Q & A : Event Planning

Live Heaven. Live Life.
Nestled in the center of Washington, D.C., only minutes from The White House and Georgetown, The Mansion is a Victorian haven for anyone that loves an adventure. Filled with antiques, art, music memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind items, The Mansion blends the most unique sensory experience with state of the art technology. Featured in National Geographic Traveler, The Mansion combines history, art and architecture to craft an exhilarating entertainment experience found nowhere else on earth.

Q: I am thinking about hiring an event planner to work directly with you. Do I need one?

A: No. Our event manager provides this service at no additional cost. In fact, we’ve planned events not just at The Mansion, but globally for a wide range of both corporate and private clients. However, if you choose to hire your own event planner, we have no problem working with them.

Q: Can The Mansion arrange the entire event?

A: Absolutely, that is our specialty. To ensure that the quality of your event meets both our standards and yours, all arrangements are confirmed in writing throughout the planning process. We can handle your event, from soup to nuts; including menus, catering, entertainment booking, invitation design, guest contact (we have organized State Department and White House events), event design (flowers and entire decor), transportation, hotel rooms, tent design, portable toilets, security, concert stages, computerized guest sign-in, you name it, we have done it!

Q: What goes into the planning of an event?

A: Once the membership fee and 95% non-refundable, non-transferable deposit are received, we request a “wish list” of what you would like for your event. You can fill in this information on our Events Request Form. We will work with you every step of the way in planning the entire event, from décor and menu to entertainment. You will have ample opportunity to make adjustments, changes or substitutions based on your needs. In the case of a wedding, you will need to submit a letter explaining how the couple met, where they like to travel, or any other personal information. This will help our team create a very special, very personal wedding with memories that the bride and groom will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Q: Is it better to have food on one floor or serve it throughout The Mansion?

A: There is no one particular way to handle an event at The Mansion. Each host has a different agenda (and budget) and almost everything works in this environment. We will listen to what you want – and guide you into a balance between meeting your budget and enjoying the unique experience of The Mansion. The best parties are the ones where you have an exclusive on the entire 100+ rooms, but again, that is your option, based on availability and budget.

Q: How long should my event be?

A: This depends on your budget. Weddings and sit-down dinners generally range from 3 to 5 hours. Office events as well as political and non-profit fund raisers can be 2 to 3 hours, unless you are hosting a corporate retreat, spa day or trade show.

Q: Are there restricted times when I can’t hold my event at The Mansion?

A: The Mansion is available 365 days a year for pre-planned events; however, space is dependent on availability and we require 24-hour notice from our members.

Q: What should I expect to pay for my event?

A: Events at The Mansion vary depending on what you have planned. Pricing can range anywhere from $75/per person to $1000/per person if you include venue, food, beverages, flowers, decorations, entertainment and accommodations. There is no average event at The Mansion they are all spectacular, so you should focus on what you want not what you can get for a specific dollar amount.

Q: What can I do to reduce the cost of my event?

A: There are many ways to save money while offering a memorable experience at The Mansion. Planning an all -inclusive event where all facets are handled by The Mansion staff can save you a considerable amount of time and money. We have long standing partnerships with many of the finest vendors in DC and because of these relationships we receive preferential pricing that can then be passed on to you. Ask our event designer how you can take advantage of these relationships while planning your event with us.

Q: How do I start arranging my event?

A: Your best bet is to email us at events@omansion.com. Or come in for a visit when we’re open to the public: Sunday and Monday, as well as select holidays. As a member, you can hold an event any day you wish, as long as there’s availability. It’s important to note that the majority of our members don’t just come to The Mansion once a year; they visit often, sometimes for breakfast, sometimes just to get away from the office and relax, to shoot pool, have a drink, go swimming, etc. As the saying goes, “membership has its privileges.”