A pair of hand-painted Mallory Musante shoes. Photo courtesy of Mallory Musante.
This month, we have a slew of deals for brides-to-be, perfect for every couple navigating the sometimes pricey waters of wedding planning. Unless otherwise noted, please mention Washingtonian Bride & Groom at the time of purchase or reservation between May 1 and 31 to receive the deal.
Beautiful at Bella Bethesda
Bella Bethesda Salon’s award-winning bridal team offers a full range of bridal services to make that perfect wedding-day look a reality. Take your favorite updo and makeup palette for a test run with this special: Receive a free makeup trial when booked this month with a hair trial, as well as 20 percent off any makeup purchase. 4733 Elm St., Second Floor, Bethesda; 301-718-9111.
Bridal Style For ’Maids and More
Local boutique Periwinkle is known for its fashion-forward yet prettily preppy frocks, accessories, and fun goods for the home. Now through June 30, readers can receive 25 percent off any full-price dress. With lines such as Shoshanna, Trina Turk, Yoana Baraschi, and more, this shop has the perfect outfit for bridesmaids, wedding guests, and the bride-to-be’s big events—showers, engagement shoots, and everything in between. 1557 Potomac Greens Dr., Alexandria, 703-519-5242; 4150 Campbell Ave., #104, Shirlington, 703-379-5252.
Photographs via Gilt.
Attention, brides-to-be: Just in time for wedding season, Gilt Groupe, the seriously fashionable sample sale site, is launching its much-anticipated discount event aimed at meeting every bride’s wedding-day needs.
Kicking off today at noon, with additional steals and deals rolling out on the site tomorrow, this biannual bridal extravaganza features heavily discounted designer wedding dresses, accessories, jewelry, decor, and lingerie from the likes of BHLDN, Marchesa, Reem Acra, and Badgley Mischka.
Brides on a budget will appreciate this month’s special discounts, from honeymoon getaways to delectable favors. Unless otherwise noted, mention Washingtonian Bride & Groom when booking.
Sail Away for Your Wedding Reception
Entertainment Cruises specializes in elegant events aboard its luxe ships. Receive a 15 percent discount on receptions with 50 or more guests aboard the flagship boat, the Odyssey, when you reserve by March 30. Mention the magazine when you enter your information online, or call 866-306-2469.
Caribbean Destination Wedding Locations Galore
Starwood Hotels’ Caribbean properties are offering a special reader treat. Book a destination wedding at any of Starwood’s six hotels—the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island, Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino, the Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba, and the Westin St. John Resorts & Villas—and enjoy a special Washingtonian add-on. Readers will receive a complimentary upgrade to the largest available suite at the hotel for their wedding night, as well as breakfast in bed the next morning. Reservations must be made by March 31 and are valid only for weddings held in 2013. To book, contact the I DO Destination Wedding Team at either destinationweddings@starwoodhotels.com or 1-877-796-8515.
A shot from an autumn engagement shoot by photographer Aaron Spicer, who is offering readers a deal on his services.
Whether you are newly engaged or immersed in the planning process, our Bride on a Budget column offers exclusive reader deals to make your wedding and honeymoon planning experience that much sweeter. Thinking about a destination getaway? On the hunt for the perfect rehearsal dinner spot? Have to grab some last-minute guest favors? We’re happy to say we have a deal for you. Unless otherwise noted, these offers are available for purchase in the months of January and February—just mention Washingtonian Bride & Groom at the time of purchase or reservation.
Party Hearty, Texas Style
Couples are increasingly turning to events that reflect who they are as a couple, for receptions and rehearsals alike. Welcome family and friends to town or host a casual yet fun post-wedding bash in true Texas style at Hill Country Barbecue in Penn Quarter. Bride & Groom readers enjoy an upgrade to the full premium open bar option when they purchase the basic beer and wine package (a 60 percent savings). The offer must be reserved by the end of February, but can be redeemed anytime in 2013. To reserve, please contact Rachael Carney in the special events and catering office at 202-556-2044 or e-mail rcarney@hillcountrywdc.com and mention the magazine.
Making Married Life Easier
Maryland-based company Miss Now Mrs. has a unique twist on the wedding market. The online company works like TurboTax for new brides, helping them process all of their online and legal name changes in one fell swoop. The affordable service ($29.95) helps brides complete forms for new Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and more. Readers can use code BUDGET13 to save $5 on the service, a 15 percent savings. This code is valid through June 30, 2013.
Welcome to “engagement season.” The holiday season between November and February produces more engagements than any other period of the year—39 percent of the yearly total, according to data from the Knot. Which means even more of you can benefit from our Bride on a Budget deals!
Whether you’re newly engaged or finalizing the planning process, these reader exclusive
offers are sure to bring you some holiday cheer.
