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, and gives us a sneak peek at what it is like to be an event organiser at this top establishment on Park Lane London.

5 Star Weddings: Can you tell me what the most elaborate wedding that you have organised at The Dorchester Hotel?

Julia Chapman: At The Dorchester we have seen everything from transforming 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 own way whether it is with a grand gesture or our thought behind each and every detail.

Ballroom Entrance At The Dorchester
Ballroom Entrance At The Dorchester

5 Star Weddings: What is it like to work in such an iconic wedding venue?

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 every day.

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 to be 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.

Luxury Wedding At The Dorchester
Luxury Wedding At The Dorchester

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 are also able to 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 that we are available on their ideal date.

The Ballroom At The Dorchester
The Ballroom At The Dorchester

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

Julia Chapman:  I love being able to take part in such a special celebration for so many different types of people during the happiest time in their life. With the level of service and flexibility provided at The Dorchester, I know that I have the ability to make couples’ dream wedding come true.

5 Star Weddings: Are you able to share with us any celebrity couples that have had a wedding 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, who come to us because they are sure that we will always provide the utmost discretion to them and their guests.

Caroline Castigliano
Model is wearing Caroline Castigliano and 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 situated in the ideal location for almost any guest to attend. Additionally, The Dorchester offers everything you need under one roof, from seamless event planning, a la carte banqueting and stunning floral arrangements from Florist at The Dorchester.

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

Julia Chapman:  We include room hire, a reception of champagne and canapés, 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.

Caroline Castigliano
Model is wearing Caroline Castigliano and photographed by Clive Arrowsmith

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 and thanks to the high level of organisation and service delivered at The Dorchester, our weddings make it only a pleasure for guests to attend.

Caroline Castigliano
Model is wearing Caroline Castigliano and photographed by Clive Arrowsmith

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