Blog Series Archives

November 4, 2019October 26, 2019

What Do I Do About Food Between Events?

French's Point - Wedding Weekend Planning - Weekend Catering

When planning a destination wedding, and your guests are all staying on site, there’s always the question; What do I do about food in between events? Do I have to provide every meal- breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Or can I just provide the meals for events?

Here are a few options that will help your guests understand what is provided, what is not provided, and how to provide meals for the whole duration of your stay:

Create a Weekend Itinerary

Talk with your stationer about creating a weekend itinerary that you can send along to all your weekend guests. You can inform them of the meal times and your event times so there are no questions! Send the itinerary in your invitations or post them on your wedding website. When you arrive at French’s Point, post your itinerary in our Welcome Center in each home so your guests can reference it at Check In and during their stay!

Post the Expectations on Your Wedding Website

Make it clear to guests the meals that you are providing during their stay and inform them of the food that will be available for them in the nearest residential kitchen.

Streamline Your Weekend Caterer

Throughout your stay, hire the same caterer to create meals, formal and informal, and even drop-off meals to you and your guests! Many caterers will not only design your wedding day meal, but drop off breakfast, brunch, lunch, and late night treats to your guests throughout your stay! Working with one provider streamlines the communication and helps ensure you aren’t missing any key mealtimes!

Don’t Forget to Provide Coffee in the Morning

You can order coffee from your breakfast caterer, or leave supplies and coffee grounds at each coffee maker for the guests to enjoy for themselves!

Hire a Personal Chef

Some catering companies offer a personal chef to cook meals for you and your guests within the home you are staying in! They will become a member of the family in no-time as they prepare all your favorite eats right in the heart of the home- the kitchen!

Hire Brunch Service

If you have multiple meal providers during your weekend stay, contact Eileen of Creative Catering or JoJo of Bell the Cat to drop off breakfast for your guests, they have everything from brunch/lunch platters to warm, home-cooked breakfasts. They will drop off at both homes, and pick up the platters as soon as you’re done!

Or a Food Truck!

If a donut truck is more your style, contact Eight 8 Donut Cafe about coming and parking in front of the Retreat House any morning during your stay! They provide fun-filled and uniquely decorated donuts, warm out of the fryer, and locally roasted coffee! It’s all you can eat so invite all your guests staying down Hersey Retreat Road to join you for your early morning treat! The Salt Box Café is another great breakfast, brunch or lunch option. They provide creative breakfast and lunch sandwiches of your choosing and cook it fresh off the truck!

October 28, 2019October 26, 2019

How To Plan Your Transportation: Uber, Lyft, & Taxis

Kelci Alane Photography - French's Point Destination Wedding Venue - Ubers, Lyft & Taxis

French’s Point is a Destination Wedding Venue on the Coast of Maine and a Vacation Home Rental Property. We are privately located at a quiet spot on the coast, with uninterrupted views of the ocean and the Maine landscape. The nearest city or downtown area is 15 minutes from French’s Point and the nearest airport is in the City of Bangor, 40 minutes down Route 1A. Uber and Lyft are great resources in Southern Maine, but once you head up the coastal region and into the midcoast or central regions of Maine, finding an Uber or Lyft is a rarity. We don’t recommend relying on these resources when traveling to French’s Point for a wedding or vacation.

Car Rentals

We recommend renting your own vehicle for the duration of your stay so you can explore all the wonders and attractions this wonderful region has to offer.

Taxi Service

If you must use a cab or taxi, there is one resource in Belfast, Maine, 15 minutes down the road. Please call Bay Taxi at (207) 338-1993. They have a limited number of vehicles.

Event Transportation

If you are the host of an event at French’s Point, please secure a bus, trolley, shuttle or form or transportation service for your guests staying offsite for your events to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

Photos by Kelci Alane Photography

October 21, 2019October 26, 2019

The Sound System at French’s Point

Sound System at French's Point - Estate Destination Wedding Venue - Lindsey Ocker Photography

The Sound System at French’s Point is offered to our guests during their planned events. The Sound System is a property operated piece of equipment. Guests have access to the sound system from 9am-10pm with the site managers permission. Sound System will be locked at 10:00PM or at the end of your event before the site manager’s departure.

Microphone

Our Sound System broadcasts sound on the Main Level of the Retreat House and outside on the Cocktail Terrace. If you have a speech planned during your event, you are welcome to speak with a French’s Point site manager about using a microphone. Please plan to use the microphone only inside the home, as the microphone will lose it’s line-of-sight connection once it leaves the Main Level of the Retreat House.

Piano

If you plan to have a Pianist, please let us know ahead of time so we can set up the microphone to the piano to broadcast outside on the Cocktail Terrace.

Music

In order to play your music selections, you will need a Phone or iPad with an Aux Port or Aux Port Converter. You are also welcome to play CDs.

For any other Sound System questions, please email Nicole at [email protected].

