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Naked Cakes for Your Wedding Day

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Your wedding cake is one of the centerpieces of your day. You might want something extravagant. You might want your cake to perfectly encompass your theme with colors and flowers or perfectly crafted figures. While you are deciding what beautiful cake to display on your wedding day, you might consider a naked cake. It may not sound too good right now, but stay with me. They are actually really beautiful. Sure, there’s not a ton of fondant covering up the icing holding the cake together, but there is so much beauty in that icing popping out of the sides. It becomes a piece of art, especially when surrounded by gorgeous flowers or delicate toppings. The best part about a naked cake though? It is so much fresher than a regular wedding cake covered in fondant because it takes a lot less time to put together. That means that you and your guests get to eat a delicious, fresh wedding cake on your wedding day. Doesn’t that sound delicious? 

If you’re still not convinced, take a look at some of these beautifully crafted naked wedding cakes. I promise you’ll fall in love with the simplicity of it all. It will truly add something to your wedding you’ve probably never seen before. You won’t be able to stop staring at it.

Here are some absolutely amazing naked wedding cakes to convince you that it might be the way to go for your special day.  

This naked chocolate cake with caramel dripping down the side is so simple, but stands out. It also looks like it would taste amazing.  

Martha Stewart Weddings

If that chocolate cake didn’t convince you, maybe Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s wedding cake will. The cake was as simple as it gets, with lovely flowers standing out against the white of the cake. It was the perfect addition to their Italian wedding.  

Martha Stewart Weddings

If that cake was still too simple or bland for your taste, consider adding fruit in between layers for some color. The cake is simple, but the strawberries add a pop of color and compliment the flowers so well.  

Martha Stewart Weddings

Who says funfetti is only appropriate at a kid’s birthday party? If you’re a big fan of this cake at home, why not have it at your wedding? It’s your day, after all! Consider adding miniature funfetti cakes to your reception tables like this one, or go all out and get a full-sized one because you can. 

Martha Stewart Weddings

A naked wedding cake isn’t for everyone, but it can be a nice way to add a different touch to your wedding, and it might also save you some money. Consider it when looking for the perfect wedding cake for your day.

A Disney Inspired Wedding Dress

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Growing up on classic Disney princess movies, you’ve probably dreamt of finding your prince charming. You’ve pictured getting married in a gorgeous ball gown in Cinderella’s Castle. And how could you not, when they make it look so glamourous? If getting married at Cinderella’s or Sleeping Beauty’s Castle isn’t quite your thing, there are so many other ways to add simple Disneytouches to your wedding. But, the most important part? Probably that princess inspired wedding gown. You can’t have a Disney inspired wedding without a princess gown!

With so many Disney Princesses to choose from, and each of them so fabulous, it can be difficult to choose a favorite. To help you narrow it down, here are some dresses that channel some of our favorite Disney princesses.

Snow White is the original Disney Princess. She is the one that started it all. A friend to all animals and gentle and kind, Snow White is someone we can all look up to. A dress inspired by her should be classic, soft, and sweet. Think flowers or some bling to give off that “Snow White” vibe.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Mon Cheri

Cinderella is probably the reason we all dream of that beautiful ball gown. You can almost see it glistening around the dance floor. Her sparkly blue ball gown is wedding dress goals. If the live-action Cinderella is more your style, a gown with sleeves or champagne satin is the perfect way to channel her butterfly wedding dress. Either way, don’t be afraid to go for the biggest ball gown around. It’s what Cinderella would want!

 

Mon Cheri

Allure

Sleeping Beauty is the princess of our dreams, literally. Her classic color changing dress is what dreams are made of. Go bold and choose something with a touch of pink or blue. Try out some off the shoulder gowns, an a-line skirt, or some satin.

Pronovias

Mon Cheri

A Princess Ariel inspired gown is the perfect reason to go with a mermaid style wedding dress. There is no better way to channel your inner mermaid. Keep it light and sexy to really get that beachy mermaid feeling. Choose something with a little sparkle, too, to match those glittery scales of hers.

Pronovias

Jasmine

What better way to be the belle of the ball then a dress inspired by THE Belle? Her golden yellow gown is iconic, and there’s nothing better than that Beauty and the Beast ballroom scene. You may not want a gold or yellow gown for your wedding day, but something champagne colored might be perfect for you.

