Congratulations!
My sister got married two years ago. I think it ended up being around $16,000. Her dress was awesome. But it was around $1300 after alterations and accessories. And we could have cut some cost with better planning, but it was a hectic time.
If I ever get married I think I want to go back east for my wedding. I would love to get married in one of the mansions in Newport.
Newport Mansions/Weddings
I know that there is a website
http://www.newportweddings.com and that site has links to the Massachussetts version. I think the site covers all of southern new england.