Tiffany told me a month or so ago that she had read that many brides-to-be experience a lull in the middle of the wedding-planning process. At the outset, there’s hustle associated with finding the venue and vendors. Toward the end, there’s bustle around the last-minute details. Tiffany wanted to be sure that we took full advantage of the lull and marked some items off our list that didn’t have to wait until the end. So, aside from celebrating Christmas, what have we done with our lull?

The gown is done but for a few small tweaks. Tiffany designed it and selected the finest Italian silk satin, and my mom custom-made it—it’s far more gorgeous than anything she tried on in bridal shops. Tiffany’s maid of honor is very tiny, and we’ve had a hard time finding a dress to fit her that doesn’t look like something a flower girl should wear. So we’re now considering having my mom build the two bridesmaid dresses. I hope she also has time to make my dress.

Thus far in wedding planning, we’ve been lucky enough to happen upon the vendors or supplies that really felt right. Our venue, our caterer, our photographer. . . all of them felt like the perfect match. However, our luck seems to have run out this week, because the search for the perfect wedding invitation has still resulted in no success.

Invitations fall pretty low on my priority list, both with my budget and with my overall views. The day after I got engaged, I was at Petsmart and started talking to a woman who was getting married in the fall. She told me she was having a small wedding of 25, but then she said that her invitations cost $1,200! That was definitely not my style; I’d rather spend my money on extra appetizers or more goodies for my bridesmaids than drop a ton of cash on pieces of paper that people will throw away in six months.

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell gets engaged.

Planning a wedding in a recession. [via DC Nearlyweds]

A toilet is no place for a $78K wedding ring.

Love and the right personality.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

More>> Bridal Party Blog | Wedding Guide | Wedding Vendor Search

Thursday, January 29, through Saturday, January 31: Trunk Show
Lebanese designer Reem Acra is back at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown (1726 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-965-4696) for another trunk show, this time featuring her new spring collection. Expect the same attention to opulent textiles, chic texturing, and embellishments such as beading and metallics characteristic of Acra’s portfolio. Brides who purchase during the show will get 10 percent off. By appointment only; appointments last one hour.

Friday, January 30, through Sunday, February 1: More Trunk Shows
It’s a bridesmaid extravaganza! While most bridal ateliers generally showcase one designer per trunk show, Hannelore’s of Old Towne (106 N. Lee St., Alexandria; 703-549-0387) has decided to host three. Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard, and Melissa Sweet will be offering their 2009 bridal-party collections—a striking assortment of dresses from each designer in attractive, modern cuts with vivid fabrics. Bridesmaids who order during the show receive 10 percent off. Appointments are suggested and last one hour. Free.

Photo by Rodney Bailey.

“Washingtonian Bride & Groom: Unveiled,” our inaugural bridal showcase, took place this past Sunday at the Park Hyatt Washington, and this editor is still recovering. Is there such a thing as a fabulousness hangover? No doubt our event’s keynote speaker, Hollywood wedding planner Mindy Weiss, keeps a special potion in her (very large) Goyard totebag for such occasions. The wedding showcase was held in the hotel’s ballrooms, which were transformed into a meeting space where the sold-out crowd networked among many of Washington’s best wedding vendors. For such a cold, blustery afternoon, the mood inside the beautifully decorated ballrooms was festive and warm. Free Champagne and an enormous gourmet buffet (courtesy of Blue Duck Tavern executive chef Brian McBride) will do that, of course.

>> See more photos of the event by Rodney Bailey

Free. Wedding. Do we have your attention now?

We thought so! Ok, so here are the details: Head to the DC Couture Bridal Show on Saturday for the chance to win a $50,000 ecofriendly wedding. The fine folks at the Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium are offering up a dream green wedding with the Decatur House as the venue, the planning services of Elegance & Simplicity, catering from Avalon Caterers, music from Mydeejay.com, and more.

In addition to the ecofriendly vendors who’ll plan one lucky couple’s free wedding, even the wedding date is green—April 22, Earth Day!

Registration for the bridal show is free—just sign up here. The event runs from noon to 5 on Saturday (1610 H St., NW), where brides-to-be can meet with an array of vendors and catch glimpses of an exclusive collection of dresses from Promise for the Savvy Bride.

More>> Bridal Party Blog | Wedding Guide | Wedding Vendor Search

Marriage: new start or life as usual? [via Bridalwave]

Bridal gowns: a look back.

Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas talks weddings.

Pricey dresses, a downer maid of honor, and a mother-in-law's gift.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

More>> Bridal Party Blog | Wedding Guide | Wedding Vendor Search