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How to enjoy bridal gown shopping (Part 1)

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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

 

How to maintain your manners: Proper wedding etiquette (Part 2)

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

Read Part 1 first

* If you choose to bring a guest along, make sure it is an appropriate choice.  Leave the wallflower and sulky date at home who will hinder your spirit as you shine on the dance floor…or the guy with an unpredictable behavioral pattern who tends to have a flared temper after too many shots of whiskey.  Leave him at home.  Better yet, what are you doing even being involved with these types of people to begin with?!?  Go alone and be free of the burden of entertaining a date all night.  You will have a much better time and be able to engage the people you truly care about as well as having a better opportunity for catching up with the ones you have been looking forward to seeing.

And if you weren’t invited with a guest, do NOT show up with one nor ask the bride or groom to make an exception just for you to bring somebody along. This puts them in an awkward position.  Once again, their day, not yours!

“No bringing uninvited guests” rule can imply children.  Respect an adult-only wedding if that’s what the married couple wishes.  And if children are invited, please take responsibility that they remain on their best behavior.  Example: crying during vows.  Solution: Remove yourself and bring them away from the scene…FAR AWAY…!!!

* Send a gift when you are unable to attend the wedding, (and be sure to RSVP by the correct date so the bride and groom are aware!).  Proper etiquette dictates that if you were invited, you owe the couple a gift, despite your actual presence at the wedding or not.

Let the registry be your first shopping source to purchase a gift from.  If not, make sure your gift is thoughtful and personable specifically for the couple.

* Don’t just show up for the reception and skip out on the ceremony.  The ceremony is the most significant part of all.   It’s in poor taste to be seen downing drinks at the open bar without first making all efforts to attend the main event.

 

* Don’t be late!  Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the ceremony on time.

 

Traffic jam…when you’re already late?  Then watch from afar.  Stand in the back or slip quietly in a back row if the ceremony has already begun by the time you arrive.

Continue with Part 3

 

How to maintain your manners: Proper wedding etiquette (Part 1)

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

By Jaclyn Ianetti

 

Mi scusi…your manners.  Excuse yourself from making excuses to any bad manners at a wedding party.  There are no excuses on a day like this.  Everybody should be on their best behavior and adapt the proper social smarts at any formal gathering pertaining to a wedding: Engagement parties, Rehearsal dinners, and cocktail and dinner hours at the actual wedding day and reception.

 

You don’t need to have a royal bloodline or take etiquette classes to embody common courtesy.

But for those of you who can be quite facetious at times, and/or whose manners slip, this ones for you!

 

* Let’s start off with addressing our most beloved device we have become so attached to…our cell phones.   Ditch your addiction to technology…at least just for this very evening.  Nothing can be more rude than constantly checking your inbox or replying to your text messages during wedding vow’s.  Just turn them off!!!  Somebody trying to reach you will get sent right to your voicemail, instead of the embarrassment you will face when your obnoxious techno ringtone goes off blaring through the airwaves in the room during the maid of honor or best man’s speech.

 

Nowadays, people love updating their status to give some kind of validation as to what they are doing in the moment (an insecure habit of delineating a fun outer life, rather than living a rich inner one, if you ask me).  You are a guest, and you should BE at the wedding…not reporting on it.  Be present, and really focus on true communication with the other guests to get the most out of the evening.

*Sit at your assigned table.  This is a well-thought out plan made by the bride and groom, who best understand the dynamics of the various relationships their guests have to one another.  They designed their very own “compatibility chart” as the seating chart. Respect them, and don’t mess with the seating arrangements.  If you’ve never made the acquaintance of some of the people at your table, start off the evening by making introductions.  Personally speaking, I went to a wedding where I knew nobody at my table (besides an old flame, go figure), and I wound up meeting wonderful people and having a ball with them.

Have good manners at your dinner table: saying please and thank you, no interrupting, no taking over the conversations, never talking with your mouth full, etc.

