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Leo (July 24– Aug 23) The Drama Queen – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:   All hail the queen!  You are the zodiac’s lioness…channeling the fire element in your roar of strength, warmth and high energy.  As a Leo, you hate to be alone, which is a good thing because you have a magnetic personality.  You thrive on stage, are confident, ambitious and happy as long as you have a few doting admirers.  You’re sensitive to criticism and won’t easily forgive insults or perceived slights…but still do for the sake of keeping a general peace.  You impress others with your aplomb in uncomfortable circumstances and difficult situations, always maintaining the composure as a queen would rule her country in a distressful time.  Leos are far from facades and phony behaviors, always delineating their true colors.  You rather be hated for what you truly are than loved for who you’re not and this assurance to your true self is a sign of true strength.  Loyal lion, you are one in a million…embracing a regal status of royalty illuminating through your generosity, quick wit, and overall composure.

Style: The Fancy Feline …Gold Goddess…Queen of the fashion jungle.

You are courageous enough to make an unforgettable fashion statement.  Bold colors, big patterns, a barely-there dress that somehow stays in place — if anyone can pull it off with assurance, it’s you.  Gold, fur, and velvet lure you in, and animal prints of leopard and zebra fit your fashion tastes.  Shopping is a sport for you: like the lion that symbolizes your sign, there’s nothing you love more than a good hunt then displaying the spoils with the perfect outfit.  The smart and refined looks you choose have a way of becoming iconic.  Your signature mane is often the first thing people notice, whether your hairdo is super-short or teased-out, you have the attitude and personality to pull it off.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Posh is in the stars for you…you want a wedding dress that is metaphorically lion-sized!  A fashion fiend for luxurious, expensive things, Leos do not mind indulging for anything, especially splurging on a wedding gown.  Elaborate sequins and bold and daring styles will catch the eye of the tiger.  Comfort is the last thing on your mind, for you Leo girls want to be flashy.  Look for materials fit for royalty – duchess satin, silk chiffon, organza – and smooth, elegant lines that meet dramatic details in a crystal brooch.  Just remember that the quality of the fabric and the manufacturing is just as important as the style.  What would be more fitting for a Leo better than a gown adorned with millions of sequins throughout the straps crossing over the chest, along with a center floral ornamentation, a billowing skirt that adds a chic feel making it a sophisticated bridal gown?  A style such as this one will wow all.  Don’t tame that mane – the more natural and goddess-like the better.   Act as if an invisible crown is being worn by you…that is where your energy will radiate all its’ royalty in your majestic gown.

Style icon who shares your sign: Jennifer Lopez

Leo seductresses: Madonna,HalleBerry, Kim Cattrall

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop in Bergen County, NJ or call at 201-444-1500.

 

Cancer (June 22– July 23) The Soul Sister – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:  You are more loyal than a golden retriever, and more nurturing than Mother Goose.  Cancer rules “women,” so you are the zodiac’s “soul sister.”  You connect with all the women in your life in such a profound way that you are like “Mother Nature,” but in tangible form, and are the best friend to all of your pals.  The Cancer sign is covered in contradictions.  You’re willful and independent when it comes to your professional/public life, such as your career, and you lean heavily on family and friends when it comes to emotional support.  As a water sign, you’re deeply in-tune with your feelings.  You’re an intuitive old-soul with charming character.

Style: Old Fashioned Femininity…Vive la femme…Vintage Vixen.

Cancer is the sign of femininity, yet like a shy little Crab, you can be a bit self-conscious about your womanly body.  Your true beauty emerges when you veer toward body-conscious styles that flatter your curves, rather than hide or exaggerate them.  Old-fashioned glamour (think: 1940s era) looks fresh and timeless on you.  Cancers are one of the girliest girls around and love anything lace.  You love to dress up and be appreciated for your effort.  Cancer women don’t fret over uncomfortable fabrics or styles but rather look their best in floral motifs or a fitted bodice.  You’re a parading paradox: As a teenager, you were most likely to pair a prom dress with sneakers or pencil skirt with a tee-shirt.  Your natural sensitivity to color and style can make you an amazing dresser, with a great eye for bargains and vintage treasures.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Part of you longs for a flowing beach dress; the other part yearns for a formal frock.  You’ll find the amazing in-between: a gown that flawlessly marries classic glamour with spunky and carefree.   Avoid the overly embellished and opt for a stunning, satin-organza frock that flatters every curve.  Your sign rules the chest, so a gown that skims the figure without revealing too much flesh is most flattering and will keep your cups from overflowing!  Your dream dress will be made of lace, floral embellishments around the waist, a full train, and dainty straps.  The lovely gown will scream with glamour and femininity…and it will be one that cannot be carried better by anyone else but you.

