Hello ladies (and the few fellas out there who happened to scavenger your way here)!!! Welcome to the site! My name is Jendayi and since my new name will be Jendayi Jackson, you can just call me JJ. [I have a big cheese smile on my face right now.] Yeah yeah yeah. I know it’s cheesy, but hey, I’m a bride-to-be! What do you expect?! Lol.

To add to the touch of genius that has already been given by my fellow bloggers here at District Bride Guide, I’m looking forward to being your source for tips and tricks on how to keep it together in these most stressful wedding-escapade-of-times, all the while throwing in a tad bit of interesting, DC related information for you brides-to-be. I also have a creative, soft spot for photography so I plan on snapping a few shots for accompaniment when relevant. Writing and photography are my true passions, so I really hope all you readers out there enjoy it. No matter what I’m writing about though, my main goal is to inspire you. Hopefully through some of my posts and pics, you’ll be able to take an idea for yourself or even have one of those infamous. Oprah Winfrey ‘aha moments’ that will transform your planning and maybe even your life. =) So…How does that sound to everyone? Good? Good!

To give you a little background on where I’m coming from on the “tips and tricks” for the “most stressful wedding-escapade-of-times” segments, I’ve had quite an experience planning not one, but two weddings. The first wedding failed in such a drastic way that there’s no way I could come away without MANY lessons learned and QUITE A FEW gems of wisdom when dealing with people. The wedding that my fiancé and I are currently planning is nothing like the first – and I absolutely love that! As smart people should do, we’ve learned in detail everything that we should NOT do the second time around when it comes to people’s feelings, opinions and requests. Consequently, I have some tricks and tips under my belt that I’m happy to share. While there’s still some stress involved in wedding planning, all of us brides-to-be should smile through at least 75% of it. You’re getting married! It’s a time of love, laughter, and joy! How could you not smile while taking steps to marry the love of your life?!

So is your soon-to-be mother in law getting on your nerves, or do you not know what to say to when someone you had no intentions of inviting to your wedding says “I can’t wait for the invitation!”? Let me know and I’ll try my best to help. I can’t help you with your china patterns or what types of wedding favors to buy, but anything “human being” related and I got you. Email me at jendayi@districtbrideguide.com or leave me a comment, and I’ll be sure to get back to you.

jendayi

The Venue Shopping Madness: Your first two Wedding Planning Pointers

Hi!

My name is Casie and I am a local bride-to-be in the beginning stages of planning my BIG day. So what does that mean for you? That means that the priceless Wedding Planning Pointers I learn about how to be an efficient self-planning bride are going to be passed straight to you, every Thursday!

I have a passion for DIY crafting, bargain shopping, deal striking, and statement piece searching. You can expect I’ll bring you fun money-saving tips, organizing strategies, local vendor tips, and TONS of personal touch inspirations that will make your special day as easy, personable and dreamy as it can possibly be.

But, as we all know, the wedding planning experience isn’t always a piece of fondant-covered cake. After all, a bride’s perfect day doesn’t come without some hurdles that she will have to be swift and savvy enough to leap over. Luckily, you have us here at District Bride Guide to help you through it!

Hurdle number one (usually): Selecting a venue. I learned the struggles of this venue venture first hand and it turned out to be a much bigger challenge than I expected.

As a native Marylander, there are two things I was bred to appreciate as much as Old Bay seasoning: DC and the Eastern Shore. So naturally when it came to selecting my dream wedding venue, I was torn by two equally impressionable day dreams: one in which I’m a princess in the perfect gown standing amongst the amazing and classic beauty that is DC architecture, and one where I stand in a flowy, delicate and dreamy silhouette with my groom-to-be in front of an enchanting shoreline I’ve grown up with. Which to choose, which to choose? Add the opinions of family members and the limitations of a budget and I had quite the puzzle on my hands. But fret I did not. I did what every bride would do when it comes to a decision like this—I did nothing. I made no decisions one-way or the other. I just casually (yeah right) browsed websites stockpiled with venues waiting for one to *strike my fancy*. Turns out, this can be an effective approach.

