About Providence
As one of the oldest cities in the country, Providence has a lot of history. Although it is located in one of the smallest states in the country, Providence manages to pack a large amount of attractions and diversity into its relatively small footprint.
It also happens to be the state capital of Rhode Island and is home to famous institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. There are also a number of museums and other attractions for anyone visiting or living in the city.
The temperature is mild and humid for most of the year, though the winters can be harsh. Still, a wedding venue in Providence can be beautiful; be sure to consider it!
Wedding Options in Providence
Planning a wedding is quite an undertaking no matter how large or small it is. Given how special the day is, it is important to get all the details right so that everything goes off without a hitch and everyone in attendance has a memorable day and happy experience. To do that, it is important to find the right services to help with all the planning and accommodations that go into making a wedding happen.
- Wedding Planner
The first item to check off of any wedding planning checklist is to hire a wedding planner. As we said, weddings are massive undertakings that require a level of attention to detail and planning expertise that not everyone has. There are many different types of wedding planners that offer all different levels of services so that you can find one you’re comfortable with and let them do as little or as much of the work as you want. Whether you want their help picking the wedding venue, or you want them to plan the entire event, there are options to meet just about any need.
- Cake Baker
It’s important to remember that one of the focal points of the wedding is usually the wedding cake. The trouble is, wedding cakes don’t appear out of thin air, they have to be made, and often to get an elaborate cake made, it has to be well in advance of the ceremony. Finding a professional wedding cake baker should be at the top of your to-do list once you’ve set a date for the wedding itself. The sooner you settle on important details like this, the smoother the wedding will ultimately go.
- Photographer/Videographer
The next thing to check off your list is a way to make sure that you have memories of that special day. Sure, you could have uncle Fred hold the camera the entire time or rely on some of the guests to take photos, but if you want quality memories of your wedding, it’s important to think about hiring a professional wedding photographer or videographer. Not only do they take better pictures and videos, you often have the option of editing, making packages to send to family and friends, and other options that make for a unique memory of the day.
Wedding Companies in Providence
Call on local companies to help navigate your way through the maze that is wedding planning. Putting the details together is a challenge but should be fun as well.
- Angelic Affairs
Calling itself a boutique wedding planning company, Angelic Affairs is about as full service as you can get for a wedding planning service. Handling everything from custom floral design, day of planning, to graphic art design, this company can do it all and then some. If you’re looking for a unique wedding planning experience that’s sure to leave everyone happy and provide for an excellent wedding, then Angelic Affairs is the one to call.
- Sin
The name might sound strange, but Sin is a custom cake bakery that makes cakes for just about any occasion you can think of. The theme of the bakery is that the cakes and other sweets are so good it’s a sin. With a wide variety of styles and types, plus the ability to custom order, even online, you can definitely find the right cake for your special day, and chances are, your guests will remember the cake too.
- Danyel Deboise Photography
Not just a wedding photographer, Danyel Deboise Photography specializes in taking photos of you, your friends, and your loved ones in their natural environment. If you want authentic memories of your wedding where everyone is themselves and not staged photos, then this is the photographer you want.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Providence
Providence has plenty of history and culture. With that comes some amazing options for a wedding venue, plenty of sights to see, and lots to do even after the wedding. That doesn’t mean everything is fantastic though. Like every big city, Providence has its share of problems too.
Advantages
- Tons of history and culture
If you’re one who loves to explore the city before or after your wedding, you’ll find that Providence blends together nicely the idea of being a city with lots of amenities and keeping its history and culture alive. You can move from seeing a centuries-old building to partying the night away without missing a beat in Providence.
- Very walkable
Because Rhode Island itself is small, Providence makes the most of its space by making everything extremely walkable to where folks can get to all major necessities within a few blocks of their homes.
- Loads of natural beauty
If history isn’t your thing, then you might find yourself more at home in the outdoors. With plenty of parks and trails, plus the iconic autumn that New England is known for, what better way to celebrate a new marriage than amongst the changing leaves on a cool fall afternoon?
Disadvantages
- Driving is a pain
Despite having a small footprint and being walkable, many people own cars in Providence and it can be difficult to get around by automobile. This means that getting to your wedding venue may be a problem if you don’t plan out the route or the parking situation ahead of time.
- Winter is harsh
While Providence is pleasant most of the year, when those famous New England winters hit it can be a different story entirely. Snow can be quite thick and getting around can be a pain, not to mention the extreme cold. If you’re planning a wedding, make sure to keep it indoors during the winter.
- Few employment options
The job market in Providence isn’t the greatest. While there’s plenty of opportunities in education and healthcare, other careers tend not to have as many prospects. This can make settling down in Providence after your wedding something that is not as feasible as you had hoped.
Famous Locations in Providence
- Prospect Terrace
If you’re looking for somewhere to visit while you’re in the city waiting on your big day, then you can’t miss the spectacular views from this hilltop park at dusk. Prospect Terrace is a park like no other. Known as “the jewel of the city”, it has a sweeping view of the entire skyline from its perch high atop a hill on the outskirts of the city center.
- Providence Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for something to do that is more family-friendly, then you have to visit Providence Children’s Museum. With tons of play and fun combined with education, the museum is designed to inspire learning through actual doing with plenty of activities and exhibits that kids can take a hands-on approach to.
- Roger Williams Park Zoo
If you like animals and history, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is the place for you. As the 3rd oldest zoo in the country, it has been in continuous operation for nearly 150 years, and features some of the strangest and most exotic animals anywhere, including an albino alligator. If you’re in the mood for something different after your wedding, then check out this zoo!