Posts

Wedding Games

/in /by

Wedding Games to Keep the Fun Going on!

A boring wedding is every bride’s worst nightmare. At present, couples are focusing on new ways to incorporate fun into their party such as having wedding games to play. Once the ceremony is over it’s time for the party to begin.

Let’s play a game. It’s going to keep your guests entertained.

Naughts and Crosses – Naughts and crosses, also known as X’s and O’s, is a game for all ages. This kids’ game has been around forever and continues to be a favorite. This game is really a case of a moment to learn, a lifetime to master, meaning that all of your guests can enjoy it!

Hook-a-Duck – Have a number of cute little yellow ducklings with metal rings fastened to their heads in an inflatable pool. Try putting a hidden mark under some of the ducks, and the guests who pull them out will be titled winners. You could get buy or rent poles with hooks on the top to capture the ducks. Give them to your guests and let the game begin!

Ring Toss – This funfair game is actually fun when it isn’t rigged! Simply add a couple of small prizes and you’ll keep the younger guests amused, make a drinking game and you’ll keep the adults entertained too.

Hula Hoops – Hula Hoops are most often associated with children and childhood games, but they can be just as much fun for teens and adults. Have your guests compete to see who the best Hula-Hooper is. This is all the more hilarious with a mixed group of teen boys and girls, as boys tend to have difficulty keeping the Hula Hoop moving around their hips.

Tree Swing – Nothing brings back more summer memories than a wooden swing hanging under a tree. If you have little ones or are a kid at heart, don’t spend another day without this summer wedding essential.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, New Jersey.

Bridesmaid Dress Colors

/in /by

Bridesmaid Dress Colors

Here are a few bridesmaid dress colors that could inspire you!

Black and White: Dressing your bridesmaids in white can give a very fresh contemporary look, especially for a summer wedding. A black gown can turn out to be chic if you’re adding hints of colors that pair really well with black, such as a sparkling subtle jewelry or a colorful bouquet. The bridesmaid could also go for a monochrome look, by pairing black heels and subtle black jewelry with a sophisticated black and white dress.

Bold and Bright: One of the hottest wedding trends of the moment is brightly colored bridesmaids’ gowns. There is a wide range of colors to choose from. You’ve got cobalt blue, hot pink, aqua, canary yellow and many more.

 Pastels: These are perfect colors for a winter wedding. Baby blue, lilac, and lemon yellow all make good alternatives to pale pink, but bear in mind these colors are unlikely to flatter heavier bridesmaids, or those with pale skin. Can’t find a sparkly pastel dress you like? Get one that shows off a lot of skin and add some uber-luxe accessories.

Darker Shades: You could go for chocolate brown, burgundy, navy blue or dark green. These colors can be worn as an evening wear, on incredible dates, and other amazing events too. Bright red is just too loud and distracting and should be avoided. Deep cranberry is a good alternative.

Shining metallics: Use sparkly accents to help direct the eye where you want it to go. A shiny, beaded waistband or belt is great for emphasizing your curves and is a guaranteed attitude-booster. You could also Amp up a sleek all-black outfit with shiny metallic shoes or a mirrored clutch.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, New Jersey.

Bridesmaids: Gift Ideas

/in /by

The morning of your wedding should not only be special for the bride, it should be special for the bridesmaids as well. When getting ready for this magical day having your bridal party feel comfortable and gorgeous while getting their hair and make-up done is one of the key things on setting the perfect energy! Mimosas will be flowing and the girls that have always been by your side will be apart of these unique and exciting moments leading up to you walking down the aisle. So ditch the typical matching jumpsuits and discover all new ways to style your bridesmaids.

 1. Matching Robes

 Robes are not only super comfy but when taken off they won’t mess up your bridal hair. Want to make these robes more personal? Try getting them custom made with your bridesmaids’ initials. A robe is one of the best gifts you can give not only to yourself but your bridal party, after your wedding this robe will be sure to be worn again!

