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Wedding Cakes

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The whole point of a wedding cake is, of course, to eat it and enjoy the sugary sweetness. But these colorful cakes are so gorgeous, that it seems like a crime to cut into them. You could look online at wedding cakes or look in old family photos for cake ideas, especially if you want to carry on a tradition.

White and pastels are no longer the only colors used to celebrate a new marriage. Bold, bright colors are increasingly being chosen over more traditional color palettes, and the aesthetic is transferring over to bold, colorful wedding cakes. Add pretty blooms to make them the perfect accessory for your wedding cake. Starting either at the top or near the top of the cake, the flowers cascade down the sides in a smooth curve or spiral.

You can also add a bit of a boho feel to your wedding cake at your bohemian themed wedding. Get a colorful cake with maybe gold piping, quilting, fondant embellishments, and beautiful flowers. Fresh raspberries and roses add a hint of jewel-toned color to the soft color palette, accented with overflowing floral arrangements in delicate pink and blush. Summer roses, ruffled peonies, and bright tulips also add a lovely texture to the tone on tone arrangements at your wedding.

If you’re envisioning a country style wedding, not a fan of colors and are looking for a greater impact, bet on a naked design. Just delicious! Rustic wedding cakes can add a chic touch to your wedding giving it a natural charm. Your wedding cake can also be rustic by adding some color; some fresh flowers in complementary colors (always harmonious with the style of your wedding) can be ideal.

Tip: 

  • Adding fresh berries and fruit to a cake can turn it into both an art and a dessert. Sponge cakes make this easy and can keep down the costs for you.
  • Plan well in advance. Tell the baker how many people the cake has to serve. The more guests, the larger the cake needed.

This article brought to you by Aleanas Bridal, Paramus, New Jersey

 

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.

How to maintain your manners: Proper wedding etiquette (Part 4)

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Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 first

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

So what makes the best manners?  MINDFULNESS.  The best manners come from the mindful person who is very aware of themselves and their surroundings, other people and the environment.

 

Etiquette stems from common courtesy, sense, and social graces, such as: When entering or leaving the room, going into or out of bathrooms, etc., hold the door open for the next person.  Be conscious of staying silent during speeches and announcements and be aware of the alcohol you are consuming and always practice sophisticated self-control.

 

The most important rule of etiquette in attending a wedding event is to enjoy the day in a classy manner and bringing your most lofty, positive energy.  The bride and groom planned this special day in celebration of a jovial affair and took their guests’ comfort and entertainment into heavy consideration.  Be respectful, be polite and be on your way to being a stellar guest…one who contributes to the memories being made, and to the pages in the storybook that makes the bride’s dreams complete.

And don’t forget to bring the most important thing along with you, wrapped up in your own aura and expanded into those of others around you: L O V E.

 

 

 

Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping: The Ultimate Guide

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Your daughter is going to look drop dead gorgeous on her big day—that’s a given. Now let’s focus on you! Similar to your daughter you have dreamed of this day for a long time as well. In past years, “mother of the bride” has meant frumpy gowns and dress suits. With many modern moms keeping up with the latest fashion trends, this is no longer. There are loads of options for Mother of the Bride gowns at Aleana’s Bridal and we are about to show you a few of our best!

If you prefer a soft and sophisticated look this chic A-line gown is perfection! With lace cap sleeves and an intricate hand beaded bodice that cleverly disguises your waistline, with its beautifully ruched chiffon empire waist. This dress is one of our absolute favorites because it can be worn in any season.

Is your daughter having an outdoors spring or summer wedding? This gown is your best match with its light chiffon fabric, and wide lace shoulder straps. Not to mention its moveable draping style makes for a fabulous night of dancing. If you would like to highlight your arms and collar bone this dress is more than ideal.

Looking for that extra glam-look? This exquisite gown is made out of taffeta which is more structured. Featuring hand-beaded appliques with a matching embroidered bolero to cover your arms while still maintaining style. If the wedding is in the fall or winter this is flawless with its fantastic color and elegant draped skirt.

 Have you always pictured yourself at your daughter’s wedding looking absolutely stunning? If so, this is your dress. Being one of our best-selling dresses for the Mother-of-the-Bride at our store this chiffon A-line gown has never disappointed. With its hand beaded lace bodice featuring an asymmetrical waist and illusion keyhole back.