As I browsed each package, each layout, and each feature of the beautiful scenery, I found that I started to eliminate venues based on things I didn’t even think were important to me. Some venues stage 2-4 weddings a day—those were out. Some don’t allow photos to be taken in the spots I was excited to have as a photo backdrop—those were out. Some don’t allow you to have your ceremony or reception during or past certain hours of the day—those were out. Some ask you to rent/outsource everything from forks and knives to restrooms (seriously)—those were, regretfully, out. And none of those elements were ones I considered “faux pas,” they just didn’t suit my ultimate vision or capacity.

I found I was actually drawn to the “outsource everything” venues based on scenery. They were often the prettiest, most unique venues. So unique, in fact, that they were hardly prepared to stage my big day without the help of outside vendors, wedding planners, and, well, me. These included the bed and breakfasts with unmistakable charm, the vineyards with breathtaking backdrops, the manors that make your heart stop, etc.  I wished I were ambitious and brave enough to sign on the dotted line because those types of venues allow for maximum customization (which I love). But I was half too busy and half too scatter brained to take that on. I could see the end result far in advance: “wait.. dance floor?! That’s not INCLUDED with the tent rental!?” Napkins… Those aren’t INCLUDED with the china!?” It would have been a mess… both literally and figuratively.

So, alas, choosing the perfect venue for my perfect day became about a lot more than just “here or there.” Many things I hadn’t even considered influenced and infiltrated my thoughts: packages, scenery, food options, rentals, accommodations for guests – the list went on and on. The vision that I’d spent more than 24 years developing in my head was changing in a matter of clicks. At first, that scared me but I chose to open my mind and embrace it.

Turns out, what I was looking for all along was a “hidden gem” that, with any luck, would be in my budget AND include all the small things that tend to jack up the price and pack on the stress. I was looking for a place that was unique, a place I could personalize, a place that would break the “cookie cutter” wedding mold and make my wedding day *my* dream come true. Did such a venue exist? Would I ever find it? Yes and Yes!!!! I found a darling eastern shore venue with a gorgeous blank canvas-like view of the coastline and, to top it off, I won’t have to outsource too much at all (which means my guests will have napkins with no extra effort on my part… phew!).

Despite the luck I had in the complex venue arena, I am not naive enough to think that the next 13 months will be as easy and, in fact, I think this puzzle set the perfect stage for my wedding experience by teaching me this week’s wedding planning pointers, which I am now happy to pass on to you:

1.  Be flexible: There will be times when you will need to compromise your intitial visions and desires (something I’m not generally good at doing). In my case, despite my wanting DC or the Eastern Shore (and despite my ultimately finding something on the Eastern Shore) I was looking ALL OVER. Virginia vineyards became options. Country manors in Maryland became options. Heck, my parents backyard became an option (for a fleeting moment). The point is, I stretched my mind and was open to looking anywhere. I just hope I continue to be that open-minded because I can already see that if I’m not, I will drive myself (and my mother…and my matron-of-honor…and my groom, actually) absolutely crazy.

2.  Don’t compromise your dream: I know this might sound like a COMPLETE contradiction to lesson number one, but it’s not. As any bride will tell you, there are big moments and things you’ve imagined your whole life. As you may have gathered from this post, some of those visions might change, which you should be open to… but some might not. And the ones that don’t naturally change – wont, so don’t try to force them to. If you’ve always envisioned a big princess dress in an oneiric setting and through all of your open-minded searching still picture just that, go with it and don’t let anyone talk you down! One thing I had always pictured was an outdoors setting. Backdrops would change, cities would change, themes would change… but the image of my wedding being outdoors didn’t fade… so I wasn’t about to budge on that one and I’m glad I didn’t.

I hope you enjoyed your first two Thursday Wedding Planning Pointers and I hope you’re able to put them to good use (and not just when venue shopping). Be sure to check back every Thursday for more Priceless Wedding Planning Pointers and check District Bride Guide everyday to see what we have in store for you!

Have a question or need some feedback from a fellow bride-to-be? Wanna know about all the venues I searched and what I learned? Im not going to blast it publically but, bride to bride, Im here to help! You can email me at CTerry@DistrictBrideGuide.com

Who has two thumbs, and loves DC?  THIS BRIDE!

Hey hey, Lydia here!  I’m a California gal, born and raised, armed with a dry sense of humor, big hair, and a penchant for puns. I transplanted to Washington, DC for graduate school and never looked back (well… except when it’s 5° with windchill, in which case, who doesn’t long for sunny climes?). I have a master’s degree in event management, and am also engaged myself! I’m planning a 150-guest wedding ceremony with cocktails, a seated dinner, and ohsomuch dancing in Palo Alto, California, for this coming October. The wrench in the plans? My fiancé is a diplomat for the State Department… and currently lives 6,000 miles away from me, in the middle east. Wedding planning doesn’t get more interesting than that!

