FAQs

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

The average high in Hyannis Port in mid-September is 72° F, with a low around 58°. It is mild and often pleasant, but chances of rain or a coastal front remain; occasional leftover summer humidity or the start of cooler fall air are also possible. You won’t need a parka, but bring a light jacket just in case.

Question

Can I go swimming?

Answer

If you know how! In early September, the ocean temperature in Nantucket Sound averages a mild 68-72° F. Because the shallow sound traps the summer heat, September marks the peak of the local "second summer", making it one of the most comfortable times of the year for swimming. Just watch out for Jaws!

Question

What should I pack?

Answer

For a September wedding weekend on Cape Cod, it is wise to pack for changing coastal weather in addition to formal attire. A light jacket or raincoat, sweater, comfortable secondary shoes, extra socks and undershirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a compact umbrella are all useful. Casual but presentable daytime clothing is appropriate for the Cape’s relaxed atmosphere, and practical items such as medications, Band-Aids, a stain stick, and a portable phone charger are worth having on hand. If events are outdoors, shoes suitable for grass or sand and a change into more relaxed evening clothes may also prove helpful. The attire for the church ceremony and reception is business suit with a tie for men and the equivalent attire for women.

Question

Where are Ashley and Matt Going for a Honeymoon?

Answer

So glad you asked! We are leaving from Boston on the evening of September 13th and flying to the Mediterranean coast of Spain for four days on the beach. (Ashley loves the beach. The considerably paler Matt will be wearing a haz-mat suit.) We will then fly to London for an overnight at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall and then on to Southampton, where we will board the Queen Mary 2 for a trans-Atlantic crossing. We will sail into New York Harbor at sunrise on September 26th (Ashley’s birthday!) — the perfect way to begin our life together!

Question

Is it “Hyannisport” or “Hyannis Port?”

Answer

“Hyannis Port” is the community. “Hyannisport” is the country club. Hyannis Port is one of the eleven unincorporated villages within the Town of Barnstable.

Question

What’s “Barnstable?” And what’s the difference between “Hyannis” and “Hyannis Port?”

Answer

Hyannis Port and Hyannis are two of the eleven unincorporated villages within the Town of Barnstable, which is the incorporated local municipality. Other villages within the Town of Barnstable include Centerville, Cotuit, Craigville, Cummaquid, Marstons Mills, Osterville, Santuit, West Barnstable, and West Hyannis Port. As Greenwich Village is to the City of New York, so Hyannis Port is to the Town of Barnstable.

Question

Why is the “Upper Cape” south and the “Lower Cape” north?

Answer

Henry David Thoreau described Cape Cod as “the bared and bended arm of Massachusetts.” Since the Cape looks like a flexed arm, the northern part of the Cape is called the Lower Cape because the analogous part of your arm is called the lower arm. Similarly, the Upper Cape is thus called because it’s analogous to your upper arm. So remember: On Cape Cod, “up” is south and “down” is north!

Question

Does the wedding Mass count for Sunday?

Answer

Ah, the age-old question! The official answer is “no.” There will be a Mass on Sunday at the start of the Farewell Coffee for those who wish to attend.