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Halloween Charm: Adding Spooky Flair to Your Wedding

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Just because Halloween has come and gone doesn’t mean the fun has to end—especially for those who revel in the magic of this bewitching holiday. For couples who adore the autumnal allure or simply can’t resist the thrill of Halloween, infusing your wedding day with spooky touches is the perfect way to celebrate without sending your guests running for the hills!

While it’s a wedding, not a children’s Halloween bash, there’s still plenty of room to play with some cool, dark elements that add an enchanting twist to your special day. Think gothic themes with an edge of elegance. And if black happens to be your signature color, why not embrace it wholeheartedly? Channel your inner Haunted Mansion aficionado by incorporating ghoulish Disney accents for an extra dash of whimsy.

One subtle yet fun way to infuse Halloween vibes into your celebration is through signature cocktails. Get creative with the names—think “Pick Your Poison” or “Witches’ Brew”—and watch as guests delight in the playful spirit of the occasion.

When it comes to your wedding cake, consider giving it a nod to the season with a Fall-inspired theme or go all out by paying homage to your favorite Halloween movies. Fans of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will swoon over cakes inspired by the film’s whimsical aesthetic, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your dessert table.

For a more understated yet meaningful touch, consider incorporating Halloween-themed décor into your celebration. From elegant candle holders adorned with spooky quotes to subtle nods to the season’s colors and motifs, these tasteful touches add depth and personality to your wedding ambiance without overwhelming the senses.

And remember, Halloween isn’t just about being scary—it’s about having fun and embracing the things you love. So, go ahead and show off your Halloween spirit in all its glory, ensuring that your wedding day is a celebration to remember for all the right reasons.

At Aleana’s Bridal in Paramus, NJ, we understand the allure of infusing your wedding day with personality and flair. Visit us to discover the perfect gown and accessories to complement your Halloween-themed celebration, ensuring that your walk down the aisle is every bit as magical as the holiday itself.

Tips for an “Apple/ Tri-angled” or “Hourglass” Shaped Body

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If you’re “Apple/ Tri-angled” Shaped

Women with the “Apple Shapes” can fit into two categories: round body types or wide at the top and then taper down to a slimmer bottom.  The rounder “apples” may carry extra weight in their stomach area.  If you are this type of “apple,” and are a bit fuller in the waist, stick to wedding dresses that will give the illusion of a smaller waist-line.  These include:

*Textured bodices:  this will camouflage imperfections around the waist so that your stomach area doesn’t catch the eye of others

* Embellished designs:  Embroidery such as strategic beading will make your waist appear smaller.

The other type of “apple” shaped women tends to have broader shoulders, larger busts, and a wide waist.  Because these types have narrow hips in relation to their shoulder size, a dress that cinches in at the smallest point of the waistline should complement their body types.  If this description fits you:

*Opt for a textured bodice (ruche or lace detailing) that will fit snugly to your waistline.  This creates a “corset” like effect on your waist.

*Avoid trumpet styled dresses.  These call attention to the widest area of your body and flare out to the lower body (legs and knees), where you are most slender.

 #1 TIP:  Both of the “Apples” will benefit from…

*A deep V-neckline dress.  This creates a vertical line, drawing eyes towards the slender, vertical line of your body, not the horizontal

*A dress with an “A” line  or empire waist that gently falls away from the body.

“Hourglass” Shaped Body tips

If you are the woman who has the most desired body type among the rest, possessing a curvaceous body.  You are characterized as the lady with large shoulders and bust, narrow waist, wide hips, buttocks and thighs, but in proper proportion to your shoulders.  You have the body with most balance.  Curvy figures with a balanced bust and hips and defined waist line will do best in finding a dress that accentuates the small waist, making the most of the feminine points of your body (your curves!).

 Choose styles such as:

*Mermaid fit gowns

*Corset styled dresses

*Fuller skirts (trumpet styled gowns) that fit the body and flare out below hips

*Sweetheart or scoop necklines

*Strapless gowns (with fitted waists)

*Two piece dresses (with fitted bodice)

     #1 TIP: Stick with styles that accentuate the waist, and those with fuller skirts.

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

Leo (July 24– Aug 23) The Drama Queen – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:   All hail the queen!  You are the zodiac’s lioness…channeling the fire element in your roar of strength, warmth and high energy.  As a Leo, you hate to be alone, which is a good thing because you have a magnetic personality.  You thrive on stage, are confident, ambitious and happy as long as you have a few doting admirers.  You’re sensitive to criticism and won’t easily forgive insults or perceived slights…but still do for the sake of keeping a general peace.  You impress others with your aplomb in uncomfortable circumstances and difficult situations, always maintaining the composure as a queen would rule her country in a distressful time.  Leos are far from facades and phony behaviors, always delineating their true colors.  You rather be hated for what you truly are than loved for who you’re not and this assurance to your true self is a sign of true strength.  Loyal lion, you are one in a million…embracing a regal status of royalty illuminating through your generosity, quick wit, and overall composure.

