The days of identikit ringlet chignons and Princess Diana makeup are over – today bridal beauty is well, whatever you want it to be. This opens up endless possibilities for brides – no longer is there just one ideal to conform to and thankfully the kind of sartorial statements which would have been considered unseemly a mere 20 years ago are de rigeur for today’s nuptials.

Feel compelled to wear a vampish red lip? Do it. Don’t fancy getting your hair princess-ified by some crazed hairdresser who heard ‘wedding’ and immediately bought shares in Ellnett? Do your own top knot! Or, do away with makeup and styling altogether and join the au naturel posse – you’re in excellent company. On the other hand, without that go-to default setting for bridal beauty, there’s sometimes too much choice – HOW do you narrow it down to one look for this day of all days?

Just start by thinking to yourself, what kind of bride do you want to be? Who is your bridal alter ego? Unpick your wedding day persona and the famous brides you most identify with most. Then, ride that theme all the way to the chapel. Whether you just want to be the ‘best’ version of yourself, or live out a fantasy, anything goes. Do whatever makes you want to run up the aisle, dance until the sun comes up and be in a thousand photos.

And if you’re still looking for that ‘something borrowed’, sponge some inspiration from this slideshow of beautiful brides whether your nuptials are forthcoming or not (there’s nothing wrong with thinking ahead).