Most brides are on some type of budget, and wedding dreams sometimes need to be toned down or completely cut to make the budget work. When we started planning our dream Newport wedding, I had big ideas. I wanted it to be a weekend affair with events throughout. Then reality set in… we had to evaluate the budget. My dreams of additional events were toned down, and we had to figure out what would give us the most bang for our buck. We decided to go with a morning after brunch as a send off for our guests. I’m so excited about the brunch, but I would have loved to treat our guests to a welcome dinner in addition to the brunch. I had dreams of a traditional lobster bake. Can you imagine the possibilities?
I am in love with this rehearsal dinner shown on the Brian Phillips Photography blog. Click on the link to see more gorgeous photos!
I love the lobster details from this rehearsal dinner.
Photos by Snap! Photography, another RI photographer.
We had a senior event in college hosted at Kempenaar’s Clambake Club in Middletown, RI. The photo possibilities would be fun for a welcome dinner! They have a built in photo area, as seen in the lovely photo by Newport photographer Faith Dugan. The site also has volleyball nets and horseshoes, which would make for a fun welcome event.
And no event is complete without a little inspiration from Martha. How cute are these DIY placecards and invites?
What wedding dreams did you have to tone down or completely cut due to your budget?
Heehee, love the lobster details and the Friends reference. 
I would love a rehearsal dinner like this! I would also love a professional photographer at our rehearsal dinner, but I guess that gets cut too.
This is all really cute. I wish I knew how to eat lobster.
So pretty – I love the turquoise and red together! I’m sorry you don’t get to put the event together, but your guests will have a great time at your wedding and the brunch
Hmmm…this totally has my gears turning. I’ve been trying to think of a cute bridal shower idea and this just might work. Then we can whisk her away to Baltimore for her bachlorette par-tay (crabs, anyone?!). Thanks for sharing!!
wow–what great inspiration! I can see why it would be so appealing. Especially as a welcome party!
OMG I am so a lobster fan.
P.S. I think I’m lining my envelopes in that exact same color as I speak/type/whatevs, so I of course love.
That would make a great Rehearsal Dinner or even Engagement Party !
They suggested their guests stay at Chatham Bars? They are in a different tax bracket from our guests!!
From our wedding website: If you do stay at the Chatham Bars, we demand to see your room: we want to see what $1650 a night will get you.
I love the Friends reference! And the lobster theme is too cute!
I love those chairs, omg. I love the lobster stuff, unfortunately Ribs is allergic. Poo.
We’re actually (totally randomly) having a lobster/clam bake thing for our welcome dinner the night before…The funny thing is, there’s nothing about the Berkshires that would suggest a lobster bake, it was just FMIL’s kinda random decision!
Love the whole thing! The colors, the little details, the printing…
We had to give up having our reception at an art gallery that was going to serve as our rain out area as the wedding is in the neighboring park. I really hope it doesn’t rain as I so would have loved to get married on the center for the arts’ grand staircase. It is amazing… all the wood and the stained glass at the center landing!
Oh I love this! I could so see Miss P. Chipz doing this with her awesome mustached lobster! LOL
Great inspiration pics! The yellow and navy and nautical touches remind me of the Gloss’ wedding!
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/Newport Age and Occupation: 25, Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales Engagement Date: October 8, 2008 Wedding Date: October 2010 Venue: The Atlantic Beach Club About Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
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