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Outrageous Wedding Facts From Around The World

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Have you ever wondered about the world’s longest wedding gown train? Or how about the most expensive wedding in history? We rounded up some of our favorite wedding facts from across the world ranging from the most outrageous to crazy and fun.

1. The world’s longest wedding gown train. 

 Dressmakers in China recently created this nearly three-mile-long train for a bride named Jing-Mei. Reports from photo agency ImagineChina: the gown weighs 120 pounds and took more than $6,500 to make!

2. A Cake Fit for a Queen!

Let’s just say this wedding cake suits best for a Queen and who better than Queen Victoria. Her wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds!

3. The most expensive modern day wedding.

In the priciest modern-day wedding to date, the prince of Abu Dhabi has outdone them all. He had a 20,000-seat stadium specially built for his seven-day wedding to Princess Salama in 1981. This wedding in total cost  $100 million.

4. Las Vegas is the leading wedding destination with an average of 115,000 weddings a year.

Looking to elope? No problem, because Las Vegas has got you covered, with it being the leading destination for couples to get married.

5. Most Expensive Celebrity Engagement Ring. 

Look at that rock! Richard Burton did not mess around when he made Elizabeth Taylor his fiancé, not only because they got married twice but because of this breathtaking engagement ring. The estimated worth of this ring is 8.8 million dollars and has 33.19 carats!

6. Underwater wedding? Why not? 

Talk about incredible! On February 14, 2001, the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony in Thailand made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the “Most number of couples to be married underwater.” On that day, 34 couples from 22 countries exchanged wedding vows 10 meters (32.8 ft.) underwater.

7. Then and Now. 

Welcome to Buckingham Palace! Where William and Kate stepped out onto the balcony on their wedding date April 29, 2011 to recreate a kiss made famous by Charles and Diana in 1981.

8.  If you thought your bridal party was big… wait until you see this! 

Couple sets World Record with 126 Bridesmaids, 25 best men, 20 pageboys and 23 flowers girls. The previous record was 96 bridesmaids at a wedding in Thailand.

9. The tradition from the ancient Greeks and Romans. 

Brides traditionally wore veils on their wedding day because the original thought stemmed from the ancient Greeks and Romans, which believed that the veil protected her from “evil spirits.”

10. Let’s end on a sweet note! 

A German study found that men who kiss their wives before leaving for work live longer, get into less car accidents, and have a higher income than married men who don’t. The reasons behind why this is possible are because kissers begin the day with a positive attitude.  It is believed that those who don’t experience this go out of the house with a lack of confidence.

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

Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping: The Ultimate Guide

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Your daughter is going to look drop dead gorgeous on her big day—that’s a given. Now let’s focus on you! Similar to your daughter you have dreamed of this day for a long time as well. In past years, “mother of the bride” has meant frumpy gowns and dress suits. With many modern moms keeping up with the latest fashion trends, this is no longer. There are loads of options for Mother of the Bride gowns at Aleana’s Bridal and we are about to show you a few of our best!

If you prefer a soft and sophisticated look this chic A-line gown is perfection! With lace cap sleeves and an intricate hand beaded bodice that cleverly disguises your waistline, with its beautifully ruched chiffon empire waist. This dress is one of our absolute favorites because it can be worn in any season.

Is your daughter having an outdoors spring or summer wedding? This gown is your best match with its light chiffon fabric, and wide lace shoulder straps. Not to mention its moveable draping style makes for a fabulous night of dancing. If you would like to highlight your arms and collar bone this dress is more than ideal.

Looking for that extra glam-look? This exquisite gown is made out of taffeta which is more structured. Featuring hand-beaded appliques with a matching embroidered bolero to cover your arms while still maintaining style. If the wedding is in the fall or winter this is flawless with its fantastic color and elegant draped skirt.

 Have you always pictured yourself at your daughter’s wedding looking absolutely stunning? If so, this is your dress. Being one of our best-selling dresses for the Mother-of-the-Bride at our store this chiffon A-line gown has never disappointed. With its hand beaded lace bodice featuring an asymmetrical waist and illusion keyhole back.

Are you searching for a more modest and elegant look? Ultimately this gown is made just for that! With its lace elbow-length sleeves along with its side gathered skirt and sweep train. A touch of hand-beaded motif on the dropped waistline gives this gown the perfect touch. Light chiffon fabric typically calls for a spring or summer wedding but this can also be versatile with a fall or winter wedding as well.

