Nantucket Info Needed - August 2005
 

I'm in the process of planning a wedding in Nantucket in mid-August. I've never been there, but need to appease the future in-laws.

I'm looking for suggestions on a range of lodging. Lower end hotel rooms to nice B&Bs. I know nothing is cheap, but I have some guests that can't afford $300+/night.

Most guests would be flying in from out of state. It looks like it would be easiest to fly into Boston, then fly to Nantucket vs. Boston, rent a car/shuttle to Hyannis and take the ferry. Is this correct? Is Cape Air the best from Boston?

Should they rent a car on Nantucket? Most will probably stay in town, but the wedding is in Sconset.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Do you already have a facility for your wedding? Are you locked in?

Nantucket is very popular for weddings, but frankly, is best left for those whose guests can afford $300/night lodging (which is not that much on Nantucket in August).

Renting a car in Boston is expensive, driving it to Hyannis something I would never do in August, then you'd have to pay to park the rental car or book passage on the ferry way ahead. Flying from Boston to Nantucket is not cheap. It is not practical to take a car to Nantucket or rent one once there as parking is difficult to find (and not included by many lodging establishments).

If you research Nantucket lodging on the web, you'll be surprised at the high rates in August for "lower end hotels and nice B&B's". Nearly all require hefty deposits and have very strict and inflexible cancellation policies.

Getting from town to Sconset would require a taxi (assuming your guests will not care to pedal a bicycle in their wedding guest attire...).

The entire event would be far more practical in every way for everyone in May, perhaps June, September (after Labor Day) or October, when the weather is nice, but rates are far lower and the island is not mobbed with summer folk, vacationers, and tourists.

Here's a huge tip: Advise your overnight guests NOT to mention the word "wedding" when booking accomodations. Full payment in advance will likely be required with even more ridiculous (if any) cancellation provisions.

My wife and I went to Nantucket the week after Labor Day for our wedding anniversary a couple of years ago and it was crowded, but not packed. I agree with the previous poster that getting married in May, June, post Labor Day September or October would be ideal.

We flew to Boston and then flew Cape Air to Nantucket. This added about $100 to the ticket, but it made the trip much easier. If you are staying in the Town of Nantucket, you will not need a car and you will be close to many shops, restaurants, and historic sites. We did rent bikes one day and toured the island. If you are in good shape, you can see the Island in one day. For less fit people, they could see the island over two or three days via bike as long as they are staying in Middle Nantucket.

Good luck! Nantucket is awesome with great restaurants! When you get closer to the wedding date you should write back and ask for things to do and places to eat.

Blyvail:

Dj said lots for you to seriously consider.

Nantucket is for the $300.00 per night and up traveller unless you have a home there...then the $300. is simply pocket change.

From experience, I too have family/friends who can not do $300.00 per night. Nantucket as a partial gift was not for them. Folks are rich or they are fronting that they are. This makes many who are and who are not rich uncomfortable at a minimum.

Flights/Ferry/Car combo's add up and can be stressful if folks are trying to get to Nan on a particular day/time.

The cost of food for a wedding party will be killer too...If money is not your issue then gift the rooms to the guest that you REALLY want to be there and press forward.

You may also look to hiring a private yacht owner to possibly transport your guest for a comparable fee. Perhaps you know folks in Nan who could suggest someone?

May I suggest you Google for a wedding planner who specializes in The Cape, MV, and Nan? You need a wedding professional as opposed to us professional travellers.

Congratulations!

Thanks for your help! We are having the wedding at a private house (fiance's sister). The wedding will be small 50 or less, mostly family. Unfortunately, almost half of those are kids under 12 and we can't get all those kids out of school in the off season. Believe me, I would love to have it when rates are lower.

It would be worthwhile to obtain a copy of the visitor's guide from the Visitor's Office (they charge for S&H, but it would be worth it). This has a nearly complete list of lodgings (many do not have websites). The "lower end" rooms would have to be booked forthwith, as rooms go quickly for the summer months, when there is also often a minimum stay requirement. Note that B&B's often have strict rules regarding children and the number of people permitted in a room.

Flying would definitely be the most efficient way to get to Nantucket. Especially in August.