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Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 2)

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Read first Part 1

 

ONE WEEK BEFORE: First, you’ll want to have your RSVP list and call anyone who has not responded to confirm if they will be attending or not so that you can finalize the design for table arrangements and give a final count of your total guests to the caterer.

*DJ DUTIES!: Show your DJ (or band) the directions to your dance floor dreams…the end product of your music set-list that you want played at the reception.  Be specific as to what music you wish to include and what songs you most certainly will not stand to hear!

*Put together a wedding day schedule for the bridal party and all of your VIP’s.  This will ensure that all A-list attendants will be on the same page.

*Confirm rehearsal plans

*Organize a spot specific to all of your wedding day attire…a spot that is clean and free of any mishaps happening around it! (Water spills, animal accidents, etc.)  Make sure you have everything you need for the day of: products, makeup for touch ups, stain remover (something like the TIDE stick), sewing kit (threads, needles, buttons…for any wardrobe malfunctions…you never know), Kleenex tissues, q-tips, Tylenol/vitamins/medications, and a clutch or bag to hold all of this stuff together.  You’ll want to include anything else that will help solve a crisis if one does happen to occur.

*Do laundry, set clothes aside, and pack the majority of what you will need for your honeymoon.  Keep passports and all other documents secured nearby.

*Make appointment for manicures, pedicures, massage, waxing, etc. with your bridal party.

Read Part 3  and Part 4

Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County will help you design the dress of your dreams.

Be aware of glued-on beading

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in Paramus  NJ Bergen County.

Some of you might like lots of stones and studs of the bridal dress. If you are considering a  moderately priced bridal gown, be sure that the beads on the dress are sewn rather than glued on. Dresses with glued-on beads and sequences tend to fall off, as well as cannot be pressed, dry cleaned or steamed.

The quality, cut, make and size of the stones make a big difference in price and look. For example, the Lead Crystal is, by far, the most brilliant of rhinestones, for leaded glass transmits light better than glass without lead.

Rhinestones can be Machine Cut or Molded. Machine Cut Rhinestones are far more brilliant than molded rhinestones, but are far more expensive than molded glass rhinestones.

Rhinestones have their own size names and it could be very confusing to understand. Flat Back Rhinestones are sold by sizes preceded or succeeded by an SS number. (SS = Stone Size)   There is NO relationship to millimeter in this number, in that 6SS or SS6 rhinestones are NOT 6mm in diameter!  In general, the higher the SS number, the bigger the rhinestone’s diameter, and the  more flash it will have .

Quality of rhinestones is determined by how and where they are made.

  • Swarovski offers 14 facets and 100 colors/treatments at this time. These stones are still best on the market.

  • Czech Preciosa was producing rhinestones of very high quality way before  Swarovski was born.  Their colors are great, their coating are every bit as good as Swarovski. The kicker here is the price!  Preciosa runs about 20% less expensive than Swarovski.

    China is now duplicating both Preciosa and Swarovski’s cuts!  Those stones made of cheap glass, not lead crystal. Those who buy them get a very low price, but quality if is not there.

 

Wedding Last Minute To-Do Tips (Part 3)

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

Read first Part 1

 

ONE DAY BEFORE: ONE DAY…Just ONE.  This is most crucial part of the to-do list/tips for last minute because the day before, consists of all those last minute to-do’s that you can only do on…you guessed it…the day before!  Two days before just wouldn’t fit because it’s the DAY before that makes sense to do all of the following:

*Go to mani and pedi appointment with your bridal girls and RELAX.  Also, book a massage  if you would like.  Take a bath before you go get nails done…or after (but just watch your nails, you don’t want the color coming off while soaking in the tub!).  This nail appointment and/or massage treatment will give you the last chance to relax with your girls before the chaos of the next day.

*Make sure the men go pick up their tuxes.  Have them try it on while in the shop to ensure they don’t need last minute alternations.

*Put wedding rings and marriage license in a safe place.

*Set aside cash for tips/payments in marked envelopes for limo driver, and others who deserve a tip, and give them to a relative or trusted friend in the bridal party to hand out when the time calls for it.

