Event & Wedding Planning

DC Bridal Sample Sales Alert!

Following on yesterday’s wedding-related post, I wanted to share a quick roundup of some fabulous Sample Sales happening at some of DC’s best bridal salons this weekend. Sample sales are not for everyone, but if you’re in the market for a wedding dress and don’t cringe at the idea of your wedding day garb being tried on by others, then you need to get your butt to one of these sample sales.

Hitched Sample Sale Soiree – TONIGHT from 5pm – 8pm
As one of DC’s most popular bridal salons, Hitched features gowns from the industry’s top designers. You can snag a gown for 40%-80% off, from brands of the likes of Anne Barge, Amsale, Christos, Judd Waddell and my own personal favorite, Modern Trousseau. My wedding dress was Modern Trousseau’s Mika, which is incidentally available at the sample sale! Hitched takes all of the risk out of the sample sale process because all of the available gowns are on their website. To RSVP, email [email protected].

Wedding dress — I purchased my Modern Trousseau gown from Hitched! (Photo by Paul Morse)

Carine’s Bridal Atelier Sample Sale – also TONIGHT from 5pm – 8pm
Talk about competition! Carine’s is hosting their sample sale this evening at the exact same time as Hitched. Since both are located in Georgetown, if you’re quick -and determined, you might be able to pull double duty and make it to both! If you have the slightest inclination that you want to don a luxury brand such as Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier or Marchesa, Carine is your girl. Gowns will be discounted up to 50%-75% and no appointment is necessary. Give the salon a call at 202-965-4696 or check the salon out on Facebook.

Carine's Image — Some of Carine’s Marchesa dresses in for the sample sale! (Photo courtesy of Carine’s)

The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel Sample Sale – July 20th & 21st from 10am – 6pm

“Saks” is synonymous with luxury and glamor, so expect nothing less when you attend the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel Sample Sale. This is THE place in DC to get your hands on some Vera Wang, so if you want to be a Vera gal’ this is your destination of choice (Reem Acra and Oscar de la Renta, too). Gowns are reduced by 30%-75% and prices will range from $690 – $13,890. You’ll want an appointment for this one, so call 301-652-2250 to see what’s left!

Sample sales are the BEST way to get a designer gown for a steal. So if you’re a bride with champagne taste on a ~~beer~~ wine spritzer budget, you might as well try your luck at a sample sale. You may find nothing, you may find a dress that surpasses your wildest dreams, but either way you will be spending a few hours trying on pretty, frilly white dresses. There are worse ways to spend your weekend, after all!

Wedding Decor on a Budget

Weddings are expensive. Seriously, incredibly and unnecessarily expensive. If you fail to closely manage your wants, needs and budget, you will start your happily ever after with some massive credit card debt.

Wedding decor is one of the most effective areas to search for potential cost savings. I had to get creative with several aspects of my wedding decor in order to keep our costs down. There is a wealth of DIY projects out there for anyone with the slightest creative inclination. Arts and crafts aren’t your thing? What about introducing some personality to your venue by decorating the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling.

We hosted the dinner portion of our wedding in the Carriage House at our venue, Rosemont Manor. The space had wooden floors, dark brown wood walls and the most beautiful white rafters. The open space was perfect for our wedding, but I knew I needed to add something to soften the space and jazz it up a bit.

The Carriage House at Rosemont Manor. Photo courtesy of Rosemont Manor.

Since I didn’t have a wedding planner, coordinating any type of draping or additional lighting would be a huge hassle – and more than likely cost a fortune. So, armed with a $200 budget, I invested in an assortment of white and off-white lanterns in 3 different sizes from online decor site Luna Bazaar and some clear fishing wire, and with the help of my in-laws, MOH and mom, created this:

1029989_1208 — Photo courtesy of Paul Morse

I purchased 100 lanterns in varying size and used the fishing wire to string the lights through the rafters. It took a few hours, but was well worth it considering the end result and the cost-effectiveness! Luna Bazaar offers all sizes, types and colors of lanterns, paper, plastic and metal. I stuck with the neutral colors since I chose colored linens and flowers.

Last week, I came across this gorgeous picture on Style Me Pretty which used paper poms instead of lanterns, which are another cost-effective decor option.

Image from Style Me Pretty by Jon Schaaf Photography

These colored paper poms add some warmth to an otherwise stark, white space. They add just enough color, depth and femininity to create a perfectly romantic ambiance and are significantly cheaper than some other decor alternatives. It is amazing to see how much simple, tasteful decorations can add to a wedding. Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean cheap!

This is just one idea to save yourself some cash without sacrificing on your wedding style. I’ll be posting more of my “DIY” wedding projects in the future, so check back soon or if you have questions, comment below!

Tea Party Themed Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are becoming a more regular occurrence as I slowly approach the big 3-0. I was at a friend’s shower on Saturday at the University Club in DC. One of the things I love most about bridal showers is their uniqueness. Sure, they all typically involve the bride opening gifts, playing at least one silly game involving rings or toilet paper and answering random questions about the bride. However, the details surrounding these traditions are what make each shower so special.

This particular shower was a more formal affair than others I’ve been to. The invitation called for a bridal tea and the details did not disappoint! Tea sandwiches in all varieties were served as well as petit fours, macaroons and fruit tarts for dessert. Of course, there was tea available but most of us chose champagne!

While all of this was prepared by the University Club, it is a fantastic DIY theme too. Tea sandwiches are easy to make and the desserts can be found at your local supermarket.

Focus on keeping the details ultra-feminine and allow yourself to be inspired by the theme. Give guests teas as favors, have everyone bring a recipe with tea as an ingredient (green tea ice cream, for example) or feature the bride’s favorite desserts in fingersized portions.

Check out the flower arrangements and noshables we were treated to on Saturday. You can also get some great ideas from Martha Stewart!