Making Weddings Most Memorable

By Natalie Kaar & Tiffany Peng

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Excited but wondering what in the world to do now? Take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Even women who have dreamt of their wedding day from the time they were 5 years old, or perhaps just out of Pampers, often find that when the time comes and they get engaged, suddenly their plans don’t seem so clear. And it’s not hard to understand why. Let’s not forget about the other half of the engagement equation: your fiance, not to mention his family and their unique background and ideas—people and traditions that would have been impossible to predict.

Yet don’t worry, help is here! To help get you started with the planning process, we’ve compiled a list of esteemed area event venues as well as a list of renowned regional wedding planners. And that’s not all. We chatted with folks from several of the companies on both lists—people who have experienced more than their fair share of nuptials—asking them to divulge the details that make weddings most memorable. And they most certainly deliver.

While our pros recall plenty of extremely memorable moments, each uniquely special, the key component of the many stories they shared was immediately evident. The ultimate memory maker is personalization.

Perhaps wedding planner Bella Underwood of Northern Virginia-based Bella Betrothed says it best: “More often than not, you have a large group of people in a fabulous and enjoyable setting who have little more in common than the bride and groom. When the details of the couple are expressed and readily identified by the guests, they start to recognize their commonalities, why the couple is beloved to them and how this transcends to the other guests in attendance. This leads to more intimate conversations, laughter and the like, making for a memorable, happy occasion.”

In other words, say “goodbye” to cookie cutter options and “hello” to details that celebrate you as a couple. For instance, if you and your betrothed are known for being into surprises and spontaneity, you might want to make like a certain couple Judy Kozacik, co-owner of the historic Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg, fondly remembers, a couple who turned their event billed as an engagement party into a wedding. She says, “Approximately an hour into the event, the newly engaged couple thanked their guests for coming and then said, ‘While you are all here, we might as well get married.’”

Kozacik also recommends pulling on everyone’s heart strings. “Couples who choose something personal to share with their guests during their ceremony or reception always brings out the handkerchiefs. One of these moments is singing, which is so romantic,” she notes. Likewise, Carol Marino of A Perfect Wedding, based in Fairfax, recommends either pulling at the heart strings or tickling the funny bone. Some of the most memorable weddings in her mind are those during which the couple recited their own vows, “some hysterically funny and others real tearjerkers.”

Christine Bryson of Northern Virginia wedding planning business Married to the Details is a huge fan of personalization as well. She shares the example of one couple who loved singing karaoke so they had the guests at each table perform a song with “love” in the title during dinner. She also remembers one artist bride who hand-painted the covers of her programs. Bryson stresses, “Truly a memorable wedding isn’t always the wedding that was most extravagant.”

A few other fun examples of personalization come from Alexandra Pare of Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events, including an iPhone wedding cake and light saber send-off. Like Bryson, Pare insists that personalization doesn’t have to break the bank. She says having an inexpensive monogram made—like those from www.weddinglogodesigns.com at $25 for three—to put on the menu card, program, etc., “always makes a statement.”

Speaking of making a statement, Laura Auer of Wish Special Events fondly recalls a reception where the couple had their first-date treat, cotton candy, distributed to guests.

Auer also reminds us of what is most important: “Too often we spend so much time and money on the reception but then end up neglecting the most important part of the day!” She says tell your officiant all about your story—where you came from, how you came together and where you’re going. After all, “Guests will likely forget the food and the flowers but will always remember how sentimental and touching the wedding ceremony was.”

Venues At A Glance

Hotel Monaco
480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-549-6080
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 160
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Plated style: $17,700 – $29,365, Buffet style: $19,050 – $32,175 (both ranges based on 150 guests; $500 additional for courtyard reservation)
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Cocktail reception with your choice of hors d’oeuvres, four-hour hosted bar, tableside wine service, complimentary cake presentation and service, dance floor, sparkling Champagne toast, bartender services and a complimentary luxury room at the hotel
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Embassy Suites: 1900 Diagonal Road | Hilton: 1767 King St.

