From Marriage Classes to Menswear

Plan the perfect wedding with these bright ideas.

By by Rhonda Reinhart
D Weddings Spring-Summer 2011

Menswear
How does a finance grad from Texas A&M end up in the custom clothier business? He moves to China (for a job with the U.S. Embassy), experiences the exceptional fit of a custom, hand-crafted suit, and is inspired to bring the experience to others. At least that’s what Drew Jones of D.Jones Collection did. Contact Jones, and he or one of his consultants will meet you in your home to discuss styles, lapels, buttons, pockets, lining—every last detail to make sure the guys are at their best at the altar. $595-$1,195. 214-226-0133. djones.com.





Boutique
Patsy’s, A Bridal Boutique has a newly spiffed-up space. Gone are the peach carpet and dark furniture. Now brides are greeted by wood floors and modern white furnishings. Owner Lindsay Nordyke, a former designer for Watters & Watters, has also added some new lines. In addition to the Judd Waddells and Claire Pettibones, you’ll find dresses by Martina Liana and Augusta Jones. Stay tuned for Patsy’s couture bridal line, set to launch around fall 2011. 214-528-1227. patsysbridal.com.




Classes
In 2008, Texas passed a law encouraging couples to take premarital education classes. If couples opt not to take a course, their marriage license is put on hold for 72 hours, and a $60 fee ensues. To avoid that pesky delay and fee, sign up for a free class with Lakeside Relationship Services. LRS has provided thousands of couples with the skills necessary to make their marriage successful, with class topics ranging from budgeting to conflict management. 469-726-4357. lakesiderelationshipservices.com.


Remember
F is for Frank has a practical—and pretty—way to save the date forever. Their artistic pieces typically incorporate wood and brushed aluminum numbers commemorating the day of your wedding. But they can make them out of anything, really. “We use wood, metal, resins,” owner Shannah Frank says. Projects typically take up to six weeks, range from $250 to $275, and can be shipped. Now Mr. Right has no excuse to miss a single anniversary. 214-749-0709. fisforfrank.com.




Bridesmaid
All brides hope to find versatile dresses for their ’maids, and the Cooper by Courtney line by Courtney Slye is a good place to start looking. The Dallas designer with a charming Texas twang has created a collection of stylish bridesmaid dresses for the modern wedding. Her designs are fun and flirty and can be dressed up for formal affairs or made more casual for a night on the town. Prices range from $155-$250. 214-360-9224. cooperbycourtneybridal.com.