Posts

The Guide to Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress

/in /by

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, filled with love, joy, and the promise of forever. At the heart of this unforgettable day lies the iconic symbol of your love story: the wedding dress. Finding the perfect gown is a journey as unique as the love you share, and it deserves careful consideration and thoughtful planning. To help you embark on this enchanting quest, we present “The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress.”

  1. Start with Inspiration: Begin your dress journey by gathering inspiration. Browse bridal magazines, Pinterest boards, and wedding websites to discover styles, silhouettes, and details that resonate with your vision. Take note of elements you love, whether it’s the neckline of one gown, the train of another, or the intricate lace of a third.
  2. Know Your Body: Understanding your body shape is key to finding a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you’re petite, curvy, pear-shaped, or tall, different silhouettes will accentuate your best features. Consult with bridal experts or utilize online guides to determine which styles suit your body type best.
  3. Set a Budget: Before you fall head over heels for a gown, establish a realistic budget for your wedding dress. Consider not only the cost of the gown itself but also alterations, accessories, and any additional fees. Stick to your budget to ensure a stress-free shopping experience and prevent any financial strain down the aisle.
  4. Research Bridal Salons: Research bridal salons in your area or online boutiques that align with your style, budget, and shopping preferences. Read reviews, explore their collections, and schedule appointments with reputable establishments to begin your dress-shopping journey.
  5. Book Appointments Wisely: When scheduling dress appointments, aim for weekdays or early mornings when bridal salons are less crowded, allowing for a more personalized experience. Limit your appointments to no more than two per day to avoid overwhelm and ensure each visit receives the attention it deserves.
  6. Trust Your Instincts: While it’s essential to consider others’ opinions, trust your instincts when choosing your wedding dress. Select a gown that makes you feel radiant, confident, and true to yourself. Your dress should reflect your personality and style, not just conform to trends or outside expectations.
  7. Embrace the Experience: Dress shopping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so embrace every moment of it. Celebrate each gown you try on, cherish the memories made with loved ones, and savor the anticipation of finding “the one.” Remember, the journey is just as magical as the destination.
  8.  Consider Customization: If you’ve fallen in love with aspects of multiple gowns or have a specific vision in mind, consider customization options. Many bridal designers offer customization services, allowing you to create a bespoke gown that perfectly embodies your style and vision.
  9.  Trust the Process: Finally, trust the process and enjoy every step of the journey. Whether you find your dream dress on the first try or after months of searching, know that the perfect gown is worth the wait. When you walk down the aisle on your wedding day, adorned in the dress of your dreams, you’ll radiate beauty, confidence, and the purest expression of love.

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

/in , /by

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.

Wedding with a Friendly Budget

/in , /by

Congrats on your engagement! At such an exciting time in your life and a day you have been dreaming about for years, your happy thoughts and extravagant wedding dreams are interrupted by dollar signs. Between venues, your large family guest list, and the variety of other expenses, weddings tend to become pretty expensive pretty fast. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in New Jersey is $53,400. But don’t worry, there are so many ways to drop that final bill while still having the celebration of your life just the way you pictured it! Here are just a few tips to help…

 

First, try to cut down your guest list as much as possible. Yes, I know… the more people, the bigger the party. But you’ve all heard the saying “less is more” and cutting down on just a few people can allocate the money to a different aspect of your wedding day (or even your bridal gown or honeymoon!). Second, go into the planning with a budget and look for venues that accommodate to that number. Venues usually account for about half of your wedding expenses so why not use the resources you have to alleviate that cost. Ask a family member or friend if you can use their backyard or rent a vacation home in the area with outdoor space! You just have to find the right spot for you and your partner. One more tip for you, ladies… DIY. Décor, invitations, favors, and flowers. The list goes on and on with the endless possibilities for ‘do it yourself’.

