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Planning a Block Island Wedding
Why a Block Island wedding? There is nothing more romantic than a bride & groom, barefoot by the sea. Block Island, with its Victorian charm and vistas everywhere you turn, is the perfect destination for your wedding. On this island, even a stormy day is just cause for celebration as the skies are more dramatic and photo opportunities abound.
From simple casual to haute couture, a Block Island wedding is the event of a lifetime. What does your perfect wedding day look like? Feel like? Taste Like?
The key to planning a perfect Block Island wedding is to know the in's and out's of throwing this type of event in a small, close knit business community. Who do you talk to? The people who have the most experience in weddings on B.I., of course. A destination like this one takes a bit of creative planning. For instance, the weather can be unpredictable any time of year. This doesn't just affect your wedding locale, a canceled ferry on your day could affect the arrival of guests, a band or d.j., a cake from an off island bakery, etc. Planning is key.
Get expert advice from a professional independent on island wedding coordinator. Mona Helterline is your girl. She'll put together a package for you that will set your mind at ease.
Scheduling the Big Day
Think of your guests. High season is July and August. An event scheduled at this time could mean super expensive lodging or no rooms available. This is not meant to discourage you from an August wedding. If you have your heart set on July or August, start early and work with a venue that is all inclusive. That way you may negotiate room rates, maybe book an entire inn or hotel or block enough rooms to ensure your guests will all get a place to stay.
July & August aside, did you know that a destination wedding can even be less expensive than a regular wedding? On with the planning.......
The most popular months for Block Island weddings are June & September. Due to the increase in destination weddings on Block Island, brides have also been choosing April & October with great success! Any month can be unpredictable weather-wise so make sure you and your caterer have back up plans.
Don't forget to link this website to your wedding website so your guests can learn all about how to get here and where to stay!
Block Island Weddings have become increasingly popular. There was a time not too long ago when no one would think of getting married on Block Island unless it was their home. Pioneer destination brides have paved the way for you to be able to pull your event off without a hitch. (pun intended??)
The Block Island Wedding Guide
simply click on the guide to read or download
You may also use the Chamber of Commerce or the Tourism Council's websites. They keep updated directories of island businesses and have sections on weddings.
Many island businesses act as mini wedding planners. If you are getting married here I recommend hiring a local caterer or event planner. They are used to the quirks that come from planning a lavish looking event on the sand or in the middle of a field with no electricity or running water.
Other things to consider is that everyone and everything takes a boat or a plane to the island. The last thing you want to find out on your big day is that the dj missed the boat or the cake fell on the way to the island.
Make a vacation for your guests. When picking the date for your Block Island Wedding remember that at certain times there are lots of visitors yet a finite amount of lodging. July & August will be tough for your guests to find accommodations unless they book their rooms in January, not very likely. April, May & June as well as September, October & even November make great months for a destination wedding on this resort island.
Reserve a hotel or inn with lodging and on site catering & event services. Let them take care of your guests and your reception. CHECK OUT These Pro's: The Sullivan House, The Manisses, the 1661 Inn, the Atlantic Inn or the Springhouse Hotel. All Inclusive Weddings at these top destinations can save you a lot of guesswork; the hotel managers and caterers act as wedding planners, guiding you through all your decisions.
ON LOCATION:
Book a Rental House that Allows Events,or a Property with space & views. Hire a caterer that specializes in Block Island wedding receptions. You pick the place, they take care of the rest. CHECK OUT: Rental houses such as Lynn's Way or Summer Hill These privately owned Houses are well known wedding reception sites. They also have event coordinators that can help you navigate your options.
DIY:
The Ceremony at the Southeast Lighthouse followed by a reception on the beach. You make all the arrangements or let an island caterer or wedding planner guide you.
Block Island Business Owners are wedding savvy. There are some seasoned professionals that have specializing in this for years. I recommend any of the island caterers, though it's best to talk to a few to get a sense of what they offer and if they are going to be compatible with your expectations. Sean from Block Island Gourmet, has agreed to share information and answer your Event Questions. Click Here To Request More Info.
Other On Site, and very elegant settings are: The Hotel Manisses & 1661 Inn. Contact Elizabeth.
Kimberly & Norman of the Beachead Restaurant also offer catering for any on location event.