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 d’oeuvres, a large sweet table and scaling back on the plated dinner. And, who says you can’t 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 Chicago’s favorite attractions, the city’s architectural boat tour is conducted. The hotel is in the heart of Chicago’s 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.