Thursday, February 14: Valentine’s Day
Okay, you probably knew that one. But if you two lovebirds are still sans plans, check out our handy list of area restaurants that still have tables, or put together your own meal of a Valentine’s cocktail, a Dupont chef’s “Love Roast”, and a contest-winning chocolate velvet cheesecake.

Friday, February 15: “The Cotton Bride” Trunk Show
When I heard “cotton bride,” I pictured a veil and a Hanes tee. Don’t be fooled. Designer Chris Kole has created some beautiful wedding dresses out of the everyday material (plus a little lace and beading and all that good stuff). Check out the full line at this show, which runs through Sunday at Harriet Kassman Bridal Salon (5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-363-1870). Appointments are recommended (call the salon to make one), but not required. 

Saturday, February 16: “Paper Wedding” Event
Pop into Georgetown’s Paper Source (3019 M St., NW; 202-298-5545) for free demos on save-the-dates, invitations, and favors, plus a table to try out do-it-yourself techniques and chat with experts on invitation options. 11:30 AM to 4 PM; individual demo times here.

Gourmet Cake Tasting
Cotton’s Gourmet Gifts & Creations (7744 Emerson Rd., Hyattsville; 301-306-5420), bakers of cakes like the Wacky Tacky Watermelon (vanilla with watermelon buttercream) and the Peachy Keen (complete with peach Schnapps-infused frosting) is doing the free-sample thing to help you pick the perfect flavor. Call to schedule an appointment. 2 to 4 PM.

Sunday, February 17: Maryland Bridal Expo
Shop for photographers, flowers, cakes, and more at the Comfort Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Bowie (4500 Crain Hwy.; 301-464-0089). Raffle prizes include honeymoon packages—always a plus for the wedding budget. $8 at the door, $5 advance purchase; 11 AM to 4 PM.

Annual Bridal Show
Check out another array of vendors at this show at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel (80 Compromise St; Annapolis; 866-571-5761). You can also sample food and drinks from the hotel’s restaurant, Pusser’s Caribbean Grille. Register here (preferred) or just show up. $5; noon to 3 PM.

Wedding Gown Liquidation Sale
Score 20 to 50 percent off of dresses from Maggie Sottero, Alfred Angelo, Christina Wu, and more. The sale, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel (805 Russell Ave; Gaithersburg; 301-670-0008), will sport more than 100 dresses—all new, though some were used as samples. Even better: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Call 301-694-8283 for more information. Free; 2 to 6 PM.

Know of an upcoming bridal event? E-mail mconrad@washingtonian.com.

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