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The Perfect Castle Wedding Gowns

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Imagine the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were a little girl: your wedding day. You’ve been dreaming of your fairytale wedding for as long as you can remember. You’ve always wanted to be a princess, and where does every princess get married? A castle, of course. There are so many elegant castles to choose from around the world for your wedding day to make you feel like a true princess. There are even many in the U.S., which means you don’t have to travel across the pond!

A castle wedding venue means there are so many different options for your dress. Any silhouette and fabric that works for you can be yours. Unless you choose to get married with the castle as your backdrop, you won’t need to worry about sand, dirt, or water getting on your dress, because you’ll be indoors. So, if you really want to feel like the princess of the castle, here are some suggestions to get you started:

A silk or satin ball gown is the perfect statement for your fairytale wedding. Satin gowns are elegant and regal to make you look and feel like a true princess.

Sottero and Midgley

If satin really isn’t your style and you’re looking for something a little more lightweight, look for something with tulle or organza. You can still get that princess look without all of the added weight.

Pronovias

This style is perfect if you want to channel Princess Kate on your fairytale wedding day. The sleeves are a bit more conservative, but add a touch of elegance you might not find in a sleeveless gown.

If a ball gown really isn’t your style, there are plenty of other styles that will still bring out your inner princess. From A-line to fit and flare to two-in-ones, the options are endless.

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

Bridesmaid Dresses

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Be Creative and have some Fun: Customized Bridesmaid Dresses

Is it a hard choice to decide what to pick off the rack? Then make things easier for yourself. The good news is you can now create and personalize bridesmaid dresses of your choice! Add your style, color and size on Dessy, an online store that offers a wide range of premium dresses. You dream and design it, let us know or come to us and we will make it come true. Whether you have a design in mind or are looking for styling advice we will work together to create your unique made to measure gown.

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 Collection Style: 2964

Punch up a rosy color palette! Pink does not always have to be girly. Since pink is soft and airy, it’s not much of a stretch from white and still works. So, forget matchy-matchy and outfit your friends in these gorgeous crepe dresses that are available in a range of complementary colors. Trust me, they are utterly ladylike and give off an air of whimsy.

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Collection Style: 2949 & 2941

Green is an ideal hue to wear from day to evening events. The best thing about the green trend is that it can flatter literally everyone, regardless of skin tone, hair and eye color, and one’s personal style. All green shades can be ideally styled with earth shade colors, including brown, sandy, grey, etc. For example, style it with nude pumps or skinny sandals with no accessories and jewelries on, let everyone’s attention on your dress. But obviously not from the bride’s. Go for the short or full length strapless soft tulle dress w/ asymmetrical fleur embroidery applique detail at bodice and hip, or the full length pleated lux chiffon halter dress.

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Collection Style: 2956

More of the playful type? Build a mix and match bridesmaid dress of your own. Magenta! Yellow! Blue! They can do wonders to liven up a look. Choose the hues that work with each other and your dress will look smashing! Every color has a complimentary color. Black and white, for instance, are complimentary colors. That’s why they look so great together. You know, “opposites attract”. That whole thing. Customize your own full length strapless lux chiffon dress w/ sweetheart neckline draped bodice and skirt NOWWWW!

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

Fun Photo Prop Wedding Photo Ideas

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Photo props come in all shapes and sizes. Best prepared in advance to capture specific shots, you can have a blast improvising with different shots!

 Use affection and love! Use the symbol that has been recognized across cultures as the symbol of love and joy. The hands and hearts make for a perfectly romantic wedding photo.

 Make use of an old parasol that your aunt once gifted to protect you from sun burns. Put a word or two of your choice on it, and protect your love by posing the way you wish under the same parasol.

Pose along with your life partner by using a DIY vintage chalkboard as a prop in your gorgeous fit and flare wedding dress of your choice, available right here at our store in Paramus, NJ or our website. Make memories by including a few custom messages for your guests and photo album.

Capture a dreamy and secretive smooch in your lovely gown beneath your beautiful veil, customized by us just the way you want. You could also snap a look of love beneath a halo of golden leaves during the fall.

Get swept off your feet by the love of your life and disappear into the sunset.

Capture the unbreakable bond between you and your fur baby by including them in your wedding photographs to have a super special puppy licious keepsake!

Want to look like a princess and make your pictures stand out on your big day? Then stop by us and purchase the latest and trendiest designer wedding gown of your choice available in lace, tulle, satin and many more, here at our store in Paramus, NJ.

This article brought to you by 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 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.