Are you searching for a more modest and elegant look? Ultimately this gown is made just for that! With its lace elbow-length sleeves along with its side gathered skirt and sweep train. A touch of hand-beaded motif on the dropped waistline gives this gown the perfect touch. Light chiffon fabric typically calls for a spring or summer wedding but this can also be versatile with a fall or winter wedding as well.

Embrace your curves! If you have a gorgeous hourglass figure highlight that asset with this softly draped gown. Elegant hand-beaded elbow-length sleeves, paired with a side draped skirt which softens the hips. Suitable for any fashion forward Mother of the Bride.

Don’t get discouraged if you are petite! That just means you have to explore what works the best for your body. We suggest a highwasited gown with lighter beading to highlight your smaller frame. This number is made with mainly lace and tulle, featuring a beautiful slight cap sleeve, and a crisscross sweetheart bodice.

Having difficulty finding a gown that suits your style or personality? If so, Custom-Made is always an option here at Aleana’s Bridal.

To schedule a consultation call us at: 201-444-1500.

Reference: Montage by Mon Cheri 

Wedding Shoe Ideas You’ll Love

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Still need to find your wedding shoes for your big day? Whether you plan to rock a pair of bedazzled stilettos or want to keep your look chic with fabulous flats, here you will be able to start getting inspired with some of our favorite styles!

1. Lace 

Feminine and flirty lace is the perfect finishing detail to a romantic bridal look. If you are looking for a more modernized shoe, try a pair of lace peep-toe heels or booties. Lace heels will go fantastic with any season your wedding happens to fall in.

2. Metallics 

Spice up your glam factor and sparkle with chic metallics. Gold and silver metallic heels are sleek and modern, while elevating your style. For the modern bride with a modern gown these shoes are more than ideal.

3. Something Different 

Play with unexpected color to show off your fun and vibrant side. Try bold mint or electric blue, this will make a statement and pop in your wedding photos! This shoe is perfect for an outdoor wedding preferably during the spring and summer.

4. Bedazzled 

 Looking for that extra wow factor? A little bit of bedazzle will go a long way. A pair of shimmering shoes polishes off an already glamorous gown. Bedazzled shoes will go best with that happily ever after castle venue where your wedding will be held.

5. Cutouts 

Forget glitter and lace- shoes with intricate cutouts, and textured designs will be sure to catch everyone’s eye! These shoes are excellent for a spring or summer wedding because of their breathable cutouts.

6. Fabulous Flats

You can still look gorgeous while wearing a pair of comfy flats. With a limitless selection from sleek, pointed toe, to crochet flats. Having amazing style does not have to come with pain. Finally, fabulous flats are amazing for the bride who is ready to dance the night away on her big day!

Reference:  Pictures credit to Paradox London

Shoes available for a purchase at Aleana’s Bridal. 

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 4)

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

Dazzling Diamonds: Wear diamonds as your jewelry, or incorporate them into accessories and even the décor around the venue.  Diamonds conjure up magical visions of ice crystals…perfect for your winter wedding “personality”. 

Coats?…✓Check!:  Make sure your venue has a coat check, as nobody wants to lug around a bulky coat or even a wet one, from any wintery weather mix of snow, sleet, or icy rain.  Also, have a fancy coat and layering clothing pieces for over your wedding gown when shooting photos outside.

WINTER WHIMSY

Hot Kisses: How about renting a photo booth for the night dressed up in mistletoe?  Let the guests take pictures inside the booth with mistletoe backdrops on top of their heads as the custom set portrait to be taken in the booth…they will have no choice but to pose properly with sharing a kiss.

Dashing through the Snow: If you wished for snow on your wedding day and you got lucky with a full blanket of it (or a full on blizzard!), then your beautiful backdrop is set.  But if the snow just won’t come to you, rent a snow machine and create your own winter wonderland.  Let the décor of your reception speak the language of winter…maybe carved-out-of-ice designs and a martini luge can help in setting the wintery mood.

 Welcome to wonderland

If you’re a couple who are thinking of tying the knot as the snow starts to fall.. Create a scene of what winter means to you, and take those elements and draw from the inspiration to use for creating your own memorable, winter wonderland wedding.

