Attire - Bridal

Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection

1848 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore MD — 410-484-4600

Gowns from Kenneth Pool, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, and others. Also bridesmaid dresses, shoes, bags, and accessories. Gowns: $1,000 to $8,000.

Attire - Bridal

Carine's Bridal Atelier

Washington DC — 202-965-4696

Carine's carries 13 designers including Carolina Herrera, Angel Sanchez, and Melissa Sweet. Also veils and jewelry. Dresses start at $2,500.

Attire - Bridal

Claire Dratch

7615 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda MD — 301-656-8000

Designers include Augusta Jones, Lazaro, and Tara Keely. Also bridesmaid dresses, veils, shoes, and jewelry. Gowns: $1,000 to $5,000.

Attire - Bridal

David's Bridal

Rockville MD — 301-881-1112

David's has a wide selection for brides on a budget; designers include Oleg Cassini, Galina, and Monique Luo. Also veils, headpieces, bags, and shoes. Gowns: $299 to $1,000.

Attire - Bridal

David's Bridal

Bowie MD — 301-464-8690

David's has a wide selection for brides on a budget; designers include Oleg Cassini, Galina, and Monique Luo. Also veils, headpieces, bags, and shoes. Gowns: $299 to $1,000.

Attire - Bridal

David's Bridal

Glen Burnie MD — 410-789-7308

David's has a wide selection for brides on a budget; designers include Oleg Cassini, Galina, and Monique Luo. Also veils, headpieces, bags, and shoes. Gowns: $299 to $1,000.

Attire - Bridal

David's Bridal

Springfield VA — 703-912-7701

David's has a wide selection for brides on a budget; designers include Oleg Cassini, Galina, and Monique Luo. Also veils, headpieces, bags, and shoes. Gowns: $299 to $1,000.

Attire - Bridal

David's Bridal

Woodbridge VA — 703-490-8940

David's has a wide selection for brides on a budget; designers include Oleg Cassini, Galina, and Monique Luo. Also veils, headpieces, bags, and shoes. Gowns: $299 to $1,000.

Attire - Bridal

Distinctive Designs Bridal

15709 Crabbs Branch Way Rockville MD — 301-948-1833

The Kirstie Kelly label-a line inspired by Disney princesses-is popular with brides. Also dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers of the bride and groom. Gowns: $1,000 to $3,500.

Attire - Bridal

Harriet Kassman

Mazza Gallerie Washington DC — 202-363-1870

Harriet Kassman added a bridal salon to her women's designer-clothing shop last year. Gown designers include Reem Acra, Badgley Mischka, Anne Barge, and Romona Keveza. Also bridesmaid dresses, veils, headpieces, and jewelry. Gowns range from $2,800 to $6,500.

Attire - Bridal

Hitched

1523 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington DC — 202-333-6162

Owners Carin Rosenberg Levine and Julia Lichtman Kepniss put brides at ease. Designers include Lela Rose, Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija, and Oscar de la Renta. Gowns: $2,000 to $8,000.

Attire - Bridal

I Do-I Do Wedding Gowns

15932 Luanne Dr. Gaithersburg MD — 240-243-0050

At this shop-which carries new, past-season, and used gowns consigned by designers, wholesalers, retailers, and brides-brides can find Vera Wang, Amsale, and other designers at a discount. Gowns: $100 to $5,000.

Attire - Bridal

Jeanette's Bride 'n Tux Boutique

10386 Festival La. Manassas VA — 703-369-1998

In business since 1977, this boutique has more than 500 gowns-plus tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and more. Gowns: $500 to $8,000.

Attire - Bridal

P. Lawrence Bridals & Formals

336 Main St. Gaithersburg MD — 301-977-9729

Boutique owner Beth Burke carries Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Alvina Valenta, and more. Also dresses for flower girls, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom. Gowns $800 to $4,000.

Attire - Bridal

Promise ?for the Savvy Bride

4931-A St. Elmo Ave. Bethesda MD — 301-215-9232

Jessica Fox and Juliana Zoto, a mother-and-daughter team, carry gowns from Carolina Herrera, Vwidon, Claire Pettibone, and five other designers. Also bridesmaid dresses and headpieces. Gowns: $2,800 to $5,000.

Attire - Bridal

Rizik Brother

1100 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington DC — 202-223-4050

This designer shop, in business for nearly a century, carries Lazaro, Peter Langner, Rivini, and more. Also bridesmaid dresses, veils, and headpieces. Gowns: $2,500 to $8,000.

Attire - Bridal

Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Salon

Tysons Galleria McLean VA — 703-269-1293

Designers include Carolina Herrera, Kenneth Pool, and Amsale. Brides can have a dress custom-designed for $10,000 and up. Gowns: $4,000 to $10,000.

