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Wedding Dresses Trends 2020

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Trend: Peplums

 

Peplum; noun: “a short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress.”

 Fun, flirty, and stylish…Just think of the cute bubble skirts…aren’t they just an adorable way to sex up your look?

 A peplum, or short overskirt, has made its’ way from the ready-to-wear runways to wedding dresses.  This flattering trend is a unique detail that can add a sexy, modern touch to any gown using both structured and softly draped shapes.

High-fashioned and vividly appealing, peplums picking up this season is a sure way to impress any bride-to-be gown shopping with this popular silhouette in the selection of many stores and boutiques.

 

Feathered or flustered?…or ruffled?

…any unique detail to a waist-defined peplum gown will be high-fashion!

 

50 shades of…Ivory?

 Trend: Color

 Great news if white just isn’t your color…because this season, brides have more of an opportunity to find a color that’s more flattering to their skin tone and body.

 Designers painted their dresses in splashes of bold strokes this season.  Smokey reds, sky blues, and bridal blushes.  So wearing white isn’t the norm anymore, as this season’s rebellious offset to white in the use of colors and ivory invites itself in!  Yes, IVORY!  Ivory gives brides a bigger selection to play dress-up with!

 

Color me …Boldly…but Softly

Keep it “bridal approved” by sticking to one color theme:  one significant color of choice that pops.  A bold pop of color will give your dress the new age look your going for, while expressing your individuality and “color personality”.  Choose your color wisely…first impressions speak loudly…and boldly!

 

Don’t get any ideas of rainbow inspired dresses, either.  Let’s pass on the tacky considerations.

Separate the white, or ivory, with color: Khloe Kardashian’s Vera Wang wedding gown had a subtle pop of the color around her waist.  A thin or thick colored sash makes way for perfection as it can incorporate color into your gown in a classic way.

If you want to accessorize, add flowers to or around your hair.  The middle of the flower could be a complimentary color to the shade in your gown.  With an ivory gown, this look could be quite classic and vintage.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ.

What to Wear Under the Wedding Dress

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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

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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!

Wedding Games

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Wedding Games to Keep the Fun Going on!

A boring wedding is every bride’s worst nightmare. At present, couples are focusing on new ways to incorporate fun into their party such as having wedding games to play. Once the ceremony is over it’s time for the party to begin.

Let’s play a game. It’s going to keep your guests entertained.

Naughts and Crosses – Naughts and crosses, also known as X’s and O’s, is a game for all ages. This kids’ game has been around forever and continues to be a favorite. This game is really a case of a moment to learn, a lifetime to master, meaning that all of your guests can enjoy it!

Hook-a-Duck – Have a number of cute little yellow ducklings with metal rings fastened to their heads in an inflatable pool. Try putting a hidden mark under some of the ducks, and the guests who pull them out will be titled winners. You could get buy or rent poles with hooks on the top to capture the ducks. Give them to your guests and let the game begin!

Ring Toss – This funfair game is actually fun when it isn’t rigged! Simply add a couple of small prizes and you’ll keep the younger guests amused, make a drinking game and you’ll keep the adults entertained too.

Hula Hoops – Hula Hoops are most often associated with children and childhood games, but they can be just as much fun for teens and adults. Have your guests compete to see who the best Hula-Hooper is. This is all the more hilarious with a mixed group of teen boys and girls, as boys tend to have difficulty keeping the Hula Hoop moving around their hips.

Tree Swing – Nothing brings back more summer memories than a wooden swing hanging under a tree. If you have little ones or are a kid at heart, don’t spend another day without this summer wedding essential.

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

Be your Own Makeup Artist: Beauty Bites – Part 2

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Read “Beauty Bites- Part 1” first on how to begin making yourself look absolutely pretty!

Continued…

  • For a natural makeup look, try a cream blush. This gives a healthy and fresh look. If you want more staying power, try layering a powder blush on top of it.
  • You can know where to place your blush just by smiling. By smiling, the apple of your cheeks pop out. Place your brush right there and blend into your temple.
  • A big step that some women forget when they do their makeup, something you will especially want to do on your wedding day, is to use a brow pencil to fill in your eyebrows. It really frames your eye. Remember to go a shade or two lighter than your own natural eyebrow color.
  • Focus darker eye shadow on the outside of eyes, moving lighter and brighter as you move in. You want your eyes to look big and beautiful. Use a shimmer powder in the inner corners of your eyes by suing a brush with a smaller head.
  • The best way to curl your lashes is to curl at the root of your lash, at the middle and at the tip. You don’t need to clamp down with the curler, just squeeze lightly.
  • ALWAYS curl your lashes first, do a coat of waterproof mascara (if you know you’re going to cry) and then apply the fake lashes.
  • I recommend using false lashes for all brides to make your eyes look big and captivating. If you’re going for a full-on sexy or glamorous look, use a full lash strip. However, for a more subtle look, go for individual lashes. Wait until the glue dries, use your eye lash curler again, and, finally, apply another coat of mascara.
  • Put lip balm on your lips before gloss or lipstick so they’re not dry or flaky. I suggest you outline your lip with a lip pencil first and then fill your entire lip with the same lip pencil. Using a lip pencil will hold the color longer.
  • Carry a few touch up products in your bag such as the lip pencil or gloss. The use of a good primer will keep your foundation and everything else in place.

