From pre-game to after party, Newport's dining scene has your wedding covered

There are many reasons why Newport has become an ideal wedding destination spot for so many couples. Everything you could want for a memorable celebration is right here: breathtaking scenery, unique and accommodating venues and the very best in catering and hospitality. There’s history here too. The famous weddings that have happened here, like those of Jacqueline Bouvier to John F. Kennedy and more recently, Jennifer Lawrence to Cooke Maroney, add to the allure of weddings on the Island. It’s no wonder couples keep looking to the City-by-the-Sea to host their special day.

But, along with all our ample wedding services, there is a whole other system of support that Newport provides to keep wedding attendees happy in those moments outside the actual wedding event. If you invite your wedding guests to Newport for your special day, you want to make sure that they also enjoy the time they spend here when they are not at your wedding. This is where Newport shines. The whole community is dedicated to making sure wedding parties leave our island with nothing but happy memories. It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach.

When you travel for a wedding, you submit yourself to the mercy of your surroundings once you arrive in town. Aquidneck Island has an outstanding array of hotels, inns and rentals that can accommodate your guests, which, in and of itself, makes Newport an ideal wedding destination. And when it comes to venues for rehearsal dinners or welcome events, there is no shortage of great spots to host your party. But beyond the rehearsal dinners and the actual wedding, there are still large blocks of time for guests to fill to keep themselves amused while they are here. It is in those moments, that you can really see why a wedding in Newport is more than just hotel stay.

To start, there are great breakfast spots all conveniently located for easy access. Breakfast is a great opportunity to meet up before the wedding with friends or family that have also traveled. Meet your cousins for pancakes at The Hungry Monkey. Go for Biscuits and Gravy with your old college pals at the 12 Metre Cafe (now in their new home at the former Gary’s Handy). Staying in Middletown or Portsmouth? Meet up with your favorite aunt at Chelsea’s on Aquidneck for a classic breakfast of two-eggs over easy or give the newly-opened Jax Diner a try (at the former Cindy’s Country Cafe spot) – their Eggs Benedict menu looks spot on!

Need a caffeine fix before the wedding? Of course, you can go to Dunkin’ or Starbucks, but you can also walk over to some of our great coffee spots. Try the Coffee Grinder on Thames or maybe Empire Tea & Coffee on Broadway. A perfectly made espresso from Mozz on Bellevue may be just the boost you need before you put your party shoes on. Or relax with a coffee from Springline Coffee on Bannister’s Wharf and take a nice, leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery.

Want to do some pre-gaming before the wedding starts? O’Brien’s Pub is always a great spot to meet up with friends, as is the Midtown Oyster Bar. Or try a spot out of downtown which may make it easier to get in and out. Try a frozen drink from Johnny’s at the Wyndham Newport Hotel or if you have time, try a Newport Hurricane on the deck at the Gulf Stream in Portsmouth. If you want to stay downtown, have a glass of wine up on the Roof Deck at The Vanderbilt hotel while taking in the incredible views, or head to The Pineapple Club on Goat Island for drinks with one of the best views in town.

How about after the wedding? Just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate. Keep your boogie shoes on and head to Dockside at Waites Wharf or at the Candy Store at Clarke Cooke House. Take in some live music at the Newport Blues Café or at One Pelham East. Have a pint for the road at Buskers or at Brick Alley Pub. Still hungry? The Smoke House is serving late as is Wally’s Wieners and Benjamin’s Raw Bar. Plus, there’s always pizza. Nikolas Pizza on Memorial is open late as is IL Forno Italiano on Thames.

And when the day after the wedding comes, no reason to rush out of town. Say your final goodbyes over a nice filling brunch. Annie’s on Bellevue is always a great spot (don’t skip ordering a sweet roll on the side). The Corner Cafe is ready with a great brunch menu as are their neighbors at Caleb & Broad. For a tasty sandwich, try a Newporter at CruCafe – two eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon on a toasted Portuguese bolo roll. Or maybe a Belgian Waffle with fresh fruit is more your style? You can grab that at the Atlantic Grille.

Find some Joe: Get fueled up to explore Newport at these off the beaten path cafes

Our city is grateful for all those many visitors that come to town as part of a wedding celebration. We know how to do love right here. But we also know that for a traveler, a wedding weekend is more than just a few hours at a great party. It’s time at the hotel and finding ways to amuse yourself. Newport knows how to keep you happy and well-fed throughout your time here. That’s one of the reasons why a Newport wedding is always memorable and why all visitors should say, “I do” to great Newport fun.

Dan Lederer is a Middletown resident with 30 years experience in the food service industry throughout New England. He continues to work locally behind the scenes within the industry and remains a devoted fan of all things restaurant and hospitality related. His column appears on newportri.com and Thursdays in The Daily News. Cheers!

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport wedding planning includes dining options for before and after