by Gail Bertram

Created on: August 31, 2010   Last Updated: September 01, 2010

Many brides feel they have to compete with nature for attention at a fall wedding, but it is far better to let the dazzling display compliment your natural beauty and provide you with inspiration as you select your hair, make-up and scent for your big day. Your appearance should be as unique as you are, enhancing the radiance that comes from the joy of the day. Let fall help you make sure that every eye on the room is on you, rather than the scene outside!

Make-Up

The main idea behind all bridal make up is natural beauty. The aim is to enhance your features, rather than shroud them with color or thick textures. A warm, dewy complexion with a touch of rose in the cheeks is the best place to start. Neutral lipstick, too, is often a cornerstone, though if you are wearing a veil, consider a stain instead to prevent sticking.

The eye area is the best place to get inventive with make-up: soft browns, warm golds and rusty reds can all add a touch of fall to your appearance. Consider the time of day for your wedding, as darker makeup is more appropriate for an evening reception, and lighter works better during the day. Keep eyelashes brown or black, but experiment with different hues of shadow and eyeliner. For the more daring, gilt paint can be used to create more intricate designs around the eye, or add a bright flash of color along the lash line.

When making your decision, do not forget to take the color of your eyes into consideration. Gold makes blue and gray eyes pop, while copper and russet can enhance the green in your iris. Brown is compatible with most colors, but if going for a reddish tone, ensure it does not clash. You want people to see your eyes, not your eye make-up.

Hair

How you wear your hair on your big day can be dependent on many things, including your veil and the length of your cut. The most important thing is to wear a style with which you are comfortable and will not need much maintenance throughout the day. Then, if you wish, you can give your accessories an autumnal edge. Fall foliage, either real or artificial, can be woven into hair of most lengths to create an idea of fall. Alternatively, consider your veil. Soft gold can still look bridal and seasonal, as long as it will not clash with your dress. Alternatively, autumnal details on a white veil can be the perfect finishing touches.

Scent

Whether you wear perfume on a regular basis or not, sometimes choosing a scent to spritz on your wedding day can be a wonderful idea. Fragrance is heavily tied to memory, and what better way is there to make sure your memories of the day are brought back, vivid and real, every time you wear that perfume?

Fragrance is always very personal, and taste plays a huge part in your selection. However, if you are looking for something that reminds you of fall, aim for soft spices, such as cinnamon tinted, or cool scents that remind you of the sharpness in the air. Either way, it can be a private reminder to you and your groom of the season that saw your love result in a perfect marriage.

As you put together your beauty ideas for your wedding, remember that it is not the makeup, hair, scent, dress or accessories that are making you beautiful, they are merely enhancing and drawing attention to what you already have. Be confident, be inventive, and know that whatever you choose, no one will be looking at the tree’s display. All eyes will be on you and your partner as you take your vows.

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