Newport’s $50+ Million Wedding Industry Is Back and May Be Bigger Than Ever

Newport’s $50+ Million Wedding Industry Is Back and May Be Bigger Than Ever

 

Newport’s travel and tourism experts say the wedding industry has recovered from the last two years of the pandemic and for some, there is simply more demand than capacity.

In 2020, the wedding industry in Newport was devastated due to COVID-19.

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Newport has always been a top wedding destination, but in October of 2019, Academy-Award-winning superstar actress Jennifer Lawrence held her wedding at Belcourt of Newport. 

It was the most high-profile Newport wedding since 1953 when Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy wed.

 

"The most famous of initials, Jackie O. and J.F.K., married in Newport, Rhode Island, in front of 800 people. Four hundred more of their closest friends and family joined for the reception, where the new Mrs. Kennedy, in a gown by Ann Lowe, and the future president shared their first dance," wrote Allure Magazine.

The Lawrence nuptials brought worldwide attention to Newport as a global wedding destination.

While 2020 was a washout, the 2021 wedding season rebounded but uncertainty and restrictions made the season complex.

Now, 2022 is hotter-than-hot, as couples who put celebrations on hold are clamoring for event spaces. 

 

 

Big Bounce Back

“It is back one hundred percent-plus. There is more demand than we have dates available,” said Beverly Ware of Newport Preservation Society -- the owners and operators of The Breakers, Rosecliff. and eight other historic properties.

 

 

Evan Smith, the President and CEO of Discover Newport says the industry is nearly completely recovered.

"In terms of total number of weddings I think we are over 90% of the way there. COVID and all the challenges it brought have caused a small percentage of brides to rethink the size, shape and scope of how they wish to celebrate their unions," said Smith.

The impact of the wedding industry -- and its return -- is a major economic driver for the region. 

Newport Restaurant Group’s Marie Charles says, “Newport is a premier wedding destination and makes up a significant amount of revenue for the Island.”

 

Smaller Events, But Maybe More Spend

“We have seen a trend toward smaller events in the coming season… instead of 200-250 guest counts, we’re seeing more in the 125-150 range.  Not sure if this is due to guests not traveling or if the client is starting out with a smaller list.  Clients seem to be spending more on up-grades at their event, higher-end menus, specialty rental items, etc,” said Ware.

“Feedback from our venues indicate that some weddings are smaller, while some have grown in size.  One new trend - hotels are cutting back on the total number of wedding room blocks they're taking if the function is not at their property. Consumes too much staff time doing wedding room blocks,” said Smith.

Added Ware, “We are exceeding 2019 levels, due to continued catch-up from new clients who were not able to schedule their event in the 2020 and early 2021.”

 

 

Big Dollars

“It’s a very significant portion of the total visitor economy.  When you count weddings of all sizes ( small to large) we host over 800 weddings a year; a wedding can range from a small event ( under 25) up to a full extravaganza (300 plus)," said Smith.

"When you add in all the services that are utilized including but not limited to venues, caterers (food and beverage), photographers, music, flowers, transportation, lodging, gifts, etc. the total revenue exceeds 50-60 million dollars a year. There has not been a full academic research report conducted on the wedding market here, so quoting an economic impact figure like that come from baseline estimates,” added Smith.