How to get that classic bridal glow ... without even opening your make-up bag!

Pearls have long been a staple of the classic wedding day look - and with good reason.

(Debbie Carlisle's Carmen stud earrings teamed with her coordinating pearl and crystal headband)

Their subtle shimmer and shine instantly brightens the skin, giving you that perfect bridal glow before you've even stepped near your make-up bag!

The best way to utilise this natural highlighter is by wearing pearls or mother of pearl near your face. This can be done by choosing a pearl wedding hair accessory, a pearl necklace or, for a more delicate look, by choosing pearl bridal earrings - all of which will instantly lift and brighten your complexion.

(The Isabella wedding headband mixes mother of pearl carved flowers with freshwater pearl beads and crystals for an instantly glowing complexion)

Pearls are chosen by countless brides for their simple, classic, natural shine - they are a truly timeless, elegant way of adding a touch of glamour to your wedding day look.

Pearls have long been said to symbolise purity and innocence and have been a symbol of unblemished perfection since ancient times. 

(The Sylvie wedding hair vine comb mixes skin-brightening mother of pearl flowers with gold Czech crystals which add a touch of warmth too.)

Whether you choose a simple bridal hair comb, a statement wedding headdress, or nothing but a classic veil, a beautiful pair of bridal earrings will finish off your look. This is the perfect time to add a little skin-brightening pearl to your look - whether with a simple pair of pearl studs or an elegant drop pearl earring.

Despite their popularity at weddings - Queen Elizabeth II wore a double strand for her wedding - there are some who consider pearls to be bad luck. 

Pearls are said to symbolise tears and although some believe this means wearing pearls on your wedding day will bring bad luck, it is thought that this symbolism, and the long-held tradition of wedding day pearls, actually stemmed from the ancient Greeks who believed that wearing pearls would replace a bride's actual tears and ensure marital bliss.