Deciding on a theme for your wedding can be a bit overwhelming, but in the long run it narrows down the seemingly endless options, creating a fabulous sense of stylish unity.

Whether it's an afternoon wedding at a winery or a glamorous dinner in an Art Deco-era city club; indoors, or outside, you can bring it all together with a dress, accessories, hairstyle, and makeup that complement instead of clash. The key to creating a "total" look, without looking like you’re trying too hard, is incorporating a few elements of your theme, taking clues from your location.

If your venue is from a distinct era, use that as inspiration for your look. For example, if it’s circa the 1920s consider a piece of art-deco jewelry, feather-trimmed slippers, or a gown with a '20s feel like this dress from Watters. This look also works great if you’re having a formal outdoor garden reception or a Great Gatsby-esque fest at a yacht club.

For a classic evening wedding in an ultra-modern location such as a contemporary museum or an elegant restaurant, add drama with a floor-length gown and a va-va-voom shade of red lipstick (try Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Legendary). If you’re going for sexy sophistication, try a sleek updo. For a more romantic, pretty look, keep your updo loose and wispy.

If you’re getting married at a winery or on a country farm, in a garden, or on a beach, flowing fabrics and easy breezy hairstyles create a sexy, natural, but still sophisticated look. You can opt for a shorter dress and wear less makeup than you might for a more formal, indoor wedding. Choose from among bold, bright shades of lipstick and pale nudes or pinks. Even a lip-stain topped with gloss will work as long as it has staying power. (Try Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Organza Pink.)

Getting in touch with nature? Add a flower to your hair or feathers to your bouquet, or wear a pair of sexy sandals instead of stilettos. But beware of breaking the ground rules: think subtle and sophisticated and always choose playful over kitschy.

If your venue of choice is, say, a Moroccan hotel, a Polynesian paradise, or a castle in the Scottish highlands, first of all, lucky you! It’s your chance to break the rules a little and fulfill a fantasy, but some of the same cautions apply. Subtle is always better and the venue will speak for itself—there’s no need to pound your theme home.

For the Scottish highlands, wrap your bouquet with a tartan ribbon and make sure your lipstick is in a complementary shade. If you’re exchanging vows in a tropical paradise, try a shorter dress and keep your makeup light, avoiding shine at all costs. If you’re in Fez, don an empire (pronounced om*peer) waist gown and gold sandals and let your hair down, literally.

You're the star of your own movie, especially on your wedding day. Watch these films for ideas for hair, makeup, and more--like tips on how to make your big entrance with sass and style.