Attire - Bridal

Vera Wang Bridal Boutique at Saks Jandel

5510 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase MD — 301-652-2250

This year's gown designs are romantic and soft with taffeta and tissue organza. The boutique also has bridesmaid dresses, headpieces, shoes, and more. Gowns: $3,200 to $24,000.

Attire - Wedding Party

After Hours Formalwear

Washington DC —

Tommy Hilfiger, Claiborne, Oleg Cassini, and more. The Arlington store wins raves; a few brides complained about service at other locations. See their web site for all their locations.

Attire - Wedding Party

After Hours Formalwear

MD —

Tommy Hilfiger, Claiborne, Oleg Cassini, and more. The Arlington store wins raves; a few brides complained about service at other locations. See their web site for all their locations.

Attire - Wedding Party

After Hours Formalwear

VA —

Tommy Hilfiger, Claiborne, Oleg Cassini, and more. The Arlington store wins raves; a few brides complained about service at other locations. See their web site for all their locations.

Attire - Wedding Party

Ann Taylor

Washington DC — 800-342-5266

The Celebrations collection includes classic dresses starting at $148; it's available online and at the Connecticut Avenue and Tysons Galleria locations.

Attire - Wedding Party

Ann Taylor

VA — 800-342-5266

The Celebrations collection includes classic dresses starting at $148; it's available online and at the Connecticut Avenue and Tysons Galleria locations.

Attire - Wedding Party

Aria Bridesmaids

2029 P St., NW, Suite 201 Washington DC — 202-293-2742

Bridesmaid dresses come in a variety of colors and styles, all in silk or satin. Appointment only.

Attire - Wedding Party

Bethesda Custom Tailors

Bethesda MD — 301-656-2077

With more than 50 years in the business, this tailor offers nine tuxedo styles from labels such as Calvin Klein and Chaps by Ralph Lauren. Available to rent or buy.

Attire - Wedding Party

Bridal Visions

Arlington VA — 703-237-0010

Brides like the large selection of bridesmaid dresses, which come in 55 colors and styles from tea length to floor length. Also gowns, shoes, headpieces, and veils.

Attire - Wedding Party

J.Crew

— 800-205-3877

J.Crew offers bridesmaid dresses in elegant cuts and jewel tones, tuxedos and suits, and outfits for flower girls and ring bear

Attire - Wedding Party

Masters Tuxedo

Annandale VA — 703-354-7500

This rental store carries After Six, Oscar de la Renta, Fumagalli, Bill Blass, and more.

Attire - Wedding Party

Masters Tuxedo

Arlington VA — 703-820-8880

This rental store carries After Six, Oscar de la Renta, Fumagalli, Bill Blass, and more.

Attire - Wedding Party

Masters Tuxedo

Fair Oaks VA — 703-385-2241

This rental store carries After Six, Oscar de la Renta, Fumagalli, Bill Blass, and more.

Attire - Wedding Party

Masters Tuxedo

Woodbridge VA — 703-580-8863

This rental store carries After Six, Oscar de la Renta, Fumagalli, Bill Blass, and more.

Attire - Wedding Party

Men's Wearhouse

Washington DC —

Styles include full dress tails and one- to five-button jackets. Designers include Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Reaction by Kenneth Cole. See web site for locations and numbers.

Attire - Wedding Party

Men's Wearhouse

MD —

Styles include full dress tails and one- to five-button jackets. Designers include Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Reaction by Kenneth Cole. See web site for locations and numbers.

Attire - Wedding Party

Men's Wearhouse

VA —

Styles include full dress tails and one- to five-button jackets. Designers include Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Reaction by Kenneth Cole. See web site for locations and numbers.

Attire - Wedding Party

M.Stein & Co.

Washington DC — 202-659-1434

In business since 1906, M.Stein has more than 450 styles of tuxedos and suits-plus a private tailor with 45 years of experience. Free delivery and pickups at downtown hotels.

Attire - Wedding Party

Nicole Miller

VA — 703-821-1630

Nicole Miller launches new styles this month. Dresses come in jewel tones and a variety of lengths and cuts, including strapless and halters. Prices: $250 to $400.

