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How to have a Winter Wedding (Part 2)

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

Whatever it be a crimson red nutcracker or a deep, blue wintery night sky…. It’s all about what winter means to YOU. 

Choose an indoor venue that gives off that winter vibe with a natural landscape: lakefront venues with a beautiful view, a romantic inn with a cozy fireplace, venues in the mountains like a ski lodge, historic mansion, or a banquet hall with big windows.

TIP! : Windows showcasing a snowy landscape is an effortless visual that will complement your photos making them pop against the white, bold backdrop of the glistening snow, reflecting an added natural glitter to your space.  Bold colors look even better when surrounded by a white backdrop…so keep this in mind when choosing color schemes throughout the venue, bridesmaid dresses, and maybe even adding a bold colored, sassy sash to really make your white wedding gown pop with a dash of color.

Color the chill

Infuse the atmosphere with warmth by incorporating your favorite tones to be complimented by the proper lighting.  Christmas reds & greens, reds & gold for a more elegant look, gold and apple greens for a bright, crisp color theme, traditional bright white with silver accents, frosted light blue hues and whites, shades of bluish greens accented by white or silver, and even metallic mixes of gold and silver…all of which can be color options for winter.

 

TIP! : Want to add some extra sparkle…and warmth?  Using a subtle touch of blue light will add shimmer to the room.  Glassware and linens will reflect the light in a way that will add a simple sparkle, rather than an overwhelming accent of color.

 

Daylight Savings, Strategic Lighting: Keep in mind that the winter season has shorter days, as it gets darker in these months, so you will want to plan your lighting practically.  Arrange for your ceremony to conclude by an earlier time in the afternoon so that the day still offers you enough light to explore the option of capturing photos outdoors if you wish.

 

Considering that it gets darker earlier, the use of candles and lights at the reception can really amp up the intimacy & warmth into creating a comfortable & cozy atmosphere for you & all your guests.

 

Dancing wicks & wax & flames: Warm up the winter setting by including accents of the element of fire…as in candles…and even a fierce fireplace if your venue offers you the option.  For a glam candlelight look, go for white or silver candles.  Feeling more rustic?  Use candles with birch holders.  Feeling magical? Suspend candles above the tables using invisible wires to make them appear to be dreamily floating in mid-air.

 

How to shop for a wedding dress (Part 1)

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

By Jaclyn Ianetti

This is more so about being prepared for your bridal fittings and what to bring along with you…the tangible and the intangible…so your overall experience on the hunt for a dress is less stressful.

 

What to bring to bridal fittings:

*First of, you should wear something comfortable that you can easily slip in to and out of, so avoid outfits with obstinate details, buttons, or zips.   A stretchy maxi dress and ballet flats is an appropriate go-to outfit to wear to fittings.  No hoodies/sweatshirts…you’ll be hot pulling those on and off.  A light jacket with an easy zipper to swing off you is more like it.

*Wearing modest underwear is a must…seam free with a strapless bra.   Some of the dresses will look best with a strapless or no bra.  Think about what type of underwear you will be wearing under your dress the day of your wedding…maybe bringing a nude color or something similarly simple to really get the feel of the entire look as you explore your options.

 

*Your very own bridal glass slipper….SHOES!  Of course, it doesn’t have to be a “glass” slipper, but you’re going to want a new, special pair for the very special occasion.  Bridal shops will have shoes you can try on with the dresses just to get the feel for it, but if you don’t want to share shoes with the other brides roaming the aisles in the stores then bring your own pair along with you…to set the tone for your unique stroll down your very own aisle once the big day arrives.

– Color doesn’t necessarily matter for fittings, as most bridal stores will provide you with a basic white satin shoe if you do need to get an idea of how your dress will look with an appropriate heel.  You can always go without a heel, of course…it’s completely up to you and what your style is.  Once you decide on your dress, then you can go about thinking what shoe…style, color, and height…will best fit.

Continue with Part 2,  Part 3, and Part 4

How to choose your wedding menu (Part 4)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.

Read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 first

Menu Muse

Try to reflect the mood of your day in your choice of food to give a sense of continuity.  Delicate foods such as olives, cheeses, & tarts would suit a sophisticated wedding well, whereas comfort foods and doughnuts would fit more appropriately for a more casual, relaxed wedding.

Your food, or some of your food at least, should co-exist with your theme of the wedding.  Mermaid summer theme?  Seashell shaped cookies on the dessert table.  Disney princess wedding? Pick something creative to do with apples (Snow White)…just nothing poisonous!

