Every little girl dreams of being a princess - and every princess needs a tiara. Tiaras are timeless... elegant, dignified and fun. We want your fairytale moment to be perfect, so here are a few tips for achieving a truly regal look on your wedding day.

Choosing Your Tiara

When choosing your tiara, you should consider both shape and style. The style should complement your dress. For example, if your dress is beaded with pearls, you should choose a pearl tiara. A crystal tiara will complement a dress or veil with diamantes, and a floral design a dress with a flower motif.

The shape of your face is an important consideration in choosing the right tiara. Like a pretty picture frame, your tiara is there not to be the focus of attention, but to enhance your overall look.

• If you have an oval face, you can wear most styles, but avoid a tiara that peaks in the centre.
• A tall tiara will add length to a round face.
• If your face is long, you need a low tiara of even height across the head. A style which adds a little width at the sides would be ideal, or you might consider an alice band.
• A v-shaped peak will work beautifully for a heart-shaped face.

You also need to take into account your veil, if you choose to wear one. If you propose to wear a veil with a blusher (the short layer that is worn over the face at the start of the ceremony), it is probably best to avoid very delicate wired styles.

Our Bijoux Bridal collection has an extensive range of beautiful hand-crafted tiaras and other headdresses to suit every shape and style. Most can be made up in the colour of your choice, and we also offer a bespoke service.

Wearing Your Tiara

A question that vexes many a bride-to-be is how to wear a tiara, and particularly how to wear a tiara with a veil.

Wear your tiara with style: don't perch it on top of your head like a runner up in a beauty contest. First, bend the arms of the tiara band if necessary to ensure a comfortable fit. The tiara should be snug, but not tight. Some bands have combs to hold them in place, others have holes or loops through which you can insert a hairgrip for extra security.

The tiara should be slanted at an angle of 45 degrees. Slide the tiara into place, secure it and cover the unadorned arms with hair. If worn with a veil, the veil should be put on first. Anchor the veil firmly in place and slide the tiara right back to meet it. Similarly, if worn with the hair piled up, the tiara should be positioned against the topknot so there is no gap.

Coronets and Crowns

A coronet is a low circlet that is generally worn on its own, but may be worn over a simple mantilla in medieval fashion.

Crowns are taller than coronets, and usually have a smaller diameter. The crown is a perfect choice for the confident bride who wants to make a statement. Worn without a veil, these are usually positioned off-centre and at a slight angle.

Brow Bands and Ferronières

For the bride who wants an intricate headpiece without the added height, a v-band, brow band or ferronière with the focal point resting on the forehead might well be the answer. These work best with a simple hairstyle, and can be worn with a veil attached at the back of the head.