Style: The Fancy Feline …Gold Goddess…Queen of the fashion jungle.

You are courageous enough to make an unforgettable fashion statement.  Bold colors, big patterns, a barely-there dress that somehow stays in place — if anyone can pull it off with assurance, it’s you.  Gold, fur, and velvet lure you in, and animal prints of leopard and zebra fit your fashion tastes.  Shopping is a sport for you: like the lion that symbolizes your sign, there’s nothing you love more than a good hunt then displaying the spoils with the perfect outfit.  The smart and refined looks you choose have a way of becoming iconic.  Your signature mane is often the first thing people notice, whether your hairdo is super-short or teased-out, you have the attitude and personality to pull it off.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Posh is in the stars for you…you want a wedding dress that is metaphorically lion-sized!  A fashion fiend for luxurious, expensive things, Leos do not mind indulging for anything, especially splurging on a wedding gown.  Elaborate sequins and bold and daring styles will catch the eye of the tiger.  Comfort is the last thing on your mind, for you Leo girls want to be flashy.  Look for materials fit for royalty – duchess satin, silk chiffon, organza – and smooth, elegant lines that meet dramatic details in a crystal brooch.  Just remember that the quality of the fabric and the manufacturing is just as important as the style.  What would be more fitting for a Leo better than a gown adorned with millions of sequins throughout the straps crossing over the chest, along with a center floral ornamentation, a billowing skirt that adds a chic feel making it a sophisticated bridal gown?  A style such as this one will wow all.  Don’t tame that mane – the more natural and goddess-like the better.   Act as if an invisible crown is being worn by you…that is where your energy will radiate all its’ royalty in your majestic gown.

Style icon who shares your sign: Jennifer Lopez

Leo seductresses: Madonna,HalleBerry, Kim Cattrall

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop in Bergen County, NJ or call at 201-444-1500.

 

Taurus (April 21 – May 21) The Comfort Creature

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Personality: Don’t mess with this down to earth bull!  Reliable, steadfast, and yes, stubborn describes the Taurus to a T.  You’re loyal, kind, and level-headed during conflicts- but once you’re pushed too far, the raging bull is revealed!  That said, you are not the woman to be messed with, taking advantage of, etc.  You are no fool.  Taurus woman are practical, graceful earth signs whose reassuring presence makes others feel automatically at ease when they are around you.  Your humble abode is dualistic: humble and comfortable with expensive tastes.  Your fridge is full of fancy, comfort foods and your closets bursting with couture.  A wise spender and very successful, Taurus know how to keep their feet on the ground.  Your earthy vibes pull at the heartstrings of others…overwhelming them with gratitude just to be in your calming company.  You’re the girl that everybody wants to hug…YOU invented cuddling!  Soothing in nature, Taurus are a guaranteed comfort zone.

 

Style:  Graceful Goddess…Earthy Edge…a timeless classic and simple elegance brings out your ethereal beauty.  Less is more for the practical Taurus woman.  You’re traditional with a high-end twist.  You’re never seen without your trademark pearl necklace and your argyle cardigan.  You stick to the basics and earth tones, but have a knack for mixing understated pieces with the embellished.  The secret to your style success?: As a graceful earth sign, you have a way of making polished pieces that would look stuffy on anyone else, such as a tie-neck blouse, seem fresh and delightful on you.  You’ve got a fierce edge to stage your fearless side every now and then.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Taurus is tactile and sensual, so fabrics pleasing to touch and gowns that are comfortable are among the favorite picks for a Taurean bride.  You’ll feel amazing only in a bridal gown spun from the most luxurious materials – silk chiffon and organza.  An off-the-shoulder neckline and string of pearls speaks to your traditional sensibilities.  Streamlined gowns, with hints of beige, browns or tans are always accepted.  A Taurus girl should always play up her neck with a baring cut, as that is her best feature, along with the throat, collarbone, and shoulders.  Any Taurean will go wild for a gorgeous gown made of satin with intricate detailing under the bust and down the back to the train, which makes it an eloquent, unforgettable dress.  A bustle in the train calls for the immediate attention you crave in a wedding dress.  Wear your hair in a loose chignon with tresses framing your face.  When it’s all pulled together, you’ll look like you just stepped off the set of a classic black-and-white film.

Style icon who shares your sign:  Audrey Hepburn

Taurus Seductresses: Penélope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Uma Thurman, Cate Blanchett

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

Wedding Planning Made Easy

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Planning a wedding can be a lot of work. Depending on what you and your fiancé are looking for, there can be a lot to plan and decide on. From locations to venues to food and budget, it can get a bit stressful. Luckily, there are a lot of websites out there to ease your pain. These sites help you to plan and keep things organized. They make it easy to find venues and keep track of your budget. They also help to keep in contact with all your guests. You can send out RSVPs, keep track of food preferences, and even add your registry. Some include apps and the ability for your guests to add photos after the wedding. There are many wedding websites to choose from, some free, some with monthly payments, and some with upgrades available for a small cost.  

