I Love It, I Love It Not

• By Rachel Wolff
• Published Summer 2008

The Hudson Hotel.   (Photo: Courtesy of Christian Oth Photography)

HOTELS

Pros
The all-under-one-roof aspect is a hotel’s biggest perk. You’re a captive consumer of all their goods, so you can negotiate better rates: the guest-room block, valet parking, bridal-prep suite, after-party room, wedding-night suite, etcetera. Hotels are accustomed to serving massive parties, so expect smooth service across the board.

Cons
You’re stuck with the hotel’s décor (from its china to its carpets). Many have exclusive vendors, so even if you wanted to bring in your supercool florist to improve the aesthetic, you could be restricted. Likewise with food: They may not stray from their templated $250-a-head-four-course dinner with the house wine. Their bad rap as “wedding factories” is based on some truth—ensure yours is the only event that day or risk bumping into a bridal clone fresh from her own altar.