What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?
The average cost per person varies based on the length of time of your event. A three-hour Heavy Cocktail Reception ranges in price from $85 to $125 USD per person. An additional taxable 25% service charge and a 10.99% sales tax will be applied to all food and beverage.

Can food or beverage be brought in from the outside?
The hotel must provide all food and beverage items for your event. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages is regulated by the Louisiana State Liquor Commission, and The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is responsible for the administration of those regulations. It is our policy that all alcoholic beverages must be provided by the hotel. The wedding cake is the only food product that may be provided by the client. A $6 USD per person cake-cutting fee will be charged for a cake being provided by an outside pastry shop.

Please explain the food and beverage minimum.
The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that you are required to spend on a combination of food and beverage, excluding service charge and sales tax, but is not all that you could spend. The food and beverage minimum is reached by selecting individually priced, à la carte menu items to equal or exceed the required dollar figure. 

The following examples would apply toward the food and beverage minimum:

Hors d’oeuvres, food display and carving stations, plated or buffet meal, wedding cake, dessert display stations, wine service with the meal, champagne toast, the bar (including alcohol), cappuccino station and any non-alcoholic beverages. 

Centerpieces, upgraded linens/china/silverware, décor and specialty lighting would not apply toward the food and beverage minimum.

When do I need to finalize my menu?
Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Special Event Manager a maximum of six to eight weeks prior to the date of your wedding.

When do I need to let the hotel know exactly how many guests will be attending my event?
The Meetings and Special Events department must be notified of the exact number of guests attending a function at least 72 working hours prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the event.

What are the responsibilities of a Special Events Manager?

• Acts as the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and hotel operations staff. 
  
  
• Establishes your guest room block and monitors the status of reservations (if applicable). 
  
  
• Personally oversees the details of the bride and groom’s room reservations (if applicable). 
  
  
• Recommends special event professionals to provide wedding coordination, music, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, invitations and amenities. 
  
  
• Acts as menu consultant for all food and beverage selections. 
  
  
• Details your banquet event order and wedding “resume” outlining all of your event specifics and overnight accommodations to ensure that all information is communicated successfully to the operational team of the hotel. 
  
  
• Creates an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments and deposit schedule. 
  
  
• Creates a floor plan of your function space in order for you to plan and provide the hotel with your seating arrangements. 
  
  
• Oversees the ceremony and reception room(s) setup, food preparation and other hotel operations. 
  
  
• Ensures a seamless transition to the banquet captain on the day of your event. 
  
  
• Reviews your banquet checks for accuracy, prior to the completion of your final bill.
   

What are the responsibilities of a Wedding Coordinator (not provided by hotel)?

• Assists with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts. 
  
  
• Creates a timeline for your entire wedding day, including the ceremony and reception to supply to the Special Events Manager. 
  
  
• Organizes and coordinates your ceremony rehearsal. Reminds bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day. 
  
  
• Confirms call times and details with all vendors several days prior to the wedding day. 
  
  
• Is the liaison with your family, bridal party and all vendors. 
  
  
• Assists the bride and bridal party with dressing. 
  
  
• Ensures the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc., and assists with pinning of the gentlemen’s boutonnières. 
  
  
• Delivers and arranges ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and any personal items. 
  
  
• Coordinates your actual ceremony (i.e., lines up bridal party, assists bride with dress, etc.) 
  
  
• Coordinates your reception (i.e., grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.) 
  
  
• Coordinates with vendors and the hotel banquet captain to ensure timeliness of your events. 
  
  
• Collects any personal items you may have brought at the conclusion of the reception. 
  
  
• Counts and collects all wedding gifts and delivers them to the appropriate location at the conclusion of your event. 
  
  
• Assists you with full-service coordination, from your engagement to your honeymoon, should you select a full-service package.
   

What other services or items can The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans provide for my event?

The Ritz-Carlton can also provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event. These upgraded items include, but are not limited to: Chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates, ice carvings and menu cards. We can also assist you with welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.

What are the deposits based on and when are they due?
Deposits are based on the date of your event and the number of attendees. They may be made in the form of a check or credit card; however, a credit card is required to secure your function. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans requires full pre-payment for all events.

When are the deposits due?

• First Deposit
  Due with signed catering agreement and the deposit of 25% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the rental fees for the event space reserved.
  
  
• Second Deposit
  Due six months or 180 days prior to the event date and is based on 50% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the rental fee for the event space reserved. 
  
  
• Third Deposit
  Due three months or 90 days prior to the event date and is based on 75% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the rental fee for the event space reserved. 
  
  
• Final Deposit
  Due one month or 30 days prior to the event date and is based on the estimated final balance for your event, based on your actual food and beverage selections and all related costs.
   

Where does the bridal party get ready before the wedding?
We recommend guest room reservations be made for a minimum two-night length of stay with a check-in date of the night before the wedding and checkout the day after the wedding. This will eliminate the stress on the day of the wedding of having to check in and out of guest rooms.

Does the hotel offer a discounted room block?
If you wish to reserve a block of rooms for your family and guests, please notify our Group Sales Manager who can provide you with availability and rates for up to nine guest rooms (including the complimentary guest room). Ten guest rooms or more require a group sales agreement, where 100% of the guest room and current sales tax must be paid in full upon the signing of the contract.

A minimum length of stay is required on all stays involving a Friday or Saturday evening. Holiday weekends may be subject to a three-night minimum stay. Room blocks are held on a tentative basis, and any unclaimed rooms will be released 60 days prior to the event. Please note our check-in time is 4 p.m. and checkout is 12 p.m.

Guest parking?
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is pleased to offer a reduced valet parking fee for any of your guests attending the wedding. The hotel offers only valet parking, and you may choose to host the parking fee for your guests. Please consult with your Special Event Manager for current pricing.

What are the deposits based on and when are they due?
Deposits are based on the date of your event and the number of attendees. They may be made in the form of a check or credit card; however, a credit card is required to secure your function. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans requires full pre-payment for all events.