Planning a wedding is about more than choosing a date and the guest list — it’s about designing an experience. One that unfolds thoughtfully, feels effortless for guests, and reflects your story at every turn.

At The Dupont Circle, weddings are approached as curated weekends rather than single-day events. In honor of National Wedding Month, our wedding experts share their top tips for creating a celebration that couples and their guests will never forget.

1. Think Beyond the Ceremony

The most memorable weddings don’t begin at the altar — they begin the moment guests arrive.

Start by envisioning your wedding as a series of moments: a warm welcome, an elegant ceremony, a lively reception, and meaningful time to linger together afterward. Planning with a weekend mindset allows each event to feel intentional rather than rushed.

At The Dupont Circle, couples often host:

• Welcome gatherings the evening before in Doyle bar
• Ceremonies in our Foxhall or Glover Park rooms
• Receptions in the Dupont Ballroom
• Farewell brunches the following morning at The Pembroke

This layered approach turns a wedding into a shared journey, not just a single evening.

2. Choose Spaces That Create Flow

Your venue should guide guests naturally from one moment to the next.

The Dupont Ballroom offers a refined yet welcoming backdrop for ceremonies and receptions, while adjacent rooms like the Foxhall and Glover Park provide flexibility for more intimate gatherings. Having multiple spaces within one destination keeps events connected — and guests relaxed.

Expert tip: When spaces are close together, transitions feel seamless, and the weekend feels elevated without feeling over-orchestrated.

3. Make Food & Drink Part of the Experience

Some of the most meaningful memories happen between scheduled events.

Welcome cocktails, post-rehearsal toasts, and relaxed brunches allow guests to connect organically. Thoughtfully chosen menus and settings create moments of ease — where conversations flow just as freely as the wine.

By extending celebrations into spaces like the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar, couples create a sense of continuity that feels social, warm, and effortlessly stylish.

4. Prioritize Getting-Ready Moments

The hours before the ceremony are just as important as the event itself.

Spacious suites offer calm, light-filled settings for hair, makeup, champagne toasts, and quiet reflection. These moments often become some of the most cherished memories, full of anticipation, laughter, and meaningful pauses before the celebration begins.

For out-of-town guests, staying onsite also keeps everyone connected, making the entire weekend feel cohesive.

5. Design with Guest Experience in Mind

The best weddings feel easy for everyone involved.

From central accommodations to walkable surroundings, every detail should support comfort and connection. Hosting your wedding weekend in one destination allows guests to focus on celebrating — not navigating logistics.

When guests feel considered, the celebration feels generous. And when everything flows, the experience feels unforgettable.

6. Let Experts Handle the Details

Planning becomes far more enjoyable when you’re supported by people who understand the rhythm of weddings.

From timeline guidance to spatial flow and weekend pacing, expert insight ensures nothing feels rushed or overlooked. With thoughtful planning, couples are free to be fully present, knowing each detail has been carefully considered.

A Wedding Weekend, Perfectly Curated

At The Dupont Circle, weddings are designed to feel personal, polished, and completely your own. By focusing on flow, experience, and connection, couples create celebrations that extend far beyond a single moment and linger long after the last toast. Get in touch to learn more about hosting your celebration at The Dupont Circle.