Whether the look is simple, glamorous or modish, every bride has a vision of how she'd like to look on her wedding day. She's flipped through dozens of wedding magazines, put sticky notes on her favorite pages, and she's got her fancied look embedded in her mind.

But for many brides, the difficult part is transforming that hairdo and makeup concept from the photograph into the real world, where there are blemishes, weather conditions and nylon snags.

"What people have to remember is those photos were taken in controlled environments," says Michelle Dastyck, a professional makeup artist.

"Thinking you are going to look exactly like the person in the picture is unrealistic."

A more realistic goal, Dastyck said, is to capture the essence or feel of the magazine bride but tailor it to the real bride's overall look and personality. Dastyck said a bride's beauty also is reflected in how she feels on the inside.

Dastyck and Sandie Trevor, a cosmetologist, are the women behind "The Perfect Wedding" DVD series. They have come up with a Top 10 list of beauty tips for brides that will ensure that they are looking and feeling their best on their wedding day.

1. Give your hairstyle and makeup design a "test drive" together before the wedding day.

It is important to see how your hair and makeup style will react under real-life conditions. Go out for a test run such as dinner and dancing. That way, you will know what adjustments need to be made.

2. There is a reason it's called beauty sleep.

Most brides don't get enough sleep the week of their wedding. Planning your wedding may be one of the most stressful times in your life. The stress will inevitably show on your face on the big day. Don't skip on sleep no matter how much there is to do. Get at least eight hours every night, and take power naps.

3. Don't leave administrative and logistical details until the last minute.

The additional stress can really take away from the joy of getting ready and cut into the preparation time scheduled. So don't leave decisions such as seating arrangements or your transportation to the ceremony until the last minute.

4. When choosing a bridal hairstyle, take Mother Nature into consideration.

Elements such as high humidity, wind and possible showers can greatly affect the look and hold-ability of a style.

5. Never have any waxing done the day before the wedding or try any new skin products or treatments just before the wedding.

Waxing, especially on the face, may leave irritation and redness that may be impossible to conceal with makeup. Skin may even scab due to the use of excessively hot wax right before the wedding. New skin care products or treatments may cause adverse reactions, as well. Have your skin glowing with regular professional facial treatments starting six months to a year before the wedding, depending on skin condition.

6. Don't have your hair cut right before the wedding.

The hairstyle you planned on wearing for your wedding day may not be achievable if the hair is cut too short. Have your trim no closer than four weeks before the wedding.

7. Don't overcondition hair the night before the wedding.

It will make the hair too soft and limp to maintain the style throughout the day.

8. The foundation normally worn daily may not be the best choice for a wedding.

To promote a long-lasting finish and to diminish shine in photos, use an oil-free matte foundation.

9. Be prepared to look photo ready all day by planning for easy access to touch-up essentials.

Brides often do not realize that they need to be photo ready for many hours. Having hairpins, a comb or brush, tissue, lipstick or lip gloss and a powder compact tucked into a small bag or purse can help keep brides looking perfect all day. (Dastyck and Trevor recommend putting an attendant in charge of this little emergency kit to lighten your load.)

10. Try on the entire wedding ensemble.

By entire wedding ensemble, we mean lingerie, shoes, dress, veil, jewelry, gloves. Practicing getting dressed before the wedding day will help you not only to decide what order to get dressed, but more importantly, brides can avoid finding out minutes before their wedding that some aspect of their attire does not look or feel as they expected.

For more information about "The Perfect Wedding" DVD series, call 760-603-3243 or visit www.perfectweddingseries.com.

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.