Read Part 2 and Part 3

 

How to Sabotage your Marriage… …Before it Begins (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

 Arguing can stem from many roots to your own habitual patterns…one being having to be perpetually right all the time and coming out as the final winner.  If you want to be right just to be right, you’re going to create problems and pain in your marriage so pick and choose your battles wisely, or you’ll find yourself permanently on the battlefield.  And if something is really bothering you, ask yourself how important it really is.  Are there rational reasons why it’s so crucial?

If you know you must hash out an issue, bring it up as soon as possible to avoid built-up resentment.  And learn how to fight fairly.  Arguing to solve an issue isn’t necessarily the bad habit, as differences are bound to surface at any given moment, but the way you settle those differences can be destructive.  If you wonder why you’re unsuccessful in solving your problems, it could be because you’re not going about it with good intentions.  If and when you have a disagreement, once again, don’t try to be right…focus instead on trying to solve the problem and consider your partner’s point of view.  Don’t ever use power struggle tactics like guilt, threats, and emotional blackmail.  Get it through it together as peaceful warriors…calm, yet assertive.

Are you criticizing and nagging endlessly?  You might think you’re offering gentle reminders or simply being justifiably critical as you fault-find your way to your ideal of perfection, but the more you nag, the more he’ll tune you out.  And that just makes you angrier.  On the opposing side of the spectrum, by allowing oneself to be subject to constant criticism from a spouse, your well-being and confidence will suffer.  Once again, stop sweating the small stuff and losing sight of what’s truly important…in life…and in love.

Continue reading …. Part 3

 

How to Sabotage your Marriage… …Before it Begins (Part 3)

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Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

 

Brides-to-be can have an unavoidable habit of playing the victim…the damsel in distress in-waiting for her dream day to come true.   An “All-About-Me” attitude can erupt, as you feel like the world revolves you for the time being.  Playing the victim is a control mechanism, and you use it when it suits you best…and may I add, what better timing to use this opportunity of becoming “the bride” to play this role?  You may be at a high-sensitivity and emotional peak, so pointing the finger at someone else is easier and makes you feel better about yourself.  But never being at fault just because you’re the bride-to-be can be tiresome to a fiancé who necessarily isn’t always to blame either.  Fess up to your role in the problems you’re facing, apologize and make the necessary changes when appropriate.  It’s difficult for anybody to take responsibility for bad behavior, but once you give up the victim mentality, you’ll find yourself less stressed, angry and resentful…and your soon-to-be husband will be happier, too.

 

Forgetting the smaller gestures can be a big problem.  Those everyday signs of affection are what keep intimacy and romance alive, yet many couples fail to remember to do them, especially in days leading up to wedding as you’re stressed and consumed with the planning.  No matter how big or small, spread as much sweetness around as possible.

Sooo….forget sweating the small stuff, and remember to spread the small stuff that matters!

 

And before you become a heartbroken bride-to-be, make sure not to make any of the mistakes mentioned above.  And the biggest one of all?  CLOSED COMMUNICATION!  Keep the lines of communicating clearly to each other WIDE OPEN…in an honest, non-judgmental space.

 

You want to communicate as a couple and make sure any unrealistic expectations are kept at bay to a restored balance and healthy dose of dreams, hopes, and aspirations.  We’re all human, imperfections and flaws and all that jazz.  The key lies in working through the inevitable hardships that you’ll encounter as a couple.  It’s in the continual sacrificing, listening and loving, that husbands and wives become soul mates on a more evolved, elevated level of existence.

Oh, of course,…and if he sees you in your wedding dress, your doomed.

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

 

How to plan your wedding day hair (Part 2)

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This Article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal store Bergen County NJ.

