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Accessorizing your Wedding Dress

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So, you want to choose the perfect accessories for your wedding dress. You definitely don’t want the accessories to take away from the dress, but rather compliment it. After all, it is one of the most important parts of your day. It all comes down to your personal choice and what the dress is like. Does your dress already have a lot of embellishments, or is it on the simpler side? Is it low cut, or does it have a higher neckline? Is it ivory, white, or more of a champagne color? Will you be wearing your hair up or down? The answers to these questions can help you determine what accessories may be right for you on your wedding day.  

Matchy Matchy 

Martin Thornburg for Mon Cheri

There are some general rules to follow when it comes to choosing a color for your accessories. While you should always choose what makes you feel the most beautiful, it’s always good to think of what matches your dress the best. Ivory and gold pair very well together. The gold brings out the ivory tone. If your dress is pure white, try out some silver accessories. These tones mesh better together and gold tends to clash. If your dress is embellished, choose your accessories based on what pairs best with it. Again, it’s your day. So, if you feel that gold washes you out and silver looks best with your ivory gown, go for it! You are the star of the show, after all.  

Keep it Simple 

Jasmine

A lot of the time, less is more when it comes to your wedding day. If your dress is covered head to toe in embellishments, you might consider forgoing the heavy jewelry. A simple pair of earrings and your smile might be all you need. A pair of drop earrings compliments your gown much more than any necklace could, especially if your dress has a detailed neckline. If your gown is on the simpler side, a necklace might be for you. Test out different options and choose what feels right.  

Sash it Up 

Jewelry and a lot of bling may not be your style, but what about a sash or a belt? A beautiful sash or belt can say a lot on a dress. You can work with your salon to create a custom one, tailored to your style. You could also choose a simple, colored sash to add something extra to your gown.  

At the end of the day, it’s your wedding, your dress, and your day. If you love a lot of bling, go for it! Work with your salon and try on all of the accessories you want. Your bridal consultants will be more than happy to help you choose the accessories that work best for you and your gown.

 

Celebrity Wedding Venues

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When you want your wedding to seem like a star-studded event, without the stars (most likely), then dressing like one and selecting a venue like one might be the next best thing. Celebrities have a knack for finding the most beautiful and elegant venues you could imagine. Of course, it helps that they have quite the budget, but that doesn’t mean you should let that get you down. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and you shouldn’t let price or location stop you from having your dream wedding. 

If The Notebook is your thing (and how could it not be?), then this is the venue for your wedding day. This is Allie’s summer house in the classic romance movie and the wedding venue of the one and only Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Yeah, it doesn’t really get much better than that. The plantation is simply beautiful, and the driveway is lined with oaks and Spanish moss, which make for some stunning photos. 

Jessica Simpson and husband Eric Johnson were married on this not so subtle ranch in California. With what seems like a never-ending garden, this ranch is what outdoor wedding dreams are made of. Just look at those flowers and the greenery stretching all the way to the mountains.  

A wedding in Italy is nothing short of a dream come true. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake got to live out every girl’s dream at the Borgo Egnazia Resort in Italy.

Planning your dream wedding is exciting and you deserve a day to feel like a celebrity! Check out Martha Stewart Weddings for more fabulous celebrity venues! 

When buying a sample wedding dress makes sense

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So you and the love of your life are going to tie the knot, and neither of you wants to wait over a year to make it official, or maybe you want to keep it simple and budget-friendly because you’re in the process of buying your first home.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a reception dress and have a smaller budget for this purchase.

Whatever the reason for needing to find a gown in a hurry or keep your finances in check, buying a brand-new designer sample gown might just be the ticket to wearing your dream dress, no matter what your circumstances.

There are a variety of ways to look for sample wedding gowns. Many online shops offer quality designer bridal gowns for sale at discounted prices, but because these dresses have been discontinued, there is almost no way to try them on locally before buying online, let alone check over the dress for wear and tear.