Is your Wedding on Valentines Day?  Heart shaped cut out cupcakes.  You get the picture…. Check out Pinterest’s platform to serve as your Menu Muse.

Magazines, cookbooks, and even restaurant menus can provide additional ideas.  Write it all down or tear out pages to save for future reference.  If you choose a caterer, they will also offer suggestions and their professional opinion of what flavors compliment each other and what will subtly go well together for your overall food choices.

 

between courses…especially if your wedding is in the summer months because this will help really cool people off…and believe me, the dancers will appreciate!

 

You could also have your choice of mini sweets or candies to be passed out at the last minutes of the night before it comes to a close.

 

End the night on a sweet note to really enchant your audience of guests.

 Sense the Taste

Smooth & Scrumptious….Taste is one of five (or six, for the more intuitively gifted!) of our very strong senses of which we use to relate to the world and to others.  We all bond over food, as food is a common thread that has the power to connect, as well as heal us.

 

Let whatever inspires you, guide you.  Work closely with a chef to compose a menu that will be realistic and memorably exceptional to creating your wedding day dream menu.  The goal is to diversify the menu to provide your guests with a wide array of choices.   You want them to leave comfortably satisfied and…ful filled.

Reflect yourselves in the food by picking your favorite flavors from your culture or favorite country to be incorporated so that your wedding guests will think of you and remember these tastes you created in one of their distinctive senses long after your wedding.

 

How to choose your wedding menu (Part 3)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

 

Balanced vs. “Bloated or Barren”

Never leave guests for more than two-three hours without food at a maximum (This is also the key to avoid dreaded drunken behavior on behalf of anybody).  Equally to this point, you don’t want to overdo it and overfill your guests, either.  If guests are bloated from an enormous meal, this may prevent them from moving on the dance floor afterwards…and obviously, you’ll want your dance floor to be an active gathering of fun souls, not an empty space of deadbeat energy.  If the main course is going to be the heaviest, then opt for a lighter starter or dessert so nobody is overloaded.  It’s important to line your guests’ stomachs, especially if you’re hosting a booze-filled reception, but no need to stuff them.  No bride and groom want their guests leaving with a stomachache.  Opt for Satisfied vs. Stuffed!

 

Exotically Enhance and Enchant

Any venue should be able to provide you with an impressive list of possible add-ons to enhance your menu.  You might decide as an effort to keep the boundaries of your budget in line to limit your menu to just one or two enhancements.

 

Creative Tip: Have ice push-pops as a cooling snack to be served to the dancers on the dance floor in Other Considerations

If you have quite the party crew who will be dancing into the early hours, then it will be a great idea to lay on extra food towards the end…which can also mean and lead to breakfast… if the party is long enough.

 

Seasonal Savory: Consider the season as this affects choosing available ingredients that are in season while improving the overall taste of each dish.  It also determines which dishes you will be serving.  You don’t want to pass out hot soups and casseroles in hot, sunny, summery weather as well as “cold” dishes, such as salads and shrimp, may not be what people crave during colder months.

 

Are you an extra-considerate couple?  Send your “Save the Dates”/ invites out with an added notation that simply states for people to personally contact you with any food allergies that they have so that you know well in advance before choosing your meal plans.  How thoughtful & considerably cute of you!

 

Read Part 4 last

 

How to choose your wedding menu (Part 2)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.

Read Part 1 first

Selective Servings

In the most traditional version, a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres is preceded by a seated dinner of three courses: The first course is typically an artfully arranged plate of appetizer-friendly foods. The main entree usually includes a meat or fish, such as filet mignon or grilled salmon (include a separate dish for your vegetarian guests!) accompanied by a starch, such as rice or potatoes, and maybe even quinoa for your holistically fit guests, and a vegetable, like asparagus or broccoli.  Dessert may or may not be your wedding cake; some couples serve a separate dessert, something light and refreshing such as a sorbet, and save the wedding cake for later in the reception…during the “dance party.”

Forget the standard menu at weddings that you’re familiar with and go for more distinctive flavors to really give everybody something to remember from the most memorable dinner party of your life.  This can be more complicated and challenging, but also exciting.  Whether from around the world…Italian pastas & panini sandwiches, Spanish tapas, Japanese finger foods…to a particular part of your favorite country or island (Hawaiian, Southwestern, or Cajun cuisines), or from your own family’s kitchens….choose what you like & GET CREATIVE !

Dare to be Different

Varying your courses is actually a strategically smart thing to do.  If you are having seafood as a starter, (say, as a few appetizers in cocktail hour), then avoid it as a main course.  If you want a light afternoon tea followed by a formal dinner in the evening…or red wine and cheese during speeches and toasts, then go with it.  It’s YOUR day, so YOU choose…and feel free ENTIRELY to choose food that you love and want to eat…to a certain extent, of course.