Read Part 1 first

Just like at your bridal gown appointments, you don’t want to bring a large group with you. Although opinions are great and rules at the hair salon are less strict, space is usually limited and you don’t need anyone’s negative opinions killing your mood. You can easily send pictures of yourself to all of your friends for their feedback. Your Maids Of Honor is enough, but if you need another opinion, bring your mama along. The most important, bring a picture of you in your wedding dress. Believe it or not, the style of your bridal gown plays a vital role in the way your hair should look the wedding day. Is your bridal dress backless or strapless, how high is the neckline, is it a ballgown or trumpet? All of those details will dictate your hair style.  Also, if you plan to put anything into your hair (veil, comb, tiara, headband, etc.) bring that along as well. This is very important as it has the potential to change the style completely.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your voice and speak up! Some hair stylists get a little carried away and may go off in their own direction and change your style completely. If you don’t like it, don’t be afraid to say so. The last thing you want is to be miserable during your wedding day because your hair didn’t come out the way you wanted it to. You will have to look at these photos for the rest of your life. Don’t let your timid attitude be the reason you cringe every time you pass your wedding photo. Never forget that this is all about you and what you want. If you are not happy just book another appointment or change a stylist.

10 Iconic Brides and Bridal Gowns (Part 2)

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Marilyn Monroe

  

They seemed, to some, like a match made in heaven: the big-screen siren and the baseball star.  While Monroe’s second marriage to Joe DiMaggio didn’t even last a year, the fur-collared brown wool suit she wore to their 1954 ceremony at San Francisco’s City Hall was utterly timeless.

Grace Kelly

The most iconic wedding dress of all time came with a real life fairy tale.  This Hollywood actress often played royal parts in movies, such as her onscreen princess debut in The Swan.  A trip to France’s Cannes Film Festival led her to meet Prince Rainier III of Monaco and a year later they were married in a dazzling ceremony as she wore a Helen Rose (award winning designer) elaborate, epitome of elegance with exquisite detailing dress: bell-shaped, taffeta skirt with an embroidered rose point lace bodice with a high neckline, pearl-studded long sleeves, and a graceful train.  This royal gown is of pure Hollywood fantasy.

Mia Farrow

 

Mia’s mod dress…On July 19, 1966, 21 year old actress Mia Farrow married 50 year old Frank Sinatra in a mod mini dress at The Sands hotel in Las Vegas.

Natalie Wood

When she wed Robert Wagner in 1957, Natalie Wood looked stunning and of-the-moment in a face-framing lace hood, white cocktail dress and ballet flats.  Sophistication at its’ finest.

 

 Princess Diana

 

Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Diana’s wedding dress was one of the most fairy tale wedding dresses to be made in history.  Her puff sleeved, ruffled, silk taffeta gown was decorated with lace and hand embroidered with hundreds of sequins and around 10,000 tiny pearls.

The most memorable and mesmerizing part of the dress was the 25ft train that covered the aisle of St Paul’s Cathedral where she and Prince Charles got married.

 Kate Middleton

Kate managed to wow everyone in this stunning gown designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen as over 2 billion people watched her and Prince William’s Royal Wedding on April 29, 2011.  For her walk down the aisle, the new Duchess of Cambridge wore a French Chantilly lace dress with a plunging, yet modest, neckline paired with matching McQueen shoes.  The gown’s reminiscence to Grace Kelly in its’ lace bodice nipped at the waist and full skirt dazzled the world with a nostalgic sparkle and re-emergence of classic looks.

Your Bridal Fitting Room Experience

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

 

The fitting room can be a scary place for a lot of people. In stores, we go in with items we like and we are usually alone. Here we can pass judgment on whether if not we like something. Sometimes we will get the opinion of a friend, but for the most part, we let our own expertise on our bodies decide if we like something or not.

In the bridal industry, you are never alone in a fitting room. You will always be assisted by your bridal consultant. This can be uncomfortable for some people which is why it is always recommended to go to the appointment in undergarments you feel comfortable being seen in. Just remember, this is a judge free environment. Your consultant is there to help you look your best, not judge the way you look. Bridal dresses are made for all shapes and sizes and your consultant will help you to find the best dress for your body.