Cakes and Desserts

Alexandria Pastry Shop & Catering Company

Alexandria VA — 703-578-4144

Tom Lally's shop, in business for 20 years, bakes with real butter and cream from Shenandoah Valley creameries and uses chocolate from Belgium and France. Prices start at $5.25 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Ann Amernick

Chevy Chase MD — 301-718-0434

Amernick, who has 35 years of experience, specializes in a classic French wedding cake with delicate sugar flowers. Prices start at $6 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Cakelore

Centreville VA — 703-830-8163

Loretta Nicholas makes cakes and fillings from scratch using fresh ingredients. She offers a menu of unusual cakes-like the Hummingbird, made with pineapple and banana-and takes requests. Prices start at $6 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

CakeLove

Silver Spring MD — 301-565-2253

These shops offer a variety of flavors and fillings, including butter, toffee, and coconut vanilla buttercream. Brides like the strawberries-and-cream cake; cupcakes are also popular. Prices: $4.50 to $6.50 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

CakeLove

Arlington VA — 703-933-0099

These shops offer a variety of flavors and fillings, including butter, toffee, and coconut vanilla buttercream. Brides like the strawberries-and-cream cake; cupcakes are also popular. Prices: $4.50 to $6.50 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

CakeLove

Washington DC — 202-588-7100

These shops offer a variety of flavors and fillings, including butter, toffee, and coconut vanilla buttercream. Brides like the strawberries-and-cream cake; cupcakes are also popular. Prices: $4.50 to $6.50 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Cakes by Design

Alexandria VA — 703-721-9626

Debbie Delardi's popular flavors include chocolate chip with Bavarian cream and a white-chocolate pound cake with strawberry filling. Prices start at $4 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Connie's Cake Creations

Herndon VA — 703-860-2661

Couples can try Connie's cakes at private tastings-her specialty is buttercream icing. Prices start at $3 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Creative Cakes

Silver Spring MD — 301-587-1599

This shop's specialty flavors include chocolate Chambord with French raspberry liqueur and Godiva white chocolate; butter rum and almond are popular for weddings. Open tastings one Sunday a month. Prices start at $4.50 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Especially for You

Alexandria VA — 703-660-9592

Jo Ann Kottkamp's rich butter cake with a fresh strawberry buttercream filling is a favorite among brides. Prices start at $4.50.

Cakes and Desserts

Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Gaithersburg MD — 301-548-9390

Leslie Goldman-Poyourow's themed cakes have appeared on the Food Network's Ace of Cakes. She makes funky groom's cakes, such as a Redskins cooler filled with bottled beer. Servings start at $6.75.

Cakes and Desserts

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

Arlington VA — 703-527-8394

In business since 1975, this German-style bakery specializes in fillings such as raspberry jam, apricot jam, marzipan, and dark chocolate mousse. Prices start at $3.75 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Hollin Hall Pastry Shop

Alexandria VA — 703-768-9643

When grooms get to pick a tier, they often choose the chocolate raspberry marquis cake. The vanilla bavarian and black-and-white mousse cakes are also popular for weddings. Prices start at $6.50.

Cakes and Desserts

Kendall's Cakes

Falls Church VA — 703-536-2200

Kendall Barrett, whose favorite flavor is her lemon cake, bakes with European-style butter and French chocolates. Flavors include carrot, dulce de leche, chocolate raspberry, and mocha. Prices start at $7 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Pastries by Randolph

Arlington VA — 703-243-0070

Couples like the round, tiered cakes with fondant ribbons and bows; mousse flavors are popular. Cakes start at $4 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Patisserie Poupon

Washington DC — 202-342-3248

This bakery makes traditional cakes and French favorites, such as croquembouche and a strawberries-and-cream g?noise cake. Prices start at $4.65 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Patisserie Poupon

Baltimore MD — 410-332-0390

This bakery makes traditional cakes and French favorites, such as croquembouche and a strawberries-and-cream g?noise cake. Prices start at $4.65 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Patty Collette's Patty Cakes

Annandale VA — 571-338-2469

Collette has traveled to New York, California, and Hawaii to do custom-designed cakes for destination weddings. Prices start at $10 a serving.

Cakes and Desserts

Peter Bakes

Alexandria VA — 202-302-3883

Peter Brett's signature tiered cake includes lemon butter cake, vanilla cheesecake, and pistachio marzipan wrapped in white-chocolate fondant ribbons. Prices start at $8 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

Piece of Cake

Ashburn VA — 571-333-6826

Rocio Diaz, whose mother and grandmother also made cakes, offers 28 flavors and 15 fillings, including almond amaretto with raspberry mousse. Prices start at $5.20 a serving.

Cakes and Desserts

Rae Bakes

Washington DC — 202-333-4967

Raeanne Hytone's custom sugar cookies-which couples use as favors or in lieu of a cake-are designed in the shape of gowns, mini-tiered cakes, flowers, or initials. Cookies are $6 to $12 each.

Cakes and Desserts

SugarBakers Cakes

Cantonsville MD — 410-788-9478

Couples like the square cakes in bold colors; bride favorites include red-velvet fudge and amaretto raspberry. Prices start at $4.50 a person.

Cakes and Desserts

The Sweet Life

Annandale VA — 703-750-3266

Norman Davis is an award-winning chocolatier who specializes in custom-made chocolate molds. His popular chocolate cake with maraschino cream cheese recently won a Food Network Challenge competition. Prices start at $3.55 a person.