 

Just remember that your guests’ culinary tastes might not be as adventurous as your own.  For the more conservative palates: limiting more exotic foods in appetizers is one way to do it.  And be sure to include kid-friendly foods if children will be at your wedding (chicken fingers, fries, individual pizzas so they can have their own little pizza party).

 

*SAFETY TIP! : Always arrange for food tastings at your venues of choice first so you are fully confident in the abilities of the chefs to pull off any designed dish that is adventurous as well as the more “safe” ones.

Read Part 3 and Part 4 next

 

 

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

 

Spring/Summer 2014 Bridal Fashion Trend (Part 1)

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

What’s new for the upcoming season?

Silhouettes:

Regarding the Silhouettes, trends in the bridal industry have taken a more elegant and minimalistic turn. On the runway, minimal wedding gowns with elegant lines that accentuate the figure are becoming quite popular in the Spring 2014 season. These dresses are made of white silk satin and have no embellishments. The cut of the garment is the focus of the dress.

Another trend regarding silhouettes is the column shape. Many designer gowns on the runway for the spring/ summer 2014 season can be seen with this type of silhouette that emphasizes an hourglass figure. With long, form-fitting dresses, there is usually an emphasis on the waist. Lines bellow the knee have been seen to be tapered or have a gentle flare. A-line trains add drama to this sleek silhouette.

 

Vintage inspired gowns continue to gain popularity. Many dresses on the runway for this upcoming season were designed with lace and vintage inspired feel. Regarding the silhouette of this gown, the vintage trend favors a ladylike silhouette that has found to reference the silhouettes popular in the 1950s. Many of these gowns designed with illusion necklines and deep-v necklines.

 

The last major silhouette trending in spring/summer 2014 is an ultra-feminine hourglass silhouette. The key to this look is structured bodices, an emphasis on cinched waists, and full bell-shaped skirts. Some of these gowns can be found with skirt overlays or asymmetrical peplums. This look mimics Christian Dior’s 1947 “New Look”.

Length:

For spring/ summer 2014, lengths of the gown seem to be getting increasingly shorter. One popular look seen on the runway is the cocktail length wedding gown. This type of dress is a more casual alternative to the long, elegant wedding gown. Hemlines of this type of gown can range from above the knee to just below the knee. The styles for this cocktail length gown vary from a-line, fit-and-flare, and straight.

High-low hemlines are becoming increasingly popular in the ready-to-wear gown industry. For spring/summer 214, the high-low hemline was seen trending on the runway in Milan.

The mermaid tail has also been trending on the runway. The mermaid tails are flare out at the knee. These type of style balances out the tight body-con silhouette to create a voluminous bottom.

 Trains:

In the spring season, we can see variations of the elegant and long train. This variation is called a cascading train. Popular are the waterfall cascades and classical Grecian draping. This kind of train creates a “pooling” effect rather than a sweeping train.

Continue to read Part 2

 

Spring/Summer 2014 Bridal Fashion Trend (Part 2)

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

Read Part 1 first

Color:

A popular and unusual trend for spring/ summer 2014 is the use of pale colored fabrics. The use of the different colors is sure an alternative to the traditional white or ivory gown. Pale yellows, light peach, and sweet peony are examples of colors used within this trend. The most common color being seen on the runway is light pink. Gowns these colors may have sheer layers, making the color palette even more feminine.

 Neckline:

Illusion neckline is becoming a very popular neckline trend seen on the runway. The Illusion neckline is usually a neckline that provides coverage and is constructed from sheer fabric. This neckline is usually heavily embellished. Though this neckline does provide a lot of coverage to the bust and neck area it can also offer a hint of seduction.

 

The sweetheart neckline, one of the most popular necklines for a strapless gown, is trending on the runway with some new details. The sweetheart neckline has been seen to resemble that of a corset. The sweetheart also has been seen to have ruched chiffon overlays and subtle pleating. A new trend for sweetheart necklines is a black color blocking. This color blocking is an edgy variation of the classic neckline.

Lace shoulders are being seen on the runway for the spring/summer 2014 season. With an illusion neckline, this sheer lace is a very elegant look. The lace can extend past the shoulder, turning into three- quarter or long sleeves.

Many bridal looks on the runway for this season emphasize the “simple look” or natural look. This look is seen through the veils. Many veils popular for the season are simple and transparent. The edges of these veils are can be either raw or scalloped and the lengths vary from elbow to floor lengths. The trend for bridal make-up is a natural look.

