There are a thousand and one things to organise once you have said yes to a marriage proposal, but few are as fun as planning the ultimate wedding hair for your big day.

With your own version of the paparazzi snapping your every move from the opening chord of the wedding march until you drive off into the sunset, having a bad hair day is simply not an option. whether you aspire to a traditional, modern, casual or off the wall interpretation of the blushing bride you aim to look like you only the A-list version and not arrive at the altar virtually unrecognisable, thus freaking out your intended. Our salon offers extensive bridal hair services-for an entire wedding party if necessary.

Getting your hair in shape can be labour intensive particularly if you are the type that sees your dentist more often than you do your stylist. A growing spree should commence at least 12 months before your wedding day if you want your hair significantly longer. If you still need help hair extensions are an option- not just for length, for volume and colour too, but don't try them on for the first day on the day itself.

You will undoubtedly need to book your hairdresser for the big day well in advance as you may be competing for other brides for his/hers services. Particularly in the wedding high season that is British summer time. You can discuss whether you can go to the salon on your wedding day or whether your hairdresser will come to you and direct operations from there- this will cost extra of course but may cause a stress busting investment.

trial runs with the dress, veil or headdress, hair and makeup worn together are essential and best staged a couple of months before the wedding just in case they don't mesh as envisaged and you need to rethink. Capture your hairstyle on camera on all angles to make sure its as photogenic as you anticipated. The shape of your neckline of your dress is key when considering your hairstyle. With strapless gowns almost anything goes as far as wearing hair up or down, as the issue of obscuring some detail of the dress with cascading curls doesn't arise.

high necklines and halter-necks will work best with up-dos, bobs or short styles . Sleek chignons, pleats and ballerina buns all timeless, elegant ways to wear long hair without being too over the top and over powering. Anything too contrived or over the edge will date really quickly which is not ideal if your wedding day portraits are to be displayed prominently on various mantelpieces for years to come.

Whatever your chosen do, if your not wearing a veil the back of your head will be coming in for a lot of scrutiny from the congregation so introducing some interesting detail, pin curls, flowers or bejewelled slides could make it a real winner.

Don't overlook hair colour. 'A week before, touch up your highlights and remember to apply a semi-permanent gloss three to four days in advance for a dazzling natural looking shine, but don't over-process your hair with chemicals.' Says bridal expert Donna Ryalls. If your marrying abroad or having a beach ceremony forget about having some highly technical style as it could be a recipe for disaster if your doing it yourself or meeting your hairdresser for the first time that day. 'Ask you hairdresser at home to create your style. photograph it and devise step by step instructions on how to achieve the look yourself.'

Over-elaborate can be inappropriate with an informal, naturalistic setting-from sunflowers to sunset!