While the majority of your wedding planning duties during your engagement should be enjoyable, there are certainly times where the deadlines, budgeting and lists can become overwhelming. Life is a balancing act, and the weeks, months and/or years during your engagement season should also be treated as such. Don’t let wedding planning stress – or ANY kind of stress – rule your life. Take a BREAK! You need a vacation from wedding planning just as you do from work, school or any other stressor. Whether your stress-free vacation be a staycation, a weekend getaway or just a simple night on the town, nothing can rejuvenate your mental health quite like a change of scenery. Thanks to some of our amazing North Texas vendors, getting away is easier than ever!

Plan a Getaway With a Travel Agent

If you’re already stressed about planning your wedding, you definitely don’t want to stress about planning your vacation – book a travel agent! These professionals take all the stress out of planning a vacation and, oftentimes, their services are free!

TravelByCasey – Casey is an Independent Travel Agent who specializes in extraordinary destination weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, honeymoons, and so much more – not to mention her services are FREE! Need we say more? Contact TravelByCasey today to schedule your stress-free getaway today!

Staycation Your Stress Away

Photo // Lorenzo Hotel

There are plenty of great hotels to spend a night at, but these romantic getaway spots are more than just a place to stay the night! Get the true staycation experience and de-stress at a one-of-a-kind hotel!

Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center – Located on the north side of Dallas, Delta Hotels Dallas Allen is somewhere you should look at relaxing and spending a couple of nights! With impressive in-house dining options, a gigantic pool featuring al fresco movies on the big screen and a massive ballroom ready to host hundreds of your closest friends, Delta Hotel is a wonderful option for your relaxing staycation.

Lorenzo Hotel – This funky hotel is one for the eclectic soul, featuring several fun pieces of art and photo backdrops. Their outdoor pool is the perfect place to lounge and let the stress melt away!

Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park – This elegant hotel is the perfect place to sit back and relax. With picturesque backdrops, wraparound porches and willow trees surrounding the property, you’ll forget the hustle and bustle around you. 

Hotel Crescent Court – A staycation spot for lovers of the finer things, Hotel Crescent Court leaves guests with a luxurious feeling after a night in one of their amazing rooms. With a spa, pool and access to Uptown’s best shopping and dining, it’s hard to beat!

Westin Galleria – A hotel within walking distance from one of the best malls in the DFW area? Sign us up! The Westin Galleria offers guests a place to shop, relax and enjoy fine dining in a comfortable hotel away from home. Book your staycation here to refresh your mind!

Cooper Hotel – This hidden gem in the DFW area provides a relaxing atmosphere to recuperate and restore your mind and body. With 30 private acres to explore and a luxurious spa, you’ll leave feeling ready to jump back into wedding planning!

Friends Night Out

Photo // Pinstripes

Sometimes you just need to spend some time with your best friends. Taking an evening out of your week or weekend to catch up, vent about wedding planning and have a little fun will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back to planning!

Pinstripes – With an outdoor patio, bowling lanes, bocce courts, fine dining and live music, you’re in for a fun night with friends! Be sure to check their calendar to see all of the other events and special happenings that Pinstripes has to offer. Enjoy s’mores by the fire pit, bowling, bocce and so much more at this one-of-a-kind, GNO location!

Have a Date Night

Photo // Vidorra

Get cleaned up, dressed up and, most importantly, put that wedding agenda away! Getting out of the house is a no-fail way to get rid of your wedding-planning stress. Whether it be a nice dinner, a walk downtown or drinks at your favorite bar, taking an evening to relax is a great way to remedy stress. 

Primo – If this incredible Uptown restaurant isn’t already on your date-night list, it should be! This Tex-Mex, local favorite serves more than your average taco. Nominated for the best queso in Dallas (wow!) and a menu full of mouth-watering cocktails, it’s worth the trip!

Prive – For the first time ever, patrons of The Second Floor at The Westin Galleria Dallas can enjoy their own private dining room. Book a night at one of our favorite Dallas hotels and head on down to Privé – which is French for “private.” Sounds pretty romantic to us!

SCOUT at The Statler – Another favorite from The Statler, SCOUT’s menu boasts fresh farm-to-table food, unique hand crafted cocktails, and vintage gaming atmosphere, SCOUT is the perfect place to forget about your wedding planning worries and enjoy date night!

Vidorra – A favorite Mexican cuisine from Deep Ellum is serving up some of the best food, drink and culture!  Meaning “the good life,” the restaurant, patio and rooftop offer bold and exciting Mexican flavors, along with a large tequila selection, unique cocktail program, and lively social experience in one of Dallas’ most vibrant neighborhoods.

