Between sleek silhouettes, A-line looks and dramatic dresses, finding the perfect wedding gown is no easy feat.
But this weekend, The Bridal Council and the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District will add a little happily-ever-after to your search, with dozens of exclusive experiences for engaged couples. Spanning 22 blocks of Madison Avenue, between East 57th and East 79th streets, the inaugural Wedding Weekend kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday and runs through 8 p.m. Sunday.
More than 20 bridal brands and 30 luxury boutiques — including Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Romona Keveza, Monique Lhuillier, Amsale, Stuart Weitzman and Tom Ford — will be staffed and ready to guide brides-to-be to their dream dresses.
Couples can also venture into a marriage mindset Saturday morning at the “Rule Breakers” panel. Moderated by Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings and Darcy Miller Designs, eight bridal experts (including celeb wedding planner Bryan Rafanelli) will offer advice on balancing big-day traditions with your own fresh ideas.
And to help soothe wedding worries, Estée Lauder’s global beauty director Violette, wedding gown designer Ines Di Santo, and Monvieve veil and accessories designer Alison Miller will all be available for one-on-one consultations.
“Even if you think you can’t wear a certain style because of XYZ, try setting aside your preconceived notions about what you ought to wear,” says Veronica Di Santo, daughter and right hand of designer Ines. “It’s important to take a step back and allow the experts to be a part of your journey.”
Grooms, meanwhile, can partake in tuxedo consultations, scotch whiskey tastings and sit-downs with “The Vow Whisperer,” Tanya Pushkine. There’s also a Madison Avenue treasure hunt that rewards the winning couple with a honeymoon trip.
From floral, photography and travel professionals to ring, reception and registry resources, the Wedding Weekend promises to help with every step of the planning process — all in a New York minute.
Tickets ($25/couples, $30/individuals) at TheBridalCouncil.com; proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.