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-213-3000
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 1,000
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): N/A
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Full coordination services from the beginning to the end of planning (with help from an onsite wedding expert with over 28 years of experience producing over 4,000 weddings), special accommodations for the bride and groom, rental of up to 12,000 square feet of space, including an oceanfront ballroom
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Sheraton: 3501 Atlantic Ave. | Ocean Beach Club Resort: 3401 Atlantic Ave.

Hyatt Regency Reston
1800 Presidents St., Reston, VA 20190; 703-709-1234
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Grand Ballroom: 900, Regency Ballroom: 350
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Events in the Grand Ballroom: $40,000 – $42,000, Events in the Regency Ballroom: $20,000 – $22,000
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Professional banquet captain, complimentary menu tasting for two guests, white glove service for cocktail hour, complimentary cake cutting, Champagne toast, complimentary bartender fee, complimentary reception room setup, complimentary room rental, votive candles and mirror tiles for guest tables, selections of floor-length linens, accommodation cards, a dance floor and stage
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Westin: 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive | Sheraton: 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182; 703-255-3631
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Seated: 170, standing: 300
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): 8 hours (minimum) in atrium: $3,400 -$9,000 | 2 hours in gazebo only: $263 plus 5% tax and $100 refundable deposit
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Use of Garden Room, Iris Room, Lilac Room, Terrace and Prep Kitchen, plus tables, chairs, two portable bars and a dance floor
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn: 8301 Boone Blvd. | Marriott: 8028 Leesburg Pike | Ritz-Carlton: 1700 Tysons Blvd.

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22309; 703-780-0011
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Seated: 300
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $8,000 minimum
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Linens, table cloths, hurricane globes and candles, tables and chairs, and china
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Lorien Hotel & Spa: 1600 King St. | Morrison House: 116 S. Alfred St. | Hilton: 1767 King St.

Oatlands Plantation
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175; 703-777-3174
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Outdoor: 250; Indoor: 120 standing, 75 seated
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Carriage House: $2,000 – $5,000, Mansion, lawn and garden: $6,749 – $10,239
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Outdoor rental: exclusive use of property, multiple venues, Oatlands point of contract for rehearsal and wedding, private room for bride and attendants, mansion tour during first two hours, formal gardens, ample parking, tax-deductible contributions, tent and equipment discounts from Select Event Rentals; Indoor rentals: garden ceremony, choice of cocktail area, dance floor and some equipment
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites: 117 Fort Evans Road N.E. | Homewood Suites: 115 Fort Evans Road N.E. | Lansdowne Resort: 44050 Woodridge Pkwy.

Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery
275 Decatur Road, Stafford, VA 22554; 540-446-2266
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 250
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $5,200 – $7,400 plus $1,000 refundable damage deposit
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Bridal salon with waiting area for bridal party, which overlooks the courtyard; rental of the Barrel Room for rehearsal dinner; banquet tables and chairs; cake and gift tables or barrel platforms; children’s activity room, upon request; dance floor; and preferred vendor list
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hampton Inn: 2925 Jefferson Davis Hwy. | Marriott TownPlace Suites: 2772 Jefferson Davis Hwy. | Wyngate by Wyndham: 15 Salisbury Drive

The Black Horse Inn
8393 Meetze Road, Warrenton, VA 20187; 540-349-4020
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 200
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $7,200 – $13,272 plus deposit
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Guilded Fox Ballroom for dining and dancing; Garden Terrace with picturesque pond, fountain and bridge; tables and chairs in ballroom; formal garden and lawns; panoramic vistas and formal garden areas; two hours of full-service wedding planning
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Goodstone Inn & Estate: 36205 Snakehill Road, Middleburg | Hampton Inn: 501 Blackwell Road

Thomas Birkby House
109 Loudoun St. S.W., Leesburg, VA 20175; 703-777-2700
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 150 (175 with supplemental tent)
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Outdoor
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $3,000 – $7,000
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Dressing rooms for the bride/bridesmaids and the groom/groomsmen, bonus room for children, gazebo, gardens, tent with lighting and sidewalls, tables and chairs
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Homewood Suites: 115 Fort Evans Road N.E. | Hampton Inn and Suites: 117 Fort Evans Road N.E., | Norris House Inn: 108 Loudoun St. S.W.