Waterproof at The Statler – Enjoy a night on the town with your favorite person while overlooking the beautiful Dallas skylike atop this 19th floor rooftop lounge. Allow some of Dallas’s top chefs to pamper you with unbeatable dishes and craft cocktails.

We hope our recommendations help you manage your wedding planning stress and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the big day! Need more ideas on how to keep your mental health in check while planning the wedding? See our full guide here!

Were we ready to see our friends, or what?! It was SO wonderful to have our beloved Brides of North Texas family back together for a social distance style soiree to celebrate the release of our Fall/Winter 2020 issue! Hosted at The Empire Room’s open-air patio, there was plenty of room for guests to spread out and get a first look at the new mag! Lonestar Letter’s cute, custom signage and photo backdrop welcomed guests as they entered the event. Paired with Pink on the Weekend’s amazing balloon installation, it was the picture-perfect scene! Misting fans and linens were graciously provided by Lawson Event Rentals. Gil’s Elegant Catering packaged the perfect array of savory bites to nibble on alongside guest’s morning mimosas, followed by sweet treats from Detour Doughnuts and Coffee! An iced coffee from Night Owl Coffee Cart was our refreshment of choice – and paired perfectly with those amazing doughnuts. Thanks to Marquise Pro – part-time DJ, part-time killer saxophone player – guests were entertained all morning long! We were lucky enough to have Sami Kathryn Photography there to capture all of the details. Scroll below to see the full gallery from Sami!

Photos // Sami Kathryn Photography

Sweet elegance was just one of the things Lauren Schaffer and Stephen Flowers incorporated into their modern, urban wedding. The bride looked absolutely stunning in an all-lace fitted gown from a&bé Bridal Shop. Touches of white and gold contrasted so beautifully against the exposed brick and industrial elements of the venue. Finally, lavish greenery and gorgeous florals of creme, blush, plum and sage flowed throughout the space, bearing all the romance and tying everything together. You absolutely must take a look at their centerpiece lined aisle, complete with greenery swag along the backs of the guests’ chairs. Thank goodness Stephanie Brazzle Photography was there to capture each soft, yet charming detail of the couple’s special day! Cheers to the newlyweds, Lauren and Stephen!

Photos // Stephanie Brazzle Photography

From the bride: “One of my favorite memories was walking out of the ceremony and cheering in celebration with the wedding party in the backroom before going to the cocktail hour… Another favorite memory was reveling in the beauty of the floral decoration on the dinner tables – just absolutely breathtaking. The reception could have lasted another three hours and still would’ve been cut short! The best part is having everyone you love all in the same place!”

If you’re swooning over these beautiful flowers, check out the arrangements in this luxe garden party wedding!

Planning an upscale, urban wedding full of romance and bold details? Stop right here. Stephanie and Foster’s big day is nothing short of perfect, and we are so excited to share it with you today! The Dallas Museum of Art proved to be an exceptional space for the celebration with a gorgeous courtyard space and bright, airy light around every corner. Planned by Keestone Events, nothing went amiss. The bride donned an embroidered gown from Lovely Bride – with accessories to match – while her bridesmaids matched in ruby red a la Bella Bridesmaids. The tables were set most beautifully in the colors of the day, and the huppah was flanked with the most incredible lush crimson and ivory blooms. Our favorite detail? A color block cake by Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery! Captured by the talented Bethany Erin Photography, this art museum wedding gallery is one you don’t want to miss! Scroll below to see all the goodness!

Photos // Bethany Erin Photography

A favorite memory from the bride: “Foster and I practiced our first dance for the first time in the alone time we had after the ceremony and before the reception, which was pretty comical.”

We love a bride who isn’t afraid to go ALL OUT. From the floral installations, to the tablescapes and even the gown – every detail of Kendall and Preston’s downtown Dallas wedding is immaculate. The ceremony took place in the gorgeous courtyard at Hotel Crescent Court with arches on arches of secret garden like blooms that draped most romantically. Thank Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events for that one! Kendall stunned in an Anna Campbell gown from a&bé bridal shop with unmatched sleeve detail! LeForce Entertainment kept the crowd going all night long (especially when partnered with the Chick-Fil-A after-party snacks – YUM)! The best part about this wedding? It was planned and styled by the father of the bride! Congratulations to Kendall and Preston and bravo on a gorgeous downtown Dallas soiree!

Photos // Tracy Enoch Photography

From the bride on her favorite wedding vendor: “Glenn, from LeForce Entertainment, sat down with us to create a timeline of events for the entire day and it could not have gone more smoothly! Dr. Delphinium was also incredible and easy to work with! They executed the entire vision flawlessly.”

