Bridal Tiara

Tiaras work well with a range of styles, from long, loosely flowing curls to a contemporary sweeping updo. Available in styles to be worn with or without veils, tiaras make you look and feel like a princess on your special day.

Over the Top?

As they are agonizing over the numerous details of their weddings, many brides go back and forth of whether or not to wear a bridal tiara, questioning whether it's too much. While it is not unheard of for a bride to be 'overdone' in regards to cosmetics, jewelry, and accessories, the use of a bridal tiara in and of itself certainly does not mean a bride is going overboard. On the contrary, it can be a perfect and tasteful accompaniment to a bride's selection of gown, hairstyle, and accessories. The danger of 'overdoing' lies more in the overarching bridal attire rather than a specific wedding piece. If you are concerned about it, ask close, but honest, family and friends how a tiara looks with your gown and other bridal accents.

Tiaras versus Headbands

While many tiaras closely mimic the design of royal headpieces and are quite large, other tiaras are closer to their headband cousins. Simpler headband-type tiaras, available in a wide range of designs from flowers to crystal to pearls, offer an exquisite look without the more formal appearance of a larger tiara. Double headbands are an extremely versatile option for almost any wedding hairstyle. Special tiaras are also made to fit cleanly around a bun for a beautifully traditional look.

Other Hair Adornment Options

If you decide not to go with a bridal tiara, you don't have to sacrifice adding a little splash and sparkle to your hair on your wedding day. You have many other options to make you as the bride stand out and look your best. Consider one of the following hair accents:

• Jeweled combs
• French clips
• Jeweled or pearled hairpins
• Rhinestone, pearl, or other hair jewels
• Flowers --real or silk
• Floral cluster pins
• Decorated barrettes
• Decorated hair sticks

Tiaras for the Frugal Bride

If you'd like to wear a tiara, but balk at the thought of purchasing a tiara you'll never wear again, consider buying a convertible tiara. One company that offers these is Princess Bands. The piece can be worn as a tiara for your wedding day, and then converts to an elegant necklace that can be worn again and again after your wedding is over

Don't Forget the Flower Girl!

Many flower girls wear tiaras in today's wedding ceremonies. If the bride is wearing a tiara, the flower girl may wear a similar, but smaller and less intricate, tiara. Even if the bride decides against a tiara in favor of something else, a small tiara can complement the appearance of the flower girl.

Bridal Tiara Tips

• Try on a variety or tiaras before making a decision
• Match the tones of your gown with the tiara -- an ivory gown with a pearl-accented tiara for example
• Consider how much pinning or other arranging needs to be done with a tiara in order to ensure it stays in place for the wedding and reception
• Consider your face shape -- different face shapes look better with some tiaras than others, so even if a certain tiara looks good in a magazine, it might not be the right one for you
• Consider your height -- for example, larger tiaras can add height and stateliness to a petite bride
• Modern tiaras come with a wide variety of accents -- peals, crystals, semi-precious or colored stones, gold, silver -- remember to choose something you love and makes you feel beautiful!