Posts

Your Very First Wedding Dress Shopping

/in /by

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

/in , , /by

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.  

Photo by Alan Wen

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

/in , /by

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

/in , , /by

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.  

 

Photo by Emma Nietzel

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 

Kate Spade Keds

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.  

Featured Image by Emma Nietzel

 

 

Petite Wedding Dresses

/in , /by

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!

Furry Friends at your Wedding

/in , /by

If you love animals, then incorporating one at your wedding is a must. Maybe it’s your dog, maybe it’s your cat, or maybe it’s just your favorite animal. There are many ways to include your furry best friends without having it be over the top. Not only will your guests love seeing those cute faces, but it will make for some of the cutest photos ever.  

Hoffer Photography

The longhorn almost stole the show in this photo, but the bride and groom in the back are the true stars of the show. It’s a unique photo that not many others would be able to capture, and it will be one you’ll talk about for years to come.  

Tracey Buyce Photography

This photo definitely didn’t go as expected, but it made for one that the couple will laugh about all of the time. It was taken at their family farm, so their love for animals will be with them forever.  

A furry best friend is always a great addition to a wedding party. They can be your best man, maid of honor, ring bearer, or walk you down the aisle. Pets are a part of the family, and on your wedding day, you want the whole family to be there. So, make sure to include your furry best friend in any way you can, even if it’s just a photoshoot!  

Pets are as much a part of the family as children, siblings, or parents. They show us unconditional love and deserve to be a part of the biggest moments of our lives, in any way possible.

Featured image by Peter Pham.

 

Creative Cake Toppers

/in , , /by

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.  

Etsy

It’s your best day ever, so why not celebrate that with a 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.  

Photo by Anh Vu

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.  

Featured Image by Emiliano Kaba.

 

 

Pink Wedding Dresses

/in /by

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 Witherspoon 

People Magazine

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. 

Blake Lively 

We still don’t have pictures of her full dress, so this will have to do. Blake’s Marchesa wedding gown featured some soft, rose gold embroidery that stood out over the silk tulle. 

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 

Anne Hathaway’s custom Valentino gown featured an ombre pink effect. The tulle started off an 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! 

Walking in a Wedding Wonderland

/in , , /by

With Fall quickly coming to an end, winter is upon us. We say goodbye to those autumn reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, and bring in the winter whites, cool blue, and deep reds. Winter is the perfect season to bring out holiday colors, go bright and sparkly, wear some elegant sleeves, and top it all off with a gorgeous fur coat. 

Winter Dresses 

Don’t let the cold weather temperatures limit your dress choices. If strapless is your thing, go for it. But, if you want to switch things up a bit and feel like you’re in the winter, try a dress with some long sleeves. Sleeves add a touch of elegance to a gown that sleeveless can’t quite capture. You’ll be sure to a be a princess on your wedding day. If you still want a strapless look, try an off the shoulder dress with sleeves to get the best of both worlds.  

Pronovias

Pronovias

Fur Coats 

A winter wedding is the perfect time to break out that fabulous fur. If you don’t own any, Aleana’s Bridal will rent one to you for your wedding day. It’s a simple and classic way to keep you warm on a cold winter day, without covering up your dress or taking too much away from it.  

No automatic alt text available.

Aleana’s Bridal

Bridesmaids 

If you don’t want to be cold, then it stands to reason that your bridesmaids wouldn’t want to be cold either, right? Although you’re less likely to find long sleeve dresses for your girls, there are still options to keep them cozy. If you don’t want them to freeze, gift them a warm accessory to keep things uniform. If not, don’t be too picky about what they wear over their dresses. They just want to be warm!  

2 Brides Photography / Martha Stewart Weddings

Shoes 

If it’s cold out, you don’t want your toes to freeze. Don’t be afraid to wear some cozy boots or moccasins. As long as you get it hemmed accordingly, no one will even see the shoes beneath the dress. You can also wear them outside, and swap them out for another pair once you’re inside.  

Photo by Darla Conolly

A winter wedding is your chance to do something out of the norm. Break out the furs and long sleeves. Wear cozy boots on your feet and get married in an igloo. Have fun and celebrate the holidays with your friends and family and celebrate your love.

Featured Image by Darla Conolly

 

 

Royal Wedding Dresses

/in , /by

Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement just a few days ago, it’s all anyone can talk about. We’ve already seen the ring and we know where the wedding will be, but what will the dress be like? We’re expecting nothing short of fabulous for the famous actress turned future princess. She’s living every girl’s dream. So, in honor of the future royal wedding, we’re sharing some of our favorite dresses from past royal weddings and some fabulous dresses you can wear to feel like a princess on your wedding day, too!  

Marie Chantal Miller and Prince Pavlos of Greece by Tim Graham/Getty

Marie Chantal’s custom Valentino gown is a dress made for a princess, literally. The silk gown was encrusted with pearls and featured gorgeous Chantilly lace along the train. Although the wedding was over 20 years ago, the dress would still make statements today with the long lace sleeves and high neckline.  

Pronovias

Add some custom lace sleeves to this gown and you’ll be on your way to looking like the next princess of Greece. If sleeves aren’t for you, you’ll still be sure to look like royalty in this all over lace gown. 

 

Pronovias

 

Martin Thornburg for Mon Cheri

This satin A-line gown is certain to make you feel like a princess. It’s classic and elegant, just like Princess Victoria’s, but without the off the shoulder neckline. 

Princess Madeleine and Christopher O’Neill of Sweden by Torsten Laursen/Getty

Princess Madeleine wed her prince in an off the shoulder cap sleeved Valentino gown. If you still want some coverage, but not too much, a capped sleeve is a great option. If you still feel it’s too much, a lower neckline could take a gown like this to the next level.  

Pronovias

The sleeves are a bit longer, but this top is pretty similar to Princess Madeleine’s. The neckline is also a bit lower, showing a bit more shoulder than the Princess, but still just as stunning.  

To feel like a princess, you’ve got to dress like one. That doesn’t mean a big ball gown, either. It means whichever dress you feel like the greatest in. It could have sleeves and be a big ball gown, or it could be strapless and form-fitting. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to be a princess on your wedding day. 

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

Portfolio Items

"Two" by Rosa Clara