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The
Wedding Planner
Cindy
Doyle
Marriott Certified Wedding Event Planner, Renaissance Chicago Hotel
Chicago sets the stage for
a wedding to remember and hotels like the Renaissance Chicago showcase
the city with venues like its outdoor terrace. We recently interviewed
Cindy Doyle, wedding event planner for this metropolitan hotel, for her
tips on planning a wedding at this property. Cindy, like other planners
interviewed in this monthly column, has passed the Marriott
International Wedding Certification Program. Cindy also gives us
her advice on Trendy Urban Weddings.
What aspects
of your property are most attractive to brides?
The Renaissance Chicago Hotel
is one of the few venues in Chicago that has an outdoor terrace with a
view of the city. Many brides are looking for a venue that offers outdoor
space with a view. Our hotel is located right on the Chicago River and
our outdoor terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline.
We also have a newly renovated
10,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with 20-foot ceilings located on our
second floor. The Grand Ballroom is done in deep gold and royal blue with
six stunning chandeliers. Our Grand Ballroom is rich and elegant and appeals
to a bride who wants a wedding that reflects her great sense of style.
What
are the most popular wedding venues at the property, both for large and
small weddings?
Our most popular venues, for large and small weddings, are our outdoor
terrace, Grand Ballroom, and Great Street Restaurant. The Great Street
Restaurant, like the terrace, over looks the Chicago River and has breathtaking
views of the city skyline.
What local elements can a bride add to her wedding
to give it a regional atmosphere?
Brides
and grooms are creating weddings that uniquely fit their personality,
taste, and style from start to finish. Since most of our couples are native
Chicagoans, our outdoor terrace is the perfect way to showcase our great
city to all their out-of-town guests. The terrace over looks the Chicago
River and has a breathtaking view of the city -- especially at night.
The trend in Chicago is for brides and grooms to concentrate on hosting
a spectacular cocktail hour with several action stations, passed hors
doeuvres, a large sweet table and scaling back on the plated dinner.
And, who says you cant eat pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers in black
tie? I find that the American Station is, without a doubt,
one of the most popular stations to do during the cocktail hour. Chicago
is famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
Add some mini-sliders, French fries, onion rings, and mini- grilled cheese
sandwiches, and you have a truly authentic Chicago Style Reception.
For brides planning a weekend wedding, what nearby
attractions or on property activities are of special interest for their
guests?
The
Renaissance Chicago Hotel is ideally located in the north loop on the
corner of State Street and Wacker Drive, overlooking the Chicago River.
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the best
dining, shopping, nightlife and recreation available in Chicago. The Magnificent
Mile shopping district is only two blocks east of the hotel.
The Renaissance is right on the Chicago River where, one of Chicagos
favorite attractions, the citys architectural boat tour is conducted.
The hotel is in the heart of Chicagos Theatre District and within
walking distance to The Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park.
Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural
History and the Shedd Aquarium are other nearby favorites.
Photos
courtesy Renaissance Chicago
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.
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Marriott
Weddings Read more interviews with Marriott wedding planners, check out
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