So, why is a California bride going to be your local guru? Because I’m resourceful; because I believe that online shopping falls short in the bridal arena; and, perhaps most importantly, because there’s nothing, and I mean NOTHING I love more than exploring DC every single chance I get. I’m going to show you the local resources you didn’t even know were here in your own backyard.

Trying to MacGyver yourself some centerpieces, but can’t find the vintage milk glass you crave? I’ll find a thrift shop that carries it. Want to attend a registry event with espresso-machine demos and sales associates answering to your every whim? I’ll let you know when and where to show up. Tired of reading about fabulous DIY projects when you can’t find chalkboard paint without needing a car? I’ll score you a metro-accessible source. Longing to go to a bridal expo but are convinced they only come to New York? Oh, I’ll show you how wrong you are!

So walk with me, through both the obvious and the hidden DC bridal treasures… and I’ll do my best to make your wedding-planning experience that much easier!

Got a specific item you can’t find in the area, or just a question about local wedding resources? Put me on the hunt, and I’ll do the work for you: email me at lcruze@districtbrideguide.com, or just leave a comment on one of my posts. That’s an offer you can’t refuse, amiright?

Hello! I’m Ariana, your resident wedding fashion expert. I am so happy to be writing for you and keeping you updated on my favorite bridal fashions as I become inspired by them. While I am not married, engaged, or even remotely close to considering walking down the aisle, I do come with 4+ years of  bridesmaid experience, a career in fashion design, and even experience working with a couture wedding gown designer in London.

About three years ago I entered my wedding boom. You know, the time period every 20 something goes through when all of their friends get married within the same time frame?  I find myself attending 5-10 weddings a year and this has been going on for the past 4 years!! I love drinking champagne, fighting for the bouquet, and doing the macarena with my shoes off, and I am fairly confident that I have at least another three years of wedding booming before it even begins to slow down.

Not only am I attending an enormous amount of weddings per year, but I am also actively participating in them. I average about 1 wedding a year that I have been cast as a bridesmaid in, which means I am throwing a lot of bridal showers and bachelorette parties in addition to following the bride along on her wedding dress shopping. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am a wedding pro, a real life 27 Dresses leading lady, despite having never walked down the aisle in a white dress.

Speaking of white dresses, since that is what I will be covering every Tuesday on the District Bride Guide, why don’t we kick off with my absolutely favorite bridal trends this season! I have always been inspired by designers such as Monique L’huillier, Vera Wang, Marchesa, and Reem Acra. Their couture work and the details put into their bridal pieces are absolutely beautiful, and though very few brides can afford to walk down the aisle in one of these masterpieces, they set the trend for hundreds of more affordable designers and bridal companies. Allow yourself to fall in love with a couture masterpiece, it will give you more guidance when you are trying to find a more tangible dress of your dreams. This season, I have fallen in love with the two bridal trends below, and luckily so have most affordable bridal companies as well!

A Bold, Black Sash

(Left to right) Vera Wang gown Fall 2010, Legends by Ramona Kaveza gown

We have been seeing the colored sash trend for quite a few seasons now. It has become increasingly more popular. Khloe Kardashian even embraced it when she walked down the aisle this fall in a beautiful Vera Wang with a lavender sash. A small brush of color can be all a bride needs to really finish off a gown and it is a fantastic way to tie the bride to her bridal party.  In her Fall collection,Vera Wang has opted for a sharper feel by adding a black sash detail to most of her gowns. Imagine a beautiful black and white fall wedding with red flowers to tie it all together. The Vera Wang above is to die for, but so is the remarkably more budget friendly Legends by Ramona Kaveza.

Cocktail Length Dresses

(Left to right) Reem Acra cocktail dress, Marchesa cocktail dress, Amsale Little White Dress collection dresses.

Not every style wedding calls for a formal floor length gown, and not every bride wants to be so formal and traditional. It is for these reasons that I love how cocktail length wedding dresses are in style. I think it is a common misconception that you must be covered in 30 pounds worth of long flowing fabric to get married. Shorter dresses can be just as elegant and come in a wide variety as well, not to mention, they are much more affordable.  One of my favorite budget friendly wedding gown companies is Amsale. They have an entire collection devoted to cocktail length wedding dresses called the Little White Dress Collection.