2. Rompers

If you’re looking to be unique and for something different rompers are your match! Rompers are comfortable and cool which will be great if you have a spring or summer wedding. They can slip off easily when its time to get into your beautiful gown and when your bridal party changes into their dresses.

3. Monogrammed Button Down Shirts

 Monogrammed button downs are effortlessly casual. Plus this will be the first time you are showing off your new initials in style, and not to mention your bridal party will love the fact that they get to have their initials monogrammed as well.

4. Spelling It Out Tank-Top  

Your bridesmaids will remember which part they played in your wedding, but spelling out their duties on a super cute tank is a new and fun way to style your bridal party. Also, getting a tank top for yourself that says “bride” will remind everyone that you are the star of the day!

5. Southern- Inspired Flannels 

Southern-Inspired Flannels are perfect for a crisp fall wedding. They are totally affordable and easy to get out of. Flannels come in many different colors and can be worn with comfy leggings or jeans.

6. Floral Robes

There’s no doubt that these floral robes are a total standout. Girly and certainly radiant, these robes will make for beautiful getting ready pictures.

Outrageous Wedding Facts From Around The World

/in /by

Have you ever wondered about the world’s longest wedding gown train? Or how about the most expensive wedding in history? We rounded up some of our favorite wedding facts from across the world ranging from the most outrageous to crazy and fun.

1. The world’s longest wedding gown train. 

 Dressmakers in China recently created this nearly three-mile-long train for a bride named Jing-Mei. Reports from photo agency ImagineChina: the gown weighs 120 pounds and took more than $6,500 to make!

2. A Cake Fit for a Queen!

Let’s just say this wedding cake suits best for a Queen and who better than Queen Victoria. Her wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds!

3. The most expensive modern day wedding.

In the priciest modern-day wedding to date, the prince of Abu Dhabi has outdone them all. He had a 20,000-seat stadium specially built for his seven-day wedding to Princess Salama in 1981. This wedding in total cost  $100 million.

4. Las Vegas is the leading wedding destination with an average of 115,000 weddings a year.

Looking to elope? No problem, because Las Vegas has got you covered, with it being the leading destination for couples to get married.

5. Most Expensive Celebrity Engagement Ring. 

Look at that rock! Richard Burton did not mess around when he made Elizabeth Taylor his fiancé, not only because they got married twice but because of this breathtaking engagement ring. The estimated worth of this ring is 8.8 million dollars and has 33.19 carats!

6. Underwater wedding? Why not? 

Talk about incredible! On February 14, 2001, the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony in Thailand made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the “Most number of couples to be married underwater.” On that day, 34 couples from 22 countries exchanged wedding vows 10 meters (32.8 ft.) underwater.

7. Then and Now. 

Welcome to Buckingham Palace! Where William and Kate stepped out onto the balcony on their wedding date April 29, 2011 to recreate a kiss made famous by Charles and Diana in 1981.

8.  If you thought your bridal party was big… wait until you see this! 

Couple sets World Record with 126 Bridesmaids, 25 best men, 20 pageboys and 23 flowers girls. The previous record was 96 bridesmaids at a wedding in Thailand.

9. The tradition from the ancient Greeks and Romans. 

Brides traditionally wore veils on their wedding day because the original thought stemmed from the ancient Greeks and Romans, which believed that the veil protected her from “evil spirits.”

10. Let’s end on a sweet note! 

A German study found that men who kiss their wives before leaving for work live longer, get into less car accidents, and have a higher income than married men who don’t. The reasons behind why this is possible are because kissers begin the day with a positive attitude.  It is believed that those who don’t experience this go out of the house with a lack of confidence.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

Bridesmaids: Getting-Ready Outfit Ideas For Your Bridal Party

/in /by

The morning of your wedding should not only be special for the bride, it should be special for the bridesmaids as well. When getting ready for this magical day having your bridal party feel comfortable and gorgeous while getting their hair and make-up done is one of the key things on setting the perfect energy! Mimosas will be flowing and the girls that have always been by your side will be apart of these unique and exciting moments leading up to you walking down the aisle. So ditch the typical matching jumpsuits and discover all new ways to style your bridesmaids.