TIP : Aim to look like yourself – just enhanced.

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

Be your Own Makeup Artist: Beauty Bites – Part 1

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Thinking about having a vineyard wedding or a small rustic wedding with just about 15-20 guests? Then why pay $350 for a makeup artist when you can make yourself look beautiful? Instead of pampering yourself by visiting a spa to feel relaxed and refreshed or buy yourself a nice pair of designer footwear. This is a great idea, as, it’s cheaper plus no one knows your features better than you. Also, you wouldn’t want your makeup artist following you to your wedding venue! With that said, being responsible for your own makeup on one of the most photographed days of your life can be intimidating. So here are a few tips from us for your very own special day!

Remember – Play up your makeup for photos!

  • For brides getting married in warmer climates, consider using as many oil-free products as possible: primer/moisturizer. Cleanse and moisturize properly before applying the primer. This is very important as it’ll make your make up go smoother and last much longer. You’re going to have a long day ahead of you, and you want your makeup to last you all day.
  • If you’re doing your own makeup, practice and take pictures before the big day. Start with less because it is easier to add more if you need it, rather than having to remove excess makeup which can get messy.
  • Always apply your foundation with a sponge or a brush. Never use your fingers as bacteria and dirt can be left behind. If you use a sponge, use by stippling the sponge, not swiping it across the skin. This gives your foundation a more natural look and blends it more evenly into the skin.
  • Your moisturizer, primer, and foundation are going to hide imperfections such as dark spots or uneven skin tone.
  • Add a creamy concealer. This may not be oil-free as it might get dry and cakey throughout the day.
  • Give your face a sharper look by contouring and highlighting your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.

For further tips and complete makeup look, read “Beauty Bites- Part 2” on our website.

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

 

Live Stream Your Entire Wedding

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Guests attending your wedding over the internet: the future is HERE.

Skype is so popular nowadays, that there’s a whole tag archive for it. Skype is a great option to stream your entire wedding as it’s free for one-to-one video calls. All you need is Wi-Fi. If you upgrade, you can even have a conference call for up to 10 computers. Like Skype, Google Hangouts on Air is free; unlike Skype, you don’t need to upgrade to have conference calls with multiple computers. You can set the event to public, private, or unlisted. If you set it to the public, anyone can watch your stream and if you set it to private, you have to manually invite anyone you want to watch, and those people need to have a Google account.

If you have an iPad or iPhone, you can also think of setting up a video call to another Apple FaceTime user. FaceTime is one-to-one only. Use an iPhone or an iPad over a laptop,  as you can choose to use the front or back cameras while FaceTiming, and switch back and forth between the calls.

There’s also Livestream, that will enable you to stream your video in HD. You can’t make your event private if you’re using the free plan.

Tip: Figure out a good angle to film from or consider appointing someone to keep an eye on the stream during the ceremony. Make sure your virtual attendees know how to get to the page where you’ll be streaming the wedding. Inform them! One could also record the entire ceremony and then share the link with friends who couldn’t attend in an email or Facebook update. Or, if you have a blog, you could just post it up there.

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

The Beauty Behind Custom-Made Dresses

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AB Embellishment

Photo: Aleana’s Bridal Custom-Made embellishment 

Have you always imagined yourself on your wedding day in a strapless, flowing, embellished dress, with a 10 foot long train? But can’t afford the $10,000 price tag? At Aleana’s Bridal we make any brides dream dress come to life.  Custom-Made is not only our specialty, but it is also our passion. This is what Aleana’s Bridal is known for.

Photo: The making of Dior’s AW 2011-2012 Haute Couture Collection 

 What is the fascinating history behind couture? Couture is magic, art, and detail all wrapped in one. French dressmakers were the first that became known as the best needleworkers in Europe. At the beginning of the nineteenth-century women from France traveled to the beautiful city of Paris to shop for custom made clothing. They would personally consult the dressmaker, that would offer different styles of evening wear such as gowns, suits, and sleepwear that fit their body and their individual taste.

If you are looking for a one of a kind gown for your special day then custom made is your best match. Aleana’s Bridal uses only the finest fabrics made out of silk, such as organza, chiffon, taffeta, georgette, and satin. The first step to our one-on-one process is to schedule a consultation; during this our talented designer will personally sit down with you to understand your vision.  Through sketching our designer will offer you a few style options that better compliments your body type and enhance your beauty.

