Next, with all of the recent holiday engagements, you may be thinking about the hot spots in town to celebrate.  The Darlington House, just off of Dupont Circle, is the perfect venue as it combines elegant style with hip decor.

So, if you are looking to make a toast (or a roast), head over to The Darlington House and pop the bubbly!

For more information, contact Patricia Beggiato at 202-332-3722.

If you are looking for a hip spot for your rehearsal dinner, Zengo is the place to go.  The private dining area is glass enclosed, and the event menu embraces the spirit of the name — “Zengo” means “give and take” in Japanese.  Plates are meant to be shared, each person receives multiple small courses, and the dinner menus range from $60 to $85 per person.  The private dining room can accommodate up to 35 guests, while the main dining room seats up to 140 for a plated dinner.  It is definitely worth looking into — and make sure to order a mango mojito while you’re there!

Our last idea board focuses on a rehearsal dinner to be held in the month of May at The Oval Room, a restaurant on Connecticut and H Streets.  This space is quintessential D.C. — from the White House reference in the name to the modern American cuisine, many couples choose to have their rehearsal dinners at The Oval Room because of its fantastic menu and chic decor.  

Photos:  The Oval Room (www.ovalroom.com); Dress by Banana Republic; Bracelet by Bridal Emunique;  Flowers by www.brides.com; Escort cards by www.brides.com

**District Weddings Giveaway!

I’m so excited to announce our first District Weddings giveaway!  Leave a comment and tell me, where are you planning to have your rehearsal dinner?  Do you know what you’re going to wear?  Any advice for brides who are still looking for the perfect rehearsal dinner outfit?  If you aren’t engaged or you haven’t selected a rehearsal dinner location, I’d love to hear what kind of rehearsal dinner you would like to have one day — casual or formal, plated or buffet, daytime or evening…  I’ll randomly select a winner from the comments on Wednesday.  

The lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day, written by celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss.  This book is filled to the brim with advice on how to plan the wedding of your dreams.  It is an invaluable resource for every bride-to-be!  

Photos: Clyde’s of Gallery Place;  Dress by J. Crew; Flowers by Martha Stewart Weddings; Escort cards by Beau-coup Favors

More casual than Charlie Palmer Steak, Clyde’s offers a wide variety of Private Dining options perfect for a rehearsal dinner.  The Piedmont Room at Clyde’s of Gallery Place can accommodate up to 130 guests for a seated dinner.  

More to come…

First up… What to wear to your rehearsal dinner!  Many brides start looking for their rehearsal dinner dresses shortly after they find their wedding gowns.  Some brides start thinking about the rehearsal dinner dress even before they’ve found a wedding dress.  Of course, the style of a rehearsal dinner dress greatly depends on the time of year and location of the event.  A dress for a plated dinner at The Source likely wouldn’t be the best choice for a barbeque in your parents’ backyard.  

Brides have often said that it is worth the splurge of buying a new outfit for the rehearsal dinner.  It is often the first time you are seeing your out-of-town guests as a bride-to-be, and you want to feel lovely in whatever you wear.  

Today we’ll be showcasing three takes on rehearsal dinner fashion.  The first is an idea board for a chic rehearsal dinner to be held in March at Charlie Palmer Steak.  

Photos: Charlie Palmer Steak (www.charliepalmer.com); Dress from Bluefly; Champagne Glasses (www.brides.com); Invitation by Bella Figura

This dress is simple but elegant, youthful but tasteful, and this gorgeous shade of deep purple looks great on just about anyone.  Besides, purple is the new “it” color for weddings — all the more reason to embrace this shade on the night before your big day!  

As for Charlie Palmer Steak, if you are in the market for a rehearsal dinner location, it is worth taking a peek.  Located at 101 Constitution Avenue in D.C., Charlie Palmer Steak is a classic upscale American restaurant specializing in seafood and, well, delicious steak.  

Exclusive use of the main dining room can accommodate up to 125 guests for a seated dinner.  If you are expecting a slightly smaller crowd, Charlie Palmer Steak has four private dining rooms perfectly suited for more intimate gatherings.

An added bonus?  The rooftop terrace.  It overlooks Constitution Avenue, with panoramic views of the Capitol Building.  This space can accommodate up to 70 guests for a seated dinner, and 150 guests for a standing cocktail reception.

So chic.  So delicious.  So D.C.

More to come in a few hours!