FAQs
Question
What is Blithewold?
Answer
Blithewold is a 33-acre summer estate that is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place Era. The property features a 45-room mansion, framed by a series of gorgeous gardens and grand ocean-views of Narragansett Bay. Blithewold now operates as a public garden & museum hosting educational garden programs, tours, community events and more.
Question
Why Blithewold?
Answer
This property is incredibly special to Alex & Brett. Blithewold sits directly across the street from one of Alex's childhood homes, owned first by her grandparents and then by her parents and as lifelong members, the family spent countless hours on the property. As a landscape architect, Brett fell in love with Blithewold on his very first visit, and it has become one of his and Alex's favorite places to enjoy together ever since.
Question
Are the ceremony & reception at the same location?
Answer
Yes, the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception are all on Blithewold's grounds.
Question
Are the wedding events outdoors?
Answer
Yes! The ceremony will be outdoors, on grass, in the North Garden. Cocktail hour will be on the Terrace & Great Lawn, and throughout the first floor of the Mansion. The reception will be under a floored tent on the Great Lawn.
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
We would love to see our family and friends get dressed up for this special day! The dress code is Black Tie Optional/Formal - tuxes and gowns are welcomed. Please note that the ceremony & much of cocktail hour will take place outdoors on grass and by the ocean, so please select your footwear & layers accordingly.
Question
How should I get to and from the venue?
Answer
The provided shuttle will depart from the Newport Beach Hotel promptly at 3:30pm. Following the reception, the shuttle will depart the venue at 10:30pm, arriving to the After Party (next door to the Newport Beach Hotel) at 11pm. The venue has plenty of parking should you choose to drive, and all cars must be picked up from the property by 10am the following morning. The area also has Uber and Lyft options, but we would recommend pre-ordering to ensure you arrive on time!
Question
When should I book my accommodations?
Answer
We recommend booking your hotel or VRBO/Air BnB ASAP. Newport and its neighboring towns are very popular vacation destinations for the holiday weekend and accommodations will fill up. You can find the link to our room block under the "Accommodations" tab.
Question
Are children invited to the wedding?
Answer
While many of you have little ones that we adore, we would like the ceremony and reception to be an adults-only event. Enjoy a night off!
Question
Can I bring a guest or date?
Answer
Due to space limitations, we are only able to accommodate those listed on your invitation. Thank you for your understanding!
Question
What can I expect of welcome drinks?
Answer
We are so grateful that many of you are traveling from near and far to celebrate with us. We understand a Thursday arrival might be challenging for some, but if you are in town, please join us for casual welcome drinks at Stoneacre Garden in downtown Newport (7:30p-10:00p), hosted by the groom's family, to kick off the weekend festivities! Please note that parking is available but limited.
Question
Are there any other weekend events to note?
Answer
The newlyweds, with friends and family, will be enjoying a casual day & night around Newport on Saturday 10/11 and welcome any and all family & friends to join us! Please let us know if you plan to be in town on Saturday and we will communicate any plans :)