11 Local Wedding Planning Events and Workshops to Check out This Summer
Learn top bridal beauty tricks and become a paper flower-making pro.
JUNE
Summer in the City / Photo courtesy of Boston Harbor Hotel
Summer in the City
Want to preview some of the city’s top wedding bands and singers before you chose one for the big day? Head to the Boston Harbor Hotel for live music at the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille Patio and the Harborwalk Terrace on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings through the end of August. Featuring Entertainment Specialists artists such as Young Love & The Thrills and Rich Dimare, the lineup spans all genres, from pop-soul to rat pack to blues.
Free, Runs through 8/29, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, bhh.com.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Introduction to Modern Calligraphy
If you’re planning to DIY your signage or wedding stationery, calligraphy lessons are a must. When the class involves cocktails at the Brahmin, too, that’s not a bad bonus. At the 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to write with a pointed dip pen and ink and also receive a beginner’s calligraphy kit to take home at the end of the night.
$65, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Brahmin, 33 Stanhope St., Boston, sipandscript.com.
Willowdale Estate Summer Soirée / Photo by Catherine Threlkeld
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
Willowdale Estate Summer Soirée
Cut through the monotony of touring venue after venue and check out Topsfield’s Willowdale Estate during its annual summer kick-off bash. Enjoy live music, lawn games, seasonal cocktails, and tasty bites from flatbread and skewer stations, plus sit by the firepit, make flower crowns with local installation artist Maia Mattson, and hop inside a camper van turned photobooth to capture it all.
$30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Willowdale Estate, 24 Asbury St., Topsfield, willowdaleestate.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Paper Flowers Workshop
Prepare to get crafty with your wedding-day décor: In class at Paper Source, you’ll cut and shape the shop’s beautiful papers to assemble beautiful flowers. You’ll leave with a variety of unique buds, as well as the skills you’ll need to create additional wow-worthy faux arrangements after you leave the shop.
$40, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Paper Source, 338 Boylston St., Boston, papersource.com.
JULY
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Flower Arrangement and Sip Party
Whether you’re looking for a fun bonding experience for you and your ‘maids or you’re ready to take the reins on your own floral arrangements, there’s plenty to learn from this two-hour class at NU Kitchen. With a drink in one hand and fresh seasonal blooms in the other, you’ll be guided step-by step as you create colorful centerpieces.
$54, NU Kitchen, 195 Washington St., Somerville, Eventbrite.com.
Photo by Candice Ward
SUNDAY, JULY 14
Peirce Farm at Witch Hill Wedding Show
This North Shore locale, comprised of a 19th-century clapboard mansion and restored barn, is equal parts rustic and elegant. At the venue’s first wedding showcase, take a tour and meet some of the region’s top vendors such as 617 Weddings, Rockstar Limo, Cakes for Occasions, Vinewood Catering, and more. Plus, enjoy a fashion show, live entertainment, and food and beverage samples.
Free, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Peirce Farm at Witch Hill, 116 Boston St., Topsfield, peircefarm.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 26- SUNDAY, JULY 28
Studio Levana ‘Best of’ Event
This summer, Sudbury’s Your Dream Bridal will host an appointment-only Studio Levana trunk show featuring 25 enchanting and bohemian gowns for brides sizes 18-22. The Israeli brand was founded in 2009, after the brand’s designer, Evgenia, struggled to find her own wedding dress. The collection features light and breezy fabrics and corseted styles, all of which will be tailored to your measurements.
Free, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Your Dream Bridal, 730 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, yourdreambridal.com.
SUNDAY, JULY 21
Brush Lettering at FoMu
Watercolor is trending in the world of wedding stationery and signage, and this course will teach you everything you need to know to incorporate it in your own celebration. The class is tailor-made for beginners, so you’ll learn how to mix watercolors and practice painting the alphabet all while treating yourself to FoMu’s vegan ice cream. At the end of the event, head home with brush lettering essentials including markers, paint brushes, watercolor paper, and more.
$68, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., FoMu, 655 Tremont St., Boston, sipandscript.com.
AUGUST
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
The Bridal Trial
Learn how to fine-tune your beauty and skin-care regimens ahead of your wedding day at this bridal beauty bash at the Commons 1854. Enjoy petite bites and cocktails while you chat with experts from To Make Beautiful in Stoneham, Luxe in Topsfield, Blush Tan in West Peabody, and more. One insider tip: Bring a yoga mat. The night of pampering will end in the garden (where the venue often holds ceremonies) with a glow yoga session instructed by Holistic Therapies 4 Life.
$10, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., The Commons 1854, Topsfield, Eventbrite.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8- SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Kelly Faetinini Trunk Show
The newest addition to Flair’s roster of designers? Kelly Faetinini. This August, the brand will showcase its spring 2020 looks at the Newbury Street boutique—and offer 10 percent off its designs. Called the Marylin Collection, the dresses are inspired by old Hollywood glamour and feature show-stopping details such as an ombre-blush ruffled skirt or a dramatic cascading bow.
Free, Flair Boston, 140 Newbury St., Boston, 617-247-2828, flairbridesmaid.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
Veils & Cocktails
With a wide variety of vendors and inspiration everywhere you look, you’ll be able to plan your wedding from top to bottom before leaving the Boylston Rooms at the end of the night. Scope out flowers, linens, décor, and wedding-gown displays and ask expert vendors your most pressing planning questions. The event will also offer food and cake samples, cocktails and beer, music, and—like any good party—a photo booth.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., The Boylston Rooms, 122 Pleasant St., Easthampton, Eventbrite.com.
