A New England Planner's Ideal Wedding Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island
If we could dream up our ideal wedding weekend, it would be set against the backdrop of New England’s coastal charm. Between the oceanfront properties and historic streets lies a perfect getaway to enjoy so much of before, during, and after any couple’s celebration of a lifetime.
As destination wedding planners, we’ve been fortunate to have our role take us to places all over the map. We’ve explored many locations with the opportunity to create beauty in spaces throughout, but a special mark has been left on our heart by the quaint towns of the northeast.
If we could do it all again, we’d pick the perfect blushing florals and pair them with layers of texture for one-of-a-kind designs. We’d choose a scenic venue in Newport, Rhode Island, like The Chanler with views that spoke for themselves. We’d host our loved ones for multiple nights because one just didn’t feel like enough. If we could do it all again, this is how we would.
Weekend Experience
Thursday: Pre-check in Stops
We wouldn’t underestimate early-arrival and would plan to touch-down a day or two early to really soak in all the location has to offer. Before checking in, we’d grab a bite to eat at one of our favorite Newport Restaurant Group spots - Bowen’s Wharf. Since this is our dream weekend, it’s a beautiful sunny afternoon and we are doing our best people-watching with an outside table. We are debating which is better - a Maine or Connecticut Lobster Roll and of course ordering both along with a Newport Spritz. Since we won’t have much time once everyone starts to arrive and the parties begin, enjoying a slow stroll around town is the perfect activity beforehand. We can pop into our favorite stores like Shore Soap Co. and Young Designs and Homeport, followed by a sweet treat at Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream on the way back.
This day would be our calm before the perfect storm that awaits us as festivities begin the following day.
Friday: Warm Welcome Party
As guests began to check-in, each of them would be greeted with custom watercolor maps of the weekend itinerary and local welcome baskets with items like local saltwater taffy, Shore Soap candles, custom silk scarves with motifs like lobsters, sailboats and other details that really speak to the personalities of the couple. Each room would be set with fresh flower bouquets from Young Designs to truly elevate every element of hospitality.
A welcome party would be hosted at The Gardiner House in their Studio Bar space. From the Harbor Lawn to the rooftop Flora restaurant, every inch of this property is perfectly stylized. Even if it’s not your first time there, the property is sure to surprise you with its picturesque beauty. The theme for this event: Gilded Age and the setting is none other than the Studio Bar, which is the perfect space with a built-in bar and velvet lounge furniture - it feels like you are hosting right in your own Newport Mansion.
This day would be a beautiful celebration of love, connection, and joyful anticipation, all thoughtfully designed to set the tone for the unforgettable moments and heartfelt vows that would follow.
Saturday: Wedding Day
As if the cobblestone streets, salt air, and nautical surroundings weren’t eye-catching enough, we’d design our day intentionally, without a detail missed. Back at The Chanler for our main event, an outdoor sailcloth tent reception would perfectly fit the bill and allow for everyone to embrace the appeal of New England across any season.
A quartet would greet guests for the ceremony at the upper garden overlooking the property and ocean. Champagne would be passed and calming lavender bundles would greet guests at their seats to invoke all of the senses. After the ceremony guests would move down to the lower lawn where cocktail hour and the sailcloth tent awaits them.
Our tablescapes would be highly elevated to match the double 5-Star + Michelin Two-Key hotel. We’d opt for florals that are overflowing from a well-manicured seaside garden escape, with hydrangea, sweet pea, cosmos, garden roses and dahlias. Our color palette would have soft brown, wood tones included in the tufted chairs, along with a garden mix of pastel purple, buttery soft yellows and light blues. An elegant layering of patterned linens, antiqued silverware and a china collection that even the Vanderbilts would marvel over would send our design over-the-top.
It’s the kind of wedding weekend that invites guests not just to witness a celebration, but to feel completely immersed in it.
Sunday: The Send Off
After a few days of festivities, the time has come to say farewell to loved ones with a final send off. A farewell brunch will take place on the back patio of our host hotel. With views overlooking the ocean, guests can enjoy a morning walk along The Cliff Walk before joining for one last cheers. A fun casual coastal theme with blue and white striped tablecloths, rattan lobster napkin rings and a gourmet coffee bar will allow guests to add some pep back into their steps.
As the weekend draws to a close, this final gathering offers a chance to reflect on the memories made and the moments shared.
Craft Your Coastal Celebration
New England holds a special place near-and-dear to our hearts and hosting a wedding weekend there is sure to be as spectacular as your love story. It’s a setting that can’t help but invite creativity and hospitality into every detail. From seaside ceremonies to final toasts, Newport, Rhode Island is just one northeast location that offers the perfect canvas for a wedding weekend that's as meaningful as it is magical.
Explore additional venues, charming stays, and local experiences in our blog: Weekend Wedding Destination Series: New England or get started planning your event today.
