Venues with Winter Wedding Specials

Finally, I have some exciting information to share about venues that offer winter specials.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk, an award winning oceanfront hotel, in Newport, RI, introduced their Exclusive Use program starting this month. According to the website, this new program will allow groups to use the entire mansion for a private event, either by spending $1500 in food and beverage or by booking a minimum of five rooms per night. The program is available Sunday through Thursday from December through March.

According to Kate Trepanier, Sales & Catering Manager, depending on the time year you were originally looking at (i.e. weekend in summer), you may save 35% - 65% by taking advantage of the Exclusive Use program during the winter season. Sounds like a great deal!

Hotel Viking, a historic, luxury hotel, in Newport, RI, offers a 15% discount on Friday and Sunday until April 30, 2010. Marlen Scalzi, Director of Sales and Marketing, notes overnight guest room rates fluctuate with the weekend, but are very affordable. In addition, you may receive a discounted rate on the Historic Kay Chapel for your ceremony. According to the website, the special package pricing is available for Friday weddings, Saturday morning weddings and Sunday weddings on non-holiday weekends.

Even if the venue you are looking at does not mention winter specials on their website, call them and ask. In most cases, you may find a hidden deal. If you are working with a wedding planner, she can find the deals for you.

Did I mention that it’s snowing? The area is expecting 12 to 18 inches of snow! From what I can see from my snow covered windows, it’s beautiful!

Have you found any good winter wedding deals? Please share!

The photo is courtesy of Hotel Viking.

Winter Weddings in Newport

A winter wedding in Newport? Yes! Snowfall can make a beautiful backdrop – think winter wonderland. Newport and surrounding towns (Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth and Tiverton) offer quaint New England seaside charm with elaborately decorated mansions. Imagine snuggling on a horse drawn sleigh, dancing near a glowing fireplace, kissing under mistletoe, sipping hot cocoa and hot apple cider toddies with guests. Feel the romance and warmth of the season. Your winter wedding can be filled with unique items from your dress and flowers to décor, food and beverages.

The benefits of having a winter wedding are availability and cost savings. Since most weddings take place in spring and fall, brides will have less competition and are more likely to book the venue and vendors they want for the day and time they want. Also, since winter is off-season for wedding vendors, brides are more likely to negotiate a good deal. Plus, there are fewer tourists in the off-season.

When planning a winter wedding, keep in mind that some facilities are catering holiday parties in December. Instead of competing with brides, you may be competing with corporate event planners. January is the least popular month for weddings. February, of course, offers the fun theme of Valentine’s Day.

Looking for a location to have your winter ceremony and reception? For the next blog, I plan to talk with some local venues to see if they offer any winter wedding packages or specials.

Have you planned or are you planning a winter wedding in Newport County? Please share.