The Most Grand

Inside NYC’s Historic Plaza Hotel

CATEGORIES

November 5, 2013
Words by Roger Sands
Photos courtesy of The Plaza Hotel

With all of its glitz and glamour, New York City bursts at the seams with wedding venues. From understated refinement to stately opulence, including majestic ballrooms and grand entrances, couples can choose just about any type of wedding imaginable.

Perhaps nowhere else can couples discover the historic elegance and grandeur that comes with a wedding at The Plaza Hotel. Exchange vows under the stunning canopy of The Plaza’s Grand Ballroom or in the timeless magnificence of The Terrace Room. This exceptional Manhattan wedding venue is unlike any other and provides a wedding celebration that is both modern and timeless. Above all, the hotel’s attentive staff works intimately to help couples realize all of their wedding day dreams and desires. No rock is left unturned, thus no unexpected or unwanted surprises for the bride and groom. Weddings flow seamlessly, from processional through reception. Now that’s every bride’s dream.

Located at the storied intersection of Central Park and Fifth Avenue, The Plaza is at the center of world-class events and prestige. For more than 100 years the venerable hotel has been chosen by heads of state, socialites, celebrities and even royalty for their most important social events. Donald Trump wed Marla Maples in the Grand Ballroom in 1993, which has since been faithfully restored in 2008 to its original splendor while incorporating modern advances. The Grand Ballroom has a reception capacity of 600.

Just beyond the French doors of the hotel’s famed Palm Court lies the Terrace Room, a setting rich with its own history and charm. Meticulously restored to its original grandeur, the Terrace Room boasts some of the most impressive historical detailing within the hotel. Figural paintings created in the spirit of the Italian Renaissance adorn the ceiling. Dating back to 1921, they are freshly revealed by the polishing off of 80 years of smoke and dirt. Also flawlessly restored are the original crystal chandeliers, copies of those that hung in the Palace of Versailles. Striking yet elegant, the Terrace Room, which can comfortably accommodate 500 guests for a wedding reception, truly is a jewel within The Plaza.

Attending a wedding at The Plaza is always a very special experience for guests and one they are sure to remember. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance to visit such an iconic landmark in one of the world’s most exciting cities. The hotel has received more hospitality industry awards than it can count and has long been recognized globally as an elite Five Star destination. In 1978 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of Interior. Long a part of Plaza tradition, the romantic and timeless Palm Court has served as a setting for scenes in many popular novels and films, most notably the “Great Gatsby.” The Palm Court is also a perfect location for bridal showers.

CPS Events partners with the Plaza to ensure that a couple’s every wish is attended to, from providing a list of recommended officiates for the wedding, to consulting with Sylvia Weinstock and celebrity pastry chef Ron Ben Israel for any wedding cake needs. Reception menu items are rooted in seasonal, local and artisanal ingredients and infused with global flavors and classic principles. Each menu is tailored to match the taste and requirements of the individual event. The presentation is designed to enhance the dining experience while introducing an element of food art and drama. CPS provides a standard wedding menu that couples can expand or add to as they see fit. The Plaza works with caterers at Great Performances, but guests are welcome to bring in their own caterers as long as they are kosher. Brides can bring in other outside vendors of their choice. However, the only required vendor is the in-house audiovisuals because of the landmark status of the hotel.

The Edwardian and Terrace Bridal Suites are great options for discerning couples. The Edwardian Suite, nearly double the size of the typical guest room, resembles a petite pied-à-terre. Exquisitely furnished in the richly decorative style of Louis XV, the Edwardian Suite features a spacious sitting room, a powder room for guests and a marble Butler’s pantry with a microwave oven, wet-bar and under counter refrigerator. In each suite, the bedroom and master bath are separated from the sitting room with elegant pocket doors that gently glide close for privacy. The master bath, entered via double French doors, is decorated with marble mosaic tile in a leaf-like pattern inspired by Central Park. The marble vanity and bathtub are adorned with 24-carat gold plated Sherle Wagner fixtures. As Edwardian Suite guests, couples enjoy butler services.

The Terrace Suite is a unique one-bedroom duplex maisonnette with a private outdoor terrace that puts the resplendent Manhattan skyline at your fingertips. The lower levels of these exquisitely designed suites include a living room, study, Butler’s pantry and beautiful mosaic tiled powder room. The upper levels offer a large bedroom with a furnished terrace. The master bathroom features a bathtub and a separate shower – both adorned with 24-carat gold plated Sherle Wagner fixtures – all set against marble mosaic tile. Designed to maximize the beauty of their high ceilings, Terrace Suites enjoy abundant natural light.

Destination weddings, by their very nature, are personalized events which serve as a mosaic of timeless memories. The Plaza ensures such memories are priceless.

destination wedding in jamaica
Weddings by Palladium
destination wedding couple on the beach in all white
Palladium Weddings
Destination Wedding Proposals at Sandals
Destination I Do Podcast
destination wedding in jamaica
Save on hotel bookings
person laying by pool
dark haired woman in bright green patterned bridesmaid dress

Find a Vendor

Access our list of vendors based on your destination location.