Willard Hotel Wedding Venue
We are thrilled to share another in-depth look at one of Washington, DC’s most iconic wedding venues—the Willard InterContinental Hotel. As an event florist who’s had the pleasure of working in this historic space – or should we say spaces plural! – and we can tell you that the Willard is a dream location for couples who want to combine timeless elegance with the rich history of the nation’s capital.
About
The Willard InterContinental is not just a hotel; it’s a piece of living history. Classic architecture, luxurious interiors, and prime location steps away from the White House, it’s no wonder it is often referred to as the “resident of presidents”. Since 1818, the hotel has hosted many significant events, making it a prestigious venue for weddings. It offers a setting that is at once both grand and intimate. With its Beaux-Arts architecture and opulent interiors, the Willard exudes an air of timeless sophistication, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
Location
The Willard InterContinental is located at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC. Situated just two blocks from the White House, it’s in the heart of the nation’s capital, offering easy access to many of the city’s landmarks. The hotel’s central location also provides out-of-town guests with plenty of sightseeing opportunities before and after your big day.
Capacity
The Willard InterContinental offers several elegant spaces to accommodate weddings of various sizes:
Crystal Ballroom
Accommodates up to 250 guests for a seated reception, making it ideal for grand celebrations. Comfortably seats 130 guests with a dance floor. This was the original ballroom when the Willard first open in 1901.
The Crystal Ballroom is the crown jewel of the Willard. With its stunning chandeliers and rich wood paneling, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. To enhance the room’s elegance, consider a lush floral arch or a pathway lined with candles and petals. Once the ceremony is over, the Crystal Ballroom becomes the perfect space for a lavish reception. We love creating large, opulent centerpieces here—think tall arrangements with cascading florals or towering candelabras surrounded by candles.
Willard Room
With its wood panel-lined walls, chandeliers, marble columns, and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Willard Room is perfect for more intimate weddings, with a capacity of up to 170 guests for dinner and dancing.
For a more intimate ceremony, the Willard Room is a sophisticated option. Its warm tones and historic charm are ideal for a romantic, candlelit ceremony. A cascade of greenery and florals down the aisle will add to the cozy atmosphere.
Grand Ballroom
The largest of the available ballroom spaces, the Grand Ballroom features eight crystal chandeliers. The space used to boast a hand-painted landscape mural that has now been replaced with a more neutral palette. The room fits 280 for the ceremony and dinner & dancing
Outside Space Options
The hotel also offers additional spaces for cocktail hours, ceremonies, and smaller gatherings, allowing you to tailor the event to your guest list.
Typically held in the Willard’s sophisticated lobby or adjacent spaces, cocktail hour is a great opportunity to introduce your floral theme with statement pieces like a dramatic floral arrangement on the escort card table or floral wreaths adorning the walls.
Pro Tips for the Willard Hotel Wedding Venue
Leverage the History: The Willard’s rich history offers endless inspiration. Incorporate classic florals like roses and hydrangeas to echo the hotel’s timeless charm.
Embrace the Scale: With its high ceilings and expansive ballrooms, the Willard calls for dramatic floral installations. Consider tall centerpieces or a floral chandelier to make a statement.
Work with the Venue’s Elegance: The Willard is already a showstopper; your florals should complement, not overpower, the space. Opt for designs that enhance the venue’s grandeur.
Willard Hotel Wedding Costs: What to Expect
Let’s talk numbers. Like many top-tier venues, the Willard offers packages that cover essentials like food, beverage, and linens, making it easier to budget for your big day. Based on our experience, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:
- Floral Budget: For a wedding at the Willard, we recommend allocating 10-15% of your overall budget to florals. This allows for lush arrangements that enhance the venue’s grandeur. For elaborate centerpieces or show-stopping ceremony and reception decor, be prepared to splurge.
- Floral Installation Costs: The Willard’s soaring ceilings and expansive spaces call for larger floral installations, like hanging floral chandeliers or towering arrangements. These features add a ‘wow’ factor, but they do come with additional labor costs for setup and teardown. The good news is that, if ceremony and reception take place in the same spaces, you might be able to make economical use of designs.
- Linens and Decor: The Willard offers classic linens and tableware, but if you’re looking for something more personalized, we recommend upgrading to specialty linens that complement your floral design. Consider gold-rimmed chargers or silk runners to elevate the overall aesthetic.
Creating Your Dream Wedding at the Willard InterContinental
The Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC, offers an unparalleled setting for a wedding that’s steeped in history and elegance. From the grand Crystal Ballroom to the intimate Willard Room, every corner of this venue provides an opportunity to create a stunning, memorable wedding day. As your florist, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life, ensuring that every floral detail complements the timeless beauty of the Willard.
If you have questions about floral design or need guidance on how to make the most of your floral budget at the Willard, don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether you’re planning a grand affair or a more intimate gathering, I’m excited to help you create the wedding of your dreams at this iconic DC Willard Hotel wedding venue.
