Bonnie Schwartz & Company, Bethesda; 301-229-9473. A top vote-getter in our survey of wedding experts and brides, Schwartz won the 2006 award for best wedding from the DC Chapter of the International Special Events Society.
Creative Parties, Bethesda; 301-654-9292. This 40-year-old company, co-owned by Rita Bloom and daughter Tracy Bloom Schwartz, also offers attendant gifts and favors. Its in-house invitation boutique wins raves.
Distinctive Events by Susan B. Katz, Rockville; 301-984-0884. In business since 1977, Katz and her team emphasize decor and have planned destination weddings from Maine to California.
Elegance & Simplicity, Georgetown and Bethesda; 800-768-8814. Katie Martin and her staff of 35 work on 175 weddings a year. They specialize in multicultural weddings and win praise for their in-house floral shop.
Engaging Affairs, Alexandria; 888-481-5156. One of our top vote-getters, owner Laura Weatherly recently wrote Stop! Don’t Plan a Wedding Without This Book, which offers tips about staying sane during wedding planning.
Events by Andre Wells, Northwest DC; 202-518-6908. Wells and his team specialize in large, upscale weddings and plan destination events.
Eventscapes, Northwest DC; 202-364-2444. Ayran Kanter, who has a psychology degree, has been named best social-event planner by the DC chapter of the International Events Society for the past two years.
Exquisite Expressions & Events, Mitchellville; 301-306-0842. Shelby Tuck-Horton and her team specialize in interfaith and culturally diverse weddings. Horton once helped plan a wedding in three days.
Finishing Touches Events, Bethesda; 301-718-6465. Brides say Martha Bindeman and her staff are attentive and detail-oriented.
Gala Events, Bethesda; 301-770-8570. Linda Garner’s company, which has an in-house floral designer and art-and-production shop, has coordinated weddings with just ten guests as well as affairs for 500.
Joan New, Super Soirées, Potomac; 301-983-1910. Brides say New, who has more than 25 years of experience, is a calming influence.
Joan W. Sacarob, Annandale; 703-256-4166. Veteran Joan Sacarob is a top choice for Jewish weddings.
Jodi Moraru & Associates, Northwest DC; 202-237-8244. Our top vote-getter, Moraru and her associates have planned everything from contemporary European to traditional garden-party receptions.
Marylin Cave Bradley, Events & Lifetime Celebrations, Rockville; 301-816-9048. Bradley, who has more than 20 years of experience, enjoys planning both traditional and ethnic weddings.
Northern Virginia Bridal Services, Arlington; 703-516-4732. Tracey Dougherty and her team offer flexible packages—everything from vendor selection to full-service planning.
Party Portfolio, McLean; 703-356-3050. Owner Lois Schiff, a former art teacher, focuses on design and detail.
A Perfect Wedding, Fairfax; 703-691-0133. A top choice in our survey, Carol Marino specializes in high-end weddings and has worked with politicians and Hollywood actors.
Pineapple Productions, Northwest, 202-243-3160. Allison Jackson and Elizabeth Duncan specialize in weddings at historic properties and private estates.
Plan-It Parties, North Potomac; 301-977-7270. Veteran Patti Weiner recently planned a wedding for former University of Maryland basketball star Steve Francis.
Rave Reviews, Kensington; 301-933-7989. Owners Wendy Raab and Sidni Greenblat have planned destination weddings in Napa Valley and Puerto Rico. They also do invitations.
Serendipity Special Events, Upper Marlboro; 301-442-7212. Owner Kim Thompson was voted top choice for couples on a budget. The company offers everything from brainstorming to full-service planning.
Signature Events, Bethesda; 301-320-5433. Herlene Nagler incorporates the bride’s and groom’s personalities; as a wedding favor for a couple that loves food, she suggested a cookbook of favorite family recipes.
Wedding Savvy, Annapolis; 410-263-2800. Raquel Shutt and her team are a good resource for weddings in Annapolis or on the Eastern Shore.
