D

We’re Starting a New Feature on BridalBuzz: Dallas Engagement Announcements

D Weddings assistant editor Kristin Hull is starting something new on BridalBuzz: Dallas engagement announcements. Do you want to be the featured couple—or know someone who should? Get detailed instructions here.

Check out BridalBuzz, the Best Daily Blog for Dallas Brides

Sometimes on ShopTalk we tell you about what’s happening in the Dallas weddings scene. Well, now you can look to BridalBuzz for daily advice on planning the perfect wedding in Dallas. Come see us over there. We’ll be happy to have you.

Lela Rose for Less

Net-a-porter’s recently launched discount site, the Outnet – that we told you about back in March – has Dallas designer, Lela Rose’s girly garb on sale for 60%-80% off. Check out the slection of classic frocks (perfect for all those weddings you have to attend this season) and pretty blouses you can wear for work or play.

Girls Night Out Party at Alfred Angelo April 22

Brides-to-be, listen up. We have a solution to that pesky little my-bridesmaids-are-squabbling-about-their-gown problem. Tomorrow night, Alfred Angelo—a top spot for the budget-conscious bride—is hosting a Girls Night Out Party from 6-8 pm, where you and your girlfriends can enjoy complimentary beauty and spa services and sweet treats from local caterers. And, just so you can scratch “order bridesmaids dresses” off your to-do, you can save $20 on every dress. The first 50 shoppers receive a free gift bag, so get there early. There are locations in Frisco, Arlington, Fort Worth, Hurst, and Garland, so there’s bound to be a shop near you.

Ritz-Carlton Destination Wedding Offer

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Caribbean and Mexico have a summer offer that just might make you want to take your show on the road. When booking a wedding on the Reconnect package—for a minimum of three nights and at least 25 rooms—you and your guests will receive nightly accommodations, daily breakfast for two, and a $100 daily resort credit. You will also receive a complimentary wedding ceremony and a free three-night stay on your first anniversary. Participating locations include The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Cancun, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, and San Juan. I just have one request. Because I was so generous and shared this great news with you, I think it would be a nice gesture if you invited me to the party. I mean, I’ve never been to San Juan, after all. I’m just saying. For reservations, call (786) 470-3400. And please jump for more details.

(more…)

Priscilla of Boston’s New (Affordable) Line

Having produced the D Weddings gown shoots for over a year now I have become familiar with the designers who make the prettiest dresses and Priscilla of Boston is definitely one of them (including their bridesmaid dresses). They have five different lines and are now adding a sixth, more affordable one, called Jewel. The gowns will range in price from $1,650 – $2,950 and can be purchased at Priscialla of Boston stores (there’s one in Preston Center) and at specialty boutiques nationwide. As you can see from the sketches here, styles range from ball gowns to A-line to fit-and-flair styles and I can guarantee you that they will not disappoint. POB tells us they will be embellished with embroidery, beading and lace. The line was designed by Kelly Faetanini, the assistant of POB’s head designer, Tracy Uomoleale who oversaw the whole process. 

Watch Priscilla of Boston’s Runway Show Live!

If you’ve never been to a bridal runway show you need to watch Priscialla of Boston’s tomorrow (Saturday, April 4) on brides.com/pob. Click to the site at 5pm CST to see rehearsals and interviews with the designers, make-up artists and hair stylists. Then at 6:15 CST catch the show live from the NYC catwalk. There is nothing like viewing the gowns “in action.” It is often breathtaking to see how they move on the models, and how they will move on you as you walk down the aisle. I have been to several of these shows and being there in person, or at least seeing them live is a whole new experience. You’ll be able to chat with other brides during the show, vote for your favorites, and have the opportunity to win one! And the fun doesn’t end when the lights go down. Afterward there will be more interviews with the designers as well as with the editors of brides.com. So grab your bridesmaids, pop some champagne and settle in to your front row seat! You will be glad you did.

Little Winnie Cooper Is All Grown Up

The Wonder Years‘ Danica McKellar is now an old married lady. Kevin Arnold’s former TV squeeze tied the knot last month in a gown by Alfred Angelo. If you like Miss Winnie’s dress, take a closer look here. It’s Style 1151, and it’s quite pretty, don’t you think?