Embrace your curves! If you have a gorgeous hourglass figure highlight that asset with this softly draped gown. Elegant hand-beaded elbow-length sleeves, paired with a side draped skirt which softens the hips. Suitable for any fashion forward Mother of the Bride.

Don’t get discouraged if you are petite! That just means you have to explore what works the best for your body. We suggest a highwasited gown with lighter beading to highlight your smaller frame. This number is made with mainly lace and tulle, featuring a beautiful slight cap sleeve, and a crisscross sweetheart bodice.

Having difficulty finding a gown that suits your style or personality? If so, Custom-Made is always an option here at Aleana’s Bridal.

To schedule a consultation call us at: 201-444-1500.

Reference: Montage by Mon Cheri 

Wedding Shoe Ideas You’ll Love

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Still need to find your wedding shoes for your big day? Whether you plan to rock a pair of bedazzled stilettos or want to keep your look chic with fabulous flats, here you will be able to start getting inspired with some of our favorite styles!

1. Lace 

Feminine and flirty lace is the perfect finishing detail to a romantic bridal look. If you are looking for a more modernized shoe, try a pair of lace peep-toe heels or booties. Lace heels will go fantastic with any season your wedding happens to fall in.

2. Metallics 

Spice up your glam factor and sparkle with chic metallics. Gold and silver metallic heels are sleek and modern, while elevating your style. For the modern bride with a modern gown these shoes are more than ideal.

3. Something Different 

Play with unexpected color to show off your fun and vibrant side. Try bold mint or electric blue, this will make a statement and pop in your wedding photos! This shoe is perfect for an outdoor wedding preferably during the spring and summer.

4. Bedazzled 

 Looking for that extra wow factor? A little bit of bedazzle will go a long way. A pair of shimmering shoes polishes off an already glamorous gown. Bedazzled shoes will go best with that happily ever after castle venue where your wedding will be held.

5. Cutouts 

Forget glitter and lace- shoes with intricate cutouts, and textured designs will be sure to catch everyone’s eye! These shoes are excellent for a spring or summer wedding because of their breathable cutouts.

6. Fabulous Flats

You can still look gorgeous while wearing a pair of comfy flats. With a limitless selection from sleek, pointed toe, to crochet flats. Having amazing style does not have to come with pain. Finally, fabulous flats are amazing for the bride who is ready to dance the night away on her big day!

Reference:  Pictures credit to Paradox London

Shoes available for a purchase at Aleana’s Bridal. 

Bridesmaid Dress Color 2015 Trends

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 Are you on a quest to find bridesmaid dresses? What if I told you that you came to the right place! We’ve put together a list of the trendiest colors to be worn that 2015 has to offer especially for the spring and summer.

 Your bridesmaids don’t have to look similar from every other wedding. In fact almost every bridesmaid has one huge fear, that she will be stuck wearing a hideous dress at her sister or best friend’s wedding! These unique and sophisticated colors will give your bridal party a fresh take and a glow of confidence. This color palette will be sure to make your bridesmaids stand out from every other bridal party.

 This first gorgeous color is blush. Such an elegant shade of pink it is soft and feminine and sometimes seen as lighthearted. This color will look great with ivory bouquets.

 

Our next color is Mint this is the perfect color choice to brighten up any wedding with its natural liveliness! This color dress will look great with ivory and peach colored accented bouquets.

 Right now Gray is one of the hottest colors for bridesmaid dresses. Gray in past years has been put on the back burner, but this color has been revived and it looks better than ever! Making sure that your bridal party doesn’t look faded, match up the dresses with a canary yellow bouquet.

Ready to welcome in spring with your fabulous wedding? Try a bold Turquoise bridesmaid dress for your bridal party and white stark bouquets with orange accents; these contrasting colors will really make these shades stand out. This mix of colors will leave an everlasting impression with its bright theme.

If you would like to take on a classic romance theme, champagne color bridesmaid dresses paired with classic ivory bouquets is your match. This spring and summer has plenty of pastel bridesmaid dresses so why not change it up? Whether you are tying the knot in an indoor celebration or a gorgeous outside celebration champagne color will work well with both settings.

