be might take to a carefully controlled diet. If she books into the local gym too, or a keep fit class, the pounds will melt away and her muscle tone will improve, with a corresponding improvement in her deportment.

Make-up for the big day is very important, even if you don't normally wear any. It adds that final finishing touch. The beauty salon's experts will be able to help here. They may well recommend a make-up routine that can be followed easily on the honeymoon. Many will agree to attend the bride on the wedding morning to apply a perfect, professional make-up.

If all this sounds like hard work, well, it is, but nothing worthwhile was ever attained without some effort. As for expense, just consider, your wedding day is very special. Surely it's worth spending a little extra on yourself to ensure you not only feel great as you exchange your vows, but you look great too.