Spain
Señoritas sauntering down the aisle wear their hair up, with a lace mantilla flung over a tall comb. With all the flair of flamenco, they carry flaming red roses (here, we've updated the look, creating one giant flower by wiring individual petals) to amplify their dark-eyed drama. Dress, by Angelo Lambrou, angelolambrou.com. Mantilla and comb, Lands Far Away, boutique-flamenco.com.
Elements of the look: Magnify the mystery with Lasting Color Eyeshadow in Smoke, $4, and PenSilks eyeliner in Black Velvet, $6, both by Max Factor, maxfactor.com.
Hungary
Rhapsodies in bold embroidery, heart-stealing maidens inspired by Old-World folk customs wear layers of clothing topped with a beaded, paprika-colored velvet vest and a finely pleated silk apron. Rows of pearls, braids, and a wildflower-and-heather wreath complement a visage as dewy as a mountain meadow. Outfit courtesy of the American Hungarian Museum, Passaic, NJ. Pearl necklace, Carolee, carolee.com.
Elements of the look: Bring out the gypsy in your soul with Cheekers Blush in Rose Silk, $3, and Outlast Smoothwear Lipcolor in Rose Satin, $8, both by Cover Girl, covergirl.com.
India
In a country of haunting beauty, no region is more dazzling than Rajasthan. The maharajas' legendary riches are recalled in gleaming red bridal attire—flowing skirts called lehengas, matching veils shot with gold threads, and glittering tikki worn over the hair. The embellishment extends to the hands and feet, covered with henna designs, while bindi gems decorate the forehead and eyes, outlined with kohl. Veil, New Koh-I-Noor Boutique, 718-505-2559. Jewelry, Chahat Fashions, 718-335-1295.
Elements of the look: For a smoky style that will turn heads, wear Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved, $13, and Liquid Liner in Boot Black, $15, both from M.A.C., maccosmetics.com
Nigeria
The kingdoms of southwest Nigeria may be long gone, but Yoruban royalty still reigns in this opulent bridal outfit made from aso oke, a handwoven fabric reserved for special occasions. Here, wearing a gold openwork blouse called a buba; an iborun, or shoulder sash; and a wrap skirt known as an iro, the lady needs few other adornments—only an extravagant head tie (gele) and her own natural glow. Outfit, Nigerian Fabrics and Fashions, nigerianfabricsandfashions.com.
Elements of the look: Set off your regal attire with velvety eyes and inviting lips, courtesy of Softlining Pencil in Jet, $15, and Moonbeam Reflective Lip Gloss in Venus, $17.50, both by Prescriptives, prescriptives.com.
Japan
Cutting-edge Japan is also deeply traditional, with wedding rituals that date back centuries. Though she may swap a Shinto temple for a hotel hall, the bride's likely to wear a shiromuku kimono at the ceremony, adding an uchikake—a brocade kimono bearing symbols of nature—for the reception. With a wig, kanzashi hair ornaments, and snowy skin, she's every samurai's fantasy. Ensemble, Kyoko Ohnishi, 718-793-2551.
Elements of the look: For a Pacific fusion of geisha girlishness and Kabuki cool, turn to Eyeshadow Duo No. 13 in Copper Burgundy/Faded Rose, $36, and Rouge Pur Lipstick No. 11 in Authentic Red, $26, both by Yves Saint Laurent, ysl.com.
