The Wedding Planner
Vivian Tsakeris, Senior Sales Manager
Bethesda Marriott
Bethesda, Maryland

Considering a wedding in the Washington, DC area? The Bethesda Marriott is a favorite with many brides, both for its location and for its creative approaches to everything from receptions to decorations. To learn more about planning a wedding at this location, we talk this month to Vivian Tsakeris, Senior Sales Manager at the Bethesda Maryland.

Vivian, like other planners interviewed in this monthly column, has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program. Vivian also gives us her tips for planning an ethnic destination wedding in a related article. Also see a photo gallery of real life weddings at this hotel.

What aspects of your property are most attractive to brides?

Each ballroom, bathed in candlelight, provides the perfect ambiance for an elegant banquet. Each ballroom is located on the ground floor, which along with their pre-function and reception area, are located in separate areas of the hotel and are allocated for the exclusive use of the attending function. Both ballrooms are located on their own wing of the hotel where they offer a personal feel enabling guests to have a quiet event without the distraction of other functions happening concurrently within the hotel.

Bethesda Marriott is conveniently located at the heart of the Washington-Metropolitan area in Bethesda, Maryland. Those that do drive will be treated to complimentary parking. We also offer complimentary shuttle that runs seven days a week to downtown Bethesda, White Flint Mall and the Metro.

Other features to be noted: marble tile flooring in Grand Foyer of Lobby Entrance; elegant chandeliers in each of the ballrooms; mirrors located in lobby foyer area of hotel (great place to take some beautiful pictures); beautiful fireplace located in lobby of hotel; 13’ ceilings, wood trimming along the walls and beautiful, full length drapes, add to the pleasantries guests are sure to feel.

Marriott Certified Wedding Event Planners on site to handle all of the details of your event.

What are the most popular wedding venues at the property, both for large and small weddings?

When you enter our hotel, we have a covered Grand Entrance Way for the bride and groom to drive up to in their car/limousine (in case of inclement weather, they do not have to worry about getting rained or snowed on). A lot of the brides and grooms use this as a perfect time to get some beautiful pictures taken as they are coming out of the limousine, etc. The front entrance is beautifully landscaped with fresh flowers and bushes. In the pool area, there is a section where we have a Gazebo that is beautifully landscaped. Bridal parties will sometimes go out there to take pictures as well.

We do provide hospitality suites to be used as gathering rooms for families to get together throughout the weekend. A lot of times, the wedding party will provide food and drinks for their guests and to stop by on a flow basis. Open to all who are invited to the wedding.

We provide an “after wedding” brunch the following day in a private room in hotel at a very special discounted rate. We also accommodate rehearsal dinners for the bridal party after their rehearsal in the hotel in a private room or outside in a separate area of the pool area.

We also provide complimentary Honeymoon Suites for the Bride and Groom for the night of the event.

What local elements can a bride add to her wedding to give it a regional atmosphere?

We turn life’s celebrations into memorable events, where chefs infuse their meals with culinary magic, and the catering staff work to create the perfect setting with attention to detail. Whether we are creating palate-pleasing menus or suggesting special touches such as seasonal floral arrangements or musical interludes, our professional staff will handle all of the details. We provide our own Indian Chef, Persian Chef and any other ethnic chef that a client may need for their food requests. We also provide Kosher-style food menus to accommodate Jewish weddings.

Because of our location in the DC, MD & VA area, and the different ethnic groups in the area, we are able to accommodate all types of food, decorations, music etc. by using local vendors who are used to accommodating the needs of our clients. This list is provided to the client at the first initial visit to the hotel.

We also provide an upgrade list to what we already provide in our package. Here is where the bride and groom may decide to add to their wedding plans. (Example: upgrade linens, chairs, bars, etc for a nominal fee).

For brides planning a weekend wedding, what nearby attractions or on property activities are of special interest for their guests?

From our Starbucks coffee kiosk and two restaurants including Bello Mondo’s, which was written up in the Washingtonian Magazine, and our Enoteca Lounge, which is our Italian wine bar featuring an extensive wine list with at least 50 wines by the glass and over 100 wines by the bottle, Enoteca also has a unique menu that features the small dishes of Italy that go very well with the wines that we feature, it is located in the lobby area, and all of the guests will feel comfortable the moment they enter our hotel.

Vivian also suggests the following options:

Click here for an interview with Vivian about planning an ethnic wedding.

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.

Photos courtesy Bethesda Marriott