You've set the date … and now it's time to get all the wedding preparation wheels in motion.

The excitement builds as all your efforts are made to further your ultimate goal - to make your wedding day the most beautiful day of your life. You've selected your gown, chosen your wedding colors and flowers … and now it's time to think about your headpiece.

"When you choose to make this important accessory of your wedding day wardrobe, you will not only save a great deal of money, but you will also make an original design that you will wear with pride and treasure for a lifetime" explains Mimi Turner, buyer/manager of the Bridal department at

Fabricland of North Plainfield, at a recent seminar she presented on how to make your own headpiece.

" Your personally designed headpiece and veil will far surpass a comparable ready-to-wear set in quality and style because it will not be a 'cookie cutter' replica worn by hundreds of other brides. It will be your very own special creation ".

At Fabricland, brides-to-be will find a large variety of ready-made trimmed veils in elbow, fingertip and

cathedral lengths -- with rolled, pearl-trim or ribbon-edges. Ranging in price from between $30. and $80., these tulle veils, available in both white and ivory, can be combined with headbands, tiaras, crowns, wreaths, ribbons, laces, silk flowers, hat forms, decorative combs and other accessories to create a beautiful headpiece at a fraction of the retail price. The store also stocks many different appliques, rhinestones and pearls by the yard, sequins and trimmings that enhance any headpiece.

According to Ms. Turner, the first rule for designing head attire is that it must complement the dress.

"It's important to be consistent with the styling of your gown -- whether it's traditional, contemporary or period, ultra formal, semi-formal or in-between ", she said. " The real purpose is to bring the focal point of the ensemble to the bride's face, flattering her in every way. The elements of constructing the headpiece and veil come in a wide range of options, so for every bride, there are several possibilities that fulfill both requirements beautifully."

The headpiece should be designed to enhance the bride's bone structure and facial proportions, to highlight her best features and camouflage her flaws. Because many brides choose to remove the veil after the ceremony, the headpiece should be designed first and feel complete without the veil. Ultimately, the perfect headpiece should be comfortable, easy to dance with and reflect the bride's personality.

"Two things must be done before designing the headpiece," cites Ms. Turner. "Select your gown and decide on a hairstyle. Take a picture or sketch of the dress to your hairstylist long before your wedding day and seek advice on the best hairstyle to complement your headpiece, dress and your face. Two weeks in advance of your wedding day, have your hairstylist do a 'trial run' with your hair and headpiece. Always select a hairstyle that you are comfortable wearing; don't make any severe changes just for your wedding. You will want to be able to recognize yourself in your wedding pictures!"

For more information and help on making your own bridal headpiece, call Fabricland at 908-755-4700 ext. 142.