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New Bridal Trends

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

Bringing Sexy Back! : Backless Brides 

Trend: Portrait Backs

Backless…is back.

 

One of the past trends of the bridal industry to make a comeback into Spring 2013.  But this time, they come back with a more modest and romantic attention using delicate embroideries, lace frames, and peek-a-boo keyholes.  Sheer backs with decorative detailing is simultaneously sexy and demure.

 

Angle Admirer!

Compared to a more two-dimensional dress, this gown goes out-of-the-box to producing a 3d effect!  This type of gown allows your audience to admire you from every angle.

 

If you think about it, most of your guests will be viewing you from behind as you walk down the aisle and make your vows.  So that’s pretty much your entire wedding ceremony that they are looking at the backside of you!

Timeless Twists

 

Trend: Lace Nouveau

We saw the Lace trend globally advertised when Kate Middleton wore it on her wedding day.  Her royal wedding gown proved its’ influence after almost every collection showed variations on lace this season.

 

Lace identifies us with the past…before we were pushed into the technology-driven and reliant society we live in today.  Lace is a timeless classic…giving fabric the ethereal, dreamy, take me back to good-ole-days vibe.  Vintage inspired laced sleeves is a feminine touch to any gown.

 

Step into the time machine and time warp back into a world where it taught us that simplicity is pure elegance.  Nostalgic woven pieces speak sophistication….simple as it should be.

Comfort Chameleons

 Trend: Transformers

Do you really want to be dancing around in your reception ballroom in your beautiful bridal gown you wore when you walked down the aisle?  More often seen nowadays are the brides changing into a second dress for the reception.  Convertible and/or reversible dresses, or ones with removable pieces (skirts, trains, capes, veils, etc.) create a distinct reception look.  Designers are now custom-making gowns fit for comfort, as more and more women are calling for a desire to break-free and the ability to move and run around later in night at their receptions.

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

Wedding Planning Made Easy

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Planning a wedding can be a lot of work. Depending on what you and your fiancé are looking for, there can be a lot to plan and decide on. From locations to venues to food and budget, it can get a bit stressful. Luckily, there are a lot of websites out there to ease your pain. These sites help you to plan and keep things organized. They make it easy to find venues and keep track of your budget. They also help to keep in contact with all your guests. You can send out RSVPs, keep track of food preferences, and even add your registry. Some include apps and the ability for your guests to add photos after the wedding. There are many wedding websites to choose from, some free, some with monthly payments, and some with upgrades available for a small cost.  

 

The Knot is one of the most popular wedding websites. It offers a lot at no cost to you unless you want to upgrade.  

  • Customize your website for free 
  • Upgrade to a custom domain for an added cost 
  • Add guests and collect contact information 
  • Add a registry 
  • Keep track of gifts received and “thank you” cards sent out 
  • Share your love story 
  • Countdown to the wedding date 
  • Collect RSVPs 
  • Use budget tool 
  • Wedding planning checklist 
  • Venue search 

 

Wedding Wire is another free website. The great part about Wedding Wire is the ability to search vendor’s pages. You can read reviews right on the site, and even book appointments if possible.  It’s your one-stop-shop for wedding planning. 

  • Customize your own site with over 400 designs 
  • Mobile and tablet friendly  
  • WedSocial app where friends and family can share photos
  • Widgets to help book travel  
  • Easy access to RSVPs and registry 
  • Social guestbook 
  • Vendor search and reviews 
  • Appointment booking 

 

Joy is almost like a Facebook event page, but way better. You can add your trusted friends and event planner as admins, so you don’t have to do all of the work. The site is free and fairly similar to The Knot and Wedding Wire, with a few select differences. 

  • App for iOS and Android 
  • Multiple admins 
  • Connect with Facebook and Instagram to control sharing 
  • Send guests email notifications 
  • Introduce yourselves and your wedding party 
  • Allow guests to connect with each other 
  • Share travel details 

These are just a select few of some great wedding websites to keep your planning organized. There are many others out there to choose from. Some require monthly or yearly fees, while others, like these, are free. Choose what works best for you. Either way, these will be sure to make your wedding planning a breeze.