Reference: http://www.dessy.com

Bridesmaids: Getting-Ready Outfit Ideas For Your Bridal Party

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The morning of your wedding should not only be special for the bride, it should be special for the bridesmaids as well. When getting ready for this magical day having your bridal party feel comfortable and gorgeous while getting their hair and make-up done is one of the key things on setting the perfect energy! Mimosas will be flowing and the girls that have always been by your side will be apart of these unique and exciting moments leading up to you walking down the aisle. So ditch the typical matching jumpsuits and discover all new ways to style your bridesmaids.

 1. Matching Robes 

Robes are not only super comfy but when taken off they won’t mess up your bridal hair. Want to make these robes more personal? Try getting them custom made with your bridesmaid’s initials. A robe is one of the best gifts you can give not only to yourself but your bridal party, after your wedding this robe will be sure to be worn again!

2. Rompers

If you’re looking to be unique and for something different rompers are your match! Rompers are comfortable and cool which will be great if you have a spring or summer wedding. They can slip off easily when its time to get into your beautiful gown and when your bridal party changes into their dresses.

3. Monogrammed Button Down Shirts 

Monogrammed button downs are effortlessly casual. Plus this will be the first time you are showing off your new initials in style, and not to mention your bridal party will love the fact that they get to have their initials monogrammed as well.

4. Spelling It Out Tank-Top   

Your bridesmaids will remember which part they played in your wedding, but spelling out their duties on a super cute tank is a new and fun way to style your bridal party. Also, getting a tank top for yourself that says “bride” will remind everyone that you are the star of the day!

5. Southern- Inspired Flannels 

These Southern-Inspired Flannels are perfect for a crisp fall wedding. They are totally affordable and easy to get out of. Flannels come in many different colors and can be worn with comfy leggings or jeans.

6. Floral Robes

There’s no doubt that these floral robes are a total standout. Girly and certainly radiant, these robes will make for beautiful getting ready pictures.

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 3)

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

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

Candles create a natural glow, but sometimes this isn’t always enough to keeping the ambiance well lit.  Consequently, you should consider lamps or spotlights decoratively & tastefully placed at each table.  You won’t want anyone tripping over them selves, unable to see the guestbook to sign it…and most importantly, you’ll want your photos to look their best…and this won’t be done in the dark!

 

 Winter warm…& Fuzzies

Make wedding guests feel comfortable indoors and out…from before they even arrive until long into the night.  Offer warm transportation for them from the airport or hotel to your venue.  Make sure your venue location is accessible even if the weather turns bad and has good ventilation to keep the room warm (not stuffy!).  That intimacy and warmth you create in your space should extend to the outdoors, as well.  Provide portable heaters to go outside for those who want to escape for a breath of fresh air, check out the landscape, and/or for smokers.  You can even take it generously further by providing blankets by the doors to take for those who are heading outside.

 

Cappuccino or Hot Chocolate Bar:  Create a bar with a warm, cute touch…including delicious cookies, hot cocoa, cappuccino, & other hot drinks for either the whole night, or just as a late-night station.  This is a great alternative (and money saver) as it alleviates stress on the actual liquor bar!  If you did your job making guests feel warm enough, they won’t be inclined to become dependent on the booze buzz for the rush of warmth they get on a cold, tavern night at the bar back home.

Heated Menu:  Not literally…but consider cold-weather friendly foods and comforting dishes to serve on your wedding menu: meats or fish like a baked tilapia, minestrone or fennel potato leek soup, sweet potatoes, and pureed parsnips.

 

Winter-wonderland Wardrobe

You might want to consider having a wedding dress that will keep you warm with silk satin or a just heavier fabric in general, one with thick-laced sleeves, or a high collar.  You can always ditch the white dress for a stand-out color: blush pink, bold red, icy blue, or slick silver, which will look lusciously lovely against a white, snowy backdrop.

Winter Glam Glow: The bright lighting of winter accentuates dark circles and puffy eyes, while the weather dries out skin.  Keep your skin especially moisturized in the days leading up to the wedding.  For makeup, use warm and glowing hues, an under-eye concealer & highlighter, a highlighter for your cheekbones and under eyebrow arches, and use a hint of shimmer in your eye makeup.

Read Part 4 next

 

 

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 4)

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

Dazzling Diamonds: Wear diamonds as your jewelry, or incorporate them into accessories and even the décor around the venue.  Diamonds conjure up magical visions of ice crystals…perfect for your winter wedding “personality”. 

