Marriott International Leads Hospitality Industry with Exclusive Wedding Certification
Over 100,000 Weddings Hosted at Marriott Hotels Worldwide Each Year

Marriott International is making a new mark in the hospitality industry with its cutting edge Marriott International Wedding Certification Program. The program is designed to transform staff members into trained wedding event planners to assist with all aspects of hosting a wedding--ranging from fresh flowers, favors and musicians to chauffeured limousines, traditional wedding cakes and grooms’ cakes, as well as activities that surround the wedding event. Marriott planners can also help arrange the honeymoon and anniversary visit to any Marriott hotel worldwide, including 92 resorts.

The innovative program was founded by the food and beverage department at Marriott Corporate Headquarters in response to a growing need for onsite wedding experts. “Marriott hosts more than 100,000 weddings each year, so our associates have a true wealth of knowledge and experience to share with brides, grooms, and their families,” said Robin Uler, senior vice president of food and beverage and retail for Marriott International. “Our wedding planner certification program is designed to enrich our planners’ expertise in addressing the traditional and emerging preferences of today’s couples.”

“Since launching the program in March 2002, Marriott has seen an estimated 15 percent increase in wedding booking requests. Another significant wedding trend we’ve seen over the last few months is the growing number of couples wishing to marry within six months of their engagement. Because this leaves less time for the couple to plan their own wedding, there is a more immediate need for professional help.”

“More couples are realizing that having their weddings at a Marriott hotel gives them access to an experienced wedding event planner, who knows the best local vendors and how to make the best use of the hotel’s ballrooms and romantic venues,” says Ms. Uler. “This extends beyond the wedding event to facilitate guests’ overnight accommodations, brunch for family and friends the following day, as well as services such as spa activities, a round of golf, and more for the bridal party, family, and friends to enjoy before and after the wedding.”

To become a specialized Marriott wedding event planner, catering/event managers must successfully pass a 50-point assessment of their wedding expertise. One of the primary training tools is a new developed “Dream Weddings...Your Moments by Marriott” ™ Planning Guide the company produced using industry research, a survey of more than 70 of its hotels, and best practices elicited form its seasoned wedding planners throughout the company. The certification test is automated with a minimum of 45 out of 50 correct answers required to receive a Marriott Wedding Certificate, reviewed and signed by Robin Uler and Peter Canton, vice president of event management.

To plan a Marriott wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.