Be sure to find Aleana’s Bridal on Wedding Wire!

Your Very First Wedding Dress Shopping

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Here are a few things you must keep in mind before you come to try on or search for your very first wedding dress at Aleana’s Bridal.

  1. Make an appointment: The wedding industry is a super busy one. Bridal salons are always completely booked for the day; especially weekends. For us to give you all our attention and time, call us well in advance to let us know when you would like to come in. You could also book an appointment online through our website. Your appointment will be confirmed after we’ve contacted you back.
  2. Have an idea of what you would love to see and try on: Have an idea of what your wedding theme and venue would be like. That way you’ll be well aware if you should be looking for a dress appropriate for a relaxed beach fete rather than one that would fit right in at a classic ballroom affair.
  3. Do wear appropriate undergarments: Although we have bras and shoes that you can wear while trying on your gown, it’s always best to bring a strapless bra and shoes (approximately the same as what you intend on wearing for your big day) with you.
  4. Your budget: Be prepared to discuss your price budget with our sales person. This will allow her to bring you dresses that are in your price range.
  5. Have an open mind: Most of the brides come in for something they are looking for in particular, but end up purchasing a different style that suits them more. The dress you never thought you would like may be the one that is exactly right for you.
  6. Give enough time: If you want to spend more time trying on dresses and talking with one of our sales person, a weekday appointment would be ideal. Once you’ve selected the dress you said yes to, we will let you come in few days/weeks from that day for your alterations.

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

Wedding Dresses for the Bold Bride

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Some brides may choose to go classic or subtle on the color for their wedding day. Others might choose to go bold and make a statement with their wedding dress. The dress then becomes the theme for the entire wedding. Choose a burgundy red for your fall wedding and have all of the centerpieces accent your gown. Or go classic for the ceremony and bold for the reception. Whatever you choose, here are some gowns for the bold bride.

This David Tutera for Mon Cheri gown is anything but ordinary. The Orabelle satin gown, covered with floral printed organza, is perfect for that spring wedding. The soft colors aren’t too bold and would look gorgeous in an outdoor ceremony. It’s also available in black and white.

The Indigo tulle and satin ball gown features an indigo organza layer that makes the dress quite the statement. It’s perfect for that bride that still wants her Cinderella moment, but doesn’t want to be too traditional. And, after all, Cinderella’s gown was blue, right? If the blue is too bold, the dress is also available in ivory or tea rose.

Gold, metallic lace takes this dress from classic to daring. While the color isn’t too bold, the gold lace takes this dress to the next level. If you prefer it to be subtler, this Mon Cheri Gilda gown is also available in white and silver lace.

Jasmine fit and flare can be daring or understated, depending on the color of the lace you choose. The black lace along the side of the gown is sure to set you apart. If you prefer white or ivory lace, that’s also an option.

Not every bride wants to go bold, but for those that do, there are so many choices. From florals to dark colors or simple lace appliques, there is a lot to choose from.

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

 

A Disney Inspired Wedding Dress

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Growing up on classic Disney princess movies, you’ve probably dreamt of finding your prince charming. You’ve pictured getting married in a gorgeous ball gown in Cinderella’s Castle. And how could you not, when they make it look so glamourous? If getting married at Cinderella’s or Sleeping Beauty’s Castle isn’t quite your thing, there are so many other ways to add simple Disneytouches to your wedding. But, the most important part? Probably that princess inspired wedding gown. You can’t have a Disney inspired wedding without a princess gown!

With so many Disney Princesses to choose from, and each of them so fabulous, it can be difficult to choose a favorite. To help you narrow it down, here are some dresses that channel some of our favorite Disney princesses.

Snow White is the original Disney Princess. She is the one that started it all. A friend to all animals and gentle and kind, Snow White is someone we can all look up to. A dress inspired by her should be classic, soft, and sweet. Think flowers or some bling to give off that “Snow White” vibe.

Cinderella is probably the reason we all dream of that beautiful ball gown. You can almost see it glistening around the dance floor. Her sparkly blue ball gown is wedding dress goals. If the live-action Cinderella is more your style, a gown with sleeves or champagne satin is the perfect way to channel her butterfly wedding dress. Either way, don’t be afraid to go for the biggest ball gown around. It’s what Cinderella would want!

