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Customize your Wedding Dress

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Here at Aleana’s Bridal, we have over 400 wedding dresses. We get new styles in every season, so you’ll always be sure to find something fashionable in stock. Some of our dresses are simple and perfect for your destination wedding. Some gowns go all out with sparkle and bling and others fall in between. From classic a-line to the biggest ball gown you can imagine, we’ve got it all.  

But, what if you still can’t find the one? What if you have found your perfect style, but nothing feels quite right? Well, you do have a few other options. One is that you could purchase a bridal dress and get it customized. You could add some extra bling or create your own belt. You could also get layers removed or added if the dress is too poofy or not poofy enough. If you wanted sleeves or straps but your dress doesn’t have any, you could get that customized as well. The options are pretty much endless.  

Still, after talking about customization on an already made bridal dress, what if you’re still not convinced? Then you might want to consider getting a completely custom dress made. This isn’t an option for everyone, but it may be perfect for you. For some, this might be a bit scary because you don’t quite know what the end product will be, but you shouldn’t be scared if you trust your designer. At Aleana’s Bridal, every custom dress we make is overseen step by step by Lana. You also oversee every step, so you can customize every step of the way and if something doesn’t feel quite right, you’re there to figure out what to do next! 

If creating a custom gown is what you’re looking for on your wedding day, stop by Aleana’s Bridal! We’re more than happy to help you make the dress of your dreams. 

Chocoholic Wedding

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Are you both total chocoholics?  Then why are you looking at vanilla cakes?  Just because white cakes are the most traditional wedding cake doesn’t mean you need to serve them at your wedding.

Here are a few ways to incorporate chocolate in your wedding.

1. Chocolate candy table –

It might not be a good idea for a venue that gets some serious sunshine, but a hint of chocolate in your decorations might mean a few more or your guests stop to smell the roses. Think about having a candy bar filled with a variety of treats that can be made from chocolate. Think sweet starfish and seashells for a beach-side celebration (just be sure not to set a display of chocolate favors out in the sun), or a chic mix of white-and-dark chocolate treats for an indoor wedding. There are uncountable things to add to your chocolate table such as milk chocolate covered malt balls, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate covered almond toffee bites and milk chocolate covered caramel popcorn’s just to name a few. These could be put in cute little candy jars next to scrumptious hot chocolate drinks for the younger ones to relish – best for winter weddings. For the adults, these chocolate drinks can come with a twist. Such as combining chocolate ice cream with alcohol and turning it into a shake.

2. Chocolate cupcakes –

A big wedding cake isn’t a must. Find a baker that specializes in creating awesome cupcake inspired displays for your wedding. Chocolate wedding cupcakes can be just as chic and glamorous. Whip up a batch of chocolate infused offerings and have them as your centerpiece. You could also go for ooey gooey creations; with center filled caramel or peanut butter. These chocolate confections are going to be so rich and decadent.

3. Chocolate fountain –

If your wedding reception is just for a small group only, you should have the personal chocolate fountain. It isn’t much, but it would still be an additional fun for the wedding reception. For any cocoa-crazy bride this is an absolute necessity, and is sure to get your friends and family talking. You can skewer dried and fresh fruits to give it a surprising appearance and a more exciting effect. Strawberries with prunes and grapes are also often used too.

Sliced cakes or crackers would also a fine addition. If you mixed the colors well then they will add more to the decoration and create and all-round colorful effect. Marshmallows are a plus. It is the next best thing paired to chocolates. Other dipping’s may include pretzels, cookies and bread pieces.

There are several flavors for chocolate fountains to choose from, in case you want to add extra taste to your chocolates. If you expect that most of your guests are diet conscious, you can also request to have an additive to maintain the sweetness but lower the calories or sugar content. This way, your guests can still enjoy the chocolate fountain in a healthy way.

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

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.

Modern Purity Wedding Trend

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Wedding Gowns Trend

The second theme seen on the runways this year was Modern Purity.

Delicate, transparent and sheer sheath wedding dresses appeared in understated patterned silk and lace. Perfect for the elegant bride, these shoulders are revealed with contrasting lace. It’s the perfect silhouette for the tall and lean bride.

The wedding dresses featured graphic lace over ivory Imperial crepe. Their sweetheart neckline is accented perfectly with sexy spaghetti straps. The back zips up under pearl buttons and flows perfectly into a sleek chapel train.

Halter tops complete an elegant, embellished gown. Silk dresses were also seen covered in fine sequins and lurex threads. Soft silk satins drape around the female form for an understated look. What more would you want? Dresses available at our store in charmeuse, lace, organza, satin and silk.