Allure

Allure

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

Put Some Color on that Wedding Dress

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Purchasing an ivory, white, or an off-white color for your wedding gown might be the only thing on your mind. It’s tradition, right? Well, not so much anymore. Many brides are opting for colored gowns, from ivory to champagne or rose. Many designers have also been incorporating colors into their designs. This helps to accent details, especially lace overlays.

Diman

Pronovias

Dria

Pronovias

These Pronovias gowns work well for the bride that wants something different in a subtle way. The Diman gown is for that perfect, pink princess. Although the color may be slightly pink, its light enough that it doesn’t stand out too much. The Dria gown features a slightly darker accent color, which makes the lace overlay more prominent. If the lace and the tulle underlay were the same ivory color, it would be difficult to see the beautiful features of that floral lace.

Grace

Mon Cheri

Lillian

Mon Cheri

These two Mon Cheri gowns are close enough to white that any traditional bride may not be too bothered by the slight blue tone. They offer a touch of color, without being too bold. The silhouettes are absolutely gorgeous. The Grace satin gown is perfect for any bride looking for that Cinderella ball gown. The second, sequin gown offers a removable tulle skirt, to go from ceremony to reception within seconds. If you’re really not a fan of the misty blue tone, both gowns are available in diamond white as well.

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Jasmine Couture

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Jasmine Couture

The Jasmine Collections are perfect for brides that want to add a slight touch of color to their wedding dress. Many of the gowns offer different accent colors. This means that the underlay of your gown could be rose quartz, while the main color could be white or ivory. With white or ivory as the top, main layer, the dress appears to be more of a classic color. So, you could go bold underneath and subtle on top and still be that gorgeous, classic bride on your wedding day.

Every bride wants to be unique. If you want to switch things up and not be too traditional, but can’t quite afford a custom gown, adding a touch of color to your wedding dress might be the best option for you. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to be beautiful on your wedding day.

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

What to Wear Under the Wedding Dress

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The day has finally come. You’re finally going to your first bridal gown fitting! But, are you bringing the right bra?

Choosing the right bra to go with the perfect dress can be tricky. You want support and comfort. You also want to make sure the dress looks perfect on you. Don’t worry though! We’re here to help you out on your best day ever with a few tips and tricks to help you decide what’s best.

  1. No bra – You may not need a bra at all for your special day. It all depends on your body and how you feel personally. Many wedding dresses are very structured and offer a lot of support all on their own. Some might come with a support system built right in. For others, you could work with your salon and seamstress to add one to your dress.
  2. Backless, stick-on bra – These can be tricky, but if you’re sporting a backless dress for your big day or have fabric that’s on the thinner side, this works wonders. It offers coverage and sticks right to your skin, so you decide where it’s most comfortable for you.

    FASHION FORMS: Le Lusion Second Skin Cups

    FASHION FORMS: Backless Strapless U-Plunge Bra

  3. Bustier – If you’re looking to add a little more curve, this might be the one for you. This works especially well with a ball gown. You want the top part of your gown to show off your shape on your Cinderella day. A bustier or corset will really accentuate the waist and support your bust to keep you looking your absolute best.

    Dominique Longline Strapless Bra

  4. Bodysuit – If you’ve fallen in love with a particularly low-cut dress and sticky tape just won’t work for you, a bodysuit might be an option. These offer a little bit more support and shape to keep everything in place. You might also find a backless bodysuit, perfect for a backless gown.

    FASHION FORMS: U Plunge Backless Strapless Thong Bodysuit

When it comes down to it, it’s all about what you feel the most comfortable in. Don’t wear a corset or bustier just because you feel you have to. Make sure you feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day. Choose what works best for you. Your bridal consultant and seamstress at your salon will be there for you to help you select the best option. Share your concerns with them and you’ll be sure to work it out.

Fashion Forms and Dominique can be found at Aleana’s Bridal.

 

Your Beach Destination Wedding Dress

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Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular every year. Beach weddings are especially popular because the beach is a relaxing place. When you think of the beach, you think of rest, relaxation, serenity, and beauty. You can picture that gorgeous sunset against the water and feel the sand between your toes. What could be a more perfect place to get married?

If you are thinking about planning a beach destination wedding, here are some great locations in the Caribbean from Islands.com. If you want to stay within the states, you can search The Knot for the perfect local beach wedding venue.

Now that you’ve got the perfect location, it’s time to find the perfect dress! When you’re getting married on the beach you want to choose something light and airy. Don’t be afraid to go tight and sexy either, because you are on the beach after all! You also might want to shorten your dress a bit more than usual to avoid getting sand everywhere.