 1. Matching Robes 

Robes are not only super comfy but when taken off they won’t mess up your bridal hair. Want to make these robes more personal? Try getting them custom made with your bridesmaid’s initials. A robe is one of the best gifts you can give not only to yourself but your bridal party, after your wedding this robe will be sure to be worn again!

2. Rompers

If you’re looking to be unique and for something different rompers are your match! Rompers are comfortable and cool which will be great if you have a spring or summer wedding. They can slip off easily when its time to get into your beautiful gown and when your bridal party changes into their dresses.

3. Monogrammed Button Down Shirts 

Monogrammed button downs are effortlessly casual. Plus this will be the first time you are showing off your new initials in style, and not to mention your bridal party will love the fact that they get to have their initials monogrammed as well.

4. Spelling It Out Tank-Top   

Your bridesmaids will remember which part they played in your wedding, but spelling out their duties on a super cute tank is a new and fun way to style your bridal party. Also, getting a tank top for yourself that says “bride” will remind everyone that you are the star of the day!

5. Southern- Inspired Flannels 

These Southern-Inspired Flannels are perfect for a crisp fall wedding. They are totally affordable and easy to get out of. Flannels come in many different colors and can be worn with comfy leggings or jeans.

6. Floral Robes

There’s no doubt that these floral robes are a total standout. Girly and certainly radiant, these robes will make for beautiful getting ready pictures.

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 1)

/in /by

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal shop, Paramus, NJ.

Walking in a winter wonder wedding

By Jaclyn Ianetti

Snow White…walking in a Winter Wonderland….with her Prince Charming, kissing under a mistletoe made of berries…(better berries than any poison apple!)

 

A winter wonderland scene paints a picture in my own imagination of snowmen created alongside down a hill, with children sleigh riding, and families or couples holding hands ice skating around a faraway frozen pond swaying, wearing mittens, scarves, sweaters, hats, and earmuffs…as snow flurries whirl in the wintery wind where icicles form on the white-coated forest trees.

 

Don’t you kind of love December?    

Start off by picking a theme so that you can send out invitations that correspond with your theme of choice.

Snowy fairy-tale castles…. whimsical winter wonderland…Christmas… snowflakes & pinecones…take a trip through the wardrobe into a blizzard backdrop of Narnia….If you’re a Disney bride, draw some inspiration from Snow White, Belle (From “Beauty & the Beast,” and have your theme as a book-filled library in the middle of a mansion, with a rooftop full of snow, stranded in the wintery woods), and also from Disney’s new movie “Frozen.”

Keep in mind that just because you’re having a wedding in the winter doesn’t mean you have to play the “Ice Queen” bride with an icy, cold theme that’s limited to the mood of just ice and snow.

 

GET CREATIVE with your wedding theme & color palette.  Go retro…and think back to your best memories…channel your childhood memories of winter to best capture the colors that come to mind.

Read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 next

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 3)

/in /by

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal shop, Paramus, NJ.

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

Candles create a natural glow, but sometimes this isn’t always enough to keeping the ambiance well lit.  Consequently, you should consider lamps or spotlights decoratively & tastefully placed at each table.  You won’t want anyone tripping over them selves, unable to see the guestbook to sign it…and most importantly, you’ll want your photos to look their best…and this won’t be done in the dark!

 

 Winter warm…& Fuzzies

Make wedding guests feel comfortable indoors and out…from before they even arrive until long into the night.  Offer warm transportation for them from the airport or hotel to your venue.  Make sure your venue location is accessible even if the weather turns bad and has good ventilation to keep the room warm (not stuffy!).  That intimacy and warmth you create in your space should extend to the outdoors, as well.  Provide portable heaters to go outside for those who want to escape for a breath of fresh air, check out the landscape, and/or for smokers.  You can even take it generously further by providing blankets by the doors to take for those who are heading outside.