In the age of social media and stunning food photography, it’s not enough (yet, critical) for food to just be palatable, but also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Let these Insta-worthy dishes from DFW’s best caterers be your guide when it comes to picking the perfect wedding menu. Chefs around the DFW area have curated the best culinary creations, and we’ve compiled them for YOU. Take a peak at these delightful dishes below!

Photos // Bethany Erin Photography

Grilled Sea Bass from Wendy Krispin Caterer

“Table side waiter served meals are so chic and allow for guests to choose exactly their desired items and portions.”

Burrata Salad from Beyond the Box Weddings

“We love customizable action stations! Guests get to choose their own ingredients with chefs there to bring their vision to life. A Mac Bar with toppings such as barbecue pulled pork, hatch chiles, truffle breadcrumbs and lobster add a fun and elevated touch to a favorite dish.”

Beef Tenderloin on Crostini from Edison’s Dallas by Eddie Deen’s

“I would have to say a trending appetizer would be the apple smoked bacon wrapped in chicken.”

Jalapeño and Bacon Stuffed Lockhart Quail from Food Glorious Food

“Most couples are opting for matching their menu to a personal recipe or restaurant connection to their family or to how the bride and groom met. As a caterer, we love to help bring this personal touch to such a special date for our couples to share with their family and friends!”

Large Grazing Platter from Gather & Graze Events

“Customizing your grazing platter is a breeze and can be done via phone call or meeting in person. We follow up in writing to confirm all the details.”

Crostatas from Vestals Catering

“These adorable individual crostatas would be great on guests’ plates with escort cards, they would be gorgeous as a dessert display and they could also make the cutest parting gifts for your guests as they leave your reception! These beauties really have limitless possibilities in how they could be incorporated into your big day!”

Assorted Mini Paletas from COHOST – Arepa TX

“We love these mini paletas right now as a fun twist on popsicles. Since they are mini, they can be passed, displayed or served from the bar inside of champagne or other bubbly cocktail.”

Fajita Platter from Vidorra

“Serving family style meals is a great way for the family to bond over a wonderful meal together and make fond memories!”

Smoked Chicken from STIRR

“STIRR is truly an approachable neighborhood restaurant and bar, suitable for all of life’s gatherings; a business lunch, a happy hour cocktail, an intimate meal or a relaxed place to eat and unwind with friends on our rooftop patio, while enjoying stunning views.”

Scallop Crudo from The Joule

“An ‘Insta-worthy’ dish has the visual impact to represent the couple’s style while showcasing the culinary team’s talent and creativity – exceeding expectations for a memorable experience for all.”

Salmon in Phyllo from Gils Elegant Catering

“I think the most important thing about creating a one-of-a-kind menu is spending a little time with the client, to really understand and know what they like. I try to learn as much as possible to be able to create a menu that reminds them of those special times — full of their favorite flavors, textures, memories.”

Herb Crusted Prime Rib from Soulman’s Catering

“We recommend serving prime rib from a full service buffet with a carving station!”

Mini Ahi Tuna Taco, Mini Pork Gordita and Watermelon & Feta Skewer from Culinary Art Catering

“We love extravagant cocktail hours! We believe it sets the stage for what the guests will experience throughout the event. We encourage our clients to offer a variety of crowd pleasing items that are one to two bites for ease of mingling.”

Pan Seared Halibut from Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz Carlton, Dallas

“We can personalize the wedding in many ways: from creating menus that include their favorite ingredients and that have been part of their history as a couple to ensuring the colors in each and every dish match their theme and create a perfect symbiosis of the couple and every part of their menu. ”

Five Pepper Smoked Beef Tenderloin from Blue Fire Catering

“I love the colors and flavors of spring/summer seasonal fruits and vegetables. One of my favorite dishes is to pair fresh heirloom tomatoes and watermelon with creamy burrata. I season it with the most amazing minus 8 vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to bring it all together.”

Herb Crusted Sirloin from Macklin’s Catering Co

“Trends I’ve been noticing are more stations and action stations. People seem to enjoy a variety of food that they can sample a little bit of each. Including themes are really fun. Dessert bites are a big hit as well… mini brownie bites, banana fosters shooters, chocolate chip cookies with milk.”

Duck Carnitas from Magdelena’s Catering

“We love when couples bring us ideas of destinations they have traveled and ask us to recreate the food! Food reflects the couple’s style and to recreate a special moment or time they celebrated is a fun challenge we get to do! We can recreate a certain food item or cuisine they had, a spice they tasted or a plate full of color that ties in somewhere they traveled to! The skies the limit and it’s really fun for us to give them that special food style for their wedding!”