 

The Knot is one of the most popular wedding websites. It offers a lot at no cost to you unless you want to upgrade.  

  • Customize your website for free 
  • Upgrade to a custom domain for an added cost 
  • Add guests and collect contact information 
  • Add a registry 
  • Keep track of gifts received and “thank you” cards sent out 
  • Share your love story 
  • Countdown to the wedding date 
  • Collect RSVPs 
  • Use budget tool 
  • Wedding planning checklist 
  • Venue search 

 

Wedding Wire is another free website. The great part about Wedding Wire is the ability to search vendor’s pages. You can read reviews right on the site, and even book appointments if possible.  It’s your one-stop-shop for wedding planning. 

  • Customize your own site with over 400 designs 
  • Mobile and tablet friendly  
  • WedSocial app where friends and family can share photos
  • Widgets to help book travel  
  • Easy access to RSVPs and registry 
  • Social guestbook 
  • Vendor search and reviews 
  • Appointment booking 

 

Joy is almost like a Facebook event page, but way better. You can add your trusted friends and event planner as admins, so you don’t have to do all of the work. The site is free and fairly similar to The Knot and Wedding Wire, with a few select differences. 

  • App for iOS and Android 
  • Multiple admins 
  • Connect with Facebook and Instagram to control sharing 
  • Send guests email notifications 
  • Introduce yourselves and your wedding party 
  • Allow guests to connect with each other 
  • Share travel details 

These are just a select few of some great wedding websites to keep your planning organized. There are many others out there to choose from. Some require monthly or yearly fees, while others, like these, are free. Choose what works best for you. Either way, these will be sure to make your wedding planning a breeze.

Be sure to find Aleana’s Bridal on Wedding Wire!

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 

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 

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.

 

Chocolate Wedding Favors

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If there’s one thing your wedding guests are looking forward to, aside from the dress, vows, food, and party, it’s the wedding favors! Who doesn’t love to bring home a little piece of the magic they witnessed on your special day? There are so many different ideas out there for wedding favors it can be difficult to choose what you want to send your guests home with. You could create a cute party favor with your names and wedding date on it. But what would they do with that? Most likely display it with the other party favors they have collected over the years. Or, you could send them home with something they’ll really enjoy: chocolate. Chocolate is romantic, decadent, and delicious. What better favor to send your guests home with? 

There are a lot of different ways to send chocolate home with your wedding guests. A chocolate bar might be a good way to start. Pick some of your favorite chocolates and separate them into vases and jars. Choose colors that match your theme. Color coordinate the entire table. Add some little gift bags with your names and wedding date on them, and let your guests create their own goody bags. Not only is it a lower cost option, but your guests will be sure to love it.  

Go bold and create something custom! Monogram your chocolate boxes. Get your names engraved on chocolate bars. It’s your wedding! The world of chocolate is yours. Create custom M&Ms with your names and wedding date stamped on. Put them into cute little baggies and send them home. Who doesn’t love M&Ms? 

If you’re feeling really crafty, creating these DIY smores wedding favors. Find a cute pot, bag, or basket, and throw in some marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Your guests will love making smores at home in your honor.  

If you want to make it really personal, put some cute pictures on your chocolate! Make it fun or classy, it’s really up to you. Either way, your guests will be sure to love eating your faces on some delicious chocolates.  

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

 

Wedding Dresses for the Bold Bride

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Some brides may choose to go classic or subtle on the color for their wedding day. Others might choose to go bold and make a statement with their wedding dress. The dress then becomes the theme for the entire wedding. Choose a burgundy red for your fall wedding and have all of the centerpieces accent your gown. Or go classic for the ceremony and bold for the reception. Whatever you choose, here are some gowns for the bold bride.

This David Tutera for Mon Cheri gown is anything but ordinary. The Orabelle satin gown, covered with floral printed organza, is perfect for that spring wedding. The soft colors aren’t too bold and would look gorgeous in an outdoor ceremony. It’s also available in black and white.

The Indigo tulle and satin ball gown features an indigo organza layer that makes the dress quite the statement. It’s perfect for that bride that still wants her Cinderella moment, but doesn’t want to be too traditional. And, after all, Cinderella’s gown was blue, right? If the blue is too bold, the dress is also available in ivory or tea rose.

Gold, metallic lace takes this dress from classic to daring. While the color isn’t too bold, the gold lace takes this dress to the next level. If you prefer it to be subtler, this Mon Cheri Gilda gown is also available in white and silver lace.

Jasmine fit and flare can be daring or understated, depending on the color of the lace you choose. The black lace along the side of the gown is sure to set you apart. If you prefer white or ivory lace, that’s also an option.

Not every bride wants to go bold, but for those that do, there are so many choices. From florals to dark colors or simple lace appliques, there is a lot to choose from.

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

 

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.  

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

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.

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!

 

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.

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.

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.

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