 

Cappuccino or Hot Chocolate Bar:  Create a bar with a warm, cute touch…including delicious cookies, hot cocoa, cappuccino, & other hot drinks for either the whole night, or just as a late-night station.  This is a great alternative (and money saver) as it alleviates stress on the actual liquor bar!  If you did your job making guests feel warm enough, they won’t be inclined to become dependent on the booze buzz for the rush of warmth they get on a cold, tavern night at the bar back home.

Heated Menu:  Not literally…but consider cold-weather friendly foods and comforting dishes to serve on your wedding menu: meats or fish like a baked tilapia, minestrone or fennel potato leek soup, sweet potatoes, and pureed parsnips.

 

Winter-wonderland Wardrobe

You might want to consider having a wedding dress that will keep you warm with silk satin or a just heavier fabric in general, one with thick-laced sleeves, or a high collar.  You can always ditch the white dress for a stand-out color: blush pink, bold red, icy blue, or slick silver, which will look lusciously lovely against a white, snowy backdrop.

Winter Glam Glow: The bright lighting of winter accentuates dark circles and puffy eyes, while the weather dries out skin.  Keep your skin especially moisturized in the days leading up to the wedding.  For makeup, use warm and glowing hues, an under-eye concealer & highlighter, a highlighter for your cheekbones and under eyebrow arches, and use a hint of shimmer in your eye makeup.

Read Part 4 next

 

 

How to shop for a wedding dress (Part 3)

/in /by

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal shop, Bergen County NJ

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

You should be clear from the start about what you know for sure you do not want.  But the whole point of the matter is to not be afraid to try on styles you might not have previously considered to be one of your options.

You may just surprise yourself about what you like and what your taste is…so if something catches your eye, or somebody surrounding you strongly suggests something, just try it on.  It can’t hurt…and it can help a whole lot!  And some of the most amazing dresses can even look awful on the hanger, but once you try it on your actual body…it can be a whole new story.

Make sure you really get what you want, but you have to try on different styles to get to this point so that by the time you try on “The One,” you will truly know for sure.

 

*Don’t deny your dignity….ever.  If you ever feel uncomfortable or like your feelings are being ignored, then you owe it to yourself to say no and leave the appointment.  Don’t ever let others’ stressful statements or energy affect you and escalate to an intensely stressful level.  To avoid stress, listen to the advice of the shop assistant and use their expertise and knowledge to the extent you wish to use it, and never take it further than what you feel comfortable with.

Be clear and honest about who you are, and what you want and what you don’t want.

 

*Look back and keep track….let your camera (or camera phone) tag along into the dressing room with you.  Having pictures of different dresses can help you remember all of what you tried on….and you could post some of your faves on your vision bridal board I referred to in the previous article.  It will enable you to keep record on your bridal soul search journey towards your perfect gown.

(Do make sure with the shop that you are allowed to do this beforehand, as some stores may simply refuse to let you and restrict this in their policy for further reasons).

 

*Another “techie tip”: Utilize technology by incorporating video calling apps on your phone or iPad, such as FaceTime or Skype, into your dress shopping experience…especially to send and show to family members or friends who are not present at the time so you can receive instant feedback from them.

Read Part 4 next

 

Spring/Summer 2014 Bridal Fashion Trend (Part 2)

/in /by

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal store, Bergen County, NJ

Read Part 1 first

Color:

A popular and unusual trend for spring/ summer 2014 is the use of pale colored fabrics. The use of the different colors is sure an alternative to the traditional white or ivory gown. Pale yellows, light peach, and sweet peony are examples of colors used within this trend. The most common color being seen on the runway is light pink. Gowns these colors may have sheer layers, making the color palette even more feminine.

