She’s styled countless celebrities—including Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Williams and Britney Spears—and has become one of the most sought-after colorists in the world. If anyone knows how to make a bride look good on her wedding day, it’s Rita Hazan (ritahazansalon.com). What can you do to make sure not a hair is out of place for your walk down the aisle? We asked Hazan to share a few insider tips.

Wait to Go Bold

“It’s important for brides to stay natural,” says Hazan. Dramatic changes right before the wedding have potential for disaster. If you want to color your hair, do so six months to a year in advance—especially if you want to change your color entirely. If you’re unhappy with the results, there’s plenty of time to work with your new ’do.

Highlights are flattering for any cut and color, and Hazan prefers to use foiling when she adds highlights to the bride-to-be’s locks. Ask your colorist to add highlights around the face, at the crown and—if you plan to wear your hair up—on the bottom. If you want more subtle highlights, you may want to ask your colorist about balliage, a technique where color is painted onto the hair (as opposed to putting it in with foils) so it weaves in with your locks’ natural tones.

Stay Consistent

“If you’re happy, no one is going to make you happier,” Hazan says. Bring photos for your colorist to work with. Match the models in your pictures to your complexion to be sure your desired look works with your appearance.

If you’re new to a colorist, speak up before you have your hair colored so they know exactly what you want. However, good color doesn’t come cheap. According to Hazan, a colorist can run between $300 and $600 (depending on your location).

The Trial Run

When you schedule your hair appointment, also book your makeup artist and stylist. And be sure to bring a camera to your test run so there are no surprises and you know exactly how you will look on your big day.