About Washington, DC
Located on the Potomac, Washington DC is arguably one of the most famous cities in the world. Home to the US Government, iconic landmarks, and internationally famous museums and cultural centers, Washington DC is one of the most visited cities in the United States.
That said, there’s a lot more to Washington DC than politics. The city is one of the most diverse settings in all of the USA, boasts some of the best restaurants, features some of the best venues for events, and has a charm that one cannot put into words.
What’s more, most wedding planners offer a range of services you can choose from. Whether it’s minimal assistance or a full-service package, this range of options can help you manage the budget wisely for your wedding.
Wedding Reception Options in Washington, DC
Organizing a wedding reception in Washington, DC can be quite challenging. There are loads of permits to acquire, plenty of venues to choose from, and that’s leaving aside all the arrangements you need to do for the reception itself. But, Washington has plenty of local businesses that can help you organize a one-of-a-kind wedding reception.
- Caterers
Home to several global communities, catering services in Washington allow you extravagant cuisines from the world over. Whether you’re looking for something rustic and traditional or something new-age and innovative, catering service will not only help with planning the menu and cooking, but they will also provide service and clean up afterward.
- Decor
Every wedding has a theme and bringing that theme to life is an important part of the affair. This is where decor specialists come in. From renting furniture and decor elements to setting them up for a fairytale reception, these specialists will help elevate the venue into the magical space you want.
- Photographers
If you want to create the perfect wedding album, then hiring a professional photographer for the affair is the way to go. Not only will you get the best pictures of the guests and the newlyweds, but you can expect them to be world-class images. Washington DC is home to brilliant wedding photographers who offer great rates to capture the special moments of your wedding reception.
- Transportation
Traffic is a huge problem in D.C along with parking. This is why you should seriously consider hiring a car rental company to manage this for you, especially if you’re serving alcoholic beverages at the affair. Not only will your guests thank you for organizing this service, but you can also ensure there are no DUI cases the morning after.
- Bands/DJs
A wedding reception is incomplete without a wedding band or a DJ ensuring the air is filled with the sound of music. There are plenty of bands and DJs in Washington that would be perfect for a wedding reception, and choosing the right one all depends on the newlyweds.
- Makeup & Hairstyle Experts
Looking your best for your wedding reception is super important. Not only will all the guests talk about the newlyweds, but there’ll be plenty of pictures too. Consider hiring a professional makeup and hairstyle expert. Simply sit back and relax and allow the experts to take over your style so you can feel amazing on the big day.
Wedding Companies in Washington, DC
It’s a well-known fact that organizing a wedding a high-stress situation. This is where you’re in luck in Washington, DC. With more than 1500 weddings annually, the city has robust wedding planning services that you can lean on to help create the wedding reception you want.
- Kim Newton Weddings
A full-service wedding and design planning company led by Kim Newton, Kim Newton Weddings is all about organizing an organic, elegant, and timeless event. With a goal of making you feel at home and relaxed during your special day, this team of professionals can handle all your wedding reception needs right from finding the right venue to ensuring your guests have a great time at your celebration.
- Evoke Design & Creative
Featuring a team that has a vast and diverse array of experiences, Evoke design and Creative is fully capable of organizing a sensational wedding reception. A dynamic team with over 25 years of experience, Evoke has been featured in plenty of magazines and other publications.
- IMPACT Collective
A dynamic event and venue management company, IMPACT Collective is an award-winning event planning company. The company helps create unique and memorable events, and your wedding reception will be no different. IMPACT Collective is also ranked among the top 3 wedding planners in Washington.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Washington, DC
Advantages
- Venues
There are plenty of wedding reception venues in Washington DC (waterfront, rooftop, and more) that you can choose from, each with its own charm and appeal.
- Food and drink
Home to some of the best food in the world, you can be certain that the caterers are more than equipped to handle wedding receptions of all sizes.
- Choices everywhere
Whether it’s decor specialists, florists, or event planners, there are plenty of choices you can pick from.
- Culturally diverse
Washington DC is an extremely diverse city and this means your wedding reception can enjoy its many benefits.
- Fun for everyone
Whether you’re a history buff or someone who enjoys sci-fi, Washington DC offers plenty of attractions and activities that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
Disadvantages
- Weather
Although summer can be humid, a winter wedding reception in DC can be a snow-covered affair. Be sure to check out the forecast and plan accordingly.
- Politics
As the political center of the federal government, things can get pretty hectic on a few key dates. Plan your wedding reception around this so everything is hassle-free.
- High costs
Washington DC is a costly city and all services are priced so. Although you can hope for great deals and discounts, a wedding reception might be costlier here than in some other cities.
- Tourists
With more than 2 million tourists annually, the city and its attractions can get severely crowded during peak hours.
- Traffic and parking
Washington DC is notoriously famous for its gridlocks. This can make your drive to the venue a rather long one.
- Accommodations
Arranging lodgings for your out-of-town guests can be a challenge and pretty pricey depending on the location of your wedding venue.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- The Lincoln Memorial
Towering over the Reflecting Pool, the 19-food marble state of President Abrahan Lincoln is a site where many historic events have transpired. Whether it’s daytime or night, the state with its iconic, pensive nature attracts tourists who want to see this iconic figure from world history.
- The White House
The official residence of the President, the White House is another immensely popular location in Washington DC. There are plenty of tours given to visitors, although these required an advance booking from your embassy, there is also a free-to-visit White House Visitor Center where you can see the details about this building and the presidential families that have called it home.
- National Gallery of Art
If art is your thing, then the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a place you have to visit. With a collection that requires two buildings to showcase, there are plenty of paintings, sculptures, and decorative artworks on display including the only Da Vinci painting in any American museum. The National Gallery of Art also holds gree concerts on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.
