Today
Hitched in Georgetown is hosting its “Sample Sale Soiree” from 5 PM to 8 PM—no appointment necessary; first come, first served. You’ll find gowns by such couture designers as Christos, Amsale, Judd Waddell, and more for up to 60 percent off. RSVP to info@hitchedsalon.com.
Today
Lots of great events for all you tabletop buffs at the Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie this month. Hungarian porcelain artist Anna Weatherley will be on hand at a tea from 12 to 4 PM to preview her collection and sign pieces on site (what a special wedding present idea!). Call 202-966-9700, extension 2436, or e-mail rsvpwashington@neimanmarcus.com to RSVP.
Starting today
Sadly, the bridal and formalwear boutique A Formal Affair in Warrenton will shut its doors next month. A closeout sale begins today: Bridal gowns, special-occasion dresses, men’s formalwear, and more will be heavily discounted, and shoppers can win prizes such as an iPod or a Kindle. Visit A Formal Affair’s Web site for more information.
Tonight through Saturday, October 15
Are you a fan of Spark Letterpress’s gorgeous invitations? The designers behind the company will be at the Dandelion Patch’s Reston location tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. (you’ll have the chance to win a free invitation suite and everyone will get goody bags!), on Friday from 5 to 7 PM, and the Georgetown branch on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., to meet with brides individually to help create a custom invitation suite. Every bride who purchases a four-piece suite will receive a free one-color letterpress insert. An appointment is required; visit the Dandelion Patch Web site for more information.
Now through Sunday, October 16
Jim Hjelm’s Occasions line, which offers dresses for bridesmaids, moms, and even wedding guests, will be featured at a trunk show at Hannelore’s in Alexandria. Call 703-549-0387 to schedule an appointment.
Friday, October 14
Get your T-shirts and signs ready! Filene’s Basement’s Running of the Brides sale will be held at Mazza Gallerie, featuring over 1,700 gowns on sale for $249 and up. The doors open at 8 AM, but you’ll need to get there much earlier (some die hards get there the night before) to get a good spot in line. And even if you want to avoid the morning madness, they’ll still be gowns available throughout the day—or you can just watch this space for full coverage of the event. Visit Filene’s Basement’s Web site for more information.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for at Filene’s, Chevy Chase Bridal (also located in Mazza Gallerie) is opening its appointment books Friday morning—meaning you can shop there without scheduling your visit beforehand. Weary shoppers can refuel with complimentary scones and Champagne, while bargain hunters can take advantage of 10 percent discounts on special gown orders and up to 80 percent off sample dresses. Visit the Chevy Chase Bridal Web site for more information.
Friday, October 14, and Saturday, October 15
LulaKate is one of our favorite bridesmaid dress companies for its perfectly preppy, tailored, and sweet styles. Bella Bridesmaid in Bethesda is hosting a trunk show of the designer’s newest collection, and all LulaKate orders will receive an additional 10 percent off. Call 301-664-6436 to schedule an appointment.
Friday, October 14, to Monday, October 17
All of the newest wedding gowns will make their runway debuts during New York Bridal Market. While “Bridal Fashion Week” is industry only, the Washingtonian wedding team will be at all the shows in full-force, blogging, tweeting, and Facebook-ing all the newest gowns for Washington brides! Stay tuned!
Saturday, October 15
Another event at the Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie! This time, Rebecca Proctor, the creative director of MacKenzie-Childs will appear at a gourmet tea from 12 to 4 PM You’ll receive a gift with a purchase of $200 or more and be able to have your pieces signed by Proctor on site. Call 202-966-9700, extension 2436, or email rsvpwashington@neimanmarcus.com to RSVP.
Sunday, October 16
The Hotel Palomar in Arlington is hosting an open house from 1 to 5 PM for couples to preview their wedding space and offering. Admission is free; RSVP by e-mailing Alicia.Minisce@hotelpalomar.com.
Sunday, October 16
The Shagun South Asian Weddings Expo will take place at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church from 11 AM. to 6 PM You’ll meet lots of local vendors, view a fashion show, and have the chance to win discounts and prizes. Admission is free; visit the Shagun Wedding Expo’s Web site for more information.
Wednesday, October 19
The wildly popular metal artist Michael Aram will be on hand at a tea at the Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie from 1 to 5 PM You’ll preview Aram’s new “Sleepy Hollow” collection and enjoy complimentary engraving by the artist, plus receive a gift with a purchase of $150 or more. Call 202-966-9700, extension 2436, or e-mail rsvpwashington@neimanmarcus.com to RSVP.
Thursday, October 20
Want to make your bridesmaids really, really happy? Get thee to the Amsale Bridesmaids Buying Party at Hitched from 5 to 8 PM. You’ll snag a sneak peek of the newest bridesmaid dresses from Amsale, and—bonus!—15 percent off all Amsale bridesmaid dresses. (Even if you can’t make the event, you can still get 10 percent off Amsale bridesmaid dresses on Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22.) While you don’t need an appointment, you should still RSVP by calling 202-333-6162 or e-mailing appointments@hitchedsalon.com.
Thursday, October 20, through Saturday, October 22
Vera Wang has dressed such luminaries as Chelsea Clinton, Ivanka Trump, and Kim Kardashian—and you could be next. Browse her modern, youthful wedding dresses at the Vera Wang trunk show at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase. Call 301-652-2250 to schedule an appointment.
Friday, October 21, through Sunday, October 23
Watters’s stylish and well-priced wedding gowns and Thomas Knoell’s headpieces and accessories will be featured in trunk shows at Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection in Baltimore. Call 410-484-4600 to schedule an appointment.
Friday, October 21, through Sunday, October 23
Chevy Chase Bridal is holding a trunk show of gowns by Spanish design house Rosa Clara. We loved the fitted silhouettes and the big ol’ ballgowns featured in their latest collection; to check them out for yourself, call 202-363-9301 to schedule an appointment.
Sunday, October 23
Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg is hosting a fall bridal showcase from noon to 4 PM. You’ll be able to check out the popular wedding venue and meet local caterers, photographers, event planners, and more. Tickets are $5 at the door; call 301-258-6425 or visit the Kentlands Mansion Web site for more information.
Sunday, October 23
Getting ready to register? Head to Crate & Barrel’s Wedding Parties event from 9 to 11 AM at its Spring Valley, Arlington, and Tysons Corner stores. You and your significant other can enjoy breakfast and entertainment while getting expert advice on planning your ideal registry. The store will be open only to registering couples during these hours, meaning you’ll have to RSVP to get in the doors. Find contact information for a store near you by visiting Crate & Barrel’s Web site.
Do you have a wedding event you’d like us to feature on our calendar? Email kforrest@washingtonian.com!
