This day is yours. For a few hours, you will be the uncontested belle of the ball, a fairytale beauty dancing with your very own Prince Charming. You have the perfect dress, beautiful shoes, and a hairstyle guaranteed to keep every eye on you. There's just one more piece needed to complete the puzzle. No mere veil will finish this exquisite look -- only a glittering tiara will do.
There's no question that a tiara lends a touch of magic to even the simplest of bridal gowns. However, unless you're a beauty pageant veteran, your wedding may well be the first occasion you've ever had to shop for one of these delicate ornaments. Have no fear. Former professional ballet dancer and Web producer, Tiina Piirsoo, has tips to help you find, purchase and wear the tiara of your wedding day fantasies. But first, let's go over a few fundamentals.
Tiaras 101
There are two basic types of tiaras. The first kind is larger, and sits high on the crown of your head. The other, a smaller tiara type, is intended to circle a bun or similar hairstyle. Before you begin your shopping excursion, you should style your hair as closely as possible to your intended "wedding do" for proper fitting. "Look for tiaras that match your proportions," Tiina advises. Women with thick, full hair and rounder faces can generally carry off heavier, more ornate tiaras, while those with narrow faces and/or fine hair should stick to more delicate models. When in doubt, think smaller. Tiina also recommends that brides with fine hair look for a tiara without tiny combs attached. These combs are intended to help hold the tiara in place, but generally need thicker hair to be effective. If you are searching for the larger tiara style, remember that a tiara should perch atop your head with the front tilted upward, not encircle your brow like a crown.
Bridal Shops And Beyond
Where does a bride-to-be go searching for the perfect tiara? Bridal shops are, of course, the simplest choice. Look for a shop with a wide selection of styles and sizes. "Remember," says Tiina, "your tiara is a work-in-progress. Everyone's head is shaped differently, and you will need to bend the tiara once you get it home to form a perfect fit." As you search, be sure to keep an eye on the cost of any tiara that interests you, and ask if you don't see a price tag. Although they are quite dainty, tiaras often contain a lot of detail, and their price tags reflect that workmanship. You don't want to spend hours hunting down the perfect tiara only to be shocked into rethinking your choice by an asking price of $500 or more. If a bridal tiara proves beyond your budget, don't give up. Tiina may just have your answer. "Ballet shops generally carry a wide range of costume tiaras." These tiaras can often be purchased for less than $50. "Keep in mind though," says Tiina, "that these kinds of tiaras are meant to be seen from the stage. They glitter, but they won't have the same amount of detail when viewed up close that a bridal tiara will."
Wear It Like A Pro
Finally, you've found the perfect tiara for both your heart and your wallet. Hold on. You have one more stop to make -- a beauty supply shop. After all, nothing will kill your magical moment quicker than the sound of your lovely tiara clattering to the floor as you stroll down the aisle towards your prince. Once again, we turn to our expert for help. With over 400 performances of 'The Nutcracker' under her belt, each requiring four different tiara changes, Tiina knows a thing or two about keeping these elegant ornaments firmly in place. "Take four bobby pins," she advises, "and bend them slightly in the middle. Secure the tiara to your head with two bobby pins on each side crossing each other in the form of an 'x'." Tiina recommends using this method even if your tiara comes with combs. Find bobby pins that closely match the color of your hair and they should be unnoticeable.
Remember, the choice of a tiara to complete your wedding day vision is as much about attitude as it is about your hairstyle. For a few hours you are Cinderella at the ball, dancing away in the arms of your very own Prince Charming. Embrace the moment and enjoy it. There will be time enough for your feet to return to earth once the clock strikes twelve. And if, once the honeymoon has passed, you wish to return to the magic of that day, you need only place your tiara atop your head once again. Then look in the mirror and float away.
See More: Wedding Style , Fashion , Gowns