The City Club of Washington

No lie, the wedding was beautiful and ultimately everything came together. However, we seemed to have been involved with them at a tumultuous time. We had no fewer than 5 people who were to coordinate our wedding. People just kept quitting working at the venue. Not a problem until we get to the last ones who were not even going to be present to oversee the day! We ended up having to work with someone we met at the rehearsal 2 days before the wedding. Our rehearsal: the space was not even available for us to do the rehearsal--it was rented out unbeknownst to us. We discussed when we would need to do the rehearsal with the first couple of coordinators but they never passed on the message. Anyway, we had to rehearse in a different space...which defeated the purpose. Honestly, it felt like a waste of time and I was in tears by the end. The person assigned wasn't even there for the rehearsal itself since she was going back and forth with the other event going on. Contract issues: Because of COVID there were several changes. Many of them were relayed to us via phone conversations and email. In the end, what was promised to us was denied because "it wasn't written in the contract" despite various email confirming it and noting that no additional costs would be incurred. The reason the contract was not updated is that they wanted to delay until we had a more accurate headcount given the people who were saying that they would not come due to COVID. Initially we were excited and grateful to have a venue willing to be flexible with us. But ultimately, those were lies told to keep us from cancelling our contract with them. However Ian MacDonald was a life saver!!!! He was everywhere doing everything. He ended up doing the work of the day of coordinator and it is because of him alone that the City Club of Washington gets the three stars. My husband and I agree that without him the star count would have been a solid 1 due to the changes, the miscommunications, the disrespectful way we felt we were communicated with, and gaslighting about prices. Again, it is a beautiful venue. Make sure that anything they promise you is in writing and that the contract is not only updated and signed. Other considerations: 1. it is very echo-y in the space, which can make hearing a little difficult. 2. Random people had access to our reception to walk through to use the elevator and/or other facilities which was off-putting 3. Don't be afraid to make demands. The food was lackluster at first but we made sure to ask for better until we received it. 4. Beware of (unstated) uncharges. They present a lot of things as though included in the cost but then you find it later on your bill