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

Hollywood Style – S/S 2017 Trend Part 3

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Wedding Gowns Trend S/S 2017

Read Part 1 & 2 first.

The Third theme seen on the runways this year was Hollywood Style.

Mermaid and Trumpet shapes are given the Hollywood treatment with layers of froth tulle and silk, neatly cut and billowing from under the thigh to accentuate the female form.

Exposed shoulders are sculpted with discreet beaded details and dresses subtly slashed and covered in flowers and petals.

Handcrafted materials are key for this trend with intricately embellished 3D elements and delicate beading on sheer wisps of silk.

We have wedding dresses that have off-the-shoulder embroidered lace appliqués, tulle and organza over satin trumpet gowns with illusion lace cap sleeves, deep sweetheart neckline, and illusion lace low back bodice with crystal button closures. Give us a call and come visit our store to see our collection.

Pronovias prosa David-Tutera--Style-Lita-116224 pronovias tibet

Left to right – Pronovias Prosa, David Tutera 116224 and Pronovias Tibet

Available in ivory, off white and champagne lace and tulle.

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

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.

 

 

 

How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 3)

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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

 

 

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

 

Bridal Gown Spotlight (Part 3)

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

Read first Part 1 and Part 2

 

Gypsy Princess

To stand out as a bride, wear a tiara…or an exclusive, hand-made flower hippie headband to be placed upon your crown…bohemian beautiful.

  REVIEW

It’s all about adding & accessorizing withoutbeing tacky.

 Adding some color :  A wedding dress does not have to be one plain color.  Sometimes adding a splash of color can make your dress stand out of the crowd.  By adding color to your wedding dress, you are making your dress unique and giving it your own style.

Adding a ribbon on the waist can show off your curves and your individuality.  Use the colors of your bridesmaid’s dresses as a clue to the right color, and you will look wonderful together.  Your train could also include a little bit of this color.  Adding a color can be done anywhere including in your hair, with the bouquet, or many other options.  This option is a very modern idea and can translate into some very beautiful pictures. 

 Accessories: A bride’s wedding look is not just about the dress.  The dress is not complete without some accessories.  These can include your hairpiece, bouquet and shoes.  For your hair, you can choose to go with a simple veil, or try something like a crown.  Your shoes complete your look.  If your wedding is on the beach, do not be afraid to go barefoot or in sandals.  The best way to keep your look unique is to have fun and remember that this is your day and you make the rules.  If you want to add accessories to the dress itself, you can add bows, buttons, or other embellishments to the dress.

Unique add-ons to your dress will make the dress seem more like your own. Every bride should have a wedding dress that makes her feel beautiful, but also reflects her own style.  Add or subtract sleeves, add color, and do not forget some accessories and you will have a wedding day look that everyone will remember.

(Refer to article “Love your Body” Brides by body-type : what’s your aisle style? For a detailed dress guide & more gown inspiration). 

 

Best Couple Activities (Part 4)

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

Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 first

 

MISCELLANEOUS MUSINGS

* Go to the beach and build a sand castle.  Bring a spade, shovel, & pale for the sand.

* Locate volunteer work you can do together and just go do it.  You both will be rewarded with an inner peace afterwards.

* Return together at the site of where you first met or where you spent time together early in your relationship.  Talk about your memories and then repeat something you did then.

* Do some research and compile your family trees.  Share with each other what you found, what it was like to compile, and how you feel.  Tell about any new information you learned about your family.

* Take a class, workshop, lecture… about something neither knows anything about.  You can even pretend you don’t know each other during the class, gradually getting acquainted through out the length of the class.  Go out on dates after class and make what you learned the your topic of discussion.

* Make a fire in an outdoor fire pit somewhere and make s’mores and roast some marshmallows.

Poetic Souls…Buy a book of poetry and read to each other every day at breakfast.  Buy a novel you both want to read and take turns reading it aloud at night before bed.

*Hooked on each other?…play hooky.  Every so often, tell your boss you have a doctor’s appointment, and have your husband do the same.  Share a lazy day in together or go out and do whatever you both feel like doing.  Put choices in a hat and take a pick…the winner calls the shot on what you have in mind and what you will be doing for the rest of the evening.

 Mark the moment.  Special occasions and spontaneous activities are sometimes a rare event.  Expand on the idea with a game: Every time you have a married “first”…file a joint tax return, country traveled to, paint the bathroom…celebrate by doing something fun together that you both love.  This two-time activity deal will keep you racking up more and more activities throughout your union, soon you’ll really feel like newlyweds for life.

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