GETTING married is one of the most important and expensive days in a girl's life.

But no matter how much she has to spend on her wedding dress, the bride can't do it justice unless she is looking her best.

Miracles don't happen overnight and the most beautiful dress can't compensate if you are overweight or if your hair is in a mess.

The best day to lose weight is through a combination of sensible eating and exercise. Take your exercise routine gently at first, and if you don't have the willpower to work out on your own, get moral support from joining a keep-fit class or aerobics class.

Pre-wedding nerves can play havoc with skin and hair, so start from the inside out and learn how to relax properly. Relaxing doesn't mean flopping in front of the television set it means learning to unwind physically and mentally.

Your hairdresser can be your best friend when it comes to working out a beauty schedule.

Make sure your hair is trimmed every six weeks, even if you are growing it, and ask your hairdresser's advice if you are tempted to try highlights or a perm.

As soon as you have chosen your headdress take it to the salon so your hairdresser can help you decide how you are going to wear your hair on the day. If in doubt, go for simplicity.

Don't forget, your hands are going to be on show. If you are trying to grow long, elegant nails, you'll find it much easier if you keep them cut straight across the tips instead of shaping them into ovals. A good idea is to have regular manicures leading up to the big day to keep them in tip-top condition, and of course one as near to the occasion as possible.

And nail beauty has come a long way from the dated stick-on nail extensions. There is now everything from easy-to-maintain sculptured nails to silk wraps to prevent your nails from slitting while they are growing, through to gold nail accessories.

For the bride, the most important part of the pageant is the wedding gown. Wedding dresses come in such a wide range of designs and patterns that brides are spoiled for choice and you can buy styles to suit all ages from the 18-year-old who wants to float down the aisle in ribbons and lace to the lady whose own children may be attending and wants to look as dignified as possible.

When choosing your dress you can get some great ideas from looking through few bridal magazines until you find a style you like. Magazines offer lots of ideas and often give information on where to buy accessories for a totally co-ordinated look.

Taking a friend shopping with you will be an added bonus and will perhaps help you decide which dress is most flattering for your figure.

Shoes in white or cream will add that finishing touch and to complement your dress perfectly, look at the shops which offer shoes in different materials such as silk and satin.