December might be most celebrated for winter holidays such as Hanukah and Christmas, but in the United States it’s also by far the biggest month for wedding proposals, with 19% of American engagements happening right in the midst of all the holiday excitement! Soon after saying “yes,” planning for the big day commences. The Benson Hotel, with its rich architecture, exquisite lobby and grand ballrooms, sets the perfect backdrop for a wedding day in Portland to cherish forever, while its expert wedding specialists help flawlessly execute your vision.
At The Benson Hotel, venue variety abounds. Consider the elegant Crystal Ballroom, replete with gold leafing, Austrian crystal chandeliers, cathedral windows and ornate coffered ceilings for a distinctively elegant wedding ceremony (200 guests) or reception (140 guests). The opulent Mayfair Ballroom features 5,800 square feet of expansive space for up to 330 guests to dine and dance the night away; its stage area offers a perfect place for a head table, band, or DJ. The London Grill (up to 120 guests), with beautiful vaulted ceilings, dark walnut wood textures throughout and private wine cellar, affords an ideal reception, cocktail party or elegant dinner. The Wine Room or Wine Cellar can host up to ten guests each for cozier affairs to scale with more intimate parties.
While inherently historic and elegant in setting, the Benson’s wedding specialist will help inspire you with on-trend ideas for 2020 wedding touches. Just a few of these trends include:
Sustainable weddings – Our specialist can help you reduce your carbon footprint while throwing a great celebration. Even little touches can make a big impact: Consider repurposing ceremony florals or using live plant or succulent centerpieces guests can take home, sourcing locally grown food (our chefs know their sources!) and hiring vendors who practice sustainability in their goods and services.
Smaller weddings – Gatherings for less than 40 guests allow you to go big on quality. The budget per guest can scale higher, allowing more deluxe details, elaborate meals (think table service, more and finer menu options) and more personal touches a big ceremony wouldn’t afford.
Inclusive menus – Couples are considering guest lifestyles and food allergies in menu planning. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free eaters and more will find a wealth of options at Benson-hosted wedding events, and the same applies to beverages. Let us create non-alcoholic signature sips right alongside signature cocktails and more. Inclusivity ensures everybody’s having a good time!
Color pops – When it comes to décor, we’re seeing trending “statement” accents in mint green (a comeback from decades ago); cassis, a pinker and more electric version of purple; muted yellows; and medium denim blue. The Benson wedding team can help you source color pops, whether through florals, linens or custom spotlighting.
Fun reception amenities – Restrooms can be stocked sink-side with a basket that has hair gel, hairspray and breath mints, but also consider supplying dozens of take-away drugstore lipsticks for the ladies and lip balm for men. Trend-spotters also note bubbly stations on the party perimeter will keep guests jolly. Mystical touches are also big in 2020, so consider a tarot card reader station, astrologer or magician for fun, focused sidebar entertainment (this is Portland, after all; of course we have these resources!).
The Benson works closely with the best local florists, entertainers, musicians, and décor suppliers; our staff will attend to every detail. Beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites are available for your wedding guests, and are included with some wedding packages as part of your honeymoon stay. Whether planning a ceremony and reception, rehearsal dinner or post wedding brunch, the Benson Hotel can help make yours a dream wedding to cherish forever.
The time to plan is now! Contact our wedding specialist to check on available dates, or to schedule a tour of our wedding facilities at 503.219.6712. Take a glimpse at The Benson’s wedding venue details here.
The Benson, a historic downtown Portland hotel, has long catered to celebrities, CEOs, dignitaries and nearly every U.S. president since William H. Taft. It offers guests 287 tastefully appointed guest rooms, including a variety of suites, 18,000 square feet of meeting space and abundant guest amenities. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, The Benson offers comfort, luxury and proximity to all Portland has to offer.