 

How to shop for a wedding dress (Part 3)

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

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

You should be clear from the start about what you know for sure you do not want.  But the whole point of the matter is to not be afraid to try on styles you might not have previously considered to be one of your options.

You may just surprise yourself about what you like and what your taste is…so if something catches your eye, or somebody surrounding you strongly suggests something, just try it on.  It can’t hurt…and it can help a whole lot!  And some of the most amazing dresses can even look awful on the hanger, but once you try it on your actual body…it can be a whole new story.

Make sure you really get what you want, but you have to try on different styles to get to this point so that by the time you try on “The One,” you will truly know for sure.

 

*Don’t deny your dignity….ever.  If you ever feel uncomfortable or like your feelings are being ignored, then you owe it to yourself to say no and leave the appointment.  Don’t ever let others’ stressful statements or energy affect you and escalate to an intensely stressful level.  To avoid stress, listen to the advice of the shop assistant and use their expertise and knowledge to the extent you wish to use it, and never take it further than what you feel comfortable with.

Be clear and honest about who you are, and what you want and what you don’t want.

 

*Look back and keep track….let your camera (or camera phone) tag along into the dressing room with you.  Having pictures of different dresses can help you remember all of what you tried on….and you could post some of your faves on your vision bridal board I referred to in the previous article.  It will enable you to keep record on your bridal soul search journey towards your perfect gown.

(Do make sure with the shop that you are allowed to do this beforehand, as some stores may simply refuse to let you and restrict this in their policy for further reasons).

 

*Another “techie tip”: Utilize technology by incorporating video calling apps on your phone or iPad, such as FaceTime or Skype, into your dress shopping experience…especially to send and show to family members or friends who are not present at the time so you can receive instant feedback from them.

Read Part 4 next

 

How to choose your wedding menu (Part 4)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.

Read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 first

Menu Muse

Try to reflect the mood of your day in your choice of food to give a sense of continuity.  Delicate foods such as olives, cheeses, & tarts would suit a sophisticated wedding well, whereas comfort foods and doughnuts would fit more appropriately for a more casual, relaxed wedding.

Your food, or some of your food at least, should co-exist with your theme of the wedding.  Mermaid summer theme?  Seashell shaped cookies on the dessert table.  Disney princess wedding? Pick something creative to do with apples (Snow White)…just nothing poisonous!

Is your Wedding on Valentines Day?  Heart shaped cut out cupcakes.  You get the picture…. Check out Pinterest’s platform to serve as your Menu Muse.

Magazines, cookbooks, and even restaurant menus can provide additional ideas.  Write it all down or tear out pages to save for future reference.  If you choose a caterer, they will also offer suggestions and their professional opinion of what flavors compliment each other and what will subtly go well together for your overall food choices.

 

between courses…especially if your wedding is in the summer months because this will help really cool people off…and believe me, the dancers will appreciate!

 

You could also have your choice of mini sweets or candies to be passed out at the last minutes of the night before it comes to a close.

 

End the night on a sweet note to really enchant your audience of guests.

 Sense the Taste

Smooth & Scrumptious….Taste is one of five (or six, for the more intuitively gifted!) of our very strong senses of which we use to relate to the world and to others.  We all bond over food, as food is a common thread that has the power to connect, as well as heal us.

 

Let whatever inspires you, guide you.  Work closely with a chef to compose a menu that will be realistic and memorably exceptional to creating your wedding day dream menu.  The goal is to diversify the menu to provide your guests with a wide array of choices.   You want them to leave comfortably satisfied and…ful filled.

Reflect yourselves in the food by picking your favorite flavors from your culture or favorite country to be incorporated so that your wedding guests will think of you and remember these tastes you created in one of their distinctive senses long after your wedding.

 

How to choose your wedding menu (Part 3)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

 

Balanced vs. “Bloated or Barren”

Never leave guests for more than two-three hours without food at a maximum (This is also the key to avoid dreaded drunken behavior on behalf of anybody).  Equally to this point, you don’t want to overdo it and overfill your guests, either.  If guests are bloated from an enormous meal, this may prevent them from moving on the dance floor afterwards…and obviously, you’ll want your dance floor to be an active gathering of fun souls, not an empty space of deadbeat energy.  If the main course is going to be the heaviest, then opt for a lighter starter or dessert so nobody is overloaded.  It’s important to line your guests’ stomachs, especially if you’re hosting a booze-filled reception, but no need to stuff them.  No bride and groom want their guests leaving with a stomachache.  Opt for Satisfied vs. Stuffed!

