We Get A Sneak Peak From The Dorchester’s Social Events Manager

5 Star Weddings wanted to find out more from one of The UK’s top wedding venues, The Dorchester. Julia Chapman, Social Events Sales Manager, gives us a sneak peek at what it is like to be an event organizer at this top establishment on Park Lane, London.

5 Star Weddings: Can you tell me about the most elaborate wedding you have organized at The Dorchester Hotel?

Julia Chapman: At The Dorchester, we have seen everything from transforming a recently renovated Ballroom Suite into a Grecian palace covered in marble to carpeting The Ballroom in turf and plants to make guests feel as if they were outdoors. Each of our weddings is exceptional and memorable in its way, whether it is with a grand gesture or our thoughts behind every detail.

5 Star Weddings: What is working in such an iconic wedding venue like?

Julia Chapman: With 80 years of experience, The Dorchester has hosted some of the most glamorous weddings ever. Each wedding becomes another thread in The Dorchester’s history, and it is an honour for me to be a part of this tradition daily.

5 Star Weddings: Have you had any unusual requests from brides?

Julia Chapman: As we help plan bespoke weddings for a variety of tastes and preferences, I wouldn’t consider any of our requests unusual. At The Dorchester, we do our best to anticipate the desires and needs of our brides and grooms in order to provide them with the best personally tailored experience.

5 Star Weddings: What does The Dorchester Hotel provide that other hotels on Park Lane do not?

Julia Chapman: We provide the highest level of personalised service to each of our couples to ensure they have the wedding of their dreams. We can also provide a la carte banqueting for 500 people within our Ballroom, and we are the first in London to do so.

5 Star Weddings: How far in advance should the bride and groom book your venue?

We recommend that couples confirm their wedding at least nine months in advance to ensure we are available on their ideal date.

5 Star Weddings: What’s best about being a wedding planner?

Julia Chapman: I love participating in such a special celebration for so many different types of people during the happiest time in their lives. With the service and flexibility provided at The Dorchester, I know that I can make couples’ dream weddings come true.

5 Star Weddings: Can you share with us any celebrity couples who have had weddings at your venue?

Julia Chapman: I’m afraid not. At The Dorchester, we have hosted weddings for a variety of couples from all walks of life. They come to us because they are sure that we will always provide the utmost discretion to them and their guests.

The model is wearing Caroline Castigliano and was photographed by Clive Arrowsmith

5 Star Weddings: What makes The Dorchester Hotel the perfect wedding venue?

Julia Chapman: Located in the heart of Mayfair and on Park Lane, The Dorchester is the ideal venue for almost any guest. Additionally, The Dorchester offers everything you need under one roof, from seamless event planning to a la carte banqueting and stunning floral arrangements from the Florist at The Dorchester.

5 Star Weddings: What is included in a wedding package at your venue?

Julia Chapman: We include room hire, a champagne and canapés reception, a three-course menu including water and a half bottle of wine per person, table decorations, and beautiful (complimentary?) accommodation for the bride and groom.

5 Star Weddings: What, in your opinion, makes a 5 Star Wedding?

Julia Chapman: My favourite weddings are the ones that truly show the personality of the bride and groom. Thanks to the high level of organisation and service delivered at The Dorchester, our weddings are a pleasure for guests to attend.