If you want to dip your toes in the water or walk barefoot, choose a fabric that is very light. Heavy fabric could weigh you down if it gets a little bit wet. Fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and English netting are very lightweight and won’t feel heavy. They’ll give you that light and flowy feeling that will flow nicely in the beachy air.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Rebecca Ingram

Allure

If you want to channel your inner mermaid, then a mermaid or fit and flare silhouette might be the choice for you. Keep it simple with light layers and fabric. Look for something sexy and simple for your mermaid moment.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Sottero and Midgley

Allure

If you’re still aching for that princess ball gown, even on the beach, there are so many lightweight options to choose from! You can also always remove layers if the gown still feels too heavy. An a-line gown might also give you a more ball gown feel, without all of the layers.

Rebecca Ingram

Allure

Pronovias

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

The Perfect Castle Wedding Gowns

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Imagine the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were a little girl: your wedding day. You’ve been dreaming of your fairytale wedding for as long as you can remember. You’ve always wanted to be a princess, and where does every princess get married? A castle, of course. There are so many elegant castles to choose from around the world for your wedding day to make you feel like a true princess. There are even many in the U.S., which means you don’t have to travel across the pond!

Here are some amazing castle venues in the U.S. from Martha Stewart Weddings . If none of these are for you, check out Hitched.co.uk for some venues in the UK.

A castle wedding venue means there are so many different options for your dress. Any silhouette and fabric that works for you can be yours. Unless you choose to get married with the castle as your backdrop, you won’t need to worry about sand, dirt, or water getting on your dress, because you’ll be indoors. So, if you really want to feel like the princess of the castle, here are some suggestions to get you started:

A silk or satin ball gown is the perfect statement for your fairytale wedding. Satin gowns are elegant and regal to make you look and feel like a true princess.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Sottero and Midgley

Jasmine Bridal

If satin really isn’t your style and you’re looking for something a little more lightweight, look for something with tulle or organza. You can still get that princess look without all of the added weight.

Pronovias

Pronovias

Jasmine Bridal

These styles are perfect if you want to channel Princess Kate on your fairytale wedding day. The sleeves are a bit more conservative, but add a touch of elegance you might not find in a sleeveless gown.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Pronovias

Pronovias

If a ball gown really isn’t your style, there are plenty of other styles that will still bring out your inner princess. From A-line to fit and flare to two-in-ones, the options are endless.

Jasmine Bridal

David Tutera for Mon Cheri

Rebecca Ingram

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

Bridesmaid Dresses

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Be Creative and have some Fun: Customized Bridesmaid Dresses

Is it a hard choice to decide what to pick off the rack? Then make things easier for yourself. The good news is you can now create and personalize bridesmaid dresses of your choice! Add your style, color and size on Dessy, an online store that offers a wide range of premium dresses. You dream and design it, let us know or come to us and we will make it come true. Whether you have a design in mind or are looking for styling advice we will work together to create your unique made to measure gown.

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 Collection Style: 2964

Punch up a rosy color palette! Pink does not always have to be girly. Since pink is soft and airy, it’s not much of a stretch from white and still works. So, forget matchy-matchy and outfit your friends in these gorgeous crepe dresses that are available in a range of complementary colors. Trust me, they are utterly ladylike and give off an air of whimsy.

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Collection Style: 2949 & 2941

Green is an ideal hue to wear from day to evening events. The best thing about the green trend is that it can flatter literally everyone, regardless of skin tone, hair and eye color, and one’s personal style. All green shades can be ideally styled with earth shade colors, including brown, sandy, grey, etc. For example, style it with nude pumps or skinny sandals with no accessories and jewelries on, let everyone’s attention on your dress. But obviously not from the bride’s. Go for the short or full length strapless soft tulle dress w/ asymmetrical fleur embroidery applique detail at bodice and hip, or the full length pleated lux chiffon halter dress.

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Collection Style: 2956

More of the playful type? Build a mix and match bridesmaid dress of your own. Magenta! Yellow! Blue! They can do wonders to liven up a look. Choose the hues that work with each other and your dress will look smashing! Every color has a complimentary color. Black and white, for instance, are complimentary colors. That’s why they look so great together. You know, “opposites attract”. That whole thing. Customize your own full length strapless lux chiffon dress w/ sweetheart neckline draped bodice and skirt NOWWWW!

