In many modern weddings, the bride's outfit is not considered complete without a tiara being worn. Although tiaras and other bridal headpieces are more commonly associated with Western weddings, there are numerous other societies and cultures which have traditionally utilized these decorative accessories.

Indian weddings are steeped in history and tradition. Weddings inspired by Indian traditions are also considered some of the most colorful and elaborately decorated, distinguished by wearing a variety of jeweled pieces. In India, it is common to find brides covered from head to foot with accessories made from yellow or white gold, silver, platinum, diamond and a variety of precious gems and stones. There are at least two types of headpieces used in Indian weddings.

One is the Shingar Patti. It resembles much like an elaborate circlet, decorating the forehead as well as the sides of the head along the hairline. The Maang Tikka is another type of headpiece, used in conjunction with the Shingar Patti. It consists of a well ornamented string with a bindi-like piece at one end. The string is placed along the middle of the head, with the bindi placed on the forehead.

Native Americans also had their own style of bridal headpieces. Unlike Indians, who use a lot of precious metals and stones, the Native Americans use a greater variety of materials including silver, turquoise, shells and beads to decorate their accessories. With the variety of tribes, designs and rituals vary greatly from one tribe to another. For instance, the Delaware tribes use wampum beads for their headpieces and placed on their foreheads. What makes them different from other cultures is that both the bride and groom wear these headpieces.

Chinese weddings have also been filled with tradition and symbolism. With the Chinese, brides have also used tiaras made from gilded silver. Their tiaras can be more daring by today's standards, accessorized with pearls and feathers. Symbols of the phoenix were commonly used and found during the wedding, hence the use of feathers on the bridal tiara. The bridal tiara was used to secure the red veil made from silk on the bride's head. Because of the sheer weight of the tiara, it is only worn during the formal ceremony as well as when taking photographs.

In terms of the bride looking like a member of royalty, the Swedish wedding ceremony is as close as it can get. The Swedish use what resembles an actual crown during their weddings. Locally referred to as the brudkronan, it is often made from either gold, silver or brass. Because of the precious metals used to make this headpiece, the crown tends to be heavy.

The use of the brudkronan during weddings dates back to the Middle Ages and traditionally worn only by the virgins. As it cost quite a significant amount to have one made, these are normally passed down through generations or rented from the local church. Prior to the ceremony, the bride is made to swear to a group consisting of the church elders of her virginity before she is allowed to borrow the brudkronan for her own wedding.