 

The last piece of advice we can offer is that the one thing from your wedding that will always be remembered by you, family and guests is your glowing beauty in your wedding gown. Your wedding will be one for the books. Literally. Those pictures you have will last a lifetime and you want to find that bridal dress that will excite you just as much on your 40-year anniversary as it did on your big day. Just these few ideas can help make your budget a little friendlier while still making your wedding day unforgettable!

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

New Bridal Trends

/in /by

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

Bringing Sexy Back! : Backless Brides 

Trend: Portrait Backs

Backless…is back.

 

One of the past trends of the bridal industry to make a comeback into Spring 2013.  But this time, they come back with a more modest and romantic attention using delicate embroideries, lace frames, and peek-a-boo keyholes.  Sheer backs with decorative detailing is simultaneously sexy and demure.

 

Angle Admirer!

Compared to a more two-dimensional dress, this gown goes out-of-the-box to producing a 3d effect!  This type of gown allows your audience to admire you from every angle.

 

If you think about it, most of your guests will be viewing you from behind as you walk down the aisle and make your vows.  So that’s pretty much your entire wedding ceremony that they are looking at the backside of you!

Timeless Twists

 

Trend: Lace Nouveau

We saw the Lace trend globally advertised when Kate Middleton wore it on her wedding day.  Her royal wedding gown proved its’ influence after almost every collection showed variations on lace this season.

 

Lace identifies us with the past…before we were pushed into the technology-driven and reliant society we live in today.  Lace is a timeless classic…giving fabric the ethereal, dreamy, take me back to good-ole-days vibe.  Vintage inspired laced sleeves is a feminine touch to any gown.

 

Step into the time machine and time warp back into a world where it taught us that simplicity is pure elegance.  Nostalgic woven pieces speak sophistication….simple as it should be.

Comfort Chameleons

 Trend: Transformers

Do you really want to be dancing around in your reception ballroom in your beautiful bridal gown you wore when you walked down the aisle?  More often seen nowadays are the brides changing into a second dress for the reception.  Convertible and/or reversible dresses, or ones with removable pieces (skirts, trains, capes, veils, etc.) create a distinct reception look.  Designers are now custom-making gowns fit for comfort, as more and more women are calling for a desire to break-free and the ability to move and run around later in night at their receptions.

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com or call at 201-444-1500.

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

/in , /by

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.

 

Wedding Planning Made Easy

/in , , /by

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!

Wedding Dresses for the Bold Bride

/in , /by

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!

 

Bridal Hairstyles

/in , /by

After finding the perfect dress for your wedding day, there are still a few things left to complete your look. One thing that you might spend a lot of time thinking about is your hairstyle. You probably don’t want your hair to cover your gorgeous gown. Maybe you don’t want it to make too much of a statement either because it could take away from your dress. Or, maybe you do want to go all out with a fancy up do and a flower crown. How often can you really wear a flower crown anyway? Now is your chance! Either way, there are so many hairstyles that could work for any type of hair and any fabulous gown you choose.  

If your gown is backless, but you want to add a little more detail to your overall ensemble, consider an up do with some flowers.  While these flowers may seem large, the light colors are delicate enough that they don’t take away from the lace of the dress. They simply add to the look. 

To keep your hairstyle on the simpler side, a ballerina bun might do just the trick. This classic hairstyle is so popular for our everyday looks, so why not for your wedding day? It’s sleek and classy, and with a nice headpiece can go from modest to dazzling.  

Do you have short hair? It can be tricky to do an updo with too short hair, but adding some waves and curls can switch up your look. You might also add a headpiece or some flowers to step the look up a notch. 

If keeping your hair up isn’t really your style, consider a half-up, half-down hairdo. This can either be really simple and relaxed or very regal and elegant, depending on your preferences.  

Another option is just adding some delicate, effortless, loose waves to your hair. You can accessorize with a headpiece to add some detail. You could also pin a few strands back with a hair clip. If you want to stay away from hair accessories in general, you could simply add a few twists and clip your veil in.  

