Weddings

Where and When: August 17 to September 10

Fall is coming with a bang, and we've got the ins on what to see and where to shop.

A gown from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2012 bridal collection. Photograph courtesy of Monique Lhuillier.

Listen up, brides, grooms, and mothers of the bride: Now’s the time to take advantage of the great deals offered at wedding expos, trunk shows, and other events taking place all over the Washington area in the next several weeks. Check out the schedule and get a leg up on your big day.


August 17 through September: Chevy Chase Bridal Liquidation Sale

While it’s not good news that the Mazza Gallerie bridal boutique Chevy Chase Bridal is closing its doors, on the bright side, this means savings and discounts galore for brides-to-be in search of gowns by designers such as Anne Bowen, Badgley Mischka, Justin Alexander, Legends by Romona Keveza, Two by Rosa Clara and more. Liquidation starts on August 17th, with the entire store 30-50% off. For more information, visit chevychasebridal.com

August 18 and 19: Bridal Blowout Sale at Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria

Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria, the high-end bridal consignment boutique, will be marking down its entire inventory by an additional 10 to 40 percent during its Bridal Blowout Sale. Brides can snag gowns from top designers at 30 to 80 percent off the original retail prices and can take an additional 10 percent off all accessories (including veils) and bridesmaids’ orders. The sale runs from 10 to 6 on Saturday and noon to 6 on Sunday. Check the Fabulous Frocks Facebook page for an updated inventory list.

August 19: Wedding Open House at Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center

The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at the University of Maryland is hosting a free wedding open house from 11 to 2. Come to this event to get a feel for the venue, which is available for weddings and other events. RSVP to riggsinfo@ur.umd.edu and find more information through the website.

August 23: Styling Night at Hitched

Try on some of the many bridal baubles available at Hitched during Styling Night, held from 5 to 8. All accessories purchased during the event will be 10 percent off. RSVP to 202-333-6162 or e-mail appointments@hitchedsalon.com; please specify what time you’d like to attend.

August 23 through 25: Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show at Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Reserve your spot at the semiannual Monique Lhuillier trunk show at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown. This event will feature luxurious, ultra-feminine dresses from the designer’s spring 2013 collection. Attendance is free, but appointments are required. You’ll want to make yours soon; this is one of the most popular events of the season. Please contact Carine’s Bridal at 202-965-4696 or info@carinesbridal.com to schedule.

August 24 through 26: Enzoani Trunk Show at Love Couture Bridal

Love Couture Bridal in Potomac will host a trunk show featuring gowns by the designer Enzoani, known for modern, elegant gowns, lots of pretty lace, beading, and waist-cinching corsets. Brides will receive 10 percent off gowns purchased at the trunk show. The event is free, but appointments are required. Contact Love Couture at 301-610-5683 or e-mail sandy@lovecouturebridal.com.

August 26: Sealed With a Kiss Bridal Expo at Hilton Garden Inn Solomons

This exciting event at the Hilton Garden Inn Solomons in Dowell, Maryland, features workshops, exhibitors, food samples, door prizes, and more. The event runs from noon to 4. Pre-register online, purchase workshop tickets through Eventbrite, or find more information through the event’s website.

August 26: T Rose International Bridal Show

The T Rose International Bridal Show for Northern Virginia will be held from noon to 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Crystal City. This fabulous event will feature fashion shows, bridal specialists, and door prizes, including a drawing to win a free honeymoon.

September 4: Modern Bridal Studio

Good news, brides: Modern Bridal Studio is now partnering with Pure Aesthetica Spa in Alexandria. To celebrate, Modern Bridal will offer first-time clients half off skin-care treatments plus a spa gift on September 4. Make your appointment in advance by calling 443-336-9224 or e-mailing modernbridalstudio@gmail.com

September 6 through 8: Liancarlo Mother of the Bride Trunk Show at the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel

As any mother of the bride knows, the bride isn’t the only one concerned with finding a perfect outfit for the big day. Luckily for stylish MOBs, the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase will host its popular Liancarlo trunk show featuring mother-of-the-bride attire. The designer, Carlos Ramirez, will be in attendance to show his collection of fall 2012 evening wear. This three-day event runs from 10 to 6.

September 7 and 8: Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown Trunk Show at Hitched

Hitched will host a trunk show featuring a wide array of Modern Trousseau gowns from designer Callie Tein, who will be in attendance to discuss her creations. Hitched will offer 10 percent off all Modern Trousseau gowns purchased over the course of the weekend. Make an appointment soon by calling 202-333-6162 or e-mailing appointments@hitchedsalon.com.

September 9: Washington Bridal Showcase at Patriot Center

NOVA brides and grooms should head to the Patriot Center (4400 University Dr., Fairfax) between 11 and 5 for a bridal showcase extraordinaire. This event will include runway fashion shows, music, food samples, and displays by local wedding vendors. Purchase tickets ($10) through the event’s website. Enter promo code WW receive $2 off each ticket purchased online.

September 9: Great Bridal Expo at Hilton Alexandria

Head over to the Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center between noon and 4 for the Great Bridal Expo, featuring everything you could want for your wedding, honeymoon, and home. The event will include runway shows featuring bridal fashions and men’s formalwear, live orchestra and deejay performances, a colorful honeymoon show, and exhibits with opportunities for prizes. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Find more information and purchase tickets through the expo’s website.

September 10: The Wedding Salon Event at the Madison

The Madison (1177 15th St., NW) in DC hosts the Wedding Salon bridal trade show between 4 and 8, showcasing the latest trends in table decor, invitations, honeymoons, accessories, and bridal fashion. Visitors are treated to a couture fashion show, makeovers, cake tastings, cocktails, and goodie bags, plus a chance to win a honeymoon. For additional information, call 212-631-7777 or e-mail sarah@weddingsalon.com. Register online (for complimentary tickets, a $50 value, use code WSTC).