Posts

DIY Wedding Decorations

/in , , /by

So, you’re planning a wedding. It’s expensive and unfortunately, you’re not drowning in money. Obviously, you want your wedding and reception and all wedding-related events to be fun and exciting. Who doesn’t want a fun photo booth at the reception, filled with cool props for everyone to take hilarious pictures? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on props and party accessories though. There are a lot of cute accessories and favors you can buy or make for a lot less than you think! 

For your bridal shower, you definitely don’t need to spend a lot of money on cute decorations and accessories. CharmingCharlie.com has adorable trinkets you can buy to celebrate your wedding with all of your girls.  

This cute “Best Day Ever” tray is perfect to keep some treats and drinks on for your bridal shower. 

Decorate with these adorable photo clip string lights. Put some photos of you and your husband to be. You can hang this up at your engagement party, bridal shower, and even the reception. It’s a cute, simple, personalized touch to add to all of your wedding events.  

These props are perfect for the photo booth everyone will be sure to love at your wedding. For an extra touch of memories, add a little photo book your guests can glue their pictures into and leave a sweet note. 

Hang this little banner up in your photo booth for some more fun in your photos. Your guests will be sure to love it. 

Making your wedding events look fun and exciting doesn’t have to be over the top. Find items you love that you can make your own and your wedding will be sure to be a hit.

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

Bridal Clutches

/in , , , /by

Congratulations! Your wedding day is coming up and your figuring out all of the final touches. You have your dress, your shoes, and your accessories. You know what you’re doing with your hair and have your makeup all figured out. But, where will you keep all of those little extras? You know, your phone, your lipstick, some eyeliner just in case you cry a little too much? You could have your bridesmaids hold on to it for you. If you have pockets in your dress (what a luxury that would be), you could keep all those little extras in there. Or, you could just bring your own handbag.  

Now, it’s your wedding day, so you don’t need that purse filled with everything but the kitchen sink. A little clutch is really all you need. Here are some of our favorite clutches, and really all you’ll need to keep inside! 

Lipstick, because that’s sure to wipe off with your first kiss as bride and groom and all that champagne you’ll be sure to drink. It will help to have that close by for any touchups you might need. 

Blotting papers can help to get rid of the shine without adding extra makeup that can get all over your dress. They’ll get rid of that shine on your face and keep you looking fresh all night long. Keep them in this cute little clutch.  

Tissues! You’ll need these and your husband to be might need these too. Tears will be shed, and having a little pack of tissues in your clutch will be sure to help. They’ll fit great in this little clutch. 

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your phone will fit in there. You’ll be taking selfies with everyone all night long, so you’ll want to keep it close. With phones getting bigger and bigger as the years go by, it might be tough to find a clutch it will fit into, but here are a few options that might work for you on your big day.  

You’ll be sure to be the only one with this bag because you are the only one saying “I do!” Keep all of your little extras in here or in any of the other clutches available at Aleana’s Bridal. 

Royal Wedding Dresses

/in , /by

Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement just a few days ago, it’s all anyone can talk about. We’ve already seen the ring and we know where the wedding will be, but what will the dress be like? We’re expecting nothing short of fabulous for the famous actress turned future princess. She’s living every girl’s dream. So, in honor of the future royal wedding, we’re sharing some of our favorite dresses from past royal weddings and some fabulous dresses you can wear to feel like a princess on your wedding day, too!  

Marie Chantal’s custom Valentino gown is a dress made for a princess, literally. The silk gown was encrusted with pearls and featured gorgeous Chantilly lace along the train. Although the wedding was over 20 years ago, the dress would still make statements today with the long lace sleeves and high neckline.  

Princess Madeleine wed her prince in an off the shoulder cap sleeved Valentino gown. If you still want some coverage, but not too much, a capped sleeve is a great option. If you still feel it’s too much, a lower neckline could take a gown like this to the next level.  

The sleeves are a bit longer, but this top is pretty similar to Princess Madeleine’s. The neckline is also a bit lower, showing a bit more shoulder than the Princess, but still just as stunning.  

To feel like a princess, you’ve got to dress like one. That doesn’t mean a big ball gown, either. It means whichever dress you feel like the greatest in. It could have sleeves and be a big ball gown, or it could be strapless and form-fitting. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to be a princess on your wedding day. 

All of these dresses, and so much more, are available at Aleana’s Bridal!  

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 3)

/in /by

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