Don’t Miss the Wedding Party Event Sunday, March 29

In case you didn’t see this on our calendar of events (thanks, Sarah), let us remind you that the Wedding Party Studio is hosting its second annual bridal show this Sunday, March 29, from 1-4 pm, at ThirdSpace inside the Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas (CADD) gallery downtown. Brides-to-be can mingle with Blush Couture, Andrea Polito Photography, and A Stylish Soiree (among many others), and they’ll have a chance to shop for hot wedding trends in bridesmaids (Bella Bridesmaids), jewelry (SonyaRenee Jewelry), and accessories (Cahoots Handbags). In addition there’s a fashion show featuring gowns, swimwear, and intimates. And did we mention pink champagne? Kinda makes me wish I were a bride. Pre-purchase tickets and you’ll get a VIP bag filled with exclusive gifts.

StarDust Shines on the Small Screen

Remember when we told you a new reality show about Dallas weddings was on its way? Well, it’s here! Girl Meets Gown, which premiered March 9, is set at StarDust Celebrations and follows four real-life brides on their quest for the perfect wedding gown. There’s drama (OMG! The dress doesn’t fit!), suspense (Can she really lose the weight?), and extravagance (A $16,000 St. Pucchi? Love it!). Catch the show again Sunday at 8 pm or Monday at 11 pm. Then send in a review to the WE network. The amount of feedback the show gets will determine if it gets picked up for more episodes.

Sample Sale at Priscilla of Boston March 20

From 8 am-8 pm on Friday, March 20, brides-to-be can browse Priscilla of Boston in Preston Center (4000 Villanova St. 214-691-0669) for sample wedding gowns starting at just $199! Bridesmaids dresses start at just $19.99. Priscilla of Boston has myriad lines—Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet (pictured, from the 2009 collection), Platinum, Vineyard—and each one is lovelier than the next. I’ve always loved the Priscilla of Boston runway shows in New York because the designs are instantly classic. Style Director Stephanie Quadri wore Priscilla of Boston at her wedding, and I’ve always though the bridesmaids collections were among the most wearable. (Check out our picks for bridesmaids dresses, which includes a pretty floral from POB.) Ladies, if I were you, I’d get there early!

I’m Cuckoo for Coco!

I just got a press release on a really cool website, cocomyles.com. They make custom dresses that can be worn as bridesmaid dresses or evening dresses, or now that I think about it, even as a wedding dress. You can choose from styles inspired by celebrities (like the one on Eva Longoria at left), or pick from their pre-designed silouettes. They have tons of colors available for each and also offer shawls, sashes and bows made-to-order. The best part is that none of them are over $150. They have four fabric choices - satin, charmeuse, georgette and matte jersey, and the gowns are returnable if you contact them within 48 hours of receiving yours. It seems like there’s nothing to lose!

The site is really thorough too. I love that you can easily play with colors right on the web page and as you add accessories (i.e. a shawl) the price is adjusted instantly so you know immediately if you’ve gone over your budget. The photo of each dress can also be rotated to view the back and every celeb-inspired dress has a link to a photo of said famous person wearing a similar frock. Sizing is not a problem eilther; cocomyles.com is an equal-opportunity dressmaker. Gowns can be made in petite or plus-sizes and they even have maternity options! Seriously, check it out. Let us know if you end up using it!

Free Honeymoon at The Cove

I’ve got lots of bridal news this week–which is not surprising, because we beauty editors also happen to be weddings editors. Anyway, this offer is especially cool, because the owners of Bahamian resort The Cove are from Dallas. (Read all about it in Nancy Nichols’ article in D Magazine.) Here are the details: for couples who book their destination wedding between now and December 18, 2009, they will receive a five-night stay at the Point House, a two-bedroom honeymoon penthouse, for free. That’s a $6,000 value, yo. And the only catch is that your destination wedding has to cost $10,000 or more–which ain’t hard to do on a wedding. So, sweet brides-to-be. Call your mom immediately and tell her you’re going to the Bahamas to wed! While you’re there, ask this guy, Wallace Sands, for a Goombay Smash. (photograph by R.P. Washburne)

Shops at Legacy Italian Weddings Event Saturday, February 28

Attention, brides-to-be: grab your mom and your maid of honor and head straight for the Shops at Legacy next Saturday for the first-ever bridal event from 3-8 pm. Participating stores include Culinary Connection, North Texas Floral, Marriott, Socially Write, Tart Bakery, and Bridal Collections by Stella. For more information about most of the vendors, visit our Bridal Guide in D Weddings.

Attention, Brides: Open House at Las Colinas Country Club February 22

So you’ve got the ring and now you need to decide where to have the darn thing. Well, Sunday, February 22, Las Colinas Country Club is having an open house from 4-7 pm. Expect complimentary hors d’oeuvre and drinks, and if you RSVP to 972-541-1141 by February 20, you’ll receive two complimentary passes. Additional guests and walk-ins are 10 bucks at the door. LCCC can accommodate engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and wedding ceremonies and receptions, so it’s worth a look-see.