While you are there, check out all of their fabulous designer shoes, including a great collection of bridal shoes.

One of the highlights of the evening is the way that the galleries are decorated and the design of the tablescapes that the guests sit at. The event is catered and designed annually by Occasions Caterers, one of DC’s premiere catering companies, in conjunction with the Gala Committee. I had the opportunity to walk through the Gala to see the beautiful tablescapes and unique touches Occasions created for the guests of the Ball.

Congratulations to the Corcoran and to Occasions for a gorgeous event!

Flowers are by Jack Lucky, lighting by Light-olutions, and equipment/rentals and tenting are by Perfect Settings.

the main floor

double napkins are all the rage

these chandeliers are stunning

the view from above

triple plates and a dramatic napkin fold

tassled chair topper

purple + red = drama

rose petals dot the plate

forgive the photo... here is stunning, masculine setting perfect for the charcoal-paneled room

lush texture makes for a stunning arrangement

I love this napkin fold

yellow is always so cheery; paired with black it packs a punch

each plate around the table had a different letter on it, drawing from the "alphabet" tablecloth

I adore this chair cushion. It is the epitome of feminine.

sparkle, sparkle, sparkle

here, umbrellas are a fun way to add height to a room with a seemingly limitless ceiling

I love the repetition of circles in this tablescape

this flatware is adorable

forgive the fuzzy photo of this beautifully canopied table grouping

copper, mint, and brick red is a fabulous combination

once again, the chair cushions are divine

the canopy

a tropical wonderland

a coconut water glass -- too clever!

mod tables with a pop of poppies

cocktail tables in the late night party space

lounge area for the late night party

gorgeous planters each filled with one type of flower line the grand staircase

flowers by Petal's Edge; photo by Holland Photo Arts

Much of the wedding planning process focuses on the fun elements of the reception: food, music, decor… In the excitement of thinking through those items, it can be easy to overlook some of the necessary logistical plans, like where should the bride and groom’s personal items  (e.g. gifts, candles, guest book…) should be packed or taken to at the end of the evening? Another important thing to think through is what the bride and groom would like to do with the flowers at the end of the evening.

Reception flowers are generally a fairly significant chunk of the wedding budget and, for most brides, it seems wasteful to not do anything with them once the party is over. Brides can think through some of the following things when figuring out their flower plans:

1) What is the tradition among your guests regarding flowers? For example, in some communities women “elders” feel the right to take the flowers at the end of the night — sometimes without asking. If you suspect your guests fall into that category, plan for that.

2) Are any of your vessels rentals belonging to your florist? Make sure that guests do not walk off with those rented vases, but only the flowers. Depending on the arrangement and flowers, you might want to have plastic floral bags for guests to use when taking home the loose flowers.

3) Think of local friends or family that would enjoy the flowers. Obviously, out-of-town guests would have difficulty taking them with them.

4) Provide a list to your planner of whom you would like to receive the flowers at the end of the night. He or she can help ensure that the right people receive the flowers.

5) Consider what the flowers could be used for the day after your wedding. Should some of them be brought to an after-party? Are you having a post-wedding brunch? Are family members getting together for a party that weekend? Maybe you know of a friend who is hosting a personal party at their home the next day?

6) Some brides wish to donate flowers to nursing homes or women’s shelters. This is a fabulous idea but needs to be well-thought out and organized.

Contact the organization well in advance and ask them if they have a need for the flowers. Determine when and where the flowers can be dropped off. How many would they like? What size arrangements can they accommodate? Let them know if the flowers will be in vessels or if they need to have their own on hand.

Then consider who will take the flowers, how they will transport them, where they will store them overnight, and how they will be dropped off the following day. Ask your florist the “shelf-life” of your flowers as some last longer than others, especially depending on how they are arranged. You wouldn’t want to donate flowers that were wilted and quickly dying.

7) Know that even if you do not have a plan to give the flowers away or re-use them, they will not go to waste. Catering staff often appreciate being able to take an arrangement home and it is another way to thank them for their hard work. Not once have I seen flowers go in the trash so trust that they will be enjoyed and not wasted.

Get your bridesmaids or girlfriends together and do one of the most “girly” things you can do: go shopping for lingerie!

Nordstrom’s Lingerie department is known for its expert bra fittings, its certified stylists are so helpful, and they have a wonderful collection of styles, sizes, and brands. The newly remodeled Tysons Corner store is even more welcoming — with comfortable dressing rooms and seating areas.

Call the store directly and speak with the Lingerie Department manager to reserve time and space for a personal Lingerie Party. Ask them if you can bring in champagne and sweets to make the experience even more decadent for you and your bridesmaids!

The best part? It’s all for an incredibly important cause. For every bra purchased during the event, $2 will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure. Visit www.nordstrom.com for exact times and other participating locations.

Now THAT’s a perfect fit!

Get your bridesmaids or girlfriends together and do one of the most “girly” things you can do: go shopping for lingerie!

Nordstrom’s Lingerie department is known for its expert bra fittings,  its certified stylists are so helpful, and they have a wonderful collection of styles, sizes, and brands. The newly remodeled Tysons Corner store is even more welcoming — with comfortable dressing rooms and seating areas.

Call the store directly and speak with the Lingerie Department manager to reserve time and space for a personal Lingerie Party.  Ask them if you can bring in champagne and sweets to make the experience even more decadent for you and your bridesmaids!

The best part? It’s all for an incredibly important cause. For every bra purchased during the event, $2 will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure. Visit www.nordstrom.com for exact times and other participating locations.

Now THAT’s a perfect fit!