Aleana’s Bridal has no limits when it comes to Custom- Made; from intricate beading, stunning European lace, to hand-embellished pieces. Our company does not just stop at bridal gowns we provide Custom-Made Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom dresses, veils, and jewelry to complete your overall look.  Our prices are affordable and start at seventeen hundred and up.

Bridal dresses Bergen County NJ

Photos: Aleana’s Bridal Sketch and Design 

Mixing traditional techniques with modern and fresh ideas is one of our many trademarks. The pictures above show one of our beautiful brides who wanted an Elizabeth Taylor inspired wedding gown. On the left-hand side, you see the personalized sketch of her embellished neckline. On the right side, you will see the final hand-done embroidery, using the finest materials.

To perfect the design we create the mock-up that will be modified to achieve the best fit. Fabrics, colors, and embellishments will be finalized to meet your preference. Our goal is to make a dress that will elevate your elegance. Aleana’s Bridal makes dreams come true; if you are looking for one of a kind gown for your special day, please call for a complimentary consultation 201-444-1500.

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 2)

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

Whatever it be a crimson red nutcracker or a deep, blue wintery night sky…. It’s all about what winter means to YOU. 

Choose an indoor venue that gives off that winter vibe with a natural landscape: lakefront venues with a beautiful view, a romantic inn with a cozy fireplace, venues in the mountains like a ski lodge, historic mansion, or a banquet hall with big windows.

TIP! : Windows showcasing a snowy landscape is an effortless visual that will complement your photos making them pop against the white, bold backdrop of the glistening snow, reflecting an added natural glitter to your space.  Bold colors look even better when surrounded by a white backdrop…so keep this in mind when choosing color schemes throughout the venue, bridesmaid dresses, and maybe even adding a bold colored, sassy sash to really make your white wedding gown pop with a dash of color.

Color the chill

Infuse the atmosphere with warmth by incorporating your favorite tones to be complimented by the proper lighting.  Christmas reds & greens, reds & gold for a more elegant look, gold and apple greens for a bright, crisp color theme, traditional bright white with silver accents, frosted light blue hues and whites, shades of bluish greens accented by white or silver, and even metallic mixes of gold and silver…all of which can be color options for winter.

 

TIP! : Want to add some extra sparkle…and warmth?  Using a subtle touch of blue light will add shimmer to the room.  Glassware and linens will reflect the light in a way that will add a simple sparkle, rather than an overwhelming accent of color.

 

Daylight Savings, Strategic Lighting: Keep in mind that the winter season has shorter days, as it gets darker in these months, so you will want to plan your lighting practically.  Arrange for your ceremony to conclude by an earlier time in the afternoon so that the day still offers you enough light to explore the option of capturing photos outdoors if you wish.

 

Considering that it gets darker earlier, the use of candles and lights at the reception can really amp up the intimacy & warmth into creating a comfortable & cozy atmosphere for you & all your guests.

 

Dancing wicks & wax & flames: Warm up the winter setting by including accents of the element of fire…as in candles…and even a fierce fireplace if your venue offers you the option.  For a glam candlelight look, go for white or silver candles.  Feeling more rustic?  Use candles with birch holders.  Feeling magical? Suspend candles above the tables using invisible wires to make them appear to be dreamily floating in mid-air.

 

How to shop for a wedding dress (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

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

*Bring some friends along with you… but a small group of 2-3 people to avoid an overwhelming number of differing opinions.  Plus, some bridal stores may not even have the room capacity to fit your whole posse…so keep it small to keep it comfortable for everybody.  Your bridesmaids would be best for some moral support.  If not, just bring your favorite female family member…mom, grandma, godmother, aunt, etc.  It’s important to pick a person, or people, whose advice you appreciate and style you admire most.  You want somebody who truly supports, knows, and loves you, so their honest opinion of what you look best in is what you will trust most.

– TIP! : Make first time ventures to the bridal stores fun & free from expectations by bring a really great girlfriend with you.  If you take the pressure off, you can enjoy it as an adventure as you begin to see what is out there.  The “real” visits should be saved with your mom or whoever you plan to involve in the final decision making process.  Do the groundwork, narrow down your preferences, and then proceed with a more defined idea of what you’re looking for…with giving yourself plenty of time to explore.

*Bring your flexibility along…your highest form of open-mindedness!  Listen to your loved ones’ advice and be open to the possibilities that the store offers you.  Most people who work in bridal shops are experts on their stock and what styles suit which body types, so stay open to what they have to offer you!

 

You may a have a certain style in mind…like a sultry fish tail gown, but maybe that silk & simple princess cut dress that the sales assistant suggests looks ten times better on you.  Maybe you’re trying to find a dress to “conceal” certain parts of your body, but you find a gown that celebrates your curves instead of downplaying them.  The best looking gown will be one that accentuates your best assets.

Continue with Part 3 and Part 4