Caterers

3Citron Caterers

Georgetown DC — 202-342-3400

Stuart Woodroffe and Philippe Demol create seasonal menus using local, organic ingredients. Signature dishes include a trio of gazpachos and a wild-mushroom risotto.

Caterers

Avalon Caterers

Alexandria VA — 202-337-2000

Avalon offers ethnic cuisines including South American, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Ethiopian, and northern Indian. It'll design fusion menus or make dishes from family recipes.

Caterers

Catering Company of Washington

Northwest DC — 202-347-8040

Owner Elizabeth Petty and chef Tom Berry specialize in gourmet American meals and international cuisine with an American flair; the curry-roasted halibut is popular. Their event space, Elizabeth's on L (1341 L St., NW), is available for weddings or rehearsal dinners with no rental fee.

Caterers

Dahan Caterers

Rockville MD — 301-294-8445

Top vote-getters for kosher cuisine, French-trained and Moroccan-born David Dahan and his staff also offer such choices as Japanese, Mediterranean, and northern African.

Caterers

Design Cuisine

Arlington VA — 703-979-9400

A top vote-getter, Design Cuisine gets raves from brides for its service, decor, and customized menus that can incorporate family recipes

Caterers

Federal City Caterers

Northwest DC — 202-408-9700

This company personalizes weddings with creative menus and place cards. It'll design a menu around a couple's background.

Caterers

Knife & Fork Caterers

Rockville MD — 301-670-4744

Brides praise the food and service from Knife & Fork, whose menus range from Spanish Mediterranean to a tasting buffet with Gulf Coast, Pacific Rim, and Eastern-seaboard stations. Also a kosher division.

Caterers

Main Event Caterers

Arlington VA — 703-820-2028

Main Event will customize menus with ingredients from around the world. The Tuscan-themed menu includes pastas and antipastos; a New Orleans menu features gumbo and crawfish ?touff?e.

Caterers

Occasions Caterers

Northeast DC — 202-546-7400

Brides recommend Occasions-our top vote-getter-for its creativity, food, and service. It'll make mini, gourmet versions of old favorites such as grilled cheese, burgers, and Reubens.

Caterers

Provisions Catering

Silver Spring MD — 301-949-6100

Owner Bunny Dwin and chef Ivan Escobar offer twists on American classics, including spoonful appetizers of shrimp and grits, as well as international menus. The popular mini-desserts include cheesecake and Key-lime pie on a Popsicle stick.

Caterers

Ridgewells

Bethesda MD — 301-652-1515

Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Ridgewells wins praise from brides for service and fresh food.

Caterers

R&R Catering

Springfield VA — 703-451-2798

Specializing in weddings, Michelle Bloxton and Rob Saldivar offer international cuisines such as Caribbean and Indian. One personalized menu featured a buffet of seafood, Italian cuisine, and Kansas City barbecue.

Caterers

RSVP Catering

Fairfax VA — 703-573-8700

The Organix by RSVP division offers local, sustainable, organic menus.

Caterers

Sara McGregor's Capitol Catering

Alexandria VA — 703-739-1030

McGregor and her team create innovative menus and cocktails. The staff will match uniforms to wedding colors.

Caterers

Susan Gage Caterers

Oxon Hill MD — 301-839-6900

Gage and her staff, who use local ingredients such as Virginia cheeses, recently designed a seven-course vegetarian meal with produce from area farms. Couples are assigned a 'wedding valet' to work with one-on-one.

Caterers

Well Dunn Catering

Southeast DC — 202-543-7878

In business for 27 years, Well Dunn has catered events at the White House and Supreme Court. Couples like the creative cocktails such as the Prosecco with peach nectar, white peach slices, and grapes.

Caterers

Windows Catering

Alexandria VA — 703-519-3500

This company wins praise from brides for its service, Modern American cuisine, and glatt-kosher division. Pastry chef Laurent Lhuillier won the National Pastry Team Championship in 2005.

Florists

Amaryllis

Northeast DC — 202-529-2230

Our top vote-getter, Amaryllis won the 'best table design' award from the DC chapter of the International Special Events Society last year for a nature-inspired floral theme.

Florists

Art With Flowers

Tysons Galleria VA — 703-903-6837

Jose Coffey and his team create both traditional and contemporary arrangements. They've used tobacco flowers and leaves for a wedding with a Cuban theme.

Florists

Blooms

Reston VA — 703-620-5557

Gail Dobberfuhl and her staff create traditional and modern designs with flowers from around the world.

Florists

Distinctive Floral Designs

Great Falls VA — 703-430-7268

Brides rave about Alison de Wit and her team, who specialize in weddings. They've incorporated a couple's college colors into a floral design and used antique brooches and jewels in bouquets.

Florists

Dragonfly

Northeast DC — 703-370-2525