*Give out bridal party gifts at the rehearsal dinner.  Make sure people are being monitored so that the bridal party, and the bride and groom mostly!, do not drink too much- – NO HANGOVERS ON WEDDING DAY!

*Go for a mini-walk after the rehearsal to walk off the dinner.  This will help clear your mind before bedtime.

*Do a meditation before bed.  I call it, BRIDAL BEAUTY BREATHING:  Do alternate nostril breathing where you close one nostril with your thumb, breathe through the other, then close off that nostril with your pointer finger, and exhale out the other.  Repeat.  Do this for a few minutes.  It helps to bring equilibrium for a deeper meditation.  As you sit and close your eyes to meditate, create visualizations…sort of like “dream building” for the next day: Create mental images of love and beauty, how you want to look in your wedding dress, how you wish the ceremony and reception to be.  Play out everything in your head that you wish to happen.  Creating mental images of the energy, mood, color, and feel for the general picture of the wedding day will attract that all to you tomorrow!  You can even throw in some gentle yoga postures and stretching before the meditation.  All of this will help you SLEEP peacefully and awaken with a fresh face.

Read also Pat 4

Aleana’s Bridal Shop in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County will help you design the dress of your dreams.

What you need to know about wedding gown fabric

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

The bridal gown’s fabric affects both its beauty and price. The medium to low priced gown usually made from man-made, affordable fabrics such as polyester satin, polyester chiffon, and polyester organza.

When you are shopping for a wedding dress always ask the salesperson what is the fabric of the dress. The most popular bridal fabrics are: “satin”, “taffeta”, “chiffon”, “dupioni”, “brocade”, “Georgette”,  “jacquard”, “crepe”, “crepe de chine”, “Organza” and “charmeuse”. Don’t assume that those fabrics would be made from natural fibers. You always should ask, “What is the content of this fabric?” If the answer is “Silk”, you know you are buying the queen of textiles, the most luxurious fiber in the world.

Silk comes in many different thicknesses and textures; it can be soft and shiny, or shiny and rough. The weaving and knitting of silk fabric may contain minor variations and irregularities that should not be treated as defects. Silk fabrics are always slightly off white because silk is a natural fabric.

Silk is one of the best bridal fabrics that is perfect to wear in any season. It is warm in the cool season, yet cool enough when it’s hot. Silk fabrics are usually lighter, more comfortable and breathable than man-made fabrics. It would be your choice if you have a Sensitive Skin. Silk has natural thermostatic properties and contains many amino acids that help moisture penetrate the skin (aid in absorption) and aid in skin healing.

If it’s always been your dream to have a silk gown but thought they were too expensive come to Aleana’s Bridal in Paramus, NJ, where 80% of our gowns are made from silk fabrics at a very affordable price. We proud of our silk bridal collection and confident that you will be able to find your special dress.

Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com.

 

Accentuate your assets during your wedding day

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

Make your special day become everything you’ve wished for in finding your Dream Wedding Dress.  Choose a dress that will accentuate your unique assets, taking you down the aisle and onto your own red-carpet runway.  With a few of the simple guidelines mentioned, you can find a wedding dress that will maximize your best qualities and minimize your flaws.  While these general tips can help brides look for dress details that will flatter their figures, keep in mind that there is no “one size fits all” rule for dresses for different body types.  If you love a dress, don’t let the suggestions hold you back.  Go ahead and try it on.  To look your gorgeous best for your wedding day, just remember that the most impressive gown on you will be one that creates balance and puts your best traits forward.

MORE GUIDELINES

If you’re TALL:  Princess-line dresses, mermaid or trumpet dresses.

If you’re PETITE:  You want to elongate, so avoid too much fabric, mermaid dresses, and big ball gowns.

                                                                                                                                                 Fuller-busted: Bridal corsets.

Corset has been always important article of clothing that has helped shape and achieve the fashions of many centuries. Women used the corset as a mean to shape their bodies into the perfect shape, that achieved by reducing the thickness of the waist.

Modern corsets often feature boning and back lacing that generally mimic a historical style of corsets. Modern corsets also used to slim the body and make it conform to a fashionable silhouette.