Hot cocoa…a blazing fireplace that roars with warmth…cozy candelight nights & crisp air days… all add a touch of enchantment that peak wedding season just doesn’t offer.  Whether you have striking memories connected with the winter season, and want to associate your big day with it… or you just love the sparkle of the season…there’s a certain charm to a winter wedding that just can’t be denied, nor can be achieved in the spring or summer.

 

 Marrying on a snowy night in December (or any freezing night of winter!) proposes an esthetic landscape that will absorb you & your jolly guests into it, leading you well on your way to a sparkling, whimsical, wintery wedding of wonderful…This magic of the season simply lends to a different kind of wedding magic. 

“When we say goodbye December

Merry bells no longer chime

We’ll remember once upon a wintertime”…. And your guests will leave wonderstruck from exiting the pages of your fairytale storybook of your winter wedding to be remembered forever.

 

No matter how chilly it is outside, your wedding will be glowing and gleaming warm with love….

Why? Because…

“LOVE THAWS”- Disney’s Frozen.

“Only an act of true love

Can thaw a frozen heart.”

DISNEY’S FROZEN. 

 

How to maintain your manners: Proper wedding etiquette (Part 2)

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

Read Part 1 first

* If you choose to bring a guest along, make sure it is an appropriate choice.  Leave the wallflower and sulky date at home who will hinder your spirit as you shine on the dance floor…or the guy with an unpredictable behavioral pattern who tends to have a flared temper after too many shots of whiskey.  Leave him at home.  Better yet, what are you doing even being involved with these types of people to begin with?!?  Go alone and be free of the burden of entertaining a date all night.  You will have a much better time and be able to engage the people you truly care about as well as having a better opportunity for catching up with the ones you have been looking forward to seeing.

And if you weren’t invited with a guest, do NOT show up with one nor ask the bride or groom to make an exception just for you to bring somebody along. This puts them in an awkward position.  Once again, their day, not yours!

“No bringing uninvited guests” rule can imply children.  Respect an adult-only wedding if that’s what the married couple wishes.  And if children are invited, please take responsibility that they remain on their best behavior.  Example: crying during vows.  Solution: Remove yourself and bring them away from the scene…FAR AWAY…!!!

* Send a gift when you are unable to attend the wedding, (and be sure to RSVP by the correct date so the bride and groom are aware!).  Proper etiquette dictates that if you were invited, you owe the couple a gift, despite your actual presence at the wedding or not.

Let the registry be your first shopping source to purchase a gift from.  If not, make sure your gift is thoughtful and personable specifically for the couple.

* Don’t just show up for the reception and skip out on the ceremony.  The ceremony is the most significant part of all.   It’s in poor taste to be seen downing drinks at the open bar without first making all efforts to attend the main event.

 

* Don’t be late!  Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the ceremony on time.

 

Traffic jam…when you’re already late?  Then watch from afar.  Stand in the back or slip quietly in a back row if the ceremony has already begun by the time you arrive.

Continue with Part 3

 

Perfect Custom Wedding Dress (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

 

Keep in mind that this dress is being made for your body. If you plan on losing weight, plan accordingly. Depending on the amount of fabric and detailing involved, altering the gown could get complicated if your weight will change drastically. It is recommended that you have a minimum of three fittings to ensure a great fit. The key points in a garment fitting would be to understand how you want your dress to look and feel. This includes proportion, balance and the focal point. If you are trying to highlight one area, but hide another, this is taken into consideration so the designer can appropriately fit you. Balance is important to make sure your proportional and the dress compliments your body. The focal point on your dress draws the onlooker’s eye. This can be an embellishment, a pop of color, or pretty much any unique accent. From the focal point, the flow of the garment is important. This is where the eye travels to next. Having a garment that doesn’t flow nicely will be quite unpleasing to the eye. Bridal gown needs to have a rhythm, the flow of the garment from the focal point on. The focal point doesn’t necessarily need to be on the dress. It can be the accessories such as jewelry, a train on the gown, the belt, gloves or even a head piece.

