House booked, now what

laurenb003

Thanks for all your help so far! Well my family and my FI family have booked our houses in Rodanthe/waves/salvo area for august!! We're only having about 10 people there, so we're not doing a big reception, just dinner and drinks.  Do you recommend just waiting until the expo in Jan to do anything else? (as far as photography/flowers/officiants etc)?

Also, I am really interested in Coquina beach or Pea Island for a wedding ceremony, has anyone gotten married there? If so, any advice/hints? Do we just look for an ideal spot in January when we go? Or can the officiant help?

Sorry so many questions :-) but any insight is super appreciated!!

jendem8

Hello, and congrats on booking your home!  I would personally start to research now; I didn't go to the expo at all but instead found my vendors through research and reviews. 

I looked into getting married on Coquina but went for the very south of Nags Head instead (right at the point before where the beach becomes the National Seashore).  The rules are different for the towns v. the National Seashore, and I wanted to have chairs for my guests.  Since the entire stretch of HI is part of the National Seashore, you'll have the same rules anywhere (Coquina or Pea Island - you'll have to pay $100 fee, and you can only have chairs for the elderly or handicapped).  My only thought on the difference between the two - and it depends on what time you are thinking - but Coquina can be crowded, where as Pea Island will probably be more private. 

Is there any reason that you want to travel to one of these spots instead of just having the ceremony on the beach in Rodanthe?

laurenb003

Okay thanks! And good question, no not really! I suppose Rodanthe would be just as ideal as Pea Island :-)

We were thinking a 5 or 6:00 ceremony because our house is soundfront so hopefully we would have a good sunset while we eat and have our mini "reception." Isn't Rodanthe right next to Pea Island ? (just thinking maybe it would be less crowded?)

ksj10032782

Hi Lauren- congats on booking the house! I'm not really any help in deciding the location for your ceremony because I got married on the Northern beaches, but I would agree with Jen in trying to have a location close to where your house is. I wouldn't wait until January to make a decision on your vendors, with your wedding less than a year out, most of the more popular ones will be booked soon especially for August.

Happy planning!

jendem8

Yes - the southern part of Pea Island is right by Rodanthe - I guess I was just thinking of the more northern stretch where they have the bathrooms and everything.  I'm not sure if there is much parking anywhere else on Pea Island, but I could be wrong.

If you get a chance to go down on a planning trip (always fun!), it's definitely helpful to see the location.  At least you don't have many people,so things like parking won't be a big deal, especially if everyone car pools. 

Also another thing to think about is looking for vendors on HI, since others typically charge a travel fee to go there (or north to Carova).  Happy planning!

KarlyEck

I just book the Hemingway House in the 4x4 area and I'm starting to think it wont be able to accomodate the 100 guests we are expecting. I love this house- is anyone else more familiar with this property that may be able to offer an opinion? Please help!!!!!