 Neckline:

Illusion neckline is becoming a very popular neckline trend seen on the runway. The Illusion neckline is usually a neckline that provides coverage and is constructed from sheer fabric. This neckline is usually heavily embellished. Though this neckline does provide a lot of coverage to the bust and neck area it can also offer a hint of seduction.

 

The sweetheart neckline, one of the most popular necklines for a strapless gown, is trending on the runway with some new details. The sweetheart neckline has been seen to resemble that of a corset. The sweetheart also has been seen to have ruched chiffon overlays and subtle pleating. A new trend for sweetheart necklines is a black color blocking. This color blocking is an edgy variation of the classic neckline.

Lace shoulders are being seen on the runway for the spring/summer 2014 season. With an illusion neckline, this sheer lace is a very elegant look. The lace can extend past the shoulder, turning into three- quarter or long sleeves.

Many bridal looks on the runway for this season emphasize the “simple look” or natural look. This look is seen through the veils. Many veils popular for the season are simple and transparent. The edges of these veils are can be either raw or scalloped and the lengths vary from elbow to floor lengths. The trend for bridal make-up is a natural look.

 Accessories:

  • Blue accented accessories
  • Antique effects, such as heirloom- like quality to accessories
  • As a result of Great Gatsby and Downtown Abbey- 1920’s inspired headpieces and art deco motifs
  • Flowers have a big influence on the headpieces, headbands, and clips for spring/summer 2014
  • The knot- The 1950s oversized bow comes back in style with lose tails. The bow can be placed at bustle of the dress or on top of head as a headpiece.
  • Feathers- Feathers create an ethereal theme. Feathers can vary in color. Feathers can be accented on garter and belts, or worn in the hair
  • Grecian Leaves- Leafy styles are being worn as headpieces. The Grecian leaves create a Grecian goddess look. The Grecian leaves can be seen in belts, collars and clips.
  • Pearls- The pearl trend can be seen as accents in a headpiece, jewelry, bags, or even hair clips.
  • Halo Headpiece- The halo has become a popular choice for bridal headwear. The halo has very romantic and angelic feel.

 

How to enjoy bridal gown shopping (Part 1)

/in /by

By Jaclyn Ianetti

 Bridal Gown…Check! ✓

Doesn’t that look…and sound…a whole lot like how a “chore” would?  Instead of treating your dress as a chore to be checked off your “To-Do List,” embrace it as an experience to be enjoyed.  After all, your dress is the one thing that shouldn’t feel like a job hunt on your bridal journey in preparing for your wedding.

You want to enjoy your bridal dress shopping experience.  When you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work (as this same rule applies to many situations in life).

To make this into one of the most pleasurable experiences of your lifetime… instead of painful, dreadful, and drawing tear drops down your eyes…get your mind in the right place first.

 

*When we’re rushing…especially with shopping…we will just buy anything for the sake of getting it done and checking off that “To-do” list.  Think of when you rush to the mall to buy a last minute gift for somebody you love.  It proposes more of a risk in buying just about anything at all, just to have something, whether personal or meaningful or not.  This is where the sincerity loses touch…and you want to know why?  Because you’re not in the present moment!  When you’re fully in the present moment, you’re more in touch with yourself as well as with others.  And you need to be FULLY in touch with yourself to attract what best suits you.   So keep that in mind as you focus on the journey of finding your perfect dress.  Mantra: “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

 

CREATE A BRIDAL VISION BOARD!! : Your wants and wishes

This helps put all your visions into perspective…your styles, your common themes, etc. into finding the core of style you are mostly leaning towards.  First off, think about what you want, and what you wish to look like.  Spend some time really considering and contemplating over all your options and strategically scan the bridal magazines.  Tear or print out the gowns you absolutely LOVE, and soon enough, your true style will stand out…and hopefully even a specific designer!

This vision board is designed to help you manifest your visions and creations, thus making your shopping experience easier because you will have a better clue as to what you truly want once you connect the dots to see a common theme.

Style the board first…then you can style the aisle in your most beloved dress.

Read Part 2 and Part 3 next