Dedicated to Your Event and At Your Service
The Ladies and Gentleman of The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. may be of additional service by recommending and assisting you with our favorite tried and true industry professionals.
We are pleased to offer further information on the following services: Calligraphy, Invitations and Printing, Lighting, Décor, Linens, China, Photography and Videography, Floral, Officiants, Musicians, and Entertainment.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC offers many services that you can treat yourself, or your guests to on or before your wedding weekend. We organize Bridal Party Spa Weekends, Washington DC theme weekends, Showers, and will create custom packages for whatever you are looking to plan.
What does The Ritz-Carlton provide for weddings and receptions?
The Ritz-Carlton provides all food and beverages, tables and chairs, white table linens, silverware and glasses, a dance floor, and staging for your event. The rental of a ceremony location includes chair set-up, staging and a microphone as well as rehearsal time for the ceremony. This also includes an on-site Wedding Concierge to greet and assist your guests.
How do I arrange for flowers?
Our partner florist, GreenWorks, can prepare a range of seasonal arrangements, centerpieces, bouquets, headdresses, corsages, and button-holes. The hotel also allows outside florists for events.
What other services or items can The Ritz-Carlton provide for my event?
The Ritz-Carlton can provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event, such as chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates and menu cards. We can also assist you with a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.
What are some unique touches I can add to enhance my event?
Some unique additions to enhance the wedding experience could be:
- Tours of the City
- Trips to a Local Sporting Event
- Rose Petal Turndowns
- Personal Drivers
- Afternoon Bridal Teas
- Champagne Brunches
- Butler Drawn Baths
What is the responsibility of a Special Events Manager?
Every event held at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. receives personal attention by an assigned Special Events Manager. The Special Events Manager serves the event in the following capacities:
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Act as the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and Hotel operations staff.
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Establish your guest room block and monitor the status of reservations (if applicable).
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Personally oversee the details of the bride and groom’s room reservations (if applicable).
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Recommend Special Event Professionals to provide wedding coordination, music, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, invitations and amenities.
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Act as menu consultant for all food and beverage selections.
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Detail your Banquet Event Order and Wedding “Resume” outlining all of your event specifics and overnight accommodations to ensure that all information is communicated successfully to the operational team of the Hotel.
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Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments and deposit schedule.
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Create a floor plan of your function space in order for you to plan and provide the Hotel with your seating arrangements.
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Oversee the ceremony and reception room(s) set-up, food preparation and other Hotel operations.
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Ensure a seamless transition to the Banquet Captain on the day of your event.
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Review your banquet checks for accuracy, prior to the completion of your final bill.
What are the responsibilities of a Wedding Coordinator?
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Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts.
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Create a timeline for your entire wedding day, including the ceremony and reception to supply to the Special Events Manager.
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Organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal. Remind bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day.
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Confirm call times and details with all vendors several days prior to the wedding day.
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Be the liaison with your family, bridal party and all vendors.
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Assist the bride and bridal party with dressing.
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Ensure the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc., and assist with pinning of the gentlemen’s boutonnières.
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Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and any personal items.
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Coordinate your actual ceremony (i.e. line up bride party, assist bride with dress, etc.)
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Coordinate your reception (i.e. grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.)
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Coordinate with vendors and the Hotel Banquet Captain to ensure timeliness of your events.
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Collect any personal items you may have brought at the conclusion of the reception.
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Count and collect all wedding gifts and deliver them to the appropriate location at the conclusion of your event.
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Assist you with full-service coordinating from your engagement to your honeymoon, should you select a full-service package.
What do I need to know before contacting the hotel?
It would be helpful to know the estimated number of guests, a date, and an approximate budget for your event. If possible, choose a few alternative dates in case your first choice is not available.
How far in advance should I reserve the date?
Although The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. often fills the most popular dates as far as one to two years in advance, other dates are typically available with less notice. Please contact the hotel for more information about available dates.
What is the average cost per person for food and beverage for my wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.?
Based on our current banquet menus, you may expect to spend on average, $80.00-$200.00 per person for lunch and $130.00-$325.00 per person for dinner, both of which are exclusive of service charge and sales tax. These averages include hors d’oeuvres for your welcome reception, three-course plated meal, wedding cake, wine service with the meal, champagne toast and an open, hosted bar for the entire event, based on a moderately drinking group. Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and are guaranteed 90 days in advance. Your final menu pricing will be based on your actual selections.
Are there special room rates for wedding guests?
For family and friends of the wedding party, The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. will be happy to quote preferential rates for the week of the event. A block of thirty-five rooms will be held for guests at a preferential rate, per night plus applicable taxes for Deluxe City View rooms.
How do I choose the food for my reception?
Whether your reception is an intimate dinner or a lavish gathering, we offer a range of cuisines. From hors d’oeuvres and champagne cocktails to optional stations and gourmet buffets or formal dinners with plated selections and synchronized service, all options are catered. Your wedding professional will assist you with choosing from our extensive menu. A tasting will be scheduled to help you finalize your choices.
I / my guests have special dietary needs; what are the options?
We are delighted to offer a selection of cuisines tailored to meet dietary needs and restrictions. Please consult with your catering manager for more details.
May I bring in an outside caterer?
All events at The Ritz-Carlton are catered by our exceptional culinary team. However, you may choose to have your wedding cake prepared by an outside vendor. If a Kosher Caterer is required, your Meetings and Special Events Manager may assist with arrangements.