Braids can take any look from understated to magnificent. A few twists and turns and your hair magically becomes a masterpiece. There are so many different braided hairstyles to choose from that it can be difficult to choose just one. Whichever you do choose, adding some flowers or clips can help to really make your braided hairstyle stand out from the crowd.  

If you are looking for a gorgeous headpiece to add to your wedding day hairstyle, visit Aleana’s Bridal! 

What to Wear Under the Wedding Dress

/in , /by

The day has finally come. You’re finally going to your first bridal gown fitting! But, are you bringing the right bra?

Choosing the right bra to go with the perfect dress can be tricky. You want support and comfort. You also want to make sure the dress looks perfect on you. Don’t worry though! We’re here to help you out on your best day ever with a few tips and tricks to help you decide what’s best.

  1. No bra – You may not need a bra at all for your special day. It all depends on your body and how you feel personally. Many wedding dresses are very structured and offer a lot of support all on their own. Some might come with a support system built right in. For others, you could work with your salon and seamstress to add one to your dress.
  2. Backless, stick-on bra – These can be tricky, but if you’re sporting a backless dress for your big day or have fabric that’s on the thinner side, this works wonders. It offers coverage and sticks right to your skin, so you decide where it’s most comfortable for you.

    FASHION FORMS: Le Lusion Second Skin Cups

    FASHION FORMS: Backless Strapless U-Plunge Bra

  3. Bustier – If you’re looking to add a little more curve, this might be the one for you. This works especially well with a ball gown. You want the top part of your gown to show off your shape on your Cinderella day. A bustier or corset will really accentuate the waist and support your bust to keep you looking your absolute best.

    Dominique Longline Strapless Bra

  4. Bodysuit – If you’ve fallen in love with a particularly low-cut dress and sticky tape just won’t work for you, a bodysuit might be an option. These offer a little bit more support and shape to keep everything in place. You might also find a backless bodysuit, perfect for a backless gown.

    FASHION FORMS: U Plunge Backless Strapless Thong Bodysuit

When it comes down to it, it’s all about what you feel the most comfortable in. Don’t wear a corset or bustier just because you feel you have to. Make sure you feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day. Choose what works best for you. Your bridal consultant and seamstress at your salon will be there for you to help you select the best option. Share your concerns with them and you’ll be sure to work it out.

Fashion Forms and Dominique can be found at Aleana’s Bridal.

 

Your Beach Destination Wedding Dress

/in , , /by

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular every year. Beach weddings are especially popular because the beach is a relaxing place. When you think of the beach, you think of rest, relaxation, serenity, and beauty. You can picture that gorgeous sunset against the water and feel the sand between your toes. What could be a more perfect place to get married?

If you are thinking about planning a beach destination wedding, here are some great locations in the Caribbean from Islands.com. If you want to stay within the states, you can search The Knot for the perfect local beach wedding venue.

Now that you’ve got the perfect location, it’s time to find the perfect dress! When you’re getting married on the beach you want to choose something light and airy. Don’t be afraid to go tight and sexy either, because you are on the beach after all! You also might want to shorten your dress a bit more than usual to avoid getting sand everywhere.

If you want to dip your toes in the water or walk barefoot, choose a fabric that is very light. Heavy fabric could weigh you down if it gets a little bit wet. Fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and English netting are very lightweight and won’t feel heavy. They’ll give you that light and flowy feeling that will flow nicely in the beachy air.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Rebecca Ingram

Allure

If you want to channel your inner mermaid, then a mermaid or fit and flare silhouette might be the choice for you. Keep it simple with light layers and fabric. Look for something sexy and simple for your mermaid moment.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Sottero and Midgley

Allure

If you’re still aching for that princess ball gown, even on the beach, there are so many lightweight options to choose from! You can also always remove layers if the gown still feels too heavy. An a-line gown might also give you a more ball gown feel, without all of the layers.

Rebecca Ingram

Allure

Pronovias

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