Today, Maddie asks:

My fiance just proposed and we really want to get married this summer. We want something nice, elegant and intimate…Is it feasible to plan and execute a wedding in four months?

I often like to say, where there is a will, there is a way. So, yes, it is most certainly possible to plan your wedding in four months. With that being said, with less time, there are a few important caveats to note —

1. Venue and Vendors: Many popular DC venues and vendors (depending on the category) are booked up to a year in advance. Summer in DC is a bit less busy with weddings, so there most certainly may be dates open, but if you have your heart set on a specific place, vendor, or company, your quickly approaching date may be a limiting factor.

2. Comparative Shopping: The good news is that with less time you will be forced to make decisions and move forward. On the flip side, you may have less time to get comparative quotes from vendors and thoughtfully negotiate.

Photo by Paul Morse

3. Guest Attendance: Usually, save the dates are mailed six months before a wedding. Since you will have missed this window of time, it will be important to reach out to your closest friends and family to let them know of your plans. However, with summer being a busy time for many families, you will have to be prepared to receive declines from some of those invited (which sometimes can be a good thing, right?)

4. Beware of DIY’s: Of course, I am a HUGE fan of creative “Do-It-Yourself” details. But, take it from me, DIY does not always equal less money or less time. Be smart about what you can do yourself and what is best left up to the experts or generous family and friends.

5. Prioritize: Finally, with less time, it will be important to be organized and know what items mean the most to you and what you should prioritize. It is easy to get wrapped up in the details of planning but try to keep in mind, in the end, it is one day and ultimately about being with the person you love for the rest of your life! In ten years, are you going to remember if your invites went out a few days late or if the cocktail napkins were slightly too lime-green? Enjoy the process and maintain perspective!

Has anyone else planned a wedding in a shorter period of time? Do you have other advice that you would add?

Dear District Weddings,

My sister was recently engaged and is soon to be married!  I am thinking of fun ideas for a ‘bachelorette celebration’ for her, and would like to do a girls day of pampering at a great DC spa. Where is the best place to go?

Best, Heidi

Great question! Although there are so many wonderful spas in the area, our absolute favorite is the Mandarin Oriental Spa.  Decorated in warm neutral colors, the Mandarin Spa has a calming essence that is enhanced by signature aromatherapy candles.  Guaranteed to offer you a full day of luxury, the Mandarin boasts an amethyst steam room, vitality pools, an amazing, sauna, and zen relaxation rooms that will leave you completely relaxed.  How often do we actually have the opportunity to feel that way!?

The treatments offered at the Mandarin are also a MUST- they are so unique, and really do have an effect on the mind, body, and spirit.  Rooted in ancient rituals, the Mandarin Spa treatments fuse techniques and philosophies for around the world to create experiences that are unlike any other, trust us!

Some of the Mandarin’s signature treatments include the “Cherry Blossom Ritual”, a foot ritual followed by a cherry scrub and Aromatherapy Massage with hot stones, and the “Traditional Thai Ritual”, one that draws from Thai culture and restores tranquility – how GREAT do those sound?  A large variety of massages and wraps are also offered – perfect to suit each woman’s needs.

For your sister, you might want to check out the full day and half day programs – several options are offered and will allow your party to receive that full, fantastic day you are looking for!  Trust me, your sister will LOVE it, and she will end up completely relaxed and ready to plan her fabulous DC wedding!

Also, be sure to follow the Mandarin on Twitter at MO_WashingtonDC and become a friend on Facebook to learn about their special deal!

We are planning our upcoming wedding and are working to compile our guest list. Many of our friends and family have children, and although we love kids, we picture our wedding as an “adult only” affair. How do we kindly ask our guests to leave the little ones behind?

This is a great question and one that we hear often at DW!  To ensure that your wedding includes a mature guest list, there are a few steps to take.

