Is It Tacky To Wear A Tiara At Your Wedding?  • Vowness

As I venture down my path to ‘I do,’ I’ve found myself in the thick of many interesting wedding debates – from the size of the bouquet to the color of the bridesmaids’ shoes.

But one topic has kept me awake more than most – the curious case of the wedding tiara. 

Is it a royal nod or a sparkly slip-up? Is it classic or cliché?

In essence, is it tacky to wear a tiara at your wedding?

Join me as I delve into the heart of this shimmering question, guided by my journey and the experiences of countless brides before me. 

Whether you’re a fan of understated elegance or you’ve dreamt of a fairy-tale princess wedding since you were a little girl, I hope this friendly guide will help you navigate the shiny world of wedding tiaras. 

So buckle up, dust off your tiaras (literal or metaphorical), and let’s dive into the blingy depths of this glittering wedding conundrum!

Key Takeaways

• Wearing a tiara at a wedding is subjective and based on personal preference.
• A well-chosen tiara can enhance a bride’s look and add a touch of elegance.
• When selecting a tiara for their wedding day, brides should consider the design, style, and etiquette.

Tiara: Tacky or Classy?

History and Tradition

Tiaras have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations, where they were worn by royalty and nobility.

Adorning one’s head with a tiara or crown is deeply rooted in tradition, symbolizing power, wealth, and status.

Royalty often wore these pieces during coronations and significant events such as weddings.

Tiaras have been associated with regal and aristocratic ceremonies in the context of weddings.

Traditionally, tiaras were reserved for brides and married women, highlighting their elevated societal status. 

In a sense, wearing a tiara on your wedding day reflects age-old customs and an appreciation for the historical value attributed to these stunning accessories.

Trends in Wedding Crowns

Over the years, wedding trends have seen tiaras and crowns evolve significantly, incorporating modern designs and various materials.

With the prevalence of royal weddings in recent years, such as the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the popularity of tiaras has received a new lease on life, with many brides opting for these exquisite hair accessories to make a statement on their special day.

When choosing a tiara for a wedding, it’s essential to consider factors like the overall theme, personal style, and the gown itself. 

Opt for a piece that suits the bride’s preferences while complementing the wedding attire to balance elegance and modernity perfectly.

The decision to wear a tiara is entirely subjective, depending on the bride’s tastes and sense of style.

Making the Right Choice

Considering Your Style

To ensure you feel confident wearing a tiara on your wedding day, it’s crucial to consider your personal style.

If you’re a low-key, feminine person who doesn’t like going over the top, opt for a simple, elegant tiara that complements your personality.

On the other hand, if you’re into bold statements and love to stand out, choosing a more elaborate design may be the way to go.

Wedding Theme and Dress

Before deciding on a tiara, assess the theme and style of your wedding dress.

Tiaras are an excellent choice for fairytale, bohemian, water, or antique-themed weddings.

However, a crown might seem out of place if your wedding is low-key and your dress design is simplistic. 

Wedding Hairstyle and Accessories

Remember to consider your wedding hairstyle and the other accessories you plan to wear when choosing a tiara.

Hairstyles that work well with tiaras include elegant updos, half-up styles, and loose waves.

Also, consider incorporating additional hair accessories such as:

• Hair vines: a delicate, flexible hair accessory that can be woven into your hairstyle
• Headbands: an alternative for a more understated, modern look
• Hair combs: perfect for anchoring a veil or adding extra sparkle to an updo

In terms of jewelry, consider the style and material of your chosen tiara.

Aim to complement the tiara with simple earrings, necklaces, or bracelets for a well-balanced look.

For example, wear diamond or crystal stud earrings if your tiara is adorned with diamonds.

If your tiara features pearls, choose pearl drop earrings and a matching necklace.

By taking your style, wedding theme, dress, hairstyle, and accessories into account, you will be able to choose to include a tiara in your wedding ensemble.

Tiara Etiquette and Rules

When Is It Appropriate

Wearing a tiara at a wedding is primarily about the level of formality and the style of the event.

Generally, tiaras are more suitable for formal weddings with a regal or elegant theme.

If your wedding has a casual dress code, wearing a tiara might be considered tacky. 

However, it is important to remember that every bride has her taste, and what may be seen as elegant by one person may be considered tacky by another.

Wearing a tiara should be a matter of personal preference and the suitability of the ornament for the specific event.

