Friday, July 31: Filene’s Basement Running of the Brides
Pamplona, meet your match: brides-to-be at full speed in pursuit of cheap wedding dresses. Bulls are scary, but so are bridezillas (especially fueled by Starbucks). Bargain mecca Filene’s Basement (5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-966-0208) will hold its loved— and feared—semiannual bridal sale, promising wedding gowns as cheap as $249. Round up some tough friends, figure out a whistle system à la Monica on Friends, and prepare yourself with these terrifying pictures from past events. Free; 8 AM to 9 PM.

Sunday, August 2: Saks Fifth Avenue and Impressions MediSpa’s Brides Day Out With a Twist
Especially if you made it through the Running of the Brides, some pampering is in order. Saks Fifth Avenue make-up artists will be on hand at Impressions MediSpa (8230 Boone Blvd., Suite 208, Vienna; 703-918-0022) for applications. The first 50 to RSVP will receive free gift bags containing discounts on spa services. Free with reservation; call the store to RSVP; 1 to 4 PM.

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Diana and her friends at her bachelorette party.

When I first got engaged, I knew the following year would be focused on my relationship with Ben and our transition from being an engaged to a married couple. What I didn’t anticipate was that it wasn’t just my relationship with my fiancé that would grow but the many relationships with all the women in my life as well.

The most important woman in my life is my mother. I’m an only child, and I think many only children take the friendship that would otherwise be a sibling relationship and transfer it to a parent. My mom has always been one of my best friends and was so excited when I got engaged to Ben. Recently, she has mentally been balancing between the happy mother-of-the-bride and the “oh my God, my only daughter is getting married” feelings. This balancing act can be a little difficult. This past weekend, she burst into tears during a discussion of the seating chart, and the sudden change of mood had me really confused. In order to help me sort out what my mom must be going through, I called my cousin and matron of honor, Sarah, who has always been like a sister to me.

Last week, I had my first wedding-dress fitting. I made the appointment in January, and yes, I realize how crazy it is to make an appointment with a seamstress seven months in advance. But this wasn’t just any seamstress. This was Angie. Washington brides are as devoted to Angie as Lindsay Lohan is to her sunless tanner. When they speak of Angie, it’s in the type of hushed voice usually reserved for the inside of churches. Before last week, I hadn’t even met Angie, but if she had made countless women look amazing in their wedding dresses, I was on board. I was willing to leave work early and drive to Fairfax county—down windy and treacherous back roads—to reach Angie’s house. When she opened the door, she was cute, petite, and very nice. I was only slightly disappointed that she didn’t have a glowing halo over her head.

I was early, so I waited for Angie to finish with another bride before following her downstairs into her sewing studio. The walls were covered with thank-you notes and photos of grateful brides. I changed into my dress and we quickly got to work.