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Choosing the Perfect Honeymoon

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Here are a few tips on Choosing the Perfect Place to Honeymoon

  • Pick a place – Start by writing down the top three or five places you and your fiancé want to visit. These could be places you’ll have always dreamed of going to, or places where you’ll want to take part in some fun activities such as scuba diving, mountain climbing or safari. Or are you itching to see a dozen museums? Or do you want to lie on a beach for a week?
  • Determine your Budget – Your budget solely depends on the destination you’ll have decided to visit. The tourism and stay in some cities or countries are expensive whereas some are not. For example, going to Australia or East Asia will be much more expensive than going to Europe or South America. If you are on a strict budget, consider going to a deluxe hotel in a big city near you for just one or two romantic nights.
  • Select a Time Frame – Once you’ll have decided which country to visit, determine which time of the year is suitable to visit it and vice versa. For example, if you only have a week in January, you probably don’t want to go to Russia or Japan because you’ll spend a lot of that time on a plane and you’ll be exposed to freezing cold temperatures while you are there. Instead, you might have more fun (and more time) in the Bahamas or somewhere else in the Caribbean. While some couples can only take a few days, others have planned on 2 weeks or more.
  • Make it Romantic and Memorable – Plan surprises. Pick a restaurant you know has your partner’s favorite dish, get some chocolates delivered to the room or organize a candle-lit dinner as a dinner surprise – the little things all matter on a honeymoon. Take lots of pictures – whether its secret shots of your partner caught in a candid moment or selfies together. The memories will help you re-live your honeymoon later.

Marriages should start out on the right foot, and there’s no better right foot than the perfect honeymoon that’s romantic, stress-free and unforgettable.

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

 

 

Customized and DIY Invitations

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Types of Wedding Invitations

There are so many ways to announce the big day to bring excitement. Whether it is customizing your invite, having your own DIY invites or sending it via e-mail – these invitations will be your guests’ introduction to your wedding. Your invitations will give your guests a glimpse of what your wedding day is going to be like, and should represent you and your fiancé’s vision for that special day.

Use bold colors and patterns if you’ve decided to customize the wedding invitations. Pick a bold shade which goes with your wedding theme and you could then select up to three complementary colors from your wedding palette to make your invite stand out from the crowd. For example, hot pink and aqua or plum and deep red go well together. Each color goes well with each season. If it’s a winter wedding, think about combining silver with white and if it’s a summer wedding, go with bright yellow and sunset orange. There are several websites that allow one to choose their style, color, monogram font and more.

If you have a tight budget and have decided to do it yourself by printing the cards at home, the cost of ink and paper will set you back a bit, especially if you swing for high-quality paper stock or heavily-saturated inks. Using your own machines (computer and printer) means making sure that they are working properly and in sync.

If you want to make it very interesting and fun, you could send your guests’ e-invites. Create and design them online and then share it with as many people as you want. Or, use the social network to spread the word and provide links. By doing it this way, you could also add features such as videos and animations, which won’t be possible if you are sending on via post.

For less formal weddings, the simplest and easiest way is definitely word of mouth. It may begin with “Please join us to celebrate,” or “We hope you will join us” just to name a few.

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

 

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

 

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.

 

The Beauty Behind Custom-Made Dresses

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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, it is 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 dress makers were the first that became known as the best needle workers in Europe. In 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 sleep wear 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.

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 choose your wedding menu (Part 1)

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By Jaclyn Ianetti

How do you choose the right meal menu for your guests to enjoy at your wedding?  Some of your guests may not be picky at all, while others may be vegetarians; your cousin is a vegan, your friend a diabetic, and so on.  It would be completely overwhelming trying to please everybody 100%, but you can get creative and choose a sensible menu made for all to avoid any complaints amongst guests.

 

This table guide from HubPages can prove to be very helpful, as it’s an excellent starting point for brainstorming possible considerations:

 

“Considerations for Planning a Wedding Reception”

  1. Buffet or sit-down dinner
  2. Finger foods or hearty fare
  3. Catered or cooked by relatives or friends
  4. Indoors or outdoors
  5. Any appropriate themes for cuisine, i.e. Polynesian, Southern BBQ, Coastal seafood, etc.
  6. Dietary restrictions (OR ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OF GUESTS)
  7. Mobility of your guests (elderly people may have a harder time at a buffet)
  8. Cultural traditions
  9. Cost
  10. Number of guests
  11. Time of day
  12. Decor (flowers, candles, ice sculptures, or whatever you fancy)
  13. Logistics of serving and/or buffet lines
  14. Beverage options
  15. Wedding cake and/or other dessert

(Found on: http://hubpages.com/hub/Wedding-Food)

 

A Memorable Mix-up

Between you and your beloved groom, you’ll want to incorporate your favorite dishes that hold a special significance, yet ones that also cater to the diverse appetites of your treasured guests.