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

Chocoholic Wedding

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Are you both total chocoholics?  Then why are you looking at vanilla cakes?  Just because white cakes are the most traditional wedding cake doesn’t mean you need to serve them at your wedding.

Here are a few ways to incorporate chocolate in your wedding.

1. Chocolate candy table –

It might not be a good idea for a venue that gets some serious sunshine, but a hint of chocolate in your decorations might mean a few more or your guests stop to smell the roses. Think about having a candy bar filled with a variety of treats that can be made from chocolate. Think sweet starfish and seashells for a beach-side celebration (just be sure not to set a display of chocolate favors out in the sun), or a chic mix of white-and-dark chocolate treats for an indoor wedding. There are uncountable things to add to your chocolate table such as milk chocolate covered malt balls, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate covered almond toffee bites and milk chocolate covered caramel popcorn’s just to name a few. These could be put in cute little candy jars next to scrumptious hot chocolate drinks for the younger ones to relish – best for winter weddings. For the adults, these chocolate drinks can come with a twist. Such as combining chocolate ice cream with alcohol and turning it into a shake.

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 Picture from – Snippet & Ink

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                                                                              Picture by – Marla (PnPFlowersInc)

2. Chocolate cupcakes –

A big wedding cake isn’t a must. Find a baker that specializes in creating awesome cupcake inspired displays for your wedding. Chocolate wedding cupcakes can be just as chic and glamorous. Whip up a batch of chocolate infused offerings and have them as your centerpiece. You could also go for ooey gooey creations; with center filled caramel or peanut butter. These chocolate confections are going to be so rich and decadent.

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Picture from – The Chocolate Connoisseur 

3. Chocolate fountain –

If your wedding reception is just for a small group only, you should have the personal chocolate fountain. It isn’t much, but it would still be an additional fun for the wedding reception. For any cocoa-crazy bride this is an absolute necessity, and is sure to get your friends and family talking. You can skewer dried and fresh fruits to give it a surprising appearance and a more exciting effect. Strawberries with prunes and grapes are also often used too.

Sliced cakes or crackers would also a fine addition. If you mixed the colors well then they will add more to the decoration and create and all-round colorful effect. Marshmallows are a plus. It is the next best thing paired to chocolates. Other dipping’s may include pretzels, cookies and bread pieces.

There are several flavors for chocolate fountains to choose from, in case you want to add extra taste to your chocolates. If you expect that most of your guests are diet conscious, you can also request to have an additive to maintain the sweetness but lower the calories or sugar content. This way, your guests can still enjoy the chocolate fountain in a healthy way.

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Photo by – The Dating Divas

This article brought to you by Aleanas Bridal, Paramus New Jersey.

8 Ways to Color your Wedding Venue

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Your color scheme for the wedding has the power to set the vibe! The colors you choose can seriously affect the overall tone and mood of your wedding, so think about what kind of celebration you want! Always remember to pick up your favorite shade, and the type of style you will use on your wedding invitations. This will give your family and friends a clue about your wedding style (and what they should wear). Here are a few color combinations you could go for:

1. Cream & Gold 

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Decor and Picture by: Elizabeth Anne

Consider a cream and gold wedding. These wedding colors could work for any time of the year. This romantic décor can work for a stunning indoor venue, or a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. It’s versatility allows it to be a bit rustic, and perfectly refined. Also, gold will always complement the neutral color scheme and isn’t forced to fight for attention aside bold colors.

2. Brown and Arctic Blue 

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Photography by: Chloe (happywedd)

Blue for your wedding color will create a relaxing and peaceful mood for your wedding in which everyone will feel contended and happy. Navy blue can look great with ivory, champagne and white. Adding brown can make it a gorgeous combo. For this theme, go with white tulips, lilies and maybe hydrangea in blue or white. Adding a handful of peacock feathers will definitely look charming, providing a splash of color to kick off a fabulous day.

3. Rustic Rainbow 

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Photography by: Kelly C (boho-weddings)

A colorful wedding is a beautiful wedding. Choosing all the colors of a rainbow to include in your wedding is bold, attention-grabbing and a bit overwhelming. The most important thing to remember when having a colorful wedding is to make sure every color is represented equally. If your wedding is in the spring, choose pastels. If your wedding is in the summer, choose bright and vibrant colors. If your wedding is in the fall, choose dulled shades that are deeper. If your wedding is in the winter, choose cool palettes for all of your colors.