The first actual fitting focuses on the silhouette of the gown. A mock dress made of muslin is created for fitting purposes. Once this is approved and fabrics and colors are selected, the actual gown process begins. At the second fitting, the gown, depending on detail, will be close to finished, but not completed yet. Here you will try on the gown and any changes will be documented for final production. The last and final fitting is where the gown you’ve waited so long for is finally complete. Remember to watch your weight during the custom process. Losing too much could be a big problem especially if your gown involves a lot of embellishments. At the same time, gaining weight is equally problematic as the fabric has been cut and the dress has been constructed. It is nearly impossible to add fabric at this stage. Maintaining your weight or at least only losing a few pounds from the first fitting to the last is recommended. At your last fitting, you will have the final product. All the imagining you’ve had to do will be over and your one of a kind gown will be ready for you to take home. Your wedding is now around the corner. Congratulations!

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

Perfect Custom Wedding Dress (Part 1)

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So you’ve decided to start the search for the perfect wedding gown. During first few appointments you felt exciting, after you realized how exhausting it is. With all of the different styles and silhouettes it seems as though you’ll never find the exact dress you want. Don’t fret. Rather than spending what seems like centuries browsing racks and trying on yet another ball gown, consider custom made. The beauty of custom made gowns is simple; it’s made just for you. It is a one of a kind. You might have liked the bodice on the first dress you tried on but hated the skirt. At the same time you would have preferred a different neckline. To confuse yourself even more, you really like the belt from the 7th dress but wish it had the colored ribbon like the 13th gown. Stressful! By going the custom route, you’re instantly put at ease knowing you can have all that you wanted made especially for you.

The initial consultation is where you will tell the designer everything you want. This is the time to bring pictures and your imagination. Most people get a bit nervous at this point because they don’t actually have anything concrete to see and feel. Have faith! Remember this is going to be everything that you want; a one of a kind. Once you explain your vision to the designer and you both decide what your gown will look like, a sketch will be drawn. Having this visual will make you a bit more comfortable. White or ivory? Lace and/or beading? Train or no train?  After the sketch is drawn it is time to discuss detailing and fabric. All fabrics have unique qualities that benefit the wearer. For instance, chiffon is light and airy, perfect for warm weather or outside weddings. Other fabrics are ideal for holding in the body and flattering the figure. Be sure to share any concerns you have with the designer so that the designer can recommend the appropriate fabrics.

Continue with Part 2

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

10 Iconic Brides and Bridal Gowns (Part 1)

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

By Jaclyn Ianetti

The times may have changed, but classic dress trends do remain to exist.  The fashion world has seen some

incredible gowns on the runway in the past few decades and think they are as timeless as they get.

Lets take a look at some of the most iconic and memorable wedding dresses ever worn by shining the spotlight on some stars in their break-through bridal roles who are oh-so deserving of their classic, timeless, gush-worthy dresses.

 

Audrey Hepburn

 

She played a water sprite in a 1954 Broadway production of Ondine, then chose a decidedly elfin tea-length, chiffon-sleeved Balmain for her wedding to co-star Mel Ferrer later that year.  A wreath of fresh flowers is what really gave her wedding look an ethereal and magical effect.

Jackie O

(Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis )

 

The fashion icon and future first lady wore a voluminous ivory silk taffeta gown by the designer Ann Lowe when she married John F. Kennedy in 1953.  A portrait neckline and a wide, embellished skirt emphasized Jackie’s small waist…and an heirloom lace veil, which originally belonged to her grandmother, completed the super-romantic ensemble.

Caroline Kennedy 

It should come as no surprise that Caroline Kennedy’s 1986 wedding to Edwin Schlossberg was a stylish affair…her planner was none other than her mother, Jackie Kennedy Onassis.  In a white silk organza gown with a 25-foot train, the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy tied the knot near Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

 

Elizabeth Taylor

In 1950, Liz Taylor took her first trip (of seven! …Lucky number seven?) down the aisle, marrying hotel heir Conrad “Nicky” Hilton in Hollywood (Paris and Nicky‘s great uncle).  Her 1950’s silk silhouette, basque-waisted gown cost a then-staggering $1,500 (almost $14,000 in today’s dollars) to make and was a gift from her studio, MGM.

Continue with Part 2

 

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