Coats?…✓Check!:  Make sure your venue has a coat check, as nobody wants to lug around a bulky coat or even a wet one, from any wintery weather mix of snow, sleet, or icy rain.  Also, have a fancy coat and layering clothing pieces for over your wedding gown when shooting photos outside.

WINTER WHIMSY

Hot Kisses: How about renting a photo booth for the night dressed up in mistletoe?  Let the guests take pictures inside the booth with mistletoe backdrops on top of their heads as the custom set portrait to be taken in the booth…they will have no choice but to pose properly with sharing a kiss.

Dashing through the Snow: If you wished for snow on your wedding day and you got lucky with a full blanket of it (or a full on blizzard!), then your beautiful backdrop is set.  But if the snow just won’t come to you, rent a snow machine and create your own winter wonderland.  Let the décor of your reception speak the language of winter…maybe carved-out-of-ice designs and a martini luge can help in setting the wintery mood.

 Welcome to wonderland

If you’re a couple who are thinking of tying the knot as the snow starts to fall.. Create a scene of what winter means to you, and take those elements and draw from the inspiration to use for creating your own memorable, winter wonderland wedding.

Hot cocoa…a blazing fireplace that roars with warmth…cozy candelight nights & crisp air days… all add a touch of enchantment that peak wedding season just doesn’t offer.  Whether you have striking memories connected with the winter season, and want to associate your big day with it… or you just love the sparkle of the season…there’s a certain charm to a winter wedding that just can’t be denied, nor can be achieved in the spring or summer.

 

 Marrying on a snowy night in December (or any freezing night of winter!) proposes an esthetic landscape that will absorb you & your jolly guests into it, leading you well on your way to a sparkling, whimsical, wintery wedding of wonderful…This magic of the season simply lends to a different kind of wedding magic. 

“When we say goodbye December

Merry bells no longer chime

We’ll remember once upon a wintertime”…. And your guests will leave wonderstruck from exiting the pages of your fairytale storybook of your winter wedding to be remembered forever.

 

No matter how chilly it is outside, your wedding will be glowing and gleaming warm with love….

Why? Because…

“LOVE THAWS”- Disney’s Frozen.

“Only an act of true love

Can thaw a frozen heart.”

DISNEY’S FROZEN. 

 

How to shop for a wedding dress (Part 4)

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

Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 first

 

*Alternate options for you non-shoppers: If you really dread the idea of dress shopping from store to store, you can forgo it all together and either just work with a solo dressmaker or shop online.

–        “Matchmaker”: Working one-on-one with a dressmaker can be a very intimate, fulfilling experience if you two connect very well and her creations magically match your wishes.

–        Virtual dress realms:  If you do order online, make sure you do so in plenty of time in case it doesn’t look, or fit, as you expected it would when it arrives.  Also, be aware that if you are ordering from overseas you’ll often have to pay custom charges.

*Communication is key…ask questions and keep the flow of honest feelings into conversations going! To avoid any misunderstandings through lack of communication between you and the bridal shop you will be a client to, educate yourself beforehand as to what you’re allowed to do/bring, and be honest and just be yourself once you go to fittings to be as stress-free as possible.

I hope some of you brides-to-be find these tips valuable, and I hope it triggers even more thoughts to be conjured in your own mind as to what you can do as an addition to stress-free and smart, strategic planning.

CROWN YOUR GOWN

Remember to approach dress shopping as an absolute experience…not a result/destination.  By doing this, (ironically but beneficially), you will achieve the result you most desire, escaping the daunting and mundane experience of trying on gowns.

 

Most importantly, listen to your own head and heart…because nobody knows you better than you know yourself.  Wear your wisdom as the crown on top of your head…(and later, a veil).  You know the man you’re marrying is “The One,” and that same intuition and wisdom will guide you for when choosing the right dress.

This is how you will come out alive…and your real “crown” will be your most perfect gown.

Spring/Summer 2014 Bridal Fashion Trend (Part 1)

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

What’s new for the upcoming season?

Silhouettes:

Regarding the Silhouettes, trends in the bridal industry have taken a more elegant and minimalistic turn. On the runway, minimal wedding gowns with elegant lines that accentuate the figure are becoming quite popular in the Spring 2014 season. These dresses are made of white silk satin and have no embellishments. The cut of the garment is the focus of the dress.

