Bridal Tiara and Veil

Which One Is Right For You?

How to Choose
the Right Bridal
Tiara and Veil

When selecting a bridal tiara and veil, your face shape and hairstyle is far more important than the style and color of your gown!

Let's review some key things to consider before choosing this very important accent piece.

The Different Styles
of Bridal Tiaras

Tiara: Known as the "princess of headpieces," tiaras offer the most impressive effect. They are a fantastic accent to any gown, from a simple sheath style to a ball gown style. Tiaras can be worn with or without a veil and are usually accented with a pearls, rhinestones, crystals, etc. They compliment upswept hairstyles as well as shorter hairstyles.

Headband: Headbands are a very functional option. For brides who want to wear their hair down, a headband can be used to keep her hair away from her face. It also can be worn to accent upswept hairstyles as well, by wrapping it around a bun.

Double Headband: Double Headbands are the most versatile of all. They can be worn flat on the head as a headband, tilted forward in tiara style, or wrapped around a bun.

Comb: A comb is a simple piece that can be worn with almost any hairstyle. Depending on the style, it can sometimes provide for a less formal look. They make beautiful combs with soft feathers or flowers on them that can be used as a side accent. Or you can add a small beaded comb to the back of your updo for decoration after you remove your veil.

So, which bridal tiara, headband or comb is right for you? Next let's consider your face shape and possible wedding hairstyle.

Contribute your hairstyle ideas here!

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Choose a Bridal Tiara and Veil
That Compliments Your Face Shape

A tiara (and veil) should draw attention to your face by framing it, not draw attention away from it. The wrong shape tiara can make your face look too long and thin or too short and full. Here is a guide:

ROUND(full) face: If your face is ROUND, there is equal distance all around, using the nose as a centerpoint. It will be as wide as it is long, with rounded edges.

• To make your face appear longer, choose a tiara with some height or one that has a peak.
• A round, full face will benefit from a veil that falls along the sides of the face, thus working to help narrow it.
• A round-faced bride should also stay away from round hairstyles. Wearing your hair down or in a face-framing bob is the best option.

LONG face: If your face is LONG, it will look like an elongated oval.

• We recommend headbands or tiaras with little or no height that extend over your head from one side to the other at an even height.
• Look for veils of the waterfall variety.
• Stay away from piled-high hair, which will only make you look more elongated.

• Avoid pieces with a peak at the top, which will make your face appear longer. Wearing a headband, forehead piece, or a back piece will make your face appear less oval.

HEART-SHAPED face: If your face is HEART-SHAPED, it is wider at the eye, temple, and cheek area, with a narrow chin. The edges are soft and curved.

• If your face is heart-shaped or triangular, you'll want to add width at the jawline. Since most veils will be too full for you, the best choice is a back piece, where the width shows up behind the neckline.
• As for hair, a chignon or flipped-up bob is a great look.

DIAMOND shaped face: If your face is DIAMOND shaped, it's widest at the cheeks, narrow at the chin and forehead, with sharper features.

• If you're lucky enough to have a diamond shaped face, congratulations -- you're perfectly symmetrical, so your bridal tiara and veil choices are unlimited, as long as they complement your gown, neckline, and proportions.

Contribute your hairstyle ideas here!

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Wedding Hairstyles

Now that you know about the different types of bridal headpieces and you have identified the shape of your face, you can incorporate the perfect wedding hairstyle to complete the look.

Start by watching the following video which shows examples of over 50 different updo's and other wedding hairstyles, with a bridal tiara or accent piece that might work for you.

This next short video shows a very creative three ponytail up-do wedding hairstyle. This style would be ideal for brides with medium to long hair.

Buns and chignons can be worn low at the nape of the neck, to the side, or high on the head. If you want a full look but your hair isn't quite long enough, ask your hairstylist to add a bit of hair padding. The padding looks a bit like cotton, but once your hair is smoothed over it you'll never know it's there. An alternative is to tease your hair with a fine tooth comb and carefully smooth the top layer for a finished look.

The chignon hairstyle has become increasingly popular and is very versatile. The next video shows a very pretty variation of the chignon. This one is similar to one previously worn by Reese Witherspoon.





One of the hottest looks in wedding hairstyles right now is long, flowing hair with just a bit pulled back off the face. Add a bridal tiara or comb where the hair is fastened on the head and create an elegant, whimsical look. If you don't have time to grow your hair out for your wedding, consider a set of extensions to give fullness and length where you need it.


Sleek, straight styles give your wedding day look a modern edge and really highlights the accessories you choose to wear. If your hair has a bit of natural wave, use a flat iron to smooth, then mist with a setting spray.


To give a bun or chignon a polished look, have your hairstylist leave out a section of the hair to wrap around the top or bottom and then pin in place. You may also choose to insert a few hairpins or a comb to finish off your look.

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