At Aleana’s Bridal, we offer sample wedding gowns at 50% off (or more). From the moment we buy a sample for our shop, our gowns are always kept in plastic garment bags to keep them clean and in excellent condition. We have sample gowns available from Pronovias, Rosa Clara, David Tutera, Allure, Jasmine Couture and more.

Maybe you’re looking for something boho chic for your rustic wedding, or perhaps you are thinking on a grander scale — a fairy tale ball gown for your big day. We have a large selection of styles, from sleek sheaths and fit ‘n flares to full A-lines and ballgowns.

So all you New York and New Jersey brides out there searching for your perfect wedding dress at a fabulous price, you can find your beautiful bridal gown in northern New Jersey at Aleana’s Bridal in Paramus, the heart of Bergen County. Our Cash & Carry gowns means you can take home your dream dress the day you try it on, and no one will be the wiser that your top quality designer gown was bought at a bargain price.

 

 

Your Very First Wedding Dress Shopping

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Here are a few things you must keep in mind before you come to try on or search for your very first wedding dress at Aleana’s Bridal.

  1. Make an appointment: The wedding industry is a super busy one. Bridal salons are always completely booked for the day; especially weekends. For us to give you all our attention and time, call us well in advance to let us know when you would like to come in. You could also book an appointment online through our website. Your appointment will be confirmed after we’ve contacted you back.
  2. Have an idea of what you would love to see and try on: Have an idea of what your wedding theme and venue would be like. That way you’ll be well aware if you should be looking for a dress appropriate for a relaxed beach fete rather than one that would fit right in at a classic ballroom affair.
  3. Do wear appropriate undergarments: Although we have bras and shoes that you can wear while trying on your gown, it’s always best to bring a strapless bra and shoes (approximately the same as what you intend on wearing for your big day) with you.
  4. Your budget: Be prepared to discuss your price budget with our sales person. This will allow her to bring you dresses that are in your price range.
  5. Have an open mind: Most of the brides come in for something they are looking for in particular, but end up purchasing a different style that suits them more. The dress you never thought you would like may be the one that is exactly right for you.
  6. Give enough time: If you want to spend more time trying on dresses and talking with one of our sales person, a weekday appointment would be ideal. Once you’ve selected the dress you said yes to, we will let you come in few days/weeks from that day for your alterations.

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

Customize your Wedding Dress

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Here at Aleana’s Bridal, we have over 300 wedding dresses. We get new styles in every season, so you’ll always be sure to find something fashionable in stock. Some of our dresses are simple and perfect for your destination wedding. Some gowns go all out with sparkle and bling and others fall in between. From classic a-line to the biggest ball gown you can imagine, we’ve got it all.  

Mon Cheri

Mon Cheri

Pronovias

But, what if you still can’t find the one? What if you have found your perfect style, but nothing feels quite right? Well, you do have a few other options. One is that you could purchase a bridal dress and get it customized. You could add some extra bling or create your own belt. You could also get layers removed or added if the dress is too poofy or not poofy enough. If you wanted sleeves or straps but your dress doesn’t have any, you could get that customized as well. The options are pretty much endless.  

Still, after talking about customization on an already made bridal dress, what if you’re still not convinced? Then you might want to consider getting a completely custom dress made. This isn’t an option for everyone, but it may be perfect for you. For some, this might be a bit scary because you don’t quite know what the end product will be, but you shouldn’t be scared if you trust your designer. At Aleana’s Bridal, every custom dress we make is overseen step by step by Lana. You also oversee every step, so you can customize every step of the way and if something doesn’t feel quite right, you’re there to figure out what to do next! 

If creating a custom gown is what you’re looking for on your wedding day, stop by Aleana’s Bridal! We’re more than happy to help you make the dress of your dreams. 

