The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 23: Wedding Bells
Thank you for all the wedding well wishes! It was truly the most magical day!
I want this newsletter to be about you, the ladies of DC, so send me your feedback (and bad date stories) by replying to this email.
What They Don’t Tell You
If you thought you’d escape a wedding-themed newsletter… you thought wrong. Whether you’re planning a wedding or just adding things to your “Someday” wedding Pinterest board, I hope these things I learned during my own are helpful to you!
Finding a dress doesn’t have to take forever.
Many of you have heard me rant about the wedding-industrial complex, which is second only to the military-industrial. Made-to-order wedding dresses, while more size-inclusive, can take up to a year to arrive after you try on a sample in-store (read this blog post from wedding dress shop Grace + Ivory to learn more). Having to pick a dress before you’re even able to lock in a venue can be less than ideal.
To me, there’s nothing about the newest designer samples that make them better than off-the-rack or used dresses from last season. I bought my dress off-the-rack and was able to take it home with me same day. Just as important as a great dress is a great tailor. Get recommendations from other brides in your area (I used my sister’s tailor, lol) and start the fitting process as soon as you have your dress.
Set the mood with music.
One thing they don’t tell you is that getting ready before the ceremony can be the most fun part! Have your bridesmaids (or groomsmen) send some of their favorite pump-up jams for a getting ready playlist to play while you get dressed. I wish I had done this — my bridesmaids had to deal with several hours of me singing along to Kacey Musgraves and Dolly Parton instead.
Mix high and low.
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll need to make some tough choices when making choices about your venue, catering, decorations and more. For example, Nick and I opted for a gourmet coffeeshop to serve espresso and more during our cocktail hour, and made up for the expense by using silk flowers instead of real ones (much cheaper, let me tell ya).
Mixing high and low can be a cute way to bring your personality into the wedding — I know many North Carolina couples who offset the formality of the big day with an even bigger BBQ supper.
Tune in next week for Part II of what I wish I had known when planning a wedding! Please send your wedding tips, tricks and stories for me to feature by replying to this email.
Interview with Bailey Mailloux
Bailey Mailloux married the love of her life this summer and is living the dream in DC! Connect with her on Instagram and Twitter — and make sure to check out her Bookstagram account too!
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I have lived in DuPont Circle since I moved to the city almost three years ago and adore it. It’s a quieter area of the city, but there is always something happening. Some of my favorite spots: Emissary, the Phillips Collection (the country’s first museum of modern art!), the Sunday morning farmers market, and the parks!
What does your life look like right now?
I got married in June, so life is finally starting to settle down after planning a wedding during the pandemic from halfway across the country! My husband moved here in July so we are spending most of our spare time decorating our apartment, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops in DC, and having friends over for game nights. Right now, I work as the digital director for the House Committee on Natural Resources Republicans and run a Bookstagram account on the side to keep track of my current reads!
What’s your favorite coffeeshop?
My favorite coffeeshop is Emissary. The coffee is amazing, as is the food, and they also do happy hour, so it’s a great place to bring friends! They are also dog-friendly, which gives you a great break from whatever you are doing.
What’s your beauty routine like?
I have been obsessed with using Primally Pure products because they give me a great base before I start adding makeup. Makeup-wise, I have been trying out BeautyCounter products and have been enjoying them because of their simplicity and clean ingredients!
How would you describe your style?
My most-worn color is black, usually in a dress or jumpsuit. Recently I read “Worthy of Wearing” by Nicole Caruso, and it’s been challenging me to expand my wardrobe and get out of my comfort zone, so I am hoping my answer to this will be different in the future!
The Haps
House Hunting or Ghost Hunting?
For this DMV couple, spooky season last all year round. That’s because they just unknowingly bought a house in Prince George’s County that inspired the famous horror flick The Exorcist. Read more from The Washingtonian here.
A Very American Story
If you haven’t been watching Impeachment: American Crime Story, what have you been doing? It’s a riveting watch, and I’m not just saying that because I’ve always wanted to see the escalators at the Pentagon City mall immortalized on the small screen. You can watch on Amazon Prime. Read The New Yorker’s review of the series here.
Here are a few more links to what I’m reading right now:
We Love These Fall Outfits Inspired By 'Gilmore Girls': I don’t know about you, but Gilmore Girl Fall is my favorite season.
The Secret Oral History of Bennington: The 1980s' Most Decadent College: I’m currently reading Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History,” inspired in part by her time at Bennington College in Vermont.
Ask Evie
Normally I ask you ladies to click this link to anonymously submit your questions for me, but this week’s “Ask Evie” has me asking for your help. If you’re a petite lady who can help answer the following reader question, email me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.
“Fellow petite women of DC: where do you all buy suits that aren't a bazillion dollars and that fit? And if you do end up having to get them tailored, what part of the suit do you make sure fits and what part can be taken in?” - Stylish & Searching
Reader’s Corner
Recently, I rounded up the best fall activities in the DMV, and reader Gabriela Rodriguez has one more to add: Miller Farms.
“One of my favorite fall spots is Miller Farms in Clinton, Maryland. Located a half hour outside of DC, this farm has been family owned and operated since 1879. Their store and bakery are open year-round, offering fresh local produce and treats baked with seasonal fruits. Miller Farms’ annual Fall Family Fun features hayrides, a corn maze, giant slides, and more! 11/10 would recommend.”
Before You Go…
If you’re free Friday night at 6 p.m., I’d love to see you at American Moment’s Party Hard and Carry a Big Stick! Sign up via Eventbrite. The Girl’s Guide to DC readers get $5 off ticket price with promo code GIRLSGUIDE. Full disclosure, American Moment’s COO (and event planner extraordinaire) is my husband Nick Solheim.
Congrats, Evie!