 Accessories:

  • Blue accented accessories
  • Antique effects, such as heirloom- like quality to accessories
  • As a result of Great Gatsby and Downtown Abbey- 1920’s inspired headpieces and art deco motifs
  • Flowers have a big influence on the headpieces, headbands, and clips for spring/summer 2014
  • The knot- The 1950s oversized bow comes back in style with lose tails. The bow can be placed at bustle of the dress or on top of head as a headpiece.
  • Feathers- Feathers create an ethereal theme. Feathers can vary in color. Feathers can be accented on garter and belts, or worn in the hair
  • Grecian Leaves- Leafy styles are being worn as headpieces. The Grecian leaves create a Grecian goddess look. The Grecian leaves can be seen in belts, collars and clips.
  • Pearls- The pearl trend can be seen as accents in a headpiece, jewelry, bags, or even hair clips.
  • Halo Headpiece- The halo has become a popular choice for bridal headwear. The halo has very romantic and angelic feel.

 

How to enjoy bridal gown shopping (Part 1)

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By Jaclyn Ianetti

 Bridal Gown…Check! ✓

Doesn’t that look…and sound…a whole lot like how a “chore” would?  Instead of treating your dress as a chore to be checked off your “To-Do List,” embrace it as an experience to be enjoyed.  After all, your dress is the one thing that shouldn’t feel like a job hunt on your bridal journey in preparing for your wedding.

You want to enjoy your bridal dress shopping experience.  When you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work (as this same rule applies to many situations in life).

To make this into one of the most pleasurable experiences of your lifetime… instead of painful, dreadful, and drawing tear drops down your eyes…get your mind in the right place first.

 

*When we’re rushing…especially with shopping…we will just buy anything for the sake of getting it done and checking off that “To-do” list.  Think of when you rush to the mall to buy a last minute gift for somebody you love.  It proposes more of a risk in buying just about anything at all, just to have something, whether personal or meaningful or not.  This is where the sincerity loses touch…and you want to know why?  Because you’re not in the present moment!  When you’re fully in the present moment, you’re more in touch with yourself as well as with others.  And you need to be FULLY in touch with yourself to attract what best suits you.   So keep that in mind as you focus on the journey of finding your perfect dress.  Mantra: “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

 

CREATE A BRIDAL VISION BOARD!! : Your wants and wishes

This helps put all your visions into perspective…your styles, your common themes, etc. into finding the core of style you are mostly leaning towards.  First off, think about what you want, and what you wish to look like.  Spend some time really considering and contemplating over all your options and strategically scan the bridal magazines.  Tear or print out the gowns you absolutely LOVE, and soon enough, your true style will stand out…and hopefully even a specific designer!

This vision board is designed to help you manifest your visions and creations, thus making your shopping experience easier because you will have a better clue as to what you truly want once you connect the dots to see a common theme.

Style the board first…then you can style the aisle in your most beloved dress.

Read Part 2 and Part 3 next

 

How to enjoy bridal gown shopping (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

STYLE YOUR SELF : Signature Style

Let’s face it, there are an overwhelming variety of styles to choose from, and when is the last time you ever worn anything even similar to a bridal gown in your life?  It’s not like you dress up like Cinderella in a white ball gown every Saturday night!  And the stress of purchasing the most expensive item of clothing you ever worn before adds to the all-around confusion.  That’s why I suggest simply starting with the vision board to use as your guide and for inspiration.

Princess styles, sleek silhouettes, mermaid fishtail gowns, lace and layers of tulle and taffeta reminiscent of a true fairytale gown, and vintage styles that channel a modern simplicity are all themes of styles you will find in a multitude of creations to choose from in your pile of tear-outs to add to your vision board.  You will start to see some stand out and tell tale signs of similarities that delineate your authentic style.

 

DESIGNER diva

Designers often have a trademark style that distinguishes them apart from others.  So once you have your epiphany of a certain style, you might also be able to see that one or few particular designers have stood out in your gown choices.  Identify your most favorite ones to keep an overwhelming confusion to a minimum level.  Even if you find that their creations are out of your budget, don’t despair…any bridal shop should be able to point you in the direction of similar styles that they carry themselves.

Boutiques & BUDGETS

Next up, where to shop?  

Finding a boutique can be tricky, but go with your gut feeling and the place that resonates with your overall energy.  No second stops at any place with pushy sales assistants, snooty staff or rushed appointments!  You can find better…and deserve to.

Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

Read Part 3 next

 

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