 

Exotically Enhance and Enchant

Any venue should be able to provide you with an impressive list of possible add-ons to enhance your menu.  You might decide as an effort to keep the boundaries of your budget in line to limit your menu to just one or two enhancements.

 

Creative Tip: Have ice push-pops as a cooling snack to be served to the dancers on the dance floor in Other Considerations

If you have quite the party crew who will be dancing into the early hours, then it will be a great idea to lay on extra food towards the end…which can also mean and lead to breakfast… if the party is long enough.

 

Seasonal Savory: Consider the season as this affects choosing available ingredients that are in season while improving the overall taste of each dish.  It also determines which dishes you will be serving.  You don’t want to pass out hot soups and casseroles in hot, sunny, summery weather as well as “cold” dishes, such as salads and shrimp, may not be what people crave during colder months.

 

Are you an extra-considerate couple?  Send your “Save the Dates”/ invites out with an added notation that simply states for people to personally contact you with any food allergies that they have so that you know well in advance before choosing your meal plans.  How thoughtful & considerably cute of you!

 

Read Part 4 last

 

How to enjoy bridal gown shopping (Part 1)

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By Jaclyn Ianetti

 Bridal Gown…Check! ✓

Doesn’t that look…and sound…a whole lot like how a “chore” would?  Instead of treating your dress as a chore to be checked off your “To-Do List,” embrace it as an experience to be enjoyed.  After all, your dress is the one thing that shouldn’t feel like a job hunt on your bridal journey in preparing for your wedding.

You want to enjoy your bridal dress shopping experience.  When you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work (as this same rule applies to many situations in life).

To make this into one of the most pleasurable experiences of your lifetime… instead of painful, dreadful, and drawing tear drops down your eyes…get your mind in the right place first.

 

*When we’re rushing…especially with shopping…we will just buy anything for the sake of getting it done and checking off that “To-do” list.  Think of when you rush to the mall to buy a last minute gift for somebody you love.  It proposes more of a risk in buying just about anything at all, just to have something, whether personal or meaningful or not.  This is where the sincerity loses touch…and you want to know why?  Because you’re not in the present moment!  When you’re fully in the present moment, you’re more in touch with yourself as well as with others.  And you need to be FULLY in touch with yourself to attract what best suits you.   So keep that in mind as you focus on the journey of finding your perfect dress.  Mantra: “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

 

CREATE A BRIDAL VISION BOARD!! : Your wants and wishes

This helps put all your visions into perspective…your styles, your common themes, etc. into finding the core of style you are mostly leaning towards.  First off, think about what you want, and what you wish to look like.  Spend some time really considering and contemplating over all your options and strategically scan the bridal magazines.  Tear or print out the gowns you absolutely LOVE, and soon enough, your true style will stand out…and hopefully even a specific designer!

This vision board is designed to help you manifest your visions and creations, thus making your shopping experience easier because you will have a better clue as to what you truly want once you connect the dots to see a common theme.

Style the board first…then you can style the aisle in your most beloved dress.

Read Part 2 and Part 3 next

 

How to enjoy bridal gown shopping (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

STYLE YOUR SELF : Signature Style

Let’s face it, there are an overwhelming variety of styles to choose from, and when is the last time you ever worn anything even similar to a bridal gown in your life?  It’s not like you dress up like Cinderella in a white ball gown every Saturday night!  And the stress of purchasing the most expensive item of clothing you ever worn before adds to the all-around confusion.  That’s why I suggest simply starting with the vision board to use as your guide and for inspiration.

Princess styles, sleek silhouettes, mermaid fishtail gowns, lace and layers of tulle and taffeta reminiscent of a true fairytale gown, and vintage styles that channel a modern simplicity are all themes of styles you will find in a multitude of creations to choose from in your pile of tear-outs to add to your vision board.  You will start to see some stand out and tell tale signs of similarities that delineate your authentic style.

 

DESIGNER diva

Designers often have a trademark style that distinguishes them apart from others.  So once you have your epiphany of a certain style, you might also be able to see that one or few particular designers have stood out in your gown choices.  Identify your most favorite ones to keep an overwhelming confusion to a minimum level.  Even if you find that their creations are out of your budget, don’t despair…any bridal shop should be able to point you in the direction of similar styles that they carry themselves.

Boutiques & BUDGETS

Next up, where to shop?  

Finding a boutique can be tricky, but go with your gut feeling and the place that resonates with your overall energy.  No second stops at any place with pushy sales assistants, snooty staff or rushed appointments!  You can find better…and deserve to.

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

Read Part 3 next

 

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