Fuller-arms:  Off-the-shoulder straps, lace tops and sheer fabrics.

 …And when you find your perfect fit…A sweet sigh of relief takes over.

Ahhh…You found the other ONE.

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, Bergen County, NJ, where you dream comes true. Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com.

Dress by Zodiac

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

Turn to the Universe…for Guidance to your Gown

By Jaclyn Ianetti

What a magical day it is…if you happen to find just the right wedding gown… with out too many complications, within a reasonable amount of time, and without trying on a trillion dresses.  However, how can you be so sure you’re going to be that lucky as to finding a dress within the first selection or at the first store?  You can’t put all of your bets on destiny, depending on the stars & fate alone to bring you your perfect dress!  Unless, of course, you look to the one star that can guide you: the Sun.  What’s your Sun sign?

Meet the fate of the cosmos by working with them.  Before heading out dress shopping, be in control of the magic and cast your own spell on your bridal dress day: peek into the crystal ball of the zodiac and let your astrology sign reveal the perfect look for you.

Astrology will reveal your “wedding dress horoscope” and predict whether you’ll swish down the aisle in an elaborate ball gown, make a statement in a stunning, low-cut satin sheath, shine in simplicity with a more classic, refined taste, or flaunt an elegant yet edgy look.

Will be right on point, fitting the qualities of your sign? Or, are you like many others who will choose a style dress that represents your moon sign and/or rising sign/ascendant?  Complete a full birth chart first and foremost if you are not already aware of your moon sign and rising/ascendant sign.  These signs are just important as your sun sign, and can reveal a lot about you, so look to them too for additional support on selecting a bridal gown to lead you in the right direction.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) The Dreamy Princess

Aries (March 21 – April 20) The Bold Beauty

Taurus (April 21 – May 21) The Comfort Creature

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)Miss Pretty, Playful Personality 

Cancer (June 22– July 23)The Soul Sister 

 Leo (July 24– Aug 23) The Drama Queen

Virgo (Aug 24– Sept 23) The Victorian Virgin

 Libra (Sept 24– Oct 23) The Balanced Bombshell

 Scorpio (Oct 24– Nov 22) The Sultry Siren 

Sagittarius (Nov 23– Dec 22)The Free Spirit  

Capricorn (Dec 23– Jan 20) The Classic Charm

Aquarius (Jan 21– Feb 19) The Retro Rebel  

Schedule your first appointment at Aleana’ s Bridal Shop

Possible wedding disasters (part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

Hair Hassles

If the weather is literally raining on your parade!…don’t fret just yet.  If you know it’s raining, pull your hair back into a ballerina bun and secure with bobby pins or clips before heading out into the rain.  Once you’re inside, shake out your hair and lightly hairspray it.  If the clouds just open up and pour on your perfectly blow-dried hair randomly, take a drop of smoothing serum and gently run it over your hair before using a large curling iron to smooth out the kinks.  Humidity makes curly go frizzy.  To avoid, apply a small drop of shine serum to small hair sections, twist up the locks, then let them drop.  Don’t use too much hairspray either, to avoid “helmet head.”  If you’re a “hair-spray happy” girl and this does happen to you, use oil-blotting papers to tone down the shine and gently place hair where needed and use a mix of a shine serum with a paste.

Manicure Mishaps

Be sure to have the nail polish on hand that is the same shade of your manicure stored in your beauty bag for the day.  Stock a liquid nail adhesive and glue the nail back on (if you have tips).  Dot the polish over the nail, let dry, and file the edges smooth.  To prevent paint-chipped nails and nail breaking, have your bridal party help you put on jewelry clasps.

Makeup Mess…on your Gown

Blotting & Seltzer!!! First, try blotting, then place napkin on the inside of the dress and a seltzer spilled napkin on the outside, and gently dab out the stain.  Treat with a stain-removing pen (like those easy-carrying Tide pens) or try some hot water with plain soap.  If you really got yourself into a mess and can’t possibly get the stain out, ask your photographer to photoshop the stains out of your wedding photos.

