A method for fabricating a dome assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor includes forming an annular dome plate including a plurality of substantially circular eyelets circumferentially spaced thereon, coupling a seal plate to the dome plate at each eyelet such that an opening defined in each seal plate is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, coupling a baffle to each seal plate such that an opening defined in each baffle is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, and coupling a swirler assembly having an integrally formed swirler and flare cone to each seal plate such that the flare cone extends at least partially through the baffle opening, and such that cooling air may be directed towards the flare cone through openings formed in the assembly.