DALLAS, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With the new year comes diamonds, proposals and Maggiano's Little Italy® "Bliss List" contest, perfect for those dreaming and planning for wedded bliss. With lavish banquet spaces and made-from-scratch Italian dishes, Maggiano's has always been a popular destination for wedding events, including receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons. In keeping with the brand's celebratory and hospitable spirit, Maggiano's "Bliss List" contest will award one lucky couple with a wedding reception at one of Maggiano's 44 restaurants nationwide. The reception is complete with the winning couple's choice of delectable food and beverage offerings in an elegant setting that can be styled for an intimate celebration or a vivacious reception where guests can dance the night away. Making the contest even sweeter, entrants also qualify to win a private, wedding event hosted at Maggiano's.

For a chance at a wedding reception guests will never forget, couples simply submit a short essay of the top five experiences they hope to embark upon together in the next chapter of their lives. Last year, more than 800 soon-to-be married guests entered the contest with a Maryland couple, whose "Bliss List" included learning to dance and floating the Dead Sea, taking off with first place. 

Blissful couples have until Feb. 28, 2013 to share a photo and an essay of 250-words or less on the Maggiano's "Bliss List" website before judging will begin based on the couple's unique life-long goals and descriptions. Once finalists are chosen, the brand will post their compelling and heartwarming stories online where everyone can vote for their favorite couple.

The couple who receives the most votes at the end of the voting period on March 24, 2013 will receive a grand prize wedding reception hosted at Maggiano's, valued at $5,000. Second and third place winners will receive a $3,500 and $1,500 credit, respectively, toward a banquet event at Maggiano's. The winners will be announced April 1, 2013.  

To ensure everyone has something to be blissful about this year, Maggiano's is also running a special banquet offer during the "Bliss List" contest. In addition to Maggiano's Italian specialties, large selection of wines and customizable banquet events, couples planning for wedded bliss can save 10 percent on one of Maggiano's featured wedding packages or receive a complimentary event upgrade to include Maggiano's Signature Sweet Table. To receive the "Bliss List" wedding offer, guests simply have to book a wedding event before March 31, 2013 and host the event during the month of their choice in 2013.

For additional information about the "Bliss List" contest including official rules, please visit http://blisslist.maggianos.com. For wedding and banquet package inquiries or to take advantage of the "Bliss List" wedding offer, go to http://weddings.maggianos.com.

Maggiano's Little Italy® specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes – authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano's 45 locations worldwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano's is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (EAT), one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 33 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano's, Brinker owns and operates Chili's® Grill & Bar and holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.maggianos.com.

SOURCE Maggiano's Little Italy