First, only address the wedding invitation to the parents on both the outer and inner envelopes.  Etiquette rules dictate that you should never state “no children” on the invitation.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Second, it is always polite to book a babysitter on behalf of your guests with children either at the venue or hotel.  You may find babysitter listings at many hotels and if you are working with a wedding planner, he or she will most likely have recommendations.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Finally, if you have children in your wedding party, and they will be attending the reception, it is always nice to have special place settings for these select little ones.  Recently, I have seen a bride set juice boxes and coloring books (and remove the wine glasses and knife) from the child’s place.  Most caterers or venues will offer kid’s meals (often for a lower price than the adult per person cost.)

For post dinner dancing, again, it is thoughtful to offer babysitting so that the Moms and Dads can continue to enjoy themselves, kid-free.

As always, we LOVE hearing from you – please keep your comments and questions coming our way!

Here you’ll find who we recommend and why.  These are our true favorites — they are friendly, easy-to-work-with, creative, and their work is phenomenal.  In our opinion, they are the best.

BANDS

The Fabulous Fantoms

Phone: 301-983-8600 * Web: www.fabulousfantoms.com * Email: fantomband@aol.com

If you are hoping to throw a party that your guests will remember, one that goes into the wee hours of the night because no one wants to stop dancing, then this is your band.  Not only are they energetic (but not cheesy), full of spirit (but not over-the-top), and incredibly talented (but not show-offs), The Fabulous Fantoms are very professional, put-together, and just plain amazing.  They’ve mastered music from Beyonce to The Temptations — and everything in between.  I guarantee you’ll love them.

BRIDAL ATTIRE

Hitched

Phone: 202-333-6162 * Web: www.hitchedsalon.com * Email: info@hitchedsalon.com

Oh, how I love Hitched.  I love the wide array of dresses they carry.  I love the charming, lovely atmosphere of the store.  And I love the smiling faces that greet me each time I walk in.  Not only are the ladies very knowledgeable, they are also extremely supportive and encouraging.  They will sit with you, giving kind, honest advice, until you find the dress of your dreams.  When I was looking for my own wedding dress, I only went to Hitched.  My experience was truly fabulous.  I didn’t need to look anywhere else.  They’re the best.

CAKES

K. Rose Cakes

Phone: 202-255-8709 * Web: www.krosecakes.com * Email: info@krosecakes.com

Oohh, K. Rose Cakes is the best thing to hit the D.C. pastry scene in years.  Kristine, Owner and Lead Pastry Chef, is so darling, and so amazing.  Her cakes are lovely, charming works of art.  They are the cakes you see in magazines.  Kristine can magically turn sugar into flowers — the kind of flowers that look like they were just plucked from the garden.  Visit her website and check out her cakes.  You’ll see why she’s the most popular girl in town.

Kendall’s Cakes

Phone: 703-536-2200 * Web: www.kendallscakes.com * Email: kendall@kendallscakes.com

If I was going to go to one of Kendall’s cake tastings, I’d skip breakfast and lunch — and maybe dinner the night before.  Because, you guessed it.  Her cakes are absolutely DELICIOUS.  Like best-homemade-cake-you’ve-ever-had good.  Not just best-wedding-cake good (because we all know the expectations for how wedding cakes taste are quite low).  And I really mean homemade.  She bakes every cake in her home, with her bakery-sized mixer and oven.  And a pinch of love, because Kendall’s the nicest woman I know.  She’s the best.

CATERING

Occasions Caterers

Phone: 202-454-7846 * Web: www.occasionscaterers.com * Email: jwolke@occasionscaterers.com

It is difficult to find the words to tell you how much I love, and truly respect, Occasions Caterers.  They are second to none.  Their service is amazing, their attention to detail blows me away, and their cuisine is five-star.  They can create any menu, and produce it in a way that makes you so happy you chose them for your big day.  Ask any D.C. wedding planner and they will agree with me, without a doubt.  We’re very lucky to have Occasions in the D.C. area.  They definitely set the standard for catering.

CEREMONY MUSICIANS

Celebrated String Quartet

Phone: 703-865-8389 * Web: www.string4.com * Email: csq@string4.com

Have a specific song in mind for your wedding ceremony?  Celebrated String Quartet will take care of it.  They will learn a new song just for you.  They’ll even arrange music for a song not originally written for a string quartet.  Not into classical?  No problem.  They’ll make it work, and it will be beautiful.  More of a fan of Pachelbel and Bach (like me)?  Celebrated String Quartet will knock your socks off.  They truly are one of the best in the city.