Plus Size Wedding Gowns

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With most bridal salons you might come across carrying only sample size dresses to try on, it can be a bit difficult to imagine what a dress your size might look on you. Unless you are a sample size, the dresses just aren’t going to look perfect on you. This can make it hard for you to get that amazing “I found my dress” feeling. It can be stressful to not be able to even get the dress on if the salon doesn’t carry any plus sizes. You could feel discouraged and like you’ll never find your dress. It is certainly not a great way to feel.  

Of course, if you go to a great salon, like Aleana’s Bridal, with consultants and tons of dresses for every shape and size, then you will be sure to find something. There are also plenty of tips and tricks that your bridal consultant can do to make sure you can get the best visual. Their job is to make sure your wedding dress shopping is as fun, easy, and exciting as it should be. 

Here are some styles that work best for fuller, curvier bodies.

A-line dresses are great for the plus size bride if you want more coverage. The silhouette flares out after the bust. Instead of hugging your curves, the dress flows and is a bit more classic. 

Pronovias

Mon Cheri

Now, you might think that a princess ball gown is too much, but it’s actually a great silhouette for a curvier bride. It hugs your waist in just the right place. If it has a corset, it also helps to really accentuate your curves. Much like the a-line gown, the ball gown flares out for a silhouette that is flattering on nearly everyone.

Allure

Rebecca Ingram

Want to show off your gorgeous curves? These mermaid styles are perfect for your curvy body. They will accentuate your hips and hug you in all of the right places. Don’t be afraid to show off your sexy side.  

Sottero and Midgely

Jasmine Couture

Remember, the dress won’t fit exactly, perfectly right when you’re trying it on. It’s probably not your size, and it is definitely not tailored to your body. That will all happen after you purchase your dress, it arrives, and your seamstress makes it the perfect dress for you! 

Aleana’s Bridal carries all of these styles and so much more in comfortable sample sizes, so you can get the perfect visual when you come pick out your dress! 

Wedding Day Shoes

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Your shoes are a big part of your wedding day. Although they might not be completely visible underneath your dress, they are certainly something you put a lot of thought into. You’ll be taking that classic shoe photo and showing them off any chance you get. But you’ll also be standing in them, walking in them, dancing in them, and probably kicking them off at the end of the night. So, you want to make sure they are beautiful, comfortable, and special enough to create fabulous memories in the whole day through.  

Flats 

Maybe you didn’t consider it, but flats are a great option for a tall bride or one that just wants to be comfortable all day long. You can choose a simple pair that you feel comfortable in, or go with a pair that is bright and blingy.  

Small Rhinestone Heels 

Lady Couture

Lady Couture

The heels on these shoes are short enough that your feet won’t be screaming by the end of the night. They also have a little bling on them to make you shine throughout the night. They are super comfortable and will make for the nicest photos.  

High Statement Heels 

Lady Couture

For added height and heels that are sure to make you stand out, these are a great option. Again, they are comfortable and won’t have you aching all day, but are still a statement-making shoe for your big day.  

Wedges 

Lady Couture

A wedge heel is a great way to add height with an extra bit of comfort. These are also a great option for an outdoor wedding, where you won’t have to worry about your heel getting stuck in the sand or grass. Go small or go big, but either way, you’ll be comfortable and fashionable. 

Sneakers 

For that added comfort or even a pair to switch to later on in the night, a pair of bridal sneakers is what you’ll need. These are always fun because sneakers are easy to customize. A custom pair of Toms on your wedding day with your favorite characters or quotes will be a fun addition to your wedding day and something you’ll remember forever.  

 

 

 

Petite Wedding Dresses

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Much like shopping for a plus size wedding gown, finding a dress for a petite frame can be quite the task. The sample sizes are probably too long and might look too large on your petite body. Again, your salon, like Aleana’s Bridal, and your consultant, should do their best to give you the greatest shopping experience possible. The consultants should clip and tuck and hold the dress in all of the right spots to give you the best visual possible. You need to be able to picture yourself in the dress before you make that purchase, and that is what your consultant is there to help you with. It’s not easy to imagine the dress on you if it’s too big in certain areas, or too tight and pulling in other areas. Talk with your consultant and let them know what you like and what you don’t like. Let them move things around and adjust to get you that almost perfect visual. 

