Wedding Central
The Blackbird Hotel, and its sister properties, the Garden District Hotel and another that is yet to be named, form a “neighborhood” on Prytania Street that is ideal for wedding parties. The Blackbird Hotel, which opened last fall, features luxury art-deco-inspired Southern gothic decor (designed by Jeannine Jacob, along with the other two properties) and is a great fit for groomsmen. Meanwhile, the Garden District Hotel has a massive pool (with New Orleans’ first and only swim-up pool bar), 47 guest rooms (half of which have private lofts and the ability to sleep four guests) and is perfect for wedding guests. The newest unnamed property, which features all white-on-white dècor, complete with a Bridal Suite, is a lovely home base for bridesmaids. Each hotel also features wedding spaces, including outdoor space at The Blackbird Hotel, indoor and outdoor space at the Garden District Hotel and a garden for smaller weddings of up to 40 guests at the unnamed property. “Brides love the ability to mix and match their events across the properties to feel as if they’re at different venues but with the convenience of never having to drive,” says Jen Grosso, manager at The Blackbird Hotel. 1612 Prytania St., 504-383-7500, theblackbirdnola.com; 1525 Prytania St., 504-383-9500, gdhnola.com
Bridal Baubles
Locally based Mignon Faget has released its Knots & Bows collection, featuring ribbons that never fray, bows that are perfectly preserved and banners frozen in timeless precious metals. The Knots Collection, which was first launched in 1976, pays homage to the art of sailors’ knot-making, while the Bows Collection, introduced in 1980, was designed to resemble flowing fabric. The reinvented Knots & Bows pieces, which are perfect for wedding party gifts, flaunt peach freshwater pearls, peach biwa freshwater pearls, faceted chocolate moonstone and smoky quartz. Top picks include the Oysters Rockefeller Necklace crafted with lapis, malachite, red coral and white freshwater pearls in either sterling silver or 14K gold. Another highlight? The collection also features men’s styles like the Legacy Leather Cord Necklace that comes in either sterling silver or 14K gold. 3801 Magazine St., 504-891-2005, mignonfaget.com
Cooking Classes
Nolavore, a full-service catering company, specialty foods storefront and commissary kitchen, offers cooking classes for bridal parties. The classes accommodate six to 12 guests and can include a variety of hors d’oeuvres, or dishes for a three-course lunch/dinner or brunch. Current menu items include dishes like barbecue shrimp, crawfish empanadas and blueberry bread pudding with a white chocolate sauce. “We also offer dinner with wine pairings, and we have a representative from one of our wine merchants talk to the group about their offerings,” says Anne Lloyd, owner of Nolavore. 2139 Baronne St., 504-914-3161, nolavore.net
Artful Keepsakes
Artist Claire Hammock is hosting ceramics classes at AKA, offering a creative experience for bridal parties. During the two-and-a-half-hour classes, Hammock provides all materials and tools (including stoneware clay), and she demonstrates techniques so that participants can create their own artwork to be picked up a few weeks later. 404-375-4826, clairehammock.com
Best Dressed
Finding the perfect wedding guest dress just got much easier with several brands offering gorgeous options this season. Regardless of the color scheme or setting of the wedding, these choices are sure to be a hit. For a floral-themed wedding, consider Mac Duggal’s Blue Bustier dress (available at Dillard’s Lakeside Mall). Perfectly poised for a summer or autumn New Orleans wedding, the sleeveless, powder-blue dress features a structured bustier with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps, delicate embroidery with beads throughout the bodice and skirt, and a flattering A-line silhouette with a fluttery skirt. Another chic option is the Grenada Dress by Celia B (available at Swoon Boutique New Orleans), featuring oversized sculptural sleeves, a flared miniskirt, two geometric prints and a cinched waist. Or, if you’re looking for modern and sleek, consider the Bold Orange Strapless Dress by JOVANI (available at The Red Carpet). This strapless satin sheath dress features a simple silhouette in midi length. 130 Harrison Ave., 504-516-2770, swoonboutiquenola.com
