Tomorrow Filene’s Basement holds another Running of the Brides. This time, it will be at Mazza Gallerie on Wisconsin Ave in DC from 8a-9p. You may have read my older post about the same event back in April. Same deal-get there early, bring a crew and be prepared to see a lot of dress crazy, naked women. Image from Filene’s Basement.
I came across this article on CNN, about how destination weddings are catering to kids and the increase in popularity of the idea in general. There are places like Disney World, Sandals in Jamaica and Azul Hotels in Mexico that offer incentives for the destination couple. These range from free massages and ceremonies to walkie talkies and gifts for the kids.
This article also makes some points about destination weddings being easier and cheaper, but that’s not exactly true. Just because you are not getting married locally and feel obligated to invite 200 guests, getting married in Italy with 50 may not save you as much as you think. There is travel, lodging and the overseas phone calls to make everything happen.
Did you have a destination wedding or as a professional, did you plan one? Was it as easy or a lot cheaper as this article makes it out to be? Image from CNN.
Yesterday I enjoyed a yummy Italian lunch with Neal Freed, owner of Freed Photography. (If you’re ever in Bethesda, make sure you stop by Olazzo!) I had a great time as I learned more about Freed, their photographers and how they work with their clients. With a core group of twelve photographers to choose from, you are sure to find someone who you match with. Not only does Freed do great work, but they are so NICE! Neal is just a real, genuine person and I met some of his other personable staff while at their office. Thanks Neal and I look forward to working with you! Images from Freed Photography.
Carine’s Bridal Atelier will be hosting a Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3. Monique will be sending more than 30 gowns from her collection to the boutique in Washington D.C. Any Monique Lhuillier gown purchased during the show will be offered at 10% discount. Call 202 965 4696, to reserve one of the few remaining openings. Image from Monique Lhuillier.
Most couples don’t insure their engagement or wedding rings, until it’s too late. As soon as the ring(s) has been purchased, call your insurance company and get it insured. It’s a relatively simple process-you will be asked for a copy of the receipt, an appraisal and you will have to fill out the insurance company’s form in order to complete the process. Sometimes this is covered under your renter’s/property insurance or you may have to take out a personal articles floater. The cost of insuring a ring is not expensive at all either. No matter the cost of the ring, whether it’s a few hundred for his wedding band or a few thousand for you engagement ring, do it! You’ll regret later having to pay full value for a replacement ring because one was lost or stolen.
Last night we attended an intimate reception to welcome Lonnie Giacometti as the new Director of Banquets at The Fairmont. We had a fabulous time at this site as always! The chef prepared a menu of lamb, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, stacked melon and duck rolls. And, they had their master Mojito mixer making his yummy drinks! Congratulations Lonnie, we look forward to working with you! Images from The Fairmont.
Yesterday I met with Saima, of Saima Says Design. I had a great time chatting with her about her business and really enjoyed seeing all her work. Saima custom designs wedding invitations. Believe me when I say you will be blown away with her work! She has a fantastic style and a great eye for color, paper and fonts. I absolutely can not wait for the next client I can take in to her studio! Images from Saima Says Design.
RSVP dates vary with the guests you are inviting and the location. A good rule is for your RSVP date to be one month out from your wedding. It gives straggling guests an extra 2 weeks to get it in before final numbers are due and also leaves you time to call them and remind them to mail the card in or you can ask them over the phone. If your wedding is not located near a majority of your guests (i.e. out of the country) or at a busy time of the year (major holiday), then consider pushing the date up a couple weeks. That way, in all the hustle and bustle of a busy time or with the unknown of travel to a foreign country, you still have time to get the guests in order while not rushing.
Wedding websites are absolutely necessary for today’s engaged couple. Our world is so internet-centered, it only makes sense that a couple would have one in order to let guests know details about the big day. Wedding Window is by far my favorite, as it has hundreds of colors, themes and layouts available. No other company comes close in quality or design. You want to include at least the following on your site:
-how you met
-the engagement story
-photos
-event schedule (tours, brunch, etc.)
-ceremony and reception details (attire, locations, etc.)
-things to do in the area
-accomodations
-registry
Last night we enjoyed Cocktails on the Terrace at the Music Center at Strathmore. This is a great, clean, open space. Restaurant Associates, the in-house caterer, did a great job with the food presentation. There were two buffets set-up with beef and shrimp skewers and a chef was cutting a wonderful piece of meat that was eaten with tortillas and a cilantro-mayonnaise sauce and mango salsa. Staff passed some really appetizing hors d’oeuvres and watermelon margaritas, and the set-up was complete with rentals from Party Rental. Images from Music Center at Strathmore.