Stylist Canceled

If you have a freelance artist coming to you, make sure you both have a contract that states…  “In case of an emergency, you will be provided with another artist at the same price.”  IF you don’t have an agreement like this and you must find your own stylist at the last minute, make sure you have one that you spoke to prior and explained that they will be on-call, if needed.   What if you’re look for the day doesn’t resemble your original artist’s work?  Avoid this by ensuring beforehand that your original artist has concisely written down everything necessary for achieving your desired look, including color choices and placement.  They should always keep information on file at the salon so that if there is a problem, the replacement artist will have solid directions to work with.

No-Show Stylist

If you have a freelance artist coming to you, make sure you both have a contract that states…  “In case of an emergency, you will be provided with another artist at the same price.”  IF you don’t have an agreement like this and you must find your own stylist at the last minute, make sure you have one that you spoke to prior and explained that they will be on-call, if needed.

Read Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call 201-444-1500.

Possible wedding disasters (part 1)

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By Jaclyn Ianetti

Before we get started, let’s look to the stars for a second…

 

Venus is the planet for love and harmony…and when Venus goes retrograde (moving backward), it can feel like anything BUT love.  When a planet goes retrograde, its’ powers dim down, and things under its’ ruler ship can go a little bit haywire.  So with our planetary peacekeeper taking a nap, it will be up to us scrappy humans to get along on our own.

Venus was actually retrograde this past wedding season/summer, from May 15 through June 27.  Venus goes retrograde every year and a half or so, and it’s typically known as a “blackout time” for weddings.  But seriously, with weddings being planned months (if not years) in advance, who can call off their nuptials just because of this temporary transit?  If you happen to be getting married during any Venus retrograde, just take some extra precautions: Seat those argumentative relatives across the ballroom from each other…Put a presumptuous maid of honor in her place, or she’s out of the party!…And if you’re having serious second thoughts about your betrothed-to-be, don’t “say yes to the dress” just because the flowers and cake have been ordered.

During Venus retrograde, we’ll see our share of breakups … and makeups.

Retrogrades also bring back the past, so you’re as likely to take a temporary time-out from someone as you are to hear from “the one who got away” and even to consider a reunion.  Relationships built on a shaky foundation will need to strengthen and fortify.  This wouldn’t be a bad time to call up a couples’ therapist, try a workshop, or just simply make the communication channels between you and your sweetheart extra clear so you know where you both stand with each other.

Have no fear, though!…With a conscious mind and a generous heart, anybody can offset the waves of discord during Venus retrograde.
Wedding Woes

Some of these may seem like itty-bitty problems, but we all know that one tiny little issue on the day of your wedding is the equivalent to being the biggest disaster EVER!!!!

Facial Flare

What can be worse than waking up with a pimple on your wedding day?  For any facial flare-ups, just ice it…and then leave it alone.  DO NOT pick or squeeze anything the day of the wedding.  This includes extractions.  Any doing of the previously mentioned will just make the problem area more inflamed, reddened , and harder to cover.  Apply a concealer with a green base to counterbalance the red in the pimple on top of foundation to the area and set with a powder for more staying power.  Keep your concealer on hand for touch-ups through out the day.

Read part 2 and Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call 201-444-1500.

Theme Weddings (Part 3)

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Start reading Part 1 and Part 2

*  Beach Wedding: Beach Party, Elegant Beach Wedding, Under the Sea, Mermaid/Aquatic Wedding, etc.  You can be as creative as possible with scenery & favors with dolphins, fish, starfish, seashells, sea horses, sand dollars, flip flops, palm trees, lighthouses, sailboats, sunscreen, and so much more!  For a more romantic backdrop, imagine a string quartet and lilies…gentle waves and the sun setting…the soft sand caressing your feet as you approach your soul mate and pledge your eternal love on the scattered with petals aisle, under a white, billow canopy with delicate chiffon drapes.

*Manhattan Public Library…for you writers, authors, aspiring writers/editors/authors, teachers, etc.).  There’s just something magical about marrying in a setting that transports you to another time of one of those iconic places that exist in history books and give New York its’ color and intensity.  Dance under its’ glass and iron domed ceiling and make your invitations out to guests in the style of a book cover.  An authentic Big Apple Wedding, indeed.