Radiant Skin for the Busy Bride
Coterie was created for the ultra-busy woman looking to discover and purchase her favorite beauty products with a click of a button. Let the experts at Coterie help you achieve gorgeous, radiant skin for your special day. Enter to win by going to Coterie’s website. Choose your favorite product and e-mail collaborate@coterie.com your first and last name, along with why you chose that product and what your dream wedding day skin would look like. Coterie will then choose three product winners at random. The grand prize winner will receive a phone consultation with Coterie’s in-house aesthetician and $150 in skin-care products to help you achieve your dream wedding look.
Participants must enter the contest before Friday, November 16. The winner will be
notified via the same e-mail in which they submitted their answer.
Takes the Cake
Who doesn’t love a sweet ending to the reception? Reserve your cake with Lemon Tulip
Cakes before the end of this month and get any size and style of cake in her portfolio
for just $350, including delivery. Depending on your wedding size, this can mean significant
savings—cakes normally run between $.375 and $4.25 per slice, with a $40 to $80 delivery
fee. Schedule your consultation or tasting today via phone at 703-895-4704, or visit
the website.
Dashingly Dapper
Ensure the man of the hour and his groomsmen look spectacular on your big day with
this special offer from new DC custom clothier Michael Andrews Bespoke. Purchase any
tuxedo and shirt this month and receive a complimentary accessories set (a $250 value),
including a bow tie, suspenders, a cummerbund, Codis Maya cufflinks and studs, and
socks. Please note that custom orders take approximately eight weeks to arrive, so
make your appointments early. 1604 17th St., NW, Second Floor; 202-350-9001; michaelandrewsbespoke.com.
Haute Hair
Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, Bella Bethesda Salon has a talented bridal team that helps brides look and feel beautiful on their wedding day. Bella’s philosophy: Getting ready should be just as much fun as the actual event. This special offer for Washingtonian Bride & Groom readers includes 50 percent off makeup trial when booked this month with a hair trial, and 20 percent off any makeup purchases. See Bella Bethesda’s website for full bridal services, and call 301-718-9111 to book. 4733 Elm St., Second Floor, Bethesda.
“Aviara” headpiece by the Feathered Head. Photograph by Tatum Kathleen Photography/hair and makeup by Mollie Shepardson.
We’re rapidly moving toward what we like to call prime wedding season, with brides and soon-to-be brides getting ready to say “I do” and “I will” all over Washington. To celebrate, we’ve got another month’s worth of exclusive deals for our readers, just in time to head into battle—er, wedding planning.
To obtain any of these promotions, simply mention the magazine when purchasing, or use the code “Washingtonian” when ordering online.
Set the Stage for a Proposal
If you’re engaged, you already know the first question out of everyone’s mouth is: “How’d he do it?” No pressure, but proposing sets the steps in motion for a lifetime together—how your SO opts to pop the question is pretty huge. Blueprint Proposals understands unique ideas are not always easy to come by, which is why the company specializes in designing personalized marriage proposals for all styles, relationships, and, of course, budgets. Blueprint is offering an exclusive deal: two marriage proposal ideas for the price of one ($125, regularly $250). After you fill out a “relationship questionnaire,” Blueprint’s proposal experts will customize two proposal ideas and give you the tools to implement either one flawlessly. Don’t want to deal with all the details? Get 15 percent off the full-scale Proposal Planning service and let the company do it all for you. Just mention the magazine in the “how did you find out about us” box when placing your order. Now all you have to do is show up with the ring.
Sweet Treats
Whether you’re planning for the big day, a bridal shower, or a bachelorette fete, something sweet is a must for the menu. And while we all love cake, those multilayer slices of sugary heaven aren’t exactly doing wonders for our waistlines. Thank goodness for Itty Bitty Cake Company, a Fairfax-based bakery that specializes in cake bites, which look as elegant as truffles and taste like cake pops without the stick. This month, brides and bridal party members can order their favorite flavors for 15 percent off. Just call 571-533-5939 and mention Washingtonian Bride & Groom.
Haute Headpieces
Birdcage veils, fascinators, and other such hair accoutrements are all the rage these days. Select a design that complements your look with a custom headpiece handmade by the Feathered Head, or opt for a stylish headband as a gift or accessory for your ’maids or flower girls. This month, take 15 percent off your order when you use the code “Washingtonian” at checkout.
Fashionable MOB Wear
Designer Sarah Phillips got her start working with some of fashion’s biggest houses, including Christian Dior and YSL, but she’s perhaps best known for creating Hillary Clinton’s navy blue, jewel-encrusted evening gown for husband Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration. She now works under her own label, producing custom pieces for discerning clients worldwide. Let her design a made-to-order evening jacket from luxe duchesse silk for the mother of the bride or your bridesmaids. All orders placed in October are 15 percent off for Bride & Groom readers. To schedule a consultation, please e-mail julie.pny@gmail.com or call 860-488-0562.
