What do I need to know before contacting the hotel?
It would be helpful for you to know the estimated number of guests, the 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 Georgetown, 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 food and beverage cost per person for weddings at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown?
Based on our current banquet menus, you should expect to spend on average, $80 - $200 per person for lunch and $130 - $325 per person for dinner, both of which are exclusive of service charges and sales tax. These include hors d’oeuvres for your welcome reception, a three-course meal, the wedding cake, wine service with the meal, a champagne toast and an open hosted bar during the event, based on a group drinking moderately. Please keep in mind 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.
When do I need to tell The Ritz-Carlton exactly how many guests will be attending my wedding?
We require the final number of attendants be communicated to the catering office no later than Noon at least three (3) business days prior to the date of your scheduled event. If the guaranteed number is not provided, billing will be for the greater of the following: (1) The number of persons for which the party was originally booked or (2) The number of persons in attendance. The hotel will prepare and set for five percent above the guarantee, if requested.
Are there special room rates for wedding guests?
For family and friends of the wedding party, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. is happy to quote preferential rates for the week of the event.
What is the responsibility of the Special Events Manager?
- Act as the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and the hotel operations staff
- Establish your guest room block and monitor the status of reservations (if applicable)
- Oversee the details of the bride and groom’s room reservations (if applicable)
- Recommend special event professionals for wedding coordination, music, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, invitations and amenities
- Provide food and beverage selection advice and consultation
- 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
- Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments and deposit schedule
- Create a floor plan of your function space in order for you to plan and provide the Hotel with your seating arrangements
- Oversee the ceremony and reception room(s) set-up, food preparation and other Hotel operations.
- Ensure a seamless transition to the Banquet Captain on the day of your event
- Review banquet checks to ensure accuracy, prior to completion of the final bill
What are the responsibilities of a Professional Wedding Coordinator?
- Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts
- Create a detailed wedding day timeline for the Special Events Manager, including your ceremony and reception
- Organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal. Remind bridal party of pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day
- Confirm all details and call times with vendors several days prior to your wedding day
- Liaison with your family, bridal party and all vendors
- Assist with dressing the bride and bridal party
- Ensure the ladies have their corsages and bouquets and assist with the pinning of gentlemen’s boutonnières
- Arrange and deliver ceremony programs, escort and place cards, favors and any personal items
- Coordinate the ceremony (line up bridal party, assist bride with dress, etc.)
- Coordinate the reception (grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.)
- Coordinate with vendors and the Hotel Banquet Captain to ensure timeliness of your events
- Collect personal items brought at the conclusion of the reception
- Collect and count the wedding gifts and deliver them to the appropriated location
- Provide full-service coordination – from your engagement to your honeymoon – should you select a full-service package