posted by admin on Feb 17

Contributor

A tiara can make you feel like a princess for a day, and add the perfect touch to your hairstyle and dress. Purchasing a wedding tiara from a bridal store can be expensive and often you aren’t able to find exactly what you are looking for. Instead of overpaying and settling for a less-than-perfect choice, make your own tiara to your exact specifications for half the cost. Not only will you save money, but you’ll have a one-of-a-kind look for you big day.

Preparation

1. Have an idea of the type of tiara you want. Think about the style and color of your wedding dress and the type of hairstyle you want to wear. If you have a puffy, princess-style dress and plan on wearing an updo, you may want a more traditional “princess” style tiara; however, if your dress has more of vintage feel, you may want to incorporate that style into your tiara. Sketch out your vision on a piece of paper so you have a better idea of what you want when you are shopping for materials.

Wire

2. To make a wedding tiara using wire, purchase a plain wire headband from a craft or discount store. Find a headband that is on the thinner side and a lighter silver color if possible. You will also need a roll of 24-gauge wire in a light silver color, as well as beads, crystals and pearls of your choice. Use wire cutters to cut the wire into smaller pieces varying in lengths of about 5 inches to 7 inches each. String a bead onto a strip of wire and fold the wire in half, then twist the top of the wire snugly against the bead so it doesn’t slide off. String more beads onto the wire, creating varying patterns by twisting the wires together beneath the beads, then spreading the wire apart and putting beads on each separate side of wire, then twisting the wires together again. Twist the other end of the wire around the silver headband. Repeat this process for as many prongs as you would like to stand up from the tiara base.

Satin

3. For a more classic tiara that matches your wedding dress, use white or beige satin. Purchase a thick white satin headband, along with two small hair combs. Buy an assortment of crystals or pearls to decorate the headband. You will sit the head band on top of your hair, like a traditional tiara, so the part that would typically go behind your ears will point toward the back of your head. Hot glue the hair combs on each side of the headband, pointing downwards. These will hold the headband in your hair. Glue crystals and pearls on the front of the headband to suit your style and taste.