Newly engaged couples crowded the Bloomingdale’s seventh floor Registry during a torrential downpour in Manhattan to celebrate The Bridal Council’s Wedding Weekend on Saturday, May 19 - the same day as the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Presented by Baccarat, the fun-filled event represented the first time the bridal industry came together to offer consumers the opportunity to ’See-It-Now Buy-It-Now' and register. Guests took selfies in a British inspired photo booth and snacked on biscuits and tea while mingling with designers Anne Barge, Ines Di Santo, Amsale’s Margo Lafontaine and Angel Sanchez.

Customers also had the opportunity to view highlights from the Royal Wedding, courtesy of BRIDES.

Michelle Rago spoke about the growing demand for destination weddings; Belle Fleur New York’s Meredith Waga-Perez demonstrated how flowers enhance any event; The Carlyle Hotel’s Yves Durif offered hair & beauty tips with Sisley-Paris and fashion designers signed sketches created exclusively for the event.

“We were delighted with the turnout to Wedding Weekend — both among consumers and participants,” said Rachel Leonard, Editorial Director of The Bridal Council.

The floor was abuzz with excitement about the morning’s Royal Wedding and guests were engaged with the many activations created by the brands and publications. Baccarat, the main event sponsor, presented a whimsical table called, “Who’s Invited to the Royal Wedding?” It mirrored the personalities of well-known Brits, such as Adele, Elton John, James Bond and Queen Elizabeth, as if they were there celebrating the big day at a gloriously set high tea. 

Editors from AFAR, C Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings and Modern Luxury Weddings hosted panels on topics ranging from how to create a royal registry and the latest beauty and style trends to planning the perfect wedding and honeymoon.

Photographs by Nomi Ellenson for The Bridal Council

A special thanks to the following for your support in making this event a reality:

Lou Iacovelli, Ward Simmons

Robin Benet, Caroline Cagney, Amy Conway, Ed Cortese, Sheryl Della Fera, Yves Durif

 Debbie Flynn, Lisa Gooder, Illeana Hoffman, Brooke Jaffe, Samantha Kallen-Granet

Elizabeth Kellick, Cindy Lewis, Anthony Luscia, Renee Marcello, Darcy Miller, Judi Sanders

Lori Silver, Jackie Stockel, Nicole Velluci, Phebe Wahl