Cherry Blossom Strings

Phone: 703-582-0428 * Web: www.cherryblossomstrings.com * Email: info@cherryblossomstrings.com

With over 500 events under their belt, Cherry Blossom Strings is a go-to for wedding ceremony music.  Their music is truly a pleasure to hear.  They are flexible, accommodating, and professional.  You work directly with them, not a booking agency.  On their website they have a place where you can hear them play different songs.  Definitely check it out.  You will feel so comfortable with their style, and you’ll be excited to hear them play on your wedding day.

DISC JOCKEYS

Chris Laich

Phone: 202-997-2514 * Web: www.chrislaich.com * Email: cl@chrislaich.com

When it comes to DJs, Chris Laich’s team is one of the best in the business.  I’m not one for the loud-talking, center-of-attention types.  Chris Laich’s team is anything but.  They are well-trained, and incredibly well put-together.  They are prompt, courteous, and classy.  They play exactly what you want to hear, at a time that is perfect for the flow of the evening.  They know how to pack a dance floor, and keep a party going throughout the night.

Marc Augenbraum DJ Services

Phone: 202-271-8396 * Web: www.marcaugenbraum.com * Email: dj@marcaugenbraum.com

I learned about Marc Augenbraum from one of the industry’s top insiders.  Marc has mastered the ability to play the best music, without ever calling attention to himself.  He is well-spoken and professional.  He’ll play any genre, and he’ll pick one perfect song after another.  You know that “I-LOVE-this-song!” feeling you get after hearing the first few notes?  Marc will continue to surprise and delight you throughout your wedding night.  I love that.

FAVORS

Apres Peau

Phone: 202-783-0022 * Web: www.aprespeau.com * Email: info@aprespeau.com

From D.C.-themed delicious signature chocolate bars (like Smithsonian Salty Pretzel, my fave) to the cutest Monument notecards around, Apres Peau is by far my favorite place for D.C. wedding favors.  The products are quality, the store is so fresh and modern, and the staff is friendly and easy-to-work-with.  Need 200 chocolate bars by next Saturday?  No problem, they have you covered.  You just need to pick your flavors.  If it was up to me, I’d take one of each.  Key Bridge Key Lime, anyone?

FLOWERS

Multiflor, Inc.

Phone: 703-645-0090 * Web: www.nicksflowers.com * Email: nick@nicksflowers.com

It’s not too often I meet a florist whose work I truly adore.  I mean, I really like flowers, but after a while, a lot of arrangements start looking the same.  Nick, Owner and Lead Designer of Multiflor, has a gift.  He is truly, unbelievably talented.  His arrangements (and bouquets) are contemporary without being too minimalist.  They are classically modern.  They are gorgeous and interesting at the same time.  And he uses the freshest flowers, so you can rest assured your centerpieces will last through the night (and even through brunch the next morning!).

HAIR STYLISTS

Bridal Hair by Remona

Phone: 703-597-9884 * Web: www.bridalhairbyremona.com * Email: remonasoleimani@yahoo.com

About a year ago, I met Remona through Doreen Tisone, Editor of Engaged! Magazine.  Remona is the talented stylist behind the magazine’s photo shoots.  Yeah, that was good enough for me.  I’ve been using Remona ever since.  She’s just awesome.  She gets it.  She knows how to do a “natural” up-do.  When she’s finished, you feel like you could walk the red carpet.  Really.  I trust her inherently.  She’s doing my hair for my wedding.  I can’t wait.

PLANNERS

A. Dominick Events

Phone: 202-216-9557 * Web: www.adominick.com * Email: info@adominick.com

Wow, where do I start?  Aimee taught me everything I know about weddings.  Her events are so tasteful, so lovely.  She thinks of everything.  And, from the minute you meet her, you want to be her friend.  In fact, most of her brides regularly call her even after their weddings are over.  She’s an incredible source of knowledge, an amazing planning force, and a consummate professional.  Plus she’s one of the coolest people I know.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Love Life Images, Inc.