Another trend regarding silhouettes is the column shape. Many designer gowns on the runway for the spring/ summer 2014 season can be seen with this type of silhouette that emphasizes an hourglass figure. With long, form-fitting dresses, there is usually an emphasis on the waist. Lines bellow the knee have been seen to be tapered or have a gentle flare. A-line trains add drama to this sleek silhouette.

 

Vintage inspired gowns continue to gain popularity. Many dresses on the runway for this upcoming season were designed with lace and vintage inspired feel. Regarding the silhouette of this gown, the vintage trend favors a ladylike silhouette that has found to reference the silhouettes popular in the 1950s. Many of these gowns designed with illusion necklines and deep-v necklines.

 

The last major silhouette trending in spring/summer 2014 is an ultra-feminine hourglass silhouette. The key to this look is structured bodices, an emphasis on cinched waists, and full bell-shaped skirts. Some of these gowns can be found with skirt overlays or asymmetrical peplums. This look mimics Christian Dior’s 1947 “New Look”.

Length:

For spring/ summer 2014, lengths of the gown seem to be getting increasingly shorter. One popular look seen on the runway is the cocktail length wedding gown. This type of dress is a more casual alternative to the long, elegant wedding gown. Hemlines of this type of gown can range from above the knee to just below the knee. The styles for this cocktail length gown vary from a-line, fit-and-flare, and straight.

High-low hemlines are becoming increasingly popular in the ready-to-wear gown industry. For spring/summer 214, the high-low hemline was seen trending on the runway in Milan.

The mermaid tail has also been trending on the runway. The mermaid tails are flare out at the knee. These type of style balances out the tight body-con silhouette to create a voluminous bottom.

 Trains:

In the spring season, we can see variations of the elegant and long train. This variation is called a cascading train. Popular are the waterfall cascades and classical Grecian draping. This kind of train creates a “pooling” effect rather than a sweeping train.

Continue to read Part 2

 

Spring/Summer 2014 Bridal Fashion Trend (Part 2)

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

Read Part 1 first

Color:

A popular and unusual trend for spring/ summer 2014 is the use of pale colored fabrics. The use of the different colors is sure an alternative to the traditional white or ivory gown. Pale yellows, light peach, and sweet peony are examples of colors used within this trend. The most common color being seen on the runway is light pink. Gowns these colors may have sheer layers, making the color palette even more feminine.

 Neckline:

Illusion neckline is becoming a very popular neckline trend seen on the runway. The Illusion neckline is usually a neckline that provides coverage and is constructed from sheer fabric. This neckline is usually heavily embellished. Though this neckline does provide a lot of coverage to the bust and neck area it can also offer a hint of seduction.

 

The sweetheart neckline, one of the most popular necklines for a strapless gown, is trending on the runway with some new details. The sweetheart neckline has been seen to resemble that of a corset. The sweetheart also has been seen to have ruched chiffon overlays and subtle pleating. A new trend for sweetheart necklines is a black color blocking. This color blocking is an edgy variation of the classic neckline.

Lace shoulders are being seen on the runway for the spring/summer 2014 season. With an illusion neckline, this sheer lace is a very elegant look. The lace can extend past the shoulder, turning into three- quarter or long sleeves.

Many bridal looks on the runway for this season emphasize the “simple look” or natural look. This look is seen through the veils. Many veils popular for the season are simple and transparent. The edges of these veils are can be either raw or scalloped and the lengths vary from elbow to floor lengths. The trend for bridal make-up is a natural look.

 Accessories:

  • Blue accented accessories
  • Antique effects, such as heirloom- like quality to accessories
  • As a result of Great Gatsby and Downtown Abbey- 1920’s inspired headpieces and art deco motifs
  • Flowers have a big influence on the headpieces, headbands, and clips for spring/summer 2014
  • The knot- The 1950s oversized bow comes back in style with lose tails. The bow can be placed at bustle of the dress or on top of head as a headpiece.
  • Feathers- Feathers create an ethereal theme. Feathers can vary in color. Feathers can be accented on garter and belts, or worn in the hair
  • Grecian Leaves- Leafy styles are being worn as headpieces. The Grecian leaves create a Grecian goddess look. The Grecian leaves can be seen in belts, collars and clips.
  • Pearls- The pearl trend can be seen as accents in a headpiece, jewelry, bags, or even hair clips.
  • Halo Headpiece- The halo has become a popular choice for bridal headwear. The halo has very romantic and angelic feel.

 

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