Michelle Rago, Ltd.—Blog

Live From Nantucket 

A 45 minute flight from Manhattan and presto-destination Nantucket!

Garrett, Kelly, Danielle, Michael and I took off Wednesday to perform one of the key requirements of a destination wedding – the site inspection. Since we had previously visited the site in December, this trip is intended to focus on the logistical details to insure the wedding goes off without a hitch.

At least one site visit is recommended for a destination wedding. It is essential to see the venue in order to plan appropriately, and even more critical to meet the people at the location that will be your lifeline leading up to the event. The relationships you build during the trip will not only be invaluable in your planning process, but remember you are a stranger in a strange house and these relationships are part of the keys to your success . In addition, the site visit will give you the opportunity to sample menus and evaluate local services. On this trip alone we have listened to the organist play in the church, met the tent company, lighting and sound companies. As I write this, my team is doing a run through with the food & beverage manager from the reception location to discuss all the nuances that make the wedding unique to the bride and groom.

Laying a little groundwork will mean that you will get the most out of your trip. Don’t wait for the site inspection to start planning. Make appointments with the key players well in advance and start a dialog about what you envision for the event. Other things to keep in mind are to make reservations at some of the local restaurants so that you can make knowledgeable recommendations for your guests as well look for treats from the local shops for goody bags . Jot down contacts for things like a taxi company and free activities guests can enjoy.

Here are some photos from our site inspection in Nantucket.

The Wauwinet in Nantucket is the rehearsal dinner & reception location. From my team-Michael & Danielle are responsible for liaising with the food & beverage team from The Wauwinet. Here they are intently listening in about the flow of the evening. Sharing my vision for the flow of the evening with my team and David from Bentley Meeker Lighting in Manhattan.    Staking out the location of the tent on the beach in front of The Wauwinet on the Nantucket Sound. This is where the rehearsal dinner clam bake is being held on Friday night. A gorgeous view from The Wauwinet.