Phone: 410-491-5433 * Web: www.lovelifeimages.com * Email: info@lovelifeimages.com

Love Life Images, Inc. is one part artistic, one part photojournalistic.  A lot of photographers do one or the other — Love Life Images does both…really well.  Next time you’re perusing a local bridal magazine, look closely at the fine print.  You’ll see Love Life Images everywhere.  Stephen, Jennifer, and Mary are wonderful.  If you regularly check this blog, you’ll see their work often.  They are truly one of our favorite teams, and their images are breathtaking.  With a wide variety of packages at all price points, Love Life Images can accommodate most every budget, with a style that will make it difficult to decide which picture to frame!

SPAS

Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC

Phone: 202-787-6100 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/spa * Email: mowas-spa@mohg.com

Where is the best spa in the city?  Hands down, it’s the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental.  From massages to pre-wedding facials, if you’re looking to spoil yourself (and ensure you look the absolute best on your big day), you must, must, must go to the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental.  Seriously, look for any excuse to get in there.  The weekend before your wedding, surprise your fiance with a couple’s massage.  Show your girls how much you love them by inviting them to a girls getaway at the Spa.  Say thanks to your Mom with a gift certificate to the Spa.  And treat yourself while you’re there!

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Chevy Chase

Phone: 202-362-9890 * Web: www.reddoorspas.com * Email: kbigel@reddoorspas.com

For wedding day services for your entire bridal party, you can’t beat the stylists at the Red Door Spa in Chevy Chase.  The make-up artists are truly the most talented in D.C.  They offer air-brushing so your foundation stays put and you look flawless throughout your entire wedding celebration.  Trust me, I tried it!  For up-dos, blow-outs, and everything in between, the hair stylists will accommodate you and all of the women close to you — all in a setting that is so relaxing, and so accessible.

VENUES: 150-300 GUESTS

Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC

Phone: 202-787-6178 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington * Email: mowas-catering@mohg.com

If you’re having a mid-sized wedding and you’re wanting the best service, amazing cuisine, and the elegance of a luxury hotel, I must recommend the Mandarin Oriental.  With a smaller ballroom available for small to mid-sized weddings, your wedding will feel perfectly intimate, without “drowning” in a huge room.  Several smaller rooms are available for a cocktail reception, or you could always opt for an outdoor cocktail hour in the beautiful garden, just a stone’s throw from the Tidal Basin.  Thinking of getting married in the spring?  Book the garden for breathtaking views of the cherry blossoms!

VENUES: 300+ GUESTS

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Phone: 202-312-1331 * Web: www.rrbitc.com * Email: coberlyk@itcdc.com

I can’t imagine a list of District Favorites without the Ronald Reagan Building.  With a breathtaking Pavilion, arguably the best food in the city, and a catering team that is second to none, the Ronald Reagan Building is the best venue for a quintessential sophisticated D.C. wedding.  From multicultural celebrations to intimate affairs, the Ronald Reagan Building offers several beautiful event spaces, in a prime location overlooking historic Pennsylvania Avenue.

Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC

Phone: 202-787-6178 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington * Email: mowas-catering@mohg.com

The Mandarin Oriental has it all — beautiful outdoor space for a lovely ceremony or cocktail reception (in the form of a stunning Zen Garden), a grand, elegant ballroom that accommodates well over 300 guests, and service that is top-notch.  Michael Deltette, Director of Catering, is a creative genius when it comes to putting together a menu that is as fun as it is delicious.  With all of his spunk and charisma, he’ll help you put together a wedding that will surpass your wildest expectations.

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Phone: 202-835-0500 * Web: www.ritzcarlton.com/washingtondc * Email: debrajean.overholt@ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC is the epitome of spectacular service and refined luxury.  Seriously.  They think of everything — two seconds before you do, so you never have to ask.  Debrajean Overholt, Director of Social Catering, is the Queen of DC weddings.  She’s been with The Ritz-Carlton for years, and she knows everyone worth knowing in the bridal world.  Not to mention, The Ritz-Carlton’s ballroom is gorgeous, the location is supreme (close to Georgetown for a late night after-party!), and the food is delicious.