4. Cherry Red

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Photography by: The Big Affair (bridebox)

Red is probably the boldest color you can choose for your wedding. It creates a warm and stimulating mood at your wedding with high energy. The attention-seeking color will have all eyes on a bride who wears a red wedding gown, on a reception venue decorated with red flowers and bridesmaids channeling vibrant red dresses. There are many shades of red to choose from, such as coral, burgundy, ruby, crimson, vermilion or maroon, and endless types of flowers like roses, tulips, poppies, peonies and dahlias, just to name a few. This bold color (perfect for the brave & romantic ones) can tint every element of your wedding, from heart-shaped table decorations to a spectacular red velvet wedding cake and red rose bouquets for you and your bridesmaids.

5. Purple & Green

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Photography by: Elizabeth Messina (mindyweiss)

Purple is most often associated with royalty. This is because Roman Emperors were often seen wearing purple. Adding a beautiful splash of purple and green to your wedding will create a calming and restful mood. Use lilacs, known for their lovely fragrance which is part of why many brides choose these for their purple pop. While lilacs can also be white, pink, and red, purple lilacs symbolize purity and first love.

6. Turquoise & Lime Green

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Photography by: Brittany (tickledpinkbrides)

This bold and bright color combo is pretty chameleonic, and here is why. Depending on the accessories and decorations you choose to display in this sweet yet euphoric mix, your big day can acquire different touches: for a vintage wedding choose powder green, fainted turquoise, and all things antique, for an exotic feel choose a stand-out aqua shade and lots of marine elements, while for a garden-party vibe scatter endless quantities of green hydrangea everywhere and wrap turquoise ribbons around everything. Turquoise will create a refreshing, friendly and happy mood at your wedding.

7.  Kelly Green

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Photography by: Sherman Chu (bridalguide)

There are dozens of ways that green can be a beautiful color for a wedding. Whether as an accent or a dominant shade, this gentle color evokes a sense of peace and nature perfect for a romantic celebration. There are many ways to incorporate more green into the floral arrangements, such as: choosing all-green arrangements with green blooms using more ivy, ferns, and other greenery in decorations or wrapping bouquets in green ribbon. The wedding cake is undoubtedly the star of the wedding menu, and adding green accents can make this scrumptious dessert a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Consider green options such as: decorating the cake with greenery rather than flowers or adding faux emeralds or other green jewels to the cake.

8. White & Blue

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Photography by: Elena & Liam (southboundbride)

A sea-and-sky color theme helps create a crisp, modern wedding. Get inspired by a monochromatic palette of chic sea-glass blues. Print and texture mixing is encouraged, along with a signature sip and dessert bar that perpetuates the color scheme.

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

Choosing the Perfect Honeymoon

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Here are a few tips on Choosing the Perfect Place to Honeymoon

  • Pick a place – Start by writing down the top three or five places you and your fiancé want to visit. These could be places you’ll have always dreamed of going to, or places where you’ll want to take part in some fun activities such as scuba diving, mountain climbing or safari. Or are you itching to see a dozen museums? Or do you want to lie on a beach for a week?
  • Determine your Budget – Your budget solely depends on the destination you’ll have decided to visit. The tourism and stay in some cities or countries are expensive whereas some are not. For example, going to Australia or East Asia will be much more expensive than going to Europe or South America. If you are on a strict budget, consider going to a deluxe hotel in a big city near you for just one or two romantic nights.
  • Select a Time Frame – Once you’ll have decided which country to visit, determine which time of the year is suitable to visit it and vice versa. For example, if you only have a week in January, you probably don’t want to go to Russia or Japan because you’ll spend a lot of that time on a plane and you’ll be exposed to freezing cold temperatures while you are there. Instead, you might have more fun (and more time) in the Bahamas or somewhere else in the Caribbean. While some couples can only take a few days, others have planned on 2 weeks or more.
  • Make it Romantic and Memorable – Plan surprises. Pick a restaurant you know has your partner’s favorite dish, get some chocolates delivered to the room or organize a candle-lit dinner as a dinner surprise – the little things all matter on a honeymoon. Take lots of pictures – whether its secret shots of your partner caught in a candid moment or selfies together. The memories will help you re-live your honeymoon later.

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Photograph taken from Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica. 

Marriages should start out on the right foot, and there’s no better right foot than the perfect honeymoon that’s romantic, stress free and unforgettable.

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