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

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

 

Your Bridal Fitting Room Experience

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!

Bridal Gown Spotlight (Part 1)

By Jaclyn Ianetti

 What makes your bridal gown unique

What sets you apart from all other brides

It’s not about fancy designer labels and price tags.  It’s about taste.  If your dress matches your fashion personality, then it will be sure to speak unique.

Gown Guidance …And always let your CLOSET be your guide

First, you must build on your own everyday look.  Whether you’re a trendsetter or the more laid-back type, go to your closet for some inspiration.  The muse is your closet.  It will help guide you towards a gown that showcases your fashion philosophy.

What’s your style sense

Mod Girl : Less is always more for the cool, modern lady.  Sleek lines, subtle shine, and graphic jewels max out your minimal approach.

 Retro Romantic You’re a 21st-century chick with a vintage vibe.  Plush textures and antique-y accents merge the past with your present.

 Screen Siren Unleash your starlet power with glittering gems, killer heels, and one very red-carpet gown.

 High Maintenance :  For the more extreme types, sparkly baubles/trinkets, blatant bows, and a passion for pink are your fashion faves.  You’re looking forward to the role you were born to play, princess. 

 Changeable Chameleon: Say you’re a little bit of each of the above “labels”…not a problemo.  That just means you’re one edgy chick with too big a personality to settle for being categorized into fitting into just one type of style.  If you embody many layers to your style personality, peel each & every one of them to reveal your whole self and incorporate a bit of everything to really let your colorful personality shine. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So, what makes your gown so special

Creativity is the key to really making a unique statement.  Here are some creative suggestions from gown tips, accessories, shoes, and hairstyles…all of which will contribute to the overall portrait of your style, and therefore, giving your gown the ultimate unique boost you dream of….

 . . GOWN. .

Color

If white isn’t your color, who says you have to wear a white bridal gown?   Opt for a gown in your favorite color.  Wedding gowns now come in all sorts of beautiful ones, from bold blues and hot pinks, to greens, golds, and even reds.

If you’re finding it hard to convince your loved ones (your groom or mom) that color is completely appropriate, you might want to consider donning a traditional white wedding gown for your ceremony, then slipping into something in a bold hue for the reception.

There are even several wedding gowns available today that boast two-in-one designs specifically designed for this purpose: short dresses with long, see-through layers on top; two-piece gowns with interchangeable skirt and pant options; and body-skimming sheaths with removable floor-length sheer jackets (the 2-in-1 dress).  It may not be the super short and sexy shift you originally pictured yourself marrying in, but look at it this way: everyone will be happy, and you’ll get to wear two gowns, instead of just one!

 WHITE GOWNS

If you like the idea of the traditional, plain white dress, you can always add in some color to the details.  There is nothing wrong with replacing some of your dress’ accents with color.

Read more Part 2 and Part 3

Wedding “Wow“ Him (Part 3)

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.

Dress by Zodiac

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

Wedding gown for Sagittarius (Nov 23– Dec 22) The Free Spirit

Personality:  As a Sagittarius, you’re one of the wanderers of the zodiac – you’re on an endless odyssey to find the meaning of life.  You’re an adventurer and truth-seeker.  Above all else, you value freedom.  Your thrilling, nomadic lifestyle means you have no shortage of stories and make a great entertainer.  People value your company because you tend to be the “ice breaker” of any uncomfortable situation.  You’re class clown vibes comfort others, loosening everybody up.  Lighthearted and lovable, you are the person who is missed when not present at a party.

StyleGirl on the Go…Unfussy Sagittarius is the sign of the traveler, and you need style that’s as on-the-go as you are.  You’re a free spirit and your clothes are sensibly chic.  It’s all about layers – pullovers, leg warmers, and flannels paired with comfy jeans and leggings for you.  Since you never know where you’ll end up, your wardrobe is best when it is versatile, comfortable and easy to maintain.  You prize your individuality, so you’re always on the hunt for the perfect, one-of-a-kind item that brings you joy —be it a funky piece of costume jewelry or a handmade dress from an undiscovered boutique.  You hate to feel confined, and since most Sags are curvier on the bottom, it can take work to find clothes that are both comfortable and flattering.  What suits you best?  A mixtures of basics blending in your own unique pizzazz.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:  Renew your passport – if anyone’s a destination bride, it’s you.  You’ll need a beachy wedding gown that’s a breeze to pack.  Two concerns for a Sagittarius bride are finding a dress that allows her to move freely and is made of natural, comfortable fibers.  You want to look good, but must be unencumbered as well.  Pick a dress that allows you to move around freely without having to worry about it wearing you.  A tight lace-up bodice or too many undergarments will drive you crazy all day.  You will love a dress that is adorable, not too restricting, and made of versatility.  Be comfortable and pretty at your wedding, but remember to consider the time of year you are planning your wedding as your legs, arms and shoulders will all be exposed, free-natured Sagi!  The goddess gown was made for you Sagittarius…leave your hair free and flowing.

Style icon who shares your sign:  Scarlett Johansson

Sagi seductresses: Katie Holmes, Christina Applegate, Nelly Furtado, Miley Cyrus

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 Paramus, NJ or call (201) 444-1500.

Photo credits to verseguru on Flickr. com

Wedding gown for Virgo (Aug 24– Sept 23) The Victorian Virgin

Personality:   Sharp attention to detail, a discerning eye, and reliability epitomize the Virgo.  You’re down-to-earth and have a deep sense of commitment to friends, family, and the community.  Your home is sparse and tidy.  You’re fussy about what food and products you let into your carefully constructed world.  When shopping with your friends, you will be the one who leaves them behind in the clothing departments as you venture your way through the aisles filled with cleaning products and mops.  A listener who offers honest feedback, a silly partner-in-crime, a heart of pure gold…is what makes Virgos so special.

Style: Fair Maiden…Natural Beauty…Victorian, Virginal Vixen… 

You’re the fresh-faced “virgin” of the zodiac, and simplicity is your secret style weapon.  In a sea of bright colors, synthetic fabrics and gaudy embellishments, you take fashion back to basics by making unfussy cuts and all-American fabrics look surprisingly fresh.  Your style is bohemian with a boyish twist.  Brainy Virgo can also rock “geek chic — nobody makes glasses look sexy quite like you.  Pairing vintage frames with wild curls or flowing hair instantly makes you the hot librarian who’s got beauty and brains. What a package!  Cleanliness is next to godliness for you, so a clean signature scent is what you crave; all the better if it’s an essential oil or made from pure ingredients. You’re an earth sign, so go “green” with your style.  Organic materials like pure cotton, wool and even hemp are flattering and friendly to the planet…and to you.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope: 

Your wedding gown will be a sophisticated eclipse of hippie flower child and Victorian purist.  Think a strapless sheath in Ivory Chantilly lace or a pastel pink dress with ribbon trim.  Virgos want a classic look.  When shopping for a dress, think understated elegance; rich, unadorned satin; an A-line cut; and a short simple sweep train.  You earth girls are dignified and want to mirror that attribute in the gown you choose.  The dress needs to look clean, neat and decidedly bridal.  No chic, cutting-edge designs, no splash of color, and definitely no abundance of tulle.  Think simple, classic elegance.  What would be more perfect then a drop dead gorgeous, dazzling satin gown with embellished belt and a sweeping train?  This marks sophistication while the sparkle from the belt adds character.  Tuck a rose behind one ear for a romantic – and decidedly Virgo finishing touch.

Style icon who shares your sign: Sophia Loren

Virgo seductresses: Stella McCartney, Salma Hayek, Beyoncé, Blake Lively

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