Whether she’s designing for a celebrity or creating looks for the every-girl, Vera Wang knows a thing or two about turning heads. Follow her words of wisdom, and you will, too.

On selecting a dress

Before she starts looking around, a bride should know all her w’s: Where am I getting married? What time of year is the wedding? What time of day? All of these factor into how to dress for the occasion. A trailing 20-foot train would be impractical at an intimate downtown Manhattan wedding, and an unadorned, simple sheath wouldn’t match the tone of an elaborate affair in Hong Kong.

On timeless trends

We’ve been doing strapless necklines in a serious way since the early ’90s, and to this day it’s still our best-selling silhouette. A-lines have been popular for years; it’s a great cut for making you look taller and leaner. These days, the mermaid shape is also huge, and I think it’ll become a mainstay — it lets a girl who’s not that tall or slim have glamour without sacrificing fit.

On choosing accessories

Get creative. I’m a fan of people using jewelry from their own lives to make their bridal look personal — maybe it’s an heirloom that’s been passed down in your family or your lucky earrings. It can be as simple as wearing your favorite flower in your hair. And I definitely believe in the superstition of something old, new, borrowed and blue.

On picking a veil

The style you choose should be determined by the cut of your dress; you don’t want your gown and veil to compete if both are poufy. If you’re wearing a sleeker silhouette, like a bias-cut or mermaid, you can go for high-drama, making the veil your big fashion statement.

On going over the top — tastefully!

This is your wedding, and it should reflect your sense of style. But it’s also a special day, so you can splash out a bit. Ballgown, for example, are always popular, even though most people don’t live ballgown lives. And if you want to change into another dress for your reception, I think that’s great, great fun! I did a costume change at my own wedding. Just make sure you keep the venue in mind and choose your dress — or dresses — appropriately.

On wearing color

I’ve done red gowns, which are really festive, and a black-and-nude collection that was inspired by lingerie. My latest designs for the White by Vera Wang collection at David’s Bridal include soft gray and ombre blush gowns. Your wedding day is about self-expression, and color is for someone brave and confident who wants to make a fashion statement.