More than a wedding.

patmball

We will have many out of state & out of country guests at our Newport Wedding.

I'd like some ideas for involving guests at events other than the wedding. 

We will probably have a day after the  wedding breakfast...any suggestions on keeping the cost down?

I'd like something the day before the wedding...any suggestions?

Any ideas to help guests discover Newport...it will be a first time visit for many people.

Thank you.

i2012do

How about recommending your guests take the trolley around Newport. Its an easy and inexpensive way to see the sights. You could also host a clambake, I believe ABC does them.

We are having a brunch in our hotel- since its included it was free, but we asked that there be add ons for our guest, like an omlett station. It ended up being something crazy inexpensive like $3 pp

dberrett

I agree with the trolley tour idea. You could have it stop at one of the mansions, too, if people want. And/or have it stop at Bretton Point and let folks do a picnic lunch. You could either have the hotel offer the picnic lunches for a fee to guests, or supply it. Maybe get a few pizzas or subs or something. That's always fun, b/c it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is a great place for kids to run around. It's right on Ocean Drive.
If you're doing welcome bags at the hotel, you could also make your own brochure with a list of things to do, restaurants to try, etc. I did this. I'd be happy to send it to you - send me a PM. I see you're in Boston, but, if you're in the area, I suggest stopping by the Visitor's Center (aka the Gateway Center). Go to the main desk, and explain that you're making Welcome Bags for OOT guests and could they give you brochures of things to do. They'll give you maps and brochures on mansions, wineries, etc. They're more than happy to give you that stuff!!
Which reminds me, you could also arrange for a taxi service to tour the island wineries. Taxis are wicked inexpensive. There's Greenvale Vineyards and Newport Vineyards on the island, both within 15 minute drive of NPT.
Where's your reception and where are people staying? If brunch is on a Sunday, the Atlantic Beach Club offers a wonderful buffet all-you-can-eat brunch for $15 pp. I'd HIGHLY recommend calling them sooner than later to see if they'll accomodate the numbers you're talking, but that would be cheap. They have a carving station, french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, soups, pasteries.... Really big. And yummy.
Good luck!

getaclue44

Harbour cruises are also fun!  I did an inexpensive one that took off from Goat Island through Viking Tours--, there are also other boar tours too--the Madeline is beautiful.  If you go online to gonewport.com there is an event calendar--has lots of stuff posted

lkm001

Our wedding is a "destination" wedding for most, despite us living here so we're making up OOT brochures for everyone. It'll include our favorite places for lunch, appetizers and drinks (since we'll be feeding most people dinner on Fri and Sat), favorite shops etc. You can mention taking a walk on the Cliff Walk, or catching a Gulls game (the local baseball team) if anyone is a sports fan. Checking out the shops on Thames st. The Newport Vineyards winery tour is always fun and inexpensive, and the harbor boat tours are a blast. Also check on the newport website about different events going on. During the summer there are a lot of festivals, jazz, folk, art, comedy shows, musicians etc.

patmball

Wow...some super ideas.  Thank you. 

Now let me ask this......are we (mother of the bride) expected to pay for things like: trolley tour, Sunday brunch, picnic lunch at the beach.     We will be providing a day after the wedding breakfast and 2 days before the wedding we are hosting a dinner for anyone who will be in town (out of country guests mostly).

I'd like to pay for everything BUT my gosh, it sure does add up.

Pat

patmball

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_rhode-island_more-than-a-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:122Discussion:04df804d-38c2-49cd-988c-2aae5a52ad54Post:6097f83c-3ff3-4626-99e9-ce46ca9f7485">Re: More than a wedding.</a>:
[QUOTE]How about recommending your guests take the trolley around Newport. Its an easy and inexpensive way to see the sights. You could also host a clambake, I believe ABC does them. We are having a brunch in our hotel- since its included it was free, but we asked that there be add ons for our guest, like an omlett station. It ended up being something crazy inexpensive like $3 pp
Posted by i2012do[/QUOTE]

What hotel ?  That sounds like a good idea. 

Thank you. Pat

[Deleted User]

Segway Tours of Newport would be unforgettable! I have done them with corporate guests for my job and everyone LOVES it. I think you have to be a certain age though (no kids). I am taking my guests on a kayak tour the day before our wedding.

dberrett

It sounds like you're already paying for more than enough. My now-husband and I paid for the morning after brunch for our parents and wedding party, that was it.
What you may want to do is send an email to the OOT guests to see what they'd be interested in, and rank their top 3 choices. Then perhaps you could subsidize, say, the trolley tour, and have them pay like $5/person towards it. Or if you wanted to take them on a tour of Newport Vineyards or Greenvale (or both) provide them with a map and directions and say they have to get there on their own, but, call and get a group rate for the tours and maybe cover that or subsidize it and charge your guests less. It's really whatever you're comfy with!
If you're going to charge people anything, that gets tricky. If you don't get the money up front, some people don't honor their word if they say they'll do a tour and could back out last minute, which may screw up your group rates or something. So you might be better off if you can get the money up front, but that's also tricky.
You may almost be better off getting two cabs (minivans) as they're cheaper to take people to the wineries and/or around Ocean Drive. I believe they only have a 2 hour minimum, whereas the trolleys are 4 hrs minimum. Trust me, people will just appreciate having stuff for them to do, not their mode of transportation!
People flying in from out of the country are paying a lot of money, and it's good to keep this in mind. However, you also shouldn't go broke over this, either. They chose to come. If they couldn't afford it they wouldn't come. But you should do whatever's reasonable to you to make them feel appreciated and welcome! So scheduling tours or something is a great way of doing that without breaking the bank.
Good luck!