Wedding Blog

I attended the Conde Nast Wedding March at the Waldorf Astoria yesterday. It was a long event running from 8:00 - 3:30, but it was well executed so the day had a nice flow to it. The Wedding March is different from your typical bridal show because it’s organized in seminar format with speakers and open q&a sessions. Because of the caliber of the six keynote speakers, many of the guests in attendance were not brides but professionals in the wedding industry.

The event featured the following guest speakers and topics:

Henry and Michelle Roth - “Between I Will and I Do: Cutting Edge Tips on How to Get Through it All Graciously”

Millie Martini Bratten (Editor in Chief of Brides): “All About You! Fashion & Beauty Tips and Trends from the Editors of Brides Magazine.”

Colin Cowie - “From a Glimmer of an Idea to a Legendary Event.”

Sylvia Weinstock - “The Importance of Celebratory Cakes.”

Antonia Van der Meer (Editor in Chief of Modern Bride and Elegant Bride): “Modern Bride’s All-Time Favorite Ideas.”

Preston Bailey: “Inspirations: Learn How Preston Transforms His Inspiration to Exquisite Design.”

I must say that I really enjoyed the event. Everyone had great images to share, and interesting and helpful things to say. However Colin Cowie, Sylvia Weinstock, and Preston Bailey were all charismatic speakers that really stood out. All three are innovators and leaders in their fields, and their evident passion for their work is quite inspiring. They really make you excited about getting married!

The event also featured a dozen or so vendor booths, lots of prizes, and a nice lunch with a Sylvia Weinstock cake for dessert. At $125 pp it’s a bit pricey, but all the brides I spoke with said that they really enjoyed the event and found it to be helpful.

The first speakers of the day - the brother and sister team of Henry and Michelle Roth. I actually only caught the tail end of this seminar.

Event planning guru Colin Cowie. He showed pictures from some of the gorgeous events he’s designed, but where he really shined was the q&a session providing practical and realistic advice for brides to be.

My camera ran out of battery early on so I don’t have any pictures of Preston Bailey. He had a huge personality joking about being gay, drugs, cursing, having walked and crossed the fine line between over the top and tacky, and his “making a statement” style. Everyone gravitated towards him after the event to take pictures with him and ask him for advice. I guess he is as big as one gets in the wedding world!

Conde Nast magazines - Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, and Brides magazine. Candles wrapped with ribbon in hurricanes - simple, elegant, and affordable decor.

This was a fantastic fall themed arrangement in the lobby of the Waldorf - five feet across!

The gift bag which included a $500 gift certificate/20% off bridesmaids dresses at Kleinfeld, Cuisinart Cookbook, BlissWeddings wine stopper, 3 strand pearl necklace from Ann Taylor, Waterford photo frame, an All Clad ladle, Godiva chocolate, and more.

This magnet flower from Mirassou Winery was cool because all the words could be taken apart (a great idea for a save the date!).

And finally I wore Kathlin Argiro’s Rhoda Wrap Dress in black and pink to the event. I think it’s the most compliments I ever got on a dress! The President of the Wedding Salon was sitting next to me and told me she even owned the same dress. I know I’ve said it before, but I love Kathlin’s dresses so if you’re still in the market for bridesmaids dresses, check her out. Love her stuff.

The end.