If you've tried on a tiara before and it pinched at your temples within minutes, or felt like it was slowly sliding off your head by the time you looked away from the mirror. It's not you. It's how most tiaras are made. That's why I make crowns instead.
The difference may not be immediately obvious - but it's all about what's underneath.
Different by Design
A traditional tiara is a stiff half-circle that presses in at your temples to hold on, sometimes with tiny combs at each end. It's built like special-occasion jewellery, not something meant to survive a full wedding day of hugging, dancing and laughing.
My crowns are different. They sit on a soft, flexible headband so it holds itself in place gently and evenly, no pinching, no slipping, no army of hidden pins needed.
Made to move with you
Most crowns and tiaras are one solid, heavy piece Mine are handwired, so they're soft and flexible. That means you can adjust the height and shape to suit you - higher and more dramatic, or lower and softer, and because the structure is made from jewellery wire it's significantly lighter to wear than a solid metal piece the same size. See how to change the look of your Debbie Carlisle crown in the video below.
How to Wear a Crown
My crowns come wrapped in tissue paper with padding to help it keep its shape. Try it on and then if you want more height you can straighten the flexible strands - or for less height you can gently curve them. You can do this off or on your head. Your crown simply sllides on like a headband and will hold itself securely in place. Most brides need nothing else, but you or your stylist can always add a grip for extra peace of mind. If you're wearing a veil too, put the crown on first, then add the veil behind it.
How to Remove Your Crown
Hold the crown with both hands at each side just above your ear and lift it gently upwards. Don't drag the crown across the hair as you may get your hair caught.
Quick Questions Answered
Will it pinch? No. That's the whole point of the headband base.
Can I change the height? Yes, gently mould the strands to sit higher or lower without twisting them.
Can I wear it with a veil? Yes, crown first, then the veil behind it.
Will it suit a relaxed outdoor wedding? Yes. Choose a delicate ethereal style rather than a glitzy crystal crown.
What size do I need? The headband base is flexible and fits all head sizes comfortably. Get in touch if you're unsure.
Can I get one in different colours? Yes.vAll of my crown designs are customisable by colour and shape.
Choosing Your Crown
If your hair's up: almost anything works. An updo or half-up half-down gives the crown something to nestle into and is the best way to guarantee it will stay put.
If your hair's down: go for a crown style with a secure headband base so it doesn't need backcombing to hold on, which is exactly what the headband base is built for.
If your dress is simple: You have a choice - go simple to keep the overall look minimal, or go big and bold - your dress will be able to take the drama!
If your dress has a lot of embellishment: Choose a crown with similar elements - such as pearls and/or crystals. If you're naturally not one for drama you might want to keep your crown small - and if you love having all eyes on your then embrace it and go for a dramatic statement crown.
If your dress is big: If you’ve chosen a full ballgown skirt for example, a crown with height and jewelled drama will balance your look perfectly. A statement dress with big hips needs some volume at the head to even out the look and a stacked crown would be the perfect finishing touch. This is not the moment for wearing a small comb or hair pin.
If you're getting married somewhere grand: Go taller and more dramatic and go for the Swarovski crystals - you don’t want to be outdone by the chandeliers!
If you're getting married somewhere relaxed: A delicate crown would be right at home at a garden or barn wedding - choose small pearls or clear crystal beads for an ethereal fairytale vibe.
A few more questions
Is a crown too much for a smaller, more casual wedding? Not if you choose the right scale. A low, delicate crown feels just as at home at an intimate wedding as a tall one does at a black-tie do, it's about proportion, not formality. The Amelia crown is the ultimate relaxed crown.
Can I try it on before I buy? Every crown is made to order, but I'm always happy to welcome you to my studio to try my crowns on - I hold samples of every style so you can see which style works best for you. I’m also happy to talk you through fit and styling by email or message before you commit - or direct you to a stockist that might be nearer. You can also change the shape and height of my hand-wired crowns because they are flexible - so the chance of the style not suiting you is much slimmer.
Does it work with fine or thin hair? Yes, this is actually where the headband base helps most. Fine hair often can't hold a heavy, comb-based tiara at all, but it holds a lightweight headband crown easily.
How is it different from a crown or tiara I'd buy elsewhere? Most bridal crowns are cast as one rigid piece. Mine are handwired, so they’re lightweight, artisan-crafted and can be gently reshaped to suit your unique style, That's not something you get with an off-the-shelf design. The crown sits on a flexible metal headband that won’t pinch or give you a headache, unlike most factory-made designs. Most of my headbands are covered in a satin ribbon wrap for extra comfort. I do also offer a gold or silver plated 1mm crown base for my lightest crown design - Amelia.
Will it look too "crown-like" and not bridal enough? Not with a soft, botanical-style design. All of my crowns are a modern take on the traditional tiara - the word "crown" describes the construction, not the vibe, it can look just as romantic and bridal as anything labelled a tiara - in fact I think my crowns are more romantic than most tiaras you’ll find.