A dreamy, downtown wedding filled with the most elegant florals, posh bridal style and gorgeous surroundings? YES, please! Every detail about this wedding editorial is right up our alley! Styled in the elegant courtyard at Hotel Crescent Court, nothing could go amiss for this perfect day! Blushington Blooms pulled out all the stops, creating the wedding arch of our dreams. Each floral arrangement featured soft blushes and warm, dusty yellows, topped with delicate orchids – LOVE! Set amongst the flowers were barely-there ghost chairs from Lawson Event Rentals, certainly adding a modern edge. The crisp invitation suite from Lyons Paperie suited the busy, downtown Dallas vibe with bold type atop bubble gum pink paperie. Bridal beauty goals were achieved thanks to Ashley Drew Artistry’s makeup expertise and Grand Slam Glam’s uniquely messy braided up-do. Donning a stunning gown from Lovely Bride with embroidered florals and sheer detailing, the model bride glowed. Beautifully captured by Bertha Torres Photography, this dreamy garden wedding is the perfect inspiration for any urban bride! Check out the full gallery below!

Photos // Bertha Torres Photography

“The gown is Rime Arodaky – Palmer. Our favorite part is the back overlay that makes an amazing train! Perfect for any bride wanting a modern, minimalist vibe while still making a statement.” – Lovely Bride

“We love to use large, lush roses and open them up in different ways to create a different look and variety!” – Blushington Blooms

“This romantic and tousled up-do was inspired by the natural beauty of twisting vines and garden landscapes. The soft curls around her face are in contrast with the detailed fishtail braid that wraps around the back of the up-do. To create this look, we used three of our favorite products – Texture Takeover by Fave4 Hair, Redkin Wax Blast, and volumizing hairspray by Kenra.” – Grand Slam Glam’s

Nailing down a color palette is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process! Determining your bridesmaids’ dresses, floral arrangements, table settings and so much more, the colors you choose to incorporate into your big day play a major part. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you, curating color combinations that are sure to make it onto your mood board. Hosted by Hidden Pines | Hurst, this menagerie of inspiration, style and, most importantly, color is not to be missed!

Sugar Almond

Neutral takes a whole new name in this ‘Sugar Almond’ hued scene. Proving that, once again, less is more, room is made for soft oranges, rosy blushes and deeper greens. How will you incorporate this elevated, cool-girl color?

photographer – Megan Kay Photography | floral – 21 Parc Floral & Events | hair – Styles by Vero | makeup – byLomuns | coffee – Moravian Coffee| dress –Bella Bridesmaids

Something Blue

We’re always here for something blue, but, when paired with the agrarian green of pears and luxe texture from hydrangeas – not to mention the velvet dress – we just can’t stay away! Don’t be afraid of using bold blues to emphasize other complimenting colors!

photography – Pharris Photos & Philms | hair + makeup – Baleigh Kerr Hair and Makeup | floral – Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe | dress – Bella Bridesmaids | placesetting – Posh Couture Rentals | invitation suite, place card, calligraphy – Ladybird Paper Co.

Rosewater

Brides return to rose-shaded hues again and again for good reason. Translating beautifully across florals (of course), gowns and even gems, this hue pairs well with anything!

photography – Lorena Burns Photography and Films | dress – Bella Bridesmaids | floral – Floral Bar TX | fine jewelry – The True Gem | hair + makeup – Baleigh Kerr Hair & Makeup

Black and Bold

Everything pops against the color black – this vibrant pink is no exception! Brides who reach for those bolder hues – go for it! Bright-on-black adds a unique, modern twist to any wedding!

photography – Nate & Grace Photography | invitation suite – MK Event Boutique | hair – Styles by Vero | makeup – byLomuns | dress – Bella Bridesmaids | floral – The Greenhouse 817 | giftbox – Bash & Vibe

Poppy Lane

Mustard meets garden-fresh in this darling set up. We are more than slightly into textures, and we can practically feel these blooms through the screen! Add bold, personal details to your wedding day through a unique cake or brilliant gown!

photography – Catie Ann Photography | floral – Root + Bloom Floral Design | cake – Tart Bakery | hair + makeup – JM Glamour | dress – Bella Bridesmaids

Violet Touch

These violet beauties paired perfectly with soft peaches, lavenders and crisp whites. It’s the perfect color to give off a romantic, fairy-like wedding vibe, fit for a Disney princess. It’s the dreamiest wedding scene!

photography – The Lockharts | hair + makeup – Grand Slam Glam | invitation suite – Lyons Paperie | floral – Out of the Garden | dress – Bella Bridesmaids