Cool Colored Gems
Designer Shamila Jiwa is known for pairing bright semiprecious stones and metals to form custom creations, from eye-catching cocktail rings to enchanting pendants. She specializes in colored-stone engagement rings as well as other fine jewels, and you’ll find a variety of pieces perfect for the big day or special events leading up to the occasion. This month, readers can take 15 percent off all in-stock and custom orders when they mention the magazine. Visit her website for a selection of available pieces.
Cookies & Corks offers special savings this month. Photograph courtesy of Cookies & Corks.
If our Facebook newsfeed is any indication, there were a lot of proposals over the long weekend; ’tis the season for putting a ring on it, we suppose. So what better time for these bride-on-a-budget offers, exclusively for Washingtonian Bride & Groom readers?
Unless otherwise noted, all packages are available by mentioning Bride & Groom at the time of booking during the month of September.
Haute Hair
Look flawless on your big day with a special consultation from Salon Lynne, one of 14th Street’s hottest urban salons. This 90-minute consult with a bridal specialist includes your choice of three hairstyles and recommendations for the wedding-day timeline. If you choose to book with a Salon Lynne specialist, the consultation cost will be deducted from your wedding-day hairstyle. This month, consultations, normally $150, are 20 percent off. 1738 14th St., NW; 202-234-7575; salonlynne.com.
The temperatures are still soaring, but you can make the end of summer more bearable with these scorchingly good bridal deals. Whether you’re looking for a great photographer or the perfect gown with an even better price tag, these deals and steals have it all. (Unless otherwise noted, please reference Washingtonian Bride & Groom magazine when booking all deals.)
Barre-ing All Else, Get Fit
Tighten and tone every muscle in your body with these special offers from Lava Barre, Clarendon’s newest fitness studio and the first in Northern Virginia to focus exclusively on barre fitness, a fun blend of ballet and Pilates. Get those long, lean muscles through more than 30 weekly classes, normally $24 each, but now offered at a special opening rate extended through August for Bride & Groom readers: $45 for a three-pack and $125 for a month of unlimited classes, normally $225. The code HOTLAVA gets your first class free through the month of August, as well. Need extra attention? You can also register for the studio’s new Barre to Bride option, part of the Lava Corps Elite program. It’s a personalized small-group fitness routine that blends nutritional consulting, indoor and outdoor bootcamp/barre classes, and fun events—the perfect push for a bride and her ’maids to bond and get in shape before the wedding. 3260 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 571-483-0468; lavabarre.com.
The Expert: Bill Moran
Merrill Lynch senior vice president and senior financial analyst
Okay, Bill, let’s say a client has come to you who has just gotten engaged. Where do you begin?
My budget advice would be the same as my marriage advice: Keep the lines of communication open at all times. Talk about your goals and aspirations, what you imagine things looking like for the wedding, and decide what each of you wants most from the day. The couple will also need to decide how much emphasis (and money) they want to place on this one day, versus other goals they may have for their future together, like buying a home or starting a retirement fund. We will also need to discuss where they individually stand financially, so we can figure out where they stand as a collective unit.
What are some potential pitfalls couples need to watch out for when it comes to planning a wedding?
The biggest issue I see is when a couple is not on the same page, whether that’s about finances or the wedding in general, and they aren’t communicating about it. If you have one partner who is an ultra-long-term planner and thinking about how to retire comfortably at 65, and the other isn’t looking past the immediate future of desperately wanting a 20-piece band and roses on every table, we are going to hit a speed bump.
July 19: Hitched Sample Sale
Join the ladies at Hitched Bridal Couture for a Sample Sale Soiree from 5 to 8 PM. The event will feature couture wedding gowns from designers including Anna Maier, Amsale, Judd Waddell, and Lela Rose marked down 40 to 80 percent. Although no appointment is necessary, interested brides should RSVP to info@hitchedsalon.com. Visit the Hitched website for a peek at the gowns available for purchase.
July 19: Carine’s Bridal Atelier Sample Sale
Head to Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown for the annual summer sample sale from 5 to 8 PM. The sale will feature couture gowns from designers including Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, and Monique Lhuillier at 50 to 75 percent off. No appointment is necessary to attend. Find more information on the Carine’s Facebook page, or call 202-965-4696.
July 20 and 21: The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel Sample Sale
Visit the luxurious Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase to take advantage of its summer sample sale, featuring gowns from top designers including Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, and Peter Langner, originally priced from $690 to $13,890, marked down 30 to 75 percent. The sale runs on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Appointments are recommended; call 301-652-2250.