Selecting a Suitable Tiara

When choosing a tiara, consider its design, size, and style in relation to your wedding attire and the overall theme of your wedding:

• Design: Look for a tiara that complements your wedding dress, hairstyle, and other accessories. You can opt for a simple and understated design for a subtle touch of elegance or a more elaborate and ornate tiara for a regal statement. Make sure the tiara’s design doesn’t clash with the rest of your wedding attire.
• Size: The size of the tiara should be proportional to your face and hairstyle. Smaller tiaras work well for those with delicate features or short hair, while larger tiaras can better fit those with more dramatic features or voluminous hair.
• Style: When selecting a tiara, consider the overall style and look you want to achieve. Consider a classic design with intricate detailing for a more traditional and regal appearance. If you prefer a more modern and minimalistic look, choose a simple, sleek tiara design.

The appropriateness of wearing a tiara at your wedding depends on the level of formality, the theme of the event, and your personal preferences.

By considering these etiquette rules and selecting a suitable tiara, you can add an elegant and regal touch to your wedding attire without appearing tacky.

Different Types of Tiaras

Materials and Gemstones

Tiaras can be made from various materials, such as precious metals, gemstones, pearls, and crystals.

Popular metal options include gold, silver, and platinum.

At the same time, gemstones and other adornments can be selected based on personal preference, love for certain stones, or to match a specific theme. 

Some of the most common gemstones for tiaras are diamonds and pearls.

These materials represent wealth, status, and an emblem of royalty, making them suitable for weddings.

Styles and Shapes

Several styles and shapes of tiaras can cater to different tastes and face shapes.

Some of the most popular styles include:

• Princess Style: This type of tiara is characterized by a pointed, V-shaped design with a peak at the center, giving off a regal appearance. They are perfect for those who want to exude a touch of royalty on their big day.
• King and Queen Inspired: These tiaras closely resemble the crowns worn by kings and queens throughout history. They often feature elaborate designs and intricate details, making them wedding statement pieces.
• Rounded Style: With a softer and more delicate appearance, rounded tiaras are versatile and can complement various hairstyles. Depending on personal preferences, they can be either small and discreet or larger and more adorned.
• Hair Down Style: For brides who prefer to wear their hair down, tiara designs are specifically meant to accommodate this hairstyle. These tiaras are designed to sit securely in the hair and can be worn with the sides pulled back to ensure the tiara is well-settled in the hair.

When selecting a tiara, it is important to consider the bride’s hairstyle and facial structure, as certain styles and shapes may better complement specific face shapes and hair accessory preferences.

Remember to always focus on balance and harmonious proportions to create a tasteful and sophisticated appearance.

Famous Tiara Moments

Celebrity Weddings

Many celebrities have chosen to wear a tiara on their wedding day to add a touch of glamour and elegance to their special occasion.

For instance, Kim Kardashian wore an eye-catching headpiece with her wedding gown when she married Kris Humphries in 2011. 

Similarly, model Chrissy Teigen donned a beautiful tiara when she married singer John Legend in 2013.

Both brides complemented their tiaras with suitable hairstyles and outfits, adding a regal touch to their ensembles.

Royal Weddings

Tiara moments have been particularly memorable in royal weddings, as tiaras are traditional heirlooms that strongly connect to the royal family’s history and tradition.

For example, during her 2018 wedding, Princess Eugenie chose to wear the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, which was lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II. 

The green emeralds in the tiara beautifully accentuated her wedding gown and added a stunning visual element to her overall look.

Another iconic tiara moment was that of Princess Diana at her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.

She wore the Spencer Tiara, a family heirloom with a long history and deep sentimental value.

The tiara made a strong statement, accentuating Diana’s youthful beauty and captivating the world’s attention.

In royal weddings, the hairstyle chosen to wear with the tiara is also important.

For example, Kate Middleton opted for a half-up, half-down hairstyle when she wore the Cartier Halo Tiara for her 2011 wedding to Prince William.

The hairstyle allowed the tiara to grip securely, adding regal elegance to the bride’s outfit.

Tiara moments in celebrity and royal weddings exemplify how these ornaments can enhance the glamour and elegance of a bride’s appearance on her special day.

Whether worn with the hair down or in a more formal updo, tiaras can create a memorable and stylish look for any bride.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not wearing a tiara at your wedding is considered tacky is subjective and depends on personal style.

Tiaras have a timeless appeal and have been worn by women on their wedding day for centuries, especially by those in the royal class.

When deciding to wear a tiara for your wedding, make sure to choose a design that will enhance your overall look without being too distracting. 

A more delicate and elegant tiara may suit your taste if you’re going for a low-key or modern wedding.

On the other hand, if your wedding has a more regal or themed atmosphere, a statement-making tiara can be the perfect accessory.

The decision to wear a tiara on your wedding day is personal.

It’s essential to feel comfortable and beautiful in your chosen accessories.

If a tiara makes you feel like a queen on your special day, go for it!

You can’t go wrong if you choose a piece that complements your style and wedding theme.

So, embrace your inner princess or queen and confidently wear your tiara.

After all, your wedding day is the perfect occasion to showcase your personal style and feel like royalty.