Alexia's Bridal Boutique and Vera Wang Salon is hosting two trunk shows at their Cary location that all dressless brides-to-be should NOT miss! Mark your calendar, and call for an appointment- 919.481.6633.

September 10 & 11- Bliss by Monique Lhuillier

September 17 & 18- Vera Wang

For more upcoming bridal events and trunk show listings, visit SB&G's Wedding Shows page.

Bel Canto Designs creates necklaces, earrings, headpieces, and more out of vintage jewelry items. This week they have a special sale going on- a couple of their necklace & earring sets are on sale for $75 off their normal price. This sale is only for 3 more days so act quickly! Information about the sale can be found HERE.

Visit Bel Canto's Website to learn about what they do and other items they carry. For unique wedding jewelry they are a hot find!

Tre Bella Inc & the North Carolina Museum of Art are presenting:
The 3rd Annual Altar Ego, An Event All About You
Thursday, May 6, 6:30pm-10:00pm

This special evening will include a fashion show, raffle prizes, table top designs, food, music & art. The event is presented in partership with Dress for Success Triangle in an effort to raise funds and awareness for this amazing charity.

Carol Hannah Whitfield of Project Runway will be attending the event to debut her new bridal line, which Tre Bella Bridal will carry. She will also available for appointments this week, on May 7th & 8th.

Some of the exciting raffle prizes include including a Manuel Mota Salisbury bridal gown valued at $2,300 from Tre Bella Bridal, an overnight package at the O. Henry Hotel in Greensboro, and several gift certificates to Triangle restaurants. Raffle tickets are $5 and must be purchased before the event!

For tickets and more information please visit: http://trebellabridal.com/altarego.htm

This is the time of year we are out and about meeting with our recommended venues and other wedding specialists to plan their look in Southern Bride & Groom for the 2010 edition (out in late December this year). In the last week I’ve heard news that should quicken the heart of those brides-to-be out there who have been determined to find a great price deal on their own wedding… and these specials will not sacrifice QUALITY.

What’s the caveat on getting a great wedding price break? The bride has to be ready to get married and put it together quickly because many Triangle venues offering specials only have them available for their few remaining weekend dates still available for the remainder of 2009, and some for the first couple of months next year.

I was thinking that although most brides-to-be love the luxury of 6 to 12 (or more) months to plan all the details of a wedding, it really is easily do-able in much less time. Over the years I’ve been publishing SB&G and meeting brides, I’ve often been impressed by how many women I meet who tell me they put their wedding together in 3 or 4 months.

Sometimes it’s because one is in the military and working within the time available or other family time considerations, but most often it’s because they are so excited to start their married lives together as soon as possible!  After all, you only have to get the invitations delivered within 6 weeks to meet Emily Post’s traditional etiquette rules!

So, several of the hotels have these remarkable OFFERS on wedding packages right now. Don’t even think these specials will be available in the wedding season months next year. 2010 is booking strong and already looks like a big year for weddings.

WHAT BEAUTIFUL WEDDING VENUES TOLD SB&G ABOUT THEIR FALL PRICE BUSTERS THIS WEEK…..

Hilton RTP (often called the Hilton Mansion on the Hill). Call Janet Blood at 919-941-4848.

Millennium Durham. Call Christine Bell at 919-382-5013.

Doubletree Guest Suites. Call Amy Acosta at 919-361-4660.

ALSO try some of the other hotels and venues by specifically asking about their remainder of the year specials on available dates, or their dates for very early next year.

I would call this a great incentive to take action so snag a date and then get moving. Remember, help is just a phone call away to one of the capable wedding consultants on the SB&G Web site!

Donna 

Photos Below:  Left, Hilton RTP, and right, Doubletree Guest Suites, by The Image Mill.  Bottom, Millennium Durham by Walters & Walters Photography.