If you decide to wear a tiara on your wedding day, be sure that you choose

one that will be the crowning glory of your ensemble. It should fit so perfectly

with your gown and other accessories that it blends into the total image you

present rather than stand out as a disjointed part.

To accomplish this goal, you will naturally need to focus on the design

elements that comprise your wedding gown. Achieving a flawless line from the top

of your head to the tip of your hemline means having the same type of

ornamentation that is predominant on your gown, present on your tiara. A tiara

ornamented with just Austrian crystals will fit nicely with any gown; but a gown

studded with pearls is best paired with a tiara studded with pearls. If you are

wearing a gown that has floral detailing, choose a tiara that has a similar

floral motif. A simple, straight gown will probably be best accompanied by a

tiara that has the same clean lines.

The next consideration in choosing a tiara is the color of the gown.

Silver-tone or rhinestone tiaras are best suited to a white gown. Pearl tiaras

go well with off-white or ivory gowns, because a pearl's luster is accentuated

by these tones. Gold-tone tiaras are another good choice if you are wearing

ivory or off-white.

The last two elements to consider when choosing a tiara are the shape of your

face and your wedding day hairdo. The tiara should flatter your face by framing

it, not draw attention to dominant aspects of your face's shape. When you choose

your tiara, follow these simple guidelines:

For a round face, select a tiara that has height and will draw the eye

upward, giving the illusion that your face is longer.

For a long face, use a tiara that is flat and sits close to the top of your

head. It should also extend over the sides of your head to draw the eye

horizontally, rather than vertically. This will make a long, thin face appear

fuller.

For an oval face, try a headpiece that either sits on the forehead, or an

ornamentation that sits on the back of your head to make your face appear less

oval.

For a full face, wear a tiara that has height and forms a "V' shape to draw

the eye up for the illusion of length and out for the illusion of a thinner

face.

Your hairstyle will also dictate how "heavy" a tiara you will wear. Short

hairstyles look best with a light tiara that has subtle ornamentation, while a

large amount of hair can carry a bigger tiara that is amply encrusted with

gemstones.