WASHINGTON — The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. is planning a prestigious Royal Wedding Viewing Party on Saturday, May 19, just as it did in 2011 for the last royal wedding, and it is expecting a crowd.
For any local future brides and grooms with a seven-figure budget for their weddings, the Ritz-Carlton has a special package for them, too.
The 2011 viewing party for Prince William and Kate Middleton sold out, with 300 guests. A sellout is expected this year too, despite the $75 per person ticket price.
Guests can upgrade to an overnight stay the night before the viewing party.
It’ll include viewing the wedding in the Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C.‘s ballroom and a breakfast fitting royalty. In addition to omelet and pancake stations, the menu includes traditional British fare.
“Such as bangers, sausages, traditional British gammon served with baked apple sauce. We’ll have scones and crumpets and, of course, coffee flowing throughout the event since it’s so early in the morning,” Amal Zaari, a wedding specialist for The Ritz-Carlton told WTOP.
The viewing party starts at 6 a.m. an hour ahead of the East Coast time zone start of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, with viewing in real time.
For folks seeking their own wedding extravaganza, the Ritz-Carlton has put together the Crown Jewel Royal Wedding Experience, a package starting at $1 million.
It starts with a flight to New York City on a private jet and includes consultations and services with the upper-crust of the wedding planning business.
Does the Ritz-Carlton actually expect any takers?
“We are definitely hoping and expecting a special bride and groom to take on this special package,” Zaari said.
“We partnered with some incredible, high-end luxury vendors and we use inspiration from Prince Harry and Miss Megan to create an incredible experience, a fairy tale, royal wedding experience for a special bride and groom to plan their own royal wedding celebration,” she said.
What does a $1 million wedding and honeymoon budget buy? The Ritz-Carlton package includes the following:
- A consultation and comprehensive wedding plan designed by Amal Zaari, who will orchestrate every detail of the luxurious big day to replicate the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle;
- A flight to New York City on a private jet for a stunning, custom-made bridal atelier gown, inspired by Markle, created by beloved celebrity designer Romona Keveza, who has dressed many Hollywood stars, including Scarlett Johansson, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Oprah, Taylor Swift Sofia Vergara and Ariana Grande.
- Wedding dress fittings with bridal expert Carine Krawiec, owner of the exclusive Carine’s Bridal Atelier in D.C.
- Personal consultation with Edge Floral Event Designers who will transform the Ritz-Carlton’s Grand Ballroom into your very own Windsor Castle with modern, classic and sophisticated timeless décor and florals reflecting the couple’s style;
- Maison de Carine will provide extravagant, custom-made dinner plates and chargers designed by Christian La Croix of Vista Alegre;
- A custom wedding ring and wedding band designed by the District’s premier jewelry designers, I. Gorman Jewelers, who will create two masterpieces inspired by Markle’s engagement ring which features yellow gold, her favorite metal, and three diamonds;
- Bridal makeup by Michelle Obama’s go-to makeup artist in the District, Carl Ray, and hair by stylist Remona Soleimani of Hair By Remona;
- Best in class entertainment provided by Elan Artists who will cover crowd-favorites from British artists, including Ed Sheeran and Elton John;
- A luxurious wedding ceremony inspired by the traditional yet modern style of the royal couple;
- A multicourse, highly customized menu by Executive Chef Yves Samake and Executive Pastry Chef John Quinn, including a multitiered wedding cake created with seasonal ingredients inspired by the royal couple’s wedding cake;
- Exclusive spirits, bourbon and a signature cocktail, provided by Joseph A. Magnus & Co.
- Two nights in the Ritz-Carlton Suite, the property’s largest, most luxurious suite that features a large private terrace with stunning views of the city;
- A two-week Mediterranean honeymoon on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, providing a lavish vacation with first class accommodations.