 

* Arabian Nights…Belly Dancers and Buddha Bars, bamboo shots, sitting on sofas in colored tents relaxing & sipping flavored Hookahs and being served by waiters/waitresses in harem pants.  Bring back the splendor of a Thousand Nights and even the Disney classic, Alladin.  Take a flight of fancy on your magic carpet as you soak in the magical atmosphere reliving the charmed life of Princess Jasmine & Prince Alladin in a palace setting with minarets and towers, silks and flowers, and bejeweled thrones.  Make a wish into your magic lamp and make this magical experience a reality for you on your wedding day.

 

*  Go Retro …wish you were in a different decade?  On your wedding night, you can be.  Pick a decade that you love…and surround yourself with mod pieces & pin-up styles…from polka dot shoes, red lipstick, poufy skirts, beehive hairdos to the flower power of peace signs or the rock-n-roll of the 80’s or the disco dancing era under a shiny disco ball.

*  Romantic/Whimsical Wedding…Red, red Roses, pink ribbons, dancing the classic waltz, & beautiful candles.  Incorporate your favorite characters from novels, children’s books, movies, & televisions for a more whimsical aura.  (See Fairytale/Fantasy below for more whimsy filled ideas!)

*  Fairytale/Fantasy…Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and all of the Disney princesses you wish to be.  Just imagine…you can have your own storybook wedding filled with glass slippers, tiaras & crowns, a white horse-drawn carriage, pixie dust, magic wands, and your very own Prince Charming waiting for you at the end of the aisle in your castle.  For a fairytale feel without the princess theme, think of the magical characters in other fantasy stories that you love, such as the gods & goddesses of mythology.  Click your heels & be Dorothy for the day…have an adornment of butterflies & fairies…and just be as creative and imaginative as you can be to bring your wedding to a place, or palace, of enchantment.

One more part to go …. Read Part 4

This article brought to you by www.aleanasbridal.com. A

 

Theme Weddings (Part 2)

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Please read Part 1 first

*Napa Valley Winery…Ambiance, Cheeses, & you guessed it…WINE.  And lots of it!  Have a food and wine pairing for a celebration while dining under a canopy of a grape arbor and feel as if your in the middle of Napa Valley’s vineyard.  Wooden cheese boards can be used as appetizer plates and as a gift for guests to take home.

*Cinco de Mayo…for you “May wedding” Brides!  FIESTA TIME!  This can be a Mexican themed wedding with bright and fun colors…and of course, a Margarita bar.

*Monte Carlo Casino Night…for the gambling girl!  Casino Square, Grand Prix Racing Cars, Millionaires, Roulette Tables, Dice, Casino chips…cha-ching!  Create your ultimate JACKPOT wedding.

*Medieval Times….MI LADY & HER LORD: Have a rustic, Renaissance fair at a castle and play princess & prince for a day dressed in medieval garments with wine served in goblets.  There is no such thing as a royal pain on the path towards King Arthur’s court on your wedding day!

 

*Botanical Gardens : Japanese Tea, Victorian Garden Delight, etc.  Cherry blossoms, bamboo sticks, lucky elephants & fortune cookies (good luck & happiness symbols), incense, chopsticks, and teapots filled with flowers.  For just a simple Garden theme, bring back a simple time of elegant affairs when ladies wore their Sunday best and gentlemen stood to help a lady with her chair.  This theme will evoke that romantic sense and timeless beauty to life.

 

*Clam Bake…This can be formal, traditional clambake, a casual, messy on the beach type of feel, an old-fashioned New-England feel, or ocean-inspired.  Take yourself back to the days of early New England colonists and treat your guests to an evening of enjoyment over a steaming pile of lobsters and more delicious, fresh seafood seasoned with smoke house flavors.

 

*Carnival …A Ferris wheel, carousel, popcorn machine, cotton candy, and you can’t forget the Kissing Booth!  An outdoors celebration in the night time breeze will recreate the inner child in all attendees.  Keep the kid inside of you, as you’ll be working with a colorful, fun, summery atmosphere with lots of reds, pinks, whites, yellows, and golds to set the theme.

Looking for more great ideas please read Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.