I’m looking forward to giving you my best fashion tips every Tuesday, so keep tuning in! Also feel free to email me at agestson@districtbrideguide.com!

I am currently planning my Big-Fat-Pakistani-Marine-Wedding!

I’m talking about Marines in their dress blues, Pakistani outfits with bling-bling, delicious food, dancing, cake and lots of happy tears. It’s going to be a gorgeous affair.

Of course planning that perfect day doesn’t come without its ups and downs, especially if you are an inter-racial couple planning the wedding, or as I recently heard it being called – a fusion wedding.

I’m Pakistani and my fiancé, Andrew, is Norwegian. To be more specific, my ethnic background is a mix consisting of ancestors from Afghanistan and Mongolia. Andrew’s ethnic background consists of Vikings from Norway and Ireland. As he says, “Any kids we have will be Norwisholiutchistani.”

Try finding that on the Census form.

All jokes aside, you know what I’m talking about, especially any bride out there who is the first to marry outside of her culture, race, religion, and background. I’m sure you’ve heard stories where the parents didn’t like the son-in-law or the daughter-in-law because he/she wasn’t the same race, or had the same religious beliefs. Of course, they say that everyone usually comes around and becomes one big happy family after the couple has their first child. But before all that happens – oh the drama!

Andrew and I were in a bookstore looking through wedding magazines when a newly engaged woman struck up a conversation with us. She told us that her family was upset at her because she was marrying a gentleman from Nigeria. Her family is African-American. They were upset over the differences in culture.

How many times have I heard that since I was a child? Someone is Pakistani, but not the right kind. Or in the case of a friend of mine who was crazily in love with a girl, “Her family doesn’t like me because I’m not Gujarati.” He’s Indian, but according to them, not the right kind.

I told the woman in the bookstore that I went through what she is going through and it took my family six months to stomp in their corner, have their little fits, fight it out, and vent it out. Now, they’re happy as clams and can’t wait for the wedding. We were engaged a year and a month after we met. I took him home to meet my family and followed the proper family protocol. We’re to be married on October 2, 2010.  It’s a perfect time for us to get married since everything that needed to be worked out, did.

I tried my best to comfort this woman, telling her that it will get better and to let her family vent out whatever they have to say and as long as she knows in her heart that she is going to spend her life with a man who is perfect for her, loves her, respects her, doesn’t take her for granted and makes her happy.

After all, that’s what will matter the most at the end of the day. 

A friend of mine recently had her Big-Fat-Pakistani-American-Chinese-Canadian-Wedding and her Pakistani parents were in love with her Chinese-Canadian fiancé. It’s the fiancé’s mother who didn’t like the idea of her son marrying outside his culture and race. My friend is an intelligent and gorgeous woman inside and out who is perfect for her husband. It’s a pity that the mother can’t get past the race issue and just plainly see how perfect the two are together.

My parents didn’t have their drama when I took Andrew home to meet them. They were surprisingly gracious and very nice about it. Though there were those moments where they were a little…confused. I could tell they were trying to get used to the idea of having someone as a part of their family who doesn’t speak the language or isn’t the same skin tone as them. As much as they were excited for me, I know they were still trying to get comfortable with thinking outside their cultural box.

Andrew’s family has been amazing. I am crazy about them and love that I’m going to be a part of their family. They’ve accepted me wholeheartedly as their daughter-in-law and can plainly see that he and I are happy together.

From now until October is the time for vendors, wedding schedules, bridesmaid’ dresses, groomsmen’s attire, invites, guest list and planning the honeymoon!

The next couple of months are going to be unforgettable. I have to admit though, as crazy as they can be sometimes and as quirky as they are;  I’m so proud of them.

Welcome to District Bride Guide, our very own community wedding blog!

District Bride Guide aspires to become your resource for local Washington DC wedding tips, advice, and a place for you to interact with other brides-to-be. Our group of inspired and active bloggers will cover topics that include fashion, DIY, multicultural relationships, Green tips, relationship building and local vendor features.

Our goal at District Bride Guide is to provide you with daily inspiration and tips to help you make your DC wedding planning process simple and fun.