 

Sleeping Beauty is the princess of our dreams, literally. Her classic color changing dress is what dreams are made of. Go bold and choose something with a touch of pink or blue. Try out some off the shoulder gowns, an a-line skirt, or some satin.

A Princess Ariel inspired gown is the perfect reason to go with a mermaid style wedding dress. There is no better way to channel your inner mermaid. Keep it light and sexy to really get that beachy mermaid feeling. Choose something with a little sparkle, too, to match those glittery scales of hers.

What better way to be the belle of the ball then a dress inspired by THE Belle? Her golden yellow gown is iconic, and there’s nothing better than that Beauty and the Beast ballroom scene. You may not want a gold or yellow gown for your wedding day, but something champagne colored might be perfect for you.

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

 

Put Some Color on that Wedding Dress

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Purchasing an ivory, white, or an off-white color for your wedding gown might be the only thing on your mind. It’s tradition, right? Well, not so much anymore. Many brides are opting for colored gowns, from ivory to champagne or rose. Many designers have also been incorporating colors into their designs. This helps to accent details, especially lace overlays.

Pronovias gowns work well for the bride that wants something different in a subtle way. The Diman gown is for that perfect, pink princess. Although the color may be slightly pink, its light enough that it doesn’t stand out too much. The Dria gown features a slightly darker accent color, which makes the lace overlay more prominent. If the lace and the tulle underlay were the same ivory color, it would be difficult to see the beautiful features of that floral lace.

Mon Cheri gowns are close enough to white that any traditional bride may not be too bothered by the slight blue tone. They offer a touch of color, without being too bold. The silhouettes are absolutely gorgeous. The Grace satin gown is perfect for any bride looking for that Cinderella ball gown. The second, sequin gown offers a removable tulle skirt, to go from ceremony to reception within seconds. If you’re really not a fan of the misty blue tone, both gowns are available in diamond white as well.

The Jasmine Collection is perfect for brides that want to add a slight touch of color to their wedding dress. Many of the gowns offer different accent colors. This means that the underlay of your gown could be rose quartz, while the main color could be white or ivory. With white or ivory as the top, main layer, the dress appears to be more of a classic color. So, you could go bold underneath and subtle on top and still be that gorgeous, classic bride on your wedding day.

Every bride wants to be unique. If you want to switch things up and not be too traditional, but can’t quite afford a custom gown, adding a touch of color to your wedding dress might be the best option for you. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to be beautiful on your wedding day.

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

Your Beach Destination Wedding Dress

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Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular every year. Beach weddings are especially popular because the beach is a relaxing place. When you think of the beach, you think of rest, relaxation, serenity, and beauty. You can picture that gorgeous sunset against the water and feel the sand between your toes. What could be a more perfect place to get married?

If you are thinking about planning a beach destination wedding, here are some great locations in the Caribbean from Islands.com. If you want to stay within the states, you can search The Knot for the perfect local beach wedding venue.

Now that you’ve got the perfect location, it’s time to find the perfect dress! When you’re getting married on the beach you want to choose something light and airy. Don’t be afraid to go tight and sexy either, because you are on the beach after all! You also might want to shorten your dress a bit more than usual to avoid getting sand everywhere.

If you want to dip your toes in the water or walk barefoot, choose a fabric that is very light. Heavy fabric could weigh you down if it gets a little bit wet. Fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and English netting are very lightweight and won’t feel heavy. They’ll give you that light and flowy feeling that will flow nicely in the beachy air.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Rebecca Ingram

Allure

If you want to channel your inner mermaid, then a mermaid or fit and flare silhouette might be the choice for you. Keep it simple with light layers and fabric. Look for something sexy and simple for your mermaid moment.

Enchanting by Mon Cheri

Sottero and Midgley

Allure

If you’re still aching for that princess ball gown, even on the beach, there are so many lightweight options to choose from! You can also always remove layers if the gown still feels too heavy. An a-line gown might also give you a more ball gown feel, without all of the layers.

Rebecca Ingram

Allure

Pronovias

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

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!

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.

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.