Have faith! Keep an open mind and most importantly, never verbally abuse yourself. There is nothing more frustrating to your consultant or the people you brought along than hearing you talk bad about yourself. They are all on your side and want to help you look perfect. If you don’t like something about your body and wish to hide it, let your consultant know. This can easily be accommodated. Stay positive; your dress is out there and you are going to look fabulous. Also, give feedback. There is no shame in letting the consultant know you don’t like something or the style isn’t for you, but remember to keep an open mind. What you might think would look awful on you could potentially end up being the dress.

Please visit Aleana’s Bridal Shop in Paramus NJ to make your bridal shopping experience pleasant!

Wedding “Wow“ Him (Part 3)

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Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

* CULINARY CREATIONS

Since food is the way to a mans heart, why not include some of his favorite munchies at the wedding?  If he’s a guy who loves his snacks, and hamburgers & hotdogs are his type of thing, add them in for cocktail hour.  If you have foods like this during cocktail hour, be sure your reception menu is a bit more “upscale.”  If he’s a big breakfast guy, have a midnight lounge and serve breakfast specialties such as mini pancakes and waffles with decorative fruit on top.  If sweets are what makes your man’s eyes light up, do add a dessert with all of his favorite treats…donuts, pastries, etc.

Take a bridal BOW to the WOW you created.

Not only are all the previous ideas, or any of which you creatively come up with on your own, adorable… but he’ll never expect it which is bonus points!

Seating charts, guest favors, and cake flavors are always on a bride’s radar…but these romantic and personal surprises will leave your groom smiling just that much more and kindly remind him that this day is about the two of you, and not those crazy rants about wedding planning or bridezilla moments over which trendy hue you should pick.

 RECAP:  besides your outer, newer bridal beauty glow, be sure to let your inner bridal beauty shine and surprise him with something sweet.  Glowing from the inside will have you in an everlasting glow on the outside.  All of which makes you simply adorable, and it will remind him how you have truly stolen his heart right from the start…which led to your shared happily ever after…

and now you can be a WOW kind of WIFE.  One who keeps the glow, memories, and emotions of the wedding day alive with the two of you.

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

Wedding “Wow“ Him (Part 2)

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Read first Part 1

* EMOTIVE MUSIC

Walk down the aisle to a song (with a slow tempo) that tells the story of your relationship.  One that was meaningful when you were dating, or one of your songs that you both share a love for.

* SURPRISE SPEECH 

I know, I know…I previously said men aren’t as much into words as they are into actions.  But this is a collaboration of both, putting words into the action of public speaking, addressing nobody but him at your wedding.  A sentimental speech he never would expect?  Def. a WOW factor!

 * SNEAK-A-WAY 

You’re a loyal woman, but allow yourself a free pass to be a sneak…and steal your man and whisk him into a secret hide-a-way….

After the vows, you can maybe plan on surprising him with going somewhere alone, just the two of you.  Depending upon the location of course, you can be creative and have the venue set up something accordingly.  A secret garden spot outdoors…or if it’s a Destination Wedding (let’s say in Italy), a boat ride for two.

The guests will be lingering with conversation during the cocktail hour and it’s the perfect time to sneak a romantic, magical moment.

* GIFTS

You can send a surprise gift to his house the morning of the wedding…or melt his heart with all the ways he had melted yours from day one…

If you saved all the mush scattered around the house from past birthdays, special occasions, holidays, anniversaries, etc. or tucked them into a safe place out of a sight, bring it back into the open and use it as a gift to give to him in this way: Every love note (letter, card, etc.) can be published into a leather-bound journal with love letters written in a script & fairytale font.  This can be from anything you once gave to him, or those sentiments of which he gave to you, or incorporate both!  You can present this as a gift to him on the wedding day, placing the book on the head table of where you two will be seated.  It doesn’t cost a lot, but the sentiment is priceless.

He put a ring on yours, so put a ring back on his!   Engrave the inside of his wedding band with something completely full of mush, a verse, your wedding dates or something that is sure to make him laugh.  Instead of just presenting the ring itself, an engraved one will give it a personalized touch.  A ring is an empty circle, but an engraved one is a ring much more filled with meaning.

Continue reading Part 3

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