 

Style icon who shares your sign: Princess Diana

Cancer Seductresses: Jessica Simpson, Khloe Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan,Selma Blair

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams.

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!

 

Naked Cakes for Your Wedding Day

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Your wedding cake is one of the centerpieces of your day. You might want something extravagant. You might want your cake to perfectly encompass your theme with colors and flowers or perfectly crafted figures. While you are deciding what beautiful cake to display on your wedding day, you might consider a naked cake. It may not sound too good right now, but stay with me. They are actually really beautiful. Sure, there’s not a ton of fondant covering up the icing holding the cake together, but there is so much beauty in that icing popping out of the sides. It becomes a piece of art, especially when surrounded by gorgeous flowers or delicate toppings. The best part about a naked cake though? It is so much fresher than a regular wedding cake covered in fondant because it takes a lot less time to put together. That means that you and your guests get to eat a delicious, fresh wedding cake on your wedding day. Doesn’t that sound delicious? 

If you’re still not convinced, take a look at some of these beautifully crafted naked wedding cakes. I promise you’ll fall in love with the simplicity of it all. It will truly add something to your wedding you’ve probably never seen before. You won’t be able to stop staring at it.

Here are some absolutely amazing naked wedding cakes to convince you that it might be the way to go for your special day.  

This naked chocolate cake with caramel dripping down the side is so simple, but stands out. It also looks like it would taste amazing.  

If that chocolate cake didn’t convince you, maybe Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s wedding cake will. The cake was as simple as it gets, with lovely flowers standing out against the white of the cake. It was the perfect addition to their Italian wedding.  

If that cake was still too simple or bland for your taste, consider adding fruit in between layers for some color. The cake is simple, but the strawberries add a pop of color and compliment the flowers so well.  

Who says funfetti is only appropriate at a kid’s birthday party? If you’re a big fan of this cake at home, why not have it at your wedding? It’s your day, after all! Consider adding miniature funfetti cakes to your reception tables like this one, or go all out and get a full-sized one because you can. 

A naked wedding cake isn’t for everyone, but it can be a nice way to add a different touch to your wedding, and it might also save you some money. Consider it when looking for the perfect wedding cake for your day.

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

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!

What to Wear Under the Wedding Dress

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The day has finally come. You’re finally going to your first bridal gown fitting! But, are you bringing the right bra?

Choosing the right bra to go with the perfect dress can be tricky. You want support and comfort. You also want to make sure the dress looks perfect on you. Don’t worry though! We’re here to help you out on your best day ever with a few tips and tricks to help you decide what’s best.

  1. No bra – You may not need a bra at all for your special day. It all depends on your body and how you feel personally. Many wedding dresses are very structured and offer a lot of support all on their own. Some might come with a support system built right in. For others, you could work with your salon and seamstress to add one to your dress.
  2. Backless, stick-on bra – These can be tricky, but if you’re sporting a backless dress for your big day or have fabric that’s on the thinner side, this works wonders. It offers coverage and sticks right to your skin, so you decide where it’s most comfortable for you.

    FASHION FORMS: Le Lusion Second Skin Cups

    FASHION FORMS: Backless Strapless U-Plunge Bra

  3. Bustier – If you’re looking to add a little more curve, this might be the one for you. This works especially well with a ball gown. You want the top part of your gown to show off your shape on your Cinderella day. A bustier or corset will really accentuate the waist and support your bust to keep you looking your absolute best.

    Dominique Longline Strapless Bra

  4. Bodysuit – If you’ve fallen in love with a particularly low-cut dress and sticky tape just won’t work for you, a bodysuit might be an option. These offer a little bit more support and shape to keep everything in place. You might also find a backless bodysuit, perfect for a backless gown.

    FASHION FORMS: U Plunge Backless Strapless Thong Bodysuit

When it comes down to it, it’s all about what you feel the most comfortable in. Don’t wear a corset or bustier just because you feel you have to. Make sure you feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day. Choose what works best for you. Your bridal consultant and seamstress at your salon will be there for you to help you select the best option. Share your concerns with them and you’ll be sure to work it out.

Fashion Forms and Dominique can be found 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!

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