Top of the Town
1400 N. 14th St., Arlington, VA 22209; 703-387-8696
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 180
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Daytime: $2,500 – $3,900; Eevening: $2,200 – $6,900
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Large private parking lot, private enclosed elevator to reception facility, private ground-floor lobby, outdoor terrace, partition walls, sound system, chairs, tables and dance floor
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hotel Palomar: 1121 N. 19th St. | Hyatt: 1325 Wilson Blvd. | Marriott Residence Inn: 1651 N. Oak St.

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Area Wedding Planners

A Perfect Wedding
703-691-0133
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “The most money spent on a wedding reception is usually for food and drink for the wedding guests; however, I think guests really remember the ambiance and look of the wedding, so I recommend attention be paid to the location and design. Music plays a big role as well; a great band can make a great party and a very memorable wedding reception.” —Carol Marino

Allison Nichole LLC
703-999-0282
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and wedding weekend coordination

Amy VanMeter Events
540-324-6782
Service Options: Full planning, a la carte consulting, reception coordination, wedding/rehearsal coordination and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “The location sets the tone for the event. A great location won’t mean much if the food isn’t good. Guests will remember the event for the food—good or bad. And, the photography is what you have left when it’s over—the memories.” —Amy Van Meter

Ayr Hill Events
703-964-6786
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, proposals, month-of coordination, a la carte services and hourly consulting

Bella Betrothed
703-969-3780
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “Smaller, more intimate crowds allow for you to inlude all of the details of a dream day not skimping on quality for quantity.” —Bella Underwood

Breathe Event Planning
571-212-4693
Service Options: Full planning (including destination weddings) and day-of coordination

Cherry Blossom Wedding and Events
202-730-6427
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination and custom packages
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “The most money has to go to the venue, and food and beverage. And after that, as much as I would love every budget to have more room to get creative, I would say photography is where we budget the most money. Your colors are important, but an amazing photo of how happy you were on your wedding day is priceless.” —Alexandra Pare

Creative Event Planner
571-217-9521
Service Options: Full and partial planning (specialty: Indian, Pakistani and Bangledeshi weddings)

Elegant Beginnings
703-490-8340
Service Options: Full planning, vendor referrals, day-of coordination and email consulting

Engaging Affairs
1-888-481-5156
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Events of Style and Class by Keylyn
540-538-9426
Service Options: Full planning, full planning plus travel arrangements, month-of coordination, day-of coordination and a la carte consulting

Galaxy Galas
703-626-4195
Service Options: Full and partial planning

Glitz Productions, Inc.
703-297-9223
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Lelyco Events, Event Planning by Lesley Cohen
703-531-1094
Service Options: Full planning (including destination weddings), wedding weekend coordination and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “Not necessarily where to allocate the most money, but I highly recommend clients spend wisely when it comes to photography. When the wedding is over, weeks or years later, it is one of the only tangible items you have to remember your day.” —Lesley Cohen

Married to the Details
571-216-5192
Service Options: Day-of coordination and a la carte consulting
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “To save money, set up a buffet with different ‘themed’ stations rather than a sit-down dinner. This helps cater to all different food tastes and preferences.” —Christine Bryson

Sagewood Weddings
703-967-9575
Service Options: Full planning (including destination weddings) and day-of coordination

Simply Chic Events
703-220-1287
Service Options: Full planning and partial planning (including destination weddings) and a la carte services

Sweet Weddings LLC
703-350-0076
Service Options: Full planning and day-of coordination

The Finer Points LLC
703-431-9494
Service Options: Full planning, wedding weekend planning and day-of coordination

We Do Weddings, Etc.
703-583-5202
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Wedding Story
703-642-2247
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Weddings by Cathy
703-470-2599
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination and a la carte consulting

Why Knot Celebrate LLC
703-717-2582
Service Options: Full and partial planning

Wish Special Events
1-866-410-9474
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination and hourly consulting
Some Budgetary Recommendations:“Of course catering will be the largest portion of every wedding budget. Feeding a large amount of people is always expensive. However, catering and venue fees should only add up to about half of the overall cost of the wedding. After that, we always encourage our brides to splurge a little on their photography. … It’s hard to compare apples to oranges, but look for a company that is quick to respond, has a fair price and has earned a stellar reputation.” —Laura Auer

(January 2010)

 

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