Most Washingtonians did not receive an invitation to William and Kate’s big day, but there are plenty of opportunities locally to celebrate. On Friday, the Ritz-Carlton is holding a royal wedding viewing party. The hotel initially set out to offer a special wedding package, then tested the water of holding a viewing party and quickly sold 250 slots to the event.
“That tells us the excitement level,” said Amal Zaari, the director of social catering for the Ritz-Carlton in the city’s West End. “It’s just unbelievable that on every channel there’s something related to the royal wedding.”
Coverage of the royal wedding begins early in the morning, with the ceremony starting at 11 a.m. in London at Westminster Abbey. Some D.C. parties celebrating the event are scheduled to start at 5 a.m.
“It’s difficult to gauge,” said Gary Ouellette, an owner of the two Union Jack’s locations in the area, which are each hosting celebrations. “We’re getting a lot of inquires. Because of the early morning time, you don’t know if that is going to translate to people coming out.”
“If I had to guess, it’ll be more of a die-hard group. Individuals will make a morning of it.”
Where to celebrate locally
• Union Jack’s British Pub, Ballston and Bethesda — Both locations will open at 5 a.m., feature a breakfast buffet and beverages and will show the ceremony on high-definition televisions. In the evening, catch a rerun of the wedding and enjoy a ladies night from 5 to 7 p.m. Info: unionjacksballston.com, unionjacksbethesda.com
• Ritz-Carlton Royal Wedding Viewing Party — Watch the nuptials on a 60-inch flat-screen in the lobby of the West End hotel, with a special breakfast buffet for $40. Spring for the royal wedding overnight package for $429. Info: ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/WashingtonDC
• Queen Vic — This new bar on H Street is waiting until noon to get started, but then parties until 3 a.m. with the wedding on a loop and plenty of food and drink specials. Plus get 10 percent off your check if you show your British passport. Info: thequeenvicdc.com.
• British Embassy — Check out the British Embassy website for a rundown of local events. Info: ukinusa.fco.gov.uk
