Weddings

Where & When: Wedding Edition

Bridal showcases galore ensure that brides-to-be will have lots of events to keep them busy this weekend.

Friday, September 18

For any bride tired of scrounging through catalogs for the perfect dress, Distinctive Designs Bridal’s Pronovias trunk show (15709 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville) will be held through September 27. Swing by for a sneak peek at what these Barcelona designers have been cooking up for their 2010 collection—and if any designs seem “I do”-worthy to you, you’ll receive a 10-percent discount. Call 301-948-1833 to schedule a viewing.

Sunday, September 20

The Sheraton Baltimore North (903 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson) will present a Fall Bridal Showcase from noon to 3. Not only will you be able to meet vendors and  sample hors d’oeuvres, but you can also enter to win the grand prize of the night—a honeymoon getaway for you and the groom.There’ll also be a fashion show displaying dresses by Amanda Ritchey Bridal & Beauty that include maid-of-honor gowns and bridesmaid dresses. To get a taste of what your wedding bash might be like, be sure to check out the mock reception going on in the hotel’s Warfield banquet room. The event is free for brides, but you can bring guests for $5. To RSVP, call 410-321-7400.

The Washington Bridal Showcase (Martin’s Crosswinds, 7400 Greenway Center Dr., Greenbelt) includes fashion shows, sampling products, and asking experts questions about your big day. The showcase is boasting demonstrations, music, and special discounts for attendees from 11 to 5. However, set your alarm and get there early—the first 500 brides to arrive will receive a one-year subscription to Modern Bride. Brides can register for a chance to win free prizes, including a free honeymoon cruise. The event is $8 if you register online and  $10 at the door.

In keeping with this weekend’s bridal-showcase bonanza, the Greater Virginia Bridal Showcase (Ash-Lawn Highland, 1000 James Monroe Pkwy., Charlottesville) will hold its third annual exclusive lawn party to give brides a chance to learn about the latest wedding trends and to sample products. Sponsored by Wedalert.com, Ashlawn Highland, and Virginia Bride Magazine, the event will be held at the house of our fifth President, James Monroe—who happily married his bride Elizabeth Monroe in 1786. Each bride who attends gets a copy of Virginia Bride Magazine as well as the chance to win thousand of dollars in door prizes. 1 to 4; $5.

Tuesday, September 22

If you’ve been feeling in over your veil, award-winning DJ Steve Moody lends a few wise words during his How to Pull Off the Ultimate Wedding event (335 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park). The disc jockey spills on how to keep a wedding reception full of energy, how to talk to wedding vendors, and the greatest secret of all—how to get your groom involved in the planning.  Doors will open at 6:30, when attendees can visit vendor booths and enjoy refreshments until the show starts at 7:30. Brides are free, and any guests curious about bridal planning get in for $7.