Select comfort foods from your own “streams of consciousness” that take you on a stroll down memory lane: tastes that remind you of your most cherished, past dining experiences together.  Think of your favorite vacation spot restaurant, your favorite all-time restaurant in general, or a home-cooked meal that you two make together or one that symbolizes your grandmother’s traditional touches, etc.  Use these as a sentimental nod to some of your top-of-the-list foods.

Personal touches such as keeping these things in mind may go unnoticed by your guests, but at least you two will know where the inspiration came from…and their taste buds alone will celebrate along with you, since this is an opportunity to share something intimate with all of your guests.  Combine your culinary heritage, such as having an Indian-Irish buffet, or a full blown Italian wedding.

Read Part 2,  Part 3, and Part 4

 

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

Wedding “Wow“ Him (Part 1)

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By Jaclyn Ianetti

How to “wow” your man on your wedding day.

 

Apart from being the most beautiful he has ever possibly seen you before, there are actions you can do to WOW him.  And you want to WOW him, because you want this day to be just as memorable for him as it will be for you.

So if you’re wondering how you can sweeten the day of your wedding the way he sweetens yours everyday, keep on reading…

 Captive Changes

Nothing says “WOW” more than a surprise. When people are caught off guard with something they weren‘t expecting, and it’s something on a more positive note that rise above normal assumptions, that’s what really sends those “wow” signals shocking through their systems.

 Create a Captive Audience.   The most important member of the audience?  Him.  So, you will want to focus on him, and to intrigue him by sending his emotional system into a shockwave rush of spiked endorphins.

Remember, men are more so into actions than words and are very visual creatures.

Here are a few tips to try:

 *EXPLORE A DIFFERENT SIDE TO YOU. 

Instead of sticking to the same hairstyle you wear everyday, do something different on your wedding day.

 Change is good.   And a good change is even better. 

It doesn’t necessarily mean go drastic or dramatic (unless that’s what you want).  Just a simple change in your looks will do the trick.  This rule applies for hair, makeup, accessories etc.  Play around with your personality and incorporate styles into your wedding day look that you may have always wanted to wear or a look that you always wanted to try, but just simply couldn’t or wouldn’t work for a typical day.

Read Part 2 and Part 3

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

 

 

 

BRIDAL SHOP near MAHWAH BERGEN COUNTY NJ

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Aleana’s Bridal is your Bridal Shop near Mahwah, Bergen County, NJ.

The sounds of wedding bells are just around the corner and while you feel a bit of pressure to look your best on the day of the wedding, every woman lives to experience that special bridal moment once in her life time.

Choosing the perfect gown is almost as important as choosing the right partner. Aleana’s Bridal understands that and invites you to select a wedding gown or create a custom bridal dress at our exclusive bridal shop located in the heart of Paramus.

We are proud to offer our Mahwah clients a beautiful bridal gown selection as well as our exclusive “Made in America” line. In our store you can find a variety of our novelty silk fabrics, French laces, unique embellishments, exclusive hand embroideries and handmade silk flowers. Every garment in our great collection of bridal dresses and set can be modified to enhance a beauty of any body type. We also, offer custom embellished shoes and accessories.

We keep our clients up to date on the latest launches and trends. Aleana’s Bridal offers a more than convenient production time frame, which is often unheard of in the fashion industry: You can pick up your dress in 3 months, without paying any “rush” order fees!

Personal customer service is readily available and even possible during the wedding day. Each appointment will be scheduled for a full hour and half to ensure that you get the attention you need.

We also exhibit a wide selection of European lingerie and lounge wear that can only be found at our boutique. Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom are invited to select a perfect dress or make custom “one of the kind” dress.

Book your appointment today and we will guide you to create a dress that is the essence of you.

Please call at 201-444-1500 or book your appointment on line at www.aleanasbridal.com.