Welcome to the world of hostessing! Emily Post may have gotten you as far as manners, but we’re here to fill in the rest! Hiring an expert team of professionals will take the stress and worry out of an event that is meant to be enjoyable for everyone – including yourself! Finding the perfect venue is first on the list, and none quite compare to the Cooper Hotel Conference Center & Spa. With so much photogenic green space, it’s the ideal location for a spring brunch! Decor is next! Consider adding bold decor you wouldn’t normally find at a bridal brunch like marquee letters from Alpha Lit Letters. Setting the table is a breeze with gorgeous place settings from Lawson Event Rentals and cheery, garden-fresh florals from The Shabby Rose Florist. Personalizing bridal events has never been easier, and a great way to do so is through sweet treats from Dandelion Cheesecakes and a special beverages from Nightowl Coffee Cart! Treating the bride to a pampering session with Jennifer Trotter – Lip Service Makeup to get her ready for the big event is never a bad idea. You’ll want to hire a professional photographer and videographer such as Neville Wedding Stories to capture the day in it’s entirety, so the memories last forever! Send out beautiful, meaningful invitations like these floral beauties from Illustrated Weddings by Lola Lorena to guests and watch the party come together right before your eyes! Scroll below to see the gorgeous Dallas bridal brunch set-up from our team of master wedding vendors!

Photos & Video // Neville Wedding Stories

“For this shoot we used a palette of crimson, pinks, peach and cream hues to make a bold statement and really complement the navy blue. We love using unusual textures like fluffy ranunculus mixed with softer roses, peonies and natural berries. It was a blast to be part of a shoot with so much color and life to it!” – The Shabby Rose Florist

“Your reception is a party! So what better way to celebrate than giving everyone something unique to rave about? A coffee cart at your wedding isn’t just an unlimited supply of caffeine or a gallery of latte art, but an experience-driven delight for friends, family and guests that will keep the party going all night long” – Nightowl Coffee Cart

“When doing hair and makeup for a bridal party, our goal is to pay attention to each individual while still creating a cohesive look. For makeup, I choose a color palette that meshes well with the bridesmaids’ gowns and adapt a bit for each person. Same thing with hair… if everyone has up-dos, then we’ll design looks for each girl that works for them as individuals and as a group. When done correctly, the entire bridal party looks gorgeous and consistent!” – Jennifer Trotter – Lip Service Makeup

Anyone planning a Dallas bachelorette party out there? This one’s for you! Full of bubbly, bright colors and inspiration to boot, this bachelorette bash is everything it seems – So. Much. FUN! Styling the posh event was a breeze thanks to the ever-talented Maxwell + Gray. Dyan Elizabeth Photography didn’t miss a single detail throughout this weekend celebration, capturing it all. To get the party started, JM Glamour worked her magic, giving the girls flawless makeup and flirty hairstyles. An invitation suite from Bethany’s Letter Shop was feminine, while also featuring a groovy, retro print – a nod at the maids’ accommodations. The Statler proved to be the perfect place to party with spacious rooms and the most ideal location for bachelorette fun in the big city. Providing an Insta-worty backdrop, Party with Lushra designed an over-the-top balloon garland, playing on the mod vibes with pops of coral and palm prints. Whimsical, wispy florals filled each space, adding serious luxe vibes to the modern scene, thanks to Vella Nest Floral. Nothing says “fun” like cotton candy and neon signs, so Warehouse Rose Events didn’t hold back! In addition to cotton candy, the bridal party snacked on the most delicious macarons a la Savor Patisserie. See the party unfold real-time in a video by Lorena Burns Photography and Films below. You don’t want to miss Dallas bachelorette soiree!

Photos // Dyan Elizabeth Photography

“I wanted to create something fun and bright for the bachelorette theme while keeping the elegance of The Statler. The pattern on each piece was designed after the pattern on the panels in the entryway was you walk into the hotel. This was something unique and different, and I so loved the process of designing this stationary.” –Bethany’s Letter Shop

“Our hope was to inspire brides and bridesmaids to push the envelope a bit and transform a space, like a boutique hotel suite, and bring it to life even more with details like floral, balloons and creative signage. We wanted an elevated take on the classic bachelorette party, and with an amazing team of vendors believe we were able to bring that to life.” – Maxwell + Gray

“Ballon garlands are the best way to make your bachelorette party Insta-worthy! Get the whole squad to help before the bride arrives, and the best part is that everything fits in a carry-on! Our DIY kits come with everything you need to make your garland look like a pro did it. No experience necessary!” – Party with Lushra

Video // Lorena Burns Photography and Films