VIDEOGRAPHY

Blue Sky Films

Phone: 240-494-1022 * Web: www.blueskyfilms.com * Email: team@blueskyfilms.com

Blue Sky Films is one of the most professional wedding vendors in the D.C. area.  They truly are one of the best.  If not The Best.  Their work is incredible, their staff is so nice, and their approach to videography is fresh, modern, and much-needed.  They produce all of their videos in High Definition (so, so cool).  They really understand how to film a wedding in a way that is unobtrusive, yet still captures every second of the day.  Blue Sky Films has been a District Favorite since Day 1.  I love them.

humanstory films

Phone: 888-317-7784 * Web: www.humanstoryfilms.com * Email: info@humanstoryfilms.com

On the day after your wedding, the flowers, linens, and favors will be gone.  Twenty years after your wedding, you will still have your video.  If you’re anything like me, you want your wedding video to be anything but cheesy.  You want it to tell your story.  The story of how you met, how you came together, how you spent the day celebrating your love.  You want to watch your wedding video over and over, and you want to (one day) show your kids and grandkids.  And you want them to understand how you felt on that day.  William, owner of humanstory films, gets it.  He tells your story, and he truly cares about producing a video that you will keep.  A video you will want to show everyone who walks through your front door.  A video you love.

Dear Devon,

I know the cherry blossom trees bloom in early April, but I’m planning a summer D.C. wedding and would like to use the cherry blossom theme.  Do you know where I can find cherry blossom details for my wedding?  

Great question!  Cherry blossoms are so lovely, so delicate, and so perfect for weddings.  Cherry blossom branches make fabulous Chuppah decor, beautiful centerpieces, and pretty little details. Here are a few details I found at Estilo Weddings…

Dear Devon,

Do you know of a good vendor for getaway cars?  We’re looking for something classic, maybe something vintage…

I think getaway cars are such a fun touch!  Not only do they make great pictures, but guests are always wowed by them.  Some couples choose to depart in untraditional ways — I’ve seen golf carts, horse-drawn carriages, and bicycles.  Other couples, like the reader who emailed me, prefer classic, vintage, luxury vehicles.  

A great source for these cars is Regal Limousine, a classic Bentley and Rolls Royce wedding limousine provider serving Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

Dear Devon,

A quick wedding etiquette question (feel free to post on the blog!) — if I’m invited to two bridal showers for the same bride (and I can attend neither), do I need to send gifts to both? Also, where should I send the gift?

This is a question I hear a lot.  In my opinion, it is a good idea to send gifts for both showers.  One of the gifts can be larger, and one can be smaller, less expensive.  ”Group gifts” are also a good idea, particularly if you know of others who are invited to both showers.  Etiquette normally dictates that guests shouldn’t be invited to more than one shower, but sometimes members of the wedding party are invited to every pre-wedding celebration.  I would suggest sending both gifts to the bride’s home.

Here are a few ideas for smaller gift items — each of these is only $18 and could work for a kitchen shower (dish towels), honeymoon shower (Hanky Pankies or sunscreen), or around-the-house shower (coasters)…

Photos: Kiehl’s Sunscreen ($18.50); Williams-Sonoma dish towels ($18.00); Crate & Barrel photo coasters ($16.95); and Hanky Panky low rise thong ($18.00 for one pair)

Here’s a question I recently received from a reader…

Hi,
I am looking for a wedding website where I can email my guests and have them log into the website and supply their address information that can then be downloaded to send to the print shop for the wedding invitations.  Do you know of one?

Wedding Window is the answer.  A few details…

While Wedding Channel and The Knot are complimentary services, Wedding Window comes with a small fee ($10.99/month; $59.00 for 6 months; $79.00 for 12 months).  In all honesty, I think the $79.00 fee (most couples set up the site to run for a year) is worth every penny.  A few reasons why…

The service is extremely secure.  Not only can you program your wedding website to require an email address from everyone who accesses it, you can also password-protect your site, if you wish.

There are loads of customization options — and they are all extremely easy to navigate.

You can set up your own domain name (like www {dot} elizabethandbryan {dot} com).  There is a small additional fee associated with this, but it makes it so much easier for your guests to remember.

