guest accommodations on the vineyard

vbates1

hi guys, 

i need a bit of advice!! i have grown up spending summers on the vineyard and it would mean a lot for our wedding to be there (fiance and i are both from ny & both love love love mv)...we would be able to get married at a friend's home, and though i could probably keep the costs down for us i am really worried about asking guests to spend the money on what will essentially be a destination wedding!! we would do it during the off season (mid sept-early oct) but it seems the things i love the most about the island are really what is making me apprehensive about having our wedding there (ie/ the travel costs, transportation and the fact that there are no large hotels per say) i should say that we are 25 and along with our friends are not particularly established financially.  i know that everyone we love would make the trip i am just worried about putting people out or feeling like anyone needed to sacrifice for OUR big day.

WOW. i dont know how this became such a long venting "dear journal" post lol. i guess what i'm asking is if anyone who is or has gotten married on the island has advice about where guests stayed that was relatively affordable or if you more left guests to their own devices...thanks so much for any advice : )

Karen's MOH

I don't have any information about MV unfortunately, but I noticed you mentioned sept/oct as the off season. I was under that impression at first as well-- it really isn't the "off" season. Prices will be slightly less than peak season, possibly, but they don't really drop until after Columbus Day. Those are two of the most popular months for weddings on the Cape. Just something to be aware.

The other thing I would mention is that house rentals that time of year can be a big cost savings, especially for groups. Not sure about MV but I know a lot of our family and friends are getting houses for very decent prices in Falmouth in Mid October.

Good luck!

squirrelly29

Up until Columbus Day is considered on season I believe for weddings there.

MeaghanandMichael

We understood that accomodations on the Vineyard can be pricey for people which is why we picked a venue that allowed us to pay for our wedding party to stay there. (The Beach Plum Inn in Menemsha has 14 cottages on the property and the Inns at Menenmsha are the sister property right next door.)

We also started our reception at 3:00pm so any one who wishes to take the last ferry (9:45pm) off the island and not stay over was welcome to.

Depending on where the house is, the Surfside in Oak Bluffs has very reasonable prices. You may want to look into a room block there.

MeaghanandMichael

...and yes, we got married October 4th and we were still considered "in season."

vbates1

thanks for the info everyone!

RAJamieson

I got married in Edgartown in late August, and struggled with the same concerns. With the economy and everything else, it seemed like a huge burden to ask of people. However, the best solution for many people was to make a vacation out of it, and they rented a house for the week. VRBO is a great way to find local rentals. Also, people stayed at the Edgartown Commons which were not too expensive. I've got a huge list of places that are potential for people, if you want that much detail. We had a website which listed all of this information, and even some info for Falmouth/the cape, so people could make it a day-trip. We had several who did that, and were able to catch the last ferry back.
Despite the cost, it's an unbelievable experience for any guests who have never been. I still get friends and family who say they just loved it. Make the most of it- and perhaps your wedding will be smaller, but that way you get to spend time with everyone! Ours had about 60, and it was perfect!

vbates1

i just checked this again. RAJamieson- thanks so much! it sounds like we're on the same page, its crazy to me that im even questioning having our wedding there but exactly like you said it just seems like so much to ask...but i know with all my heart it would be the best wedding ever haha.  think i just need to come to terms with the fact that not everyone will be able to come!

i just looked into edgartown commons- i never realized how reasonable they are! thanks so much for the tip

clsullivan4

I'm originally from the Vineyard (getting married there in July!) and I think the most cost effective thing would be to rent homes. Guests could rent them in groups and split the cost. You should look into renting homes from Mattakesett (http://www.mattakesett.com/). Other guests looking for singular accomadations could try a more inexpensive hotel like The Vineyard Harbor Motel (it's cheap and is on the beach in VH) The Wesley House (overlooking OB harbor), or The Nashua House (Kennebec Ave in OB). There are many small inns and B&Bs. You could do some research and provide your guests with the various options. Blocking rooms on the Vineyard is quite pricy (and obviously if all the rooms aren't booked by your guests you don't get reimbursed for the empty rooms), so I think you should be fine just providing them with a variety of cost effective options (and advise them to book ASAP). Don't feel bad if people can't come to your wedding, it's your day and you deserve to be happy. I have some family that won't be able to come because they can't afford to come, and I'm completely fine with it. The most important people will be there: us, close family, and friends! My guest list was about 106ish (after weeding out some "unnecessaries"..lol) and I'm at about 61 now. I'm actually kind of happy that fewer people will be coming because I will be saving some money!!! Good luck with planning your Vineyard wedding! If you need any advice on Vineyard vendors feel free to ask!
~Courtney~

MeaghanandMichael

Yeah, I would NOT tell your guests to book at the Wesley. Unless it has changed a ridiculous amount in the past few years, that place is a hell hole.