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Wedding Tiaras: Tiara Times

Tiara by Marys/P.C. Mary's Inc.

Bridal tiaras are so hot right now and forever will be the ultimate in wedding hair adornment. How did they become so hot? With the wedding gowns having been so simple for the last five years or so designers turned to accessories to finish off their looks. Magazine editors are also hiring fabulous editorial hairdressers for their shoots and are making quite a statement. Brides are falling in love with sparkle. Weddings have also shifted from the simple morning or afternoon ceremony into elaborate evening and sometimes two-day affairs. The demand for a more festive and opulent touch for these wedding galas has produced a plethora of beautiful wedding tiaras.

But what bridal tiara does one choose when there are literally hundreds out there not to mention many web sites that offer custom designs?

The first cue is your wedding gown. Look to the beading design, shape, texture and coloring to find a complementary bridal tiara. Secondly you need to look to your hairstyle, a height you're comfortable with and personal preferences for the size and style of the bridal tiara.

Beading and gown details:
If there is any beading on the gown try to find a wedding tiara that has some of the same beading. Match the shapes and size of the beads. If the pearls on your gown are round make sure some of the pearls in the bridal tiara are also round. If there is flower detail in the fabric of your gown or in the beading look for a wedding tiara with flowers. If your gown has an iridescent detailing look for a bridal tiara with the same crystals.

Shape:
If the neckline of your gown is a v-neckline or a halter style then a bridal tiara that peaks to a point will complement nicely. If your gown is strapless there may be a V at the waistline or some other straight detailing to complement a peaked shape wedding tiara. If your gown has curved edges, scoops at the neckline or swirls in the detailing than a bridal tiara shape that is gently curved would be perfect. If you have a full ball gown skirt then you may choose a full round bridal tiara. Any design that shows from the front in a combination of metals, crystal, rhinestones or pearls encompasses that special wedding tiara quality.

Texture:
Texture can match for an understated feeling or be dramatically opposing for a spectacular entrance. This is where your personality and tastes come into play. A simple strapless gown looks exquisite with very special detailed accessories. A grand bridal tiara may be best by itself with earrings to match but over played with a necklace. Basically it all has to feel comfortable to you and it is best if you can try everything on together. Don’t allow yourself to be talked into making an entire purchase. Most bridal headpieces are not returnable.

Coloring:
Basically there are warm tones and cools tones. Cream colored gowns, ivory, champagne, your mothers aged gown, look best with clear crystals and pearls of the same colors. You may also choose your metals to be gold. For white gowns, iridescent detailing, silver threading or blue undertones, pick a bridal tiara with AB crystals, rhinestones, white pearls and silver wiring.

Hairstyling:
In order to choose the best wedding tiara style you need to know how you are going to wear your hair. I strongly suggest having your hairstyle picked out before you choose a bridal headpiece or wedding tiara. Then try to wear that hairstyle when shopping for your tiara. I have had many brides whose bridal tiara gets lost once their hair is up or find the wedding tiara not working with how they envisioned their hair. A bridal tiara that may seem too tall when it is plopped on your head may be perfect with the right wedding updo.

Weddings produce a lot of unnecessary stress. Too many choices and too many opinions can create havoc. Have something in mind as you go shopping and this will help you feel focused and in control. Don’t let your emotions and others talk you into a purchase you don’t feel good about. Fall in love with your gown and tiara like you fell in love with your fiance. It all should feel right and comfortable.

by Gretchen Maurer, author of The Business of Bridal Beauty and creator of WeddingHair.com.