And finally, to answer our DW reader’s question, Wedding Window offers lots of great services, including a way to solicit contact information from all of your guests.  What a timesaver!  

I know that finding another $11, $59, or $79 in your budget is often a stretch, but if you are considering setting up a wedding website, I would encourage you to at least browse Wedding Window.  Sign up for the free trial!  Pretty soon you’ll be sucked in to creating your own one-of-a-kind, amazingly useful and wildly attractive wedding website — and, without a doubt, your guests will thank you!

One question I received recently focused on the topic of table numbers.  I thought this was such a great question, as table numbers are often an overlooked detail, and brides often don’t know how much time or effort to put into them.

Photos: Etsy

Here’s what I’ve learned about table numbers…

They serve one purpose – to let guests know where they are sitting, if seating is assigned.  If seating is not assigned, table numbers aren’t necessary.

It is nice if the table numbers are attractive, even coordinating with the colors of the tablescape (the linen, glassware and flatware, chargers – or base plates – and centerpiece make up the “tablescape”); however, table numbers should be, above all else, bold and easy-to-read.

Photos: Martha Stewart Weddings

Most likely, your guests will be entering your reception room from one doorway or direction.  Angle all table numbers to face this entrance.  Make sure the table number isn’t hiding behind the centerpiece.  You can even have two table numbers on each table to make it easier for guests to find their assigned seat.

Ideally, guests should be able to scan the room when they enter, and quickly find their assigned table.  For this reason, it is often a good idea to use a holder to elevate your table numbers, especially if you have larger centerpieces or a lot of elements on your table.

Photos: Crate and Barrel; Etsy

The holders in the picture on the left are available at Crate and Barrel for only $1.95 each!

I think it is best when the table numbers are removed after the first course is served.  Since their purpose is truly functional (and less decorative), table numbers are usually taken off the tables by the waiters after everyone is seated and the first course is served (or everyone has been through the buffet line).  Therefore, you don’t need to spend a lot of money (or effort) finding or creating amazing table numbers.  Something simple, sweet, and easy-to-spot is just perfect.

Don’t forget to enter the Julianne Smith garter giveaway!

Mary Katherine’s question…

After reading the post about birdcage veils, I would love to find a cute hairpiece for my wedding.  Where can you find them? 

That is a great question!  Hairpieces are beautiful and unique accessories, but they can be difficult to find.  Etsy (www.etsy.com) is a great place to order a custom hair accessory for your wedding.  Etsy is the world’s most vibrant handmade marketplace and it is a great resource for wedding planning!  Here are a few of my favorite hairpiece sellers…

Lo Boheme creates absolutely stunning custom hair pieces for brides…

Mikiye creates stunning custom flower hair pieces for brides.  Look at these beauties…

Penellibelle creates one of a kind hair combs.  I love the vintage look…  

More questions and answers tomorrow!

When I set out to create a site dedicated to the loveliness of D.C. weddings, I was inspired by this picture…

My admiration of cherry blossoms was complemented by my awe of our magnificent Capitol Building. I think it is unbelievably majestic and so stunning.  Whenever I see a picture of this building, no matter where I am, I am always reminded of D.C. and the beauty of this city.

These two pictures were the inspiration behind the District Weddings logo!  Cheree Berry did an amazing job of translating this vision into exactly what I was looking for.  She’s truly the best at what she does.  I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for that extra-special wedding invitation suite.

More to come later today…including D.C.-inspired idea boards and a fun giveaway!

From Elizabeth…

Do stores and vendors pay to be on your site?

In a word – no.  I only write about the things that I find particularly inspiring or helpful.  I love to tell you about the new venues I’ve seen, fabulous things I’ve found around town, and the people who make wedding planning so enjoyable and fun.  If you read something on the District Weddings blog, you can be assured that it is coming directly from me or one of our contributors, and that no one can pay to be featured here.   

This FABULOUS wedding was planned by the amazing ladies at Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events and held at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, VA.  And the photos…taken by one of my latest favorite finds — The Blonde Photographer, aka Jaime Windon.  Love her work!