Here are some silhouettes that will look great on petite brides.  

A ball gown is flattering on nearly everyone because it accentuates the waist and then flares out. If you’re afraid it might look like the gown is too much on your petite body, remember that the ball gown doesn’t have to be gigantic. You can also always remove layers to lessen the poof and elongate your figure rather than taking over it.  

Pronovias

Pronovias

A-line is similar to ball gowns in that they elongate your figure without all of the layers. Try a dress with a waistline just a little bit above your natural waistline. This will make you appear taller and more elegant. 

Pronovias

Sottero and Midgely

Sheath dresses are more fitted to your body, so they’ll make you appear longer and slimmer. These gowns are also great if you want to really show off your curves.  

Rebecca Ingram

Rebecca Ingram

Mermaid gowns look great on almost everyone. They hug your curves in all the right places and make you look nice and tall.  

Pronovias

Pronovias

Just remember that once you do make that purchase and you finally get the dress, it will be in your size. It might still be a bit too big and long, but once the seamstress gets her hands on it, it will be tailored perfectly to your petite frame. Don’t ever get discouraged and make sure to share all of your concerns with your seamstress and consultant. They all want to make sure you get the dress of your dreams. 

All of these styles, and so much more, are available at Aleana’s Bridal!

Creative Cake Toppers

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Wedding cake toppers used to be simple: a little bride and groom to symbolize your marriage. Nowadays, cake toppers are much more personal. They can symbolize the bride and the groom with animals, silhouettes, fun characters, or just something the bride and groom both love.  

If you and your groom prefer to keep things simple, a monogram is a nice way to add a personalized touch to your cake.  

It’s your best day ever, so why not celebrate that with the best day ever cake topper? It’s simple, elegant, and says it all. 

For those that love to have fun, and share a love of a particular movie or show, why not put that on your cake? It will show off your personalities, without taking over the entire wedding. People will be snapping photos of your cake all night long. You’ll also have a statement piece in your home for the rest of your lives to commemorate your wedding day.  

If animals are your thing, then top your cake with them! You can go cute, like these little birds and foxes, or fun and whimsical, like the fox and giraffe.  

On your wedding day, choose what matches you and your groom’s personalities best. A simple cake topper may not stand out, but if you love it, then it’s meant to be.  

 

 

 

Pink Wedding Dresses

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It may not be your first idea, but sometimes, a blush or pink colored wedding gown can really make you stand out. In a light blush, the color could almost pass for a vintage or ivory. A pink or blush underlay can also help make lace really stand out from the rest of your dress. The color also compliments skin tones better than a stark white or ivory. In order to convince you, here are some celebrities looking like fabulous, beautiful brides in pink dresses. 

This Rebecca Ingram dress is perfect. It offers soft tulle and lace with a touch of blush that’s not too pink. 

Rebecca Ingram

 

Reese’s Monique Lhullier gown was a soft pink, a-line gown. You could clearly see that the dress was pink, which worked perfectly on Reese, but may not be for everyone.  

A very pale blush makes the ivory lace more prominent on this Rebecca Ingram dress. If Reese’s bold, blush dress is too much for you, this might be the way to go. 

For a subtle take on the pink, try this Rebecca Ingram gown. It’s an ivory lace gown over a soft blush. The blush is so soft no one will be able to tell you’re straying from the traditional.  

Rebecca Ingram

Anne Hathaway’s custom Valentino gown featured an ombre pink effect. The tulle started off almost white ivory and gradually turned a light pink. This baby pink Allure gown adds a soft touch of color that’s not overwhelming, just like Anne’s gown.  

Allure

 

Allure

These styles, and so much more, are available at Aleana’s Bridal! 

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"Two" by Rosa Clara