Photos by Lindsey Ocker Photography

October 14, 2019October 26, 2019

What to Include in Your Bathroom Baskets

To better serve your guests and help take care of them during their time here, here are some items we think are perfect to include in your bathroom baskets! At French’s Point there are 4 common guest restrooms, two on the main level and 2 on the lower level of the Retreat House. Please keep in mind if you are a host at French’s Point, you will need two of each of the below:

Women’s Bathroom Baskets:

Straight Edged Basket

Mints

Tic Tacs

Cough Drops

Toothpicks

Floss

Mini Disposable Tooth Brushers

Women’s Deodorant

Perfume

Bug Spray Wipes

Sunscreen

Aloe

Lotion

Tide-To-Go

Chap Stick Tubes

Lint Rollers

Q-Tips

Mini Tissue Packs

Nail File

Mini Sewing Kits

Safety Pins

Mini Hair Combs

Contact Solution

Contact Cases

Tums

Band-Aids

Triple Antibiotic Cream

Ibuprofen

Advil

Mini Pads

Pads

Tampons – All Sizes

Hairspray

Dry Shampoo

Makeup Remover

Hair Ties

Bobby Pins

Grass Heel Stoppers

Men’s Bathroom Baskets

Straight Edged Basket

Mints

Tic Tacs

Cough Drops

Toothpicks

Floss

Mini Disposable Tooth Brushers

Men’s Deodorant

Cologne

Bug Spray Wipes

Sunscreen

Aloe

Lotion

Tide-To-Go

Chap Stick Tubes

Lint Rollers

Q-Tips

Mini Tissue Packs

Nail File

Mini Sewing Kits

Safety Pins

Mini Hair Combs

Contact Solution

Contact Cases

Tums

Band-Aids

Triple Antibiotic Cream

Ibuprofen

Advil

August 19, 2019August 9, 2019

FAQ: Do We Have to Clean Up After Our Stay?

French's Point - Client Information - Cleaning Up After Stay

French’s Point is a family vacation home rental property. We ask that you remove all trash, recycling and redeemables to the designated receptacles in the dumpster enclosure, remove your personal effects & food, return furnishings to their original locations and leave the property in the condition in which you received it at check in.

Housekeeping Services

If you would like daily house keeping services during your stay, these services can be arranged in advance with our office. These services are billed at $100/hour. This service requires advanced reservation with our office.

August 12, 2019August 9, 2019

FAQ: What Role Does French’s Point’s Team Play During Our Stay?

French’s Point‘s team provides support related to the venue, in advance of your stay, during your stay, during your events, and during your departure. Our Property Manager, Nicole Lesher, will be your primary point of contact with us once you reserve your stay.

In Advance Of Your Stay

Nicole will offer recommendations on how to make the most of your stay with us and your time at the estate, suggestions on how to best meet your specific goals for your event, offer educational resources through periodic emails, our blog and website to prepare you for your reservation, answer questions that arise from you, your planner, and your vendors.

At Check In

Nicole will greet you and your House Captains, get you oriented to the facilities and amenities, and address questions before you get settled and you begin welcoming the rest of your guests to the estate.

During Your Reservation

We will address facility/utility related issues that may arise, be the facilities point of contact with your planner & vendors, provide traffic direction and security during events larger than 50 guests, set fire pits before use, turn on and off gas lights to set the ambiance for your events. With direction from your planner, we can shuttle elderly and mobility limited guests for photos or the rest room in our golf cart. During your stay, we will keep normal office hours from 9am-4pm daily. We will also be present for your events of more than 50 guests to ensure their safety.

At Departure

We will be sure you know where everything is to help you collect your personal effects before we bid you fair well.

July 29, 2019August 7, 2019

The Best Wedding Rain Plan!

Rain on your wedding day does not have to be the end-all of your wedding day excitement! Here are some fun rainy-day features you can bring to life during your wedding weekend in case the rain intimidates you just a little bit!

Clear Umbrellas!

In the chance of rain, order some clear umbrellas for your wedding party to take around the property! Have your first look under a shared rain-drop-coated umbrella. Make sure to get one for your photographer and videographer as well!

Colorful Boots!

Skip the heels and transition your bridesmaids into a colorful rain-booty that matches their gowns! Rain boots are the perfect wedding gift for your bridesmaids and you should treat yourself to a pair too!

Indoor Ceremony!

I know what you’re thinking… who wants to get married inside when you can get married outside? The bonus to getting married at French’s Point is that it has the perfect indoor ceremony option. Inside the Conservatory, you and your guests will still have a 280 degree view of the ocean. You can decorate the stairs with greenery, swag and candles. As your wedding party enters through the double doors, you can make your own grand entrance down the estate staircase, only to see the look of your loved one standing in front of the ocean-bay windows.

Dim the Lights!

Rainy days aren’t always darker days, but when they are, it’s the perfect chance to dim all the chandeliers in the Retreat House, turn on the fireplaces, and cozy up around the indoor bar with a specialty cocktail in hand!

Rainy Day Pictures!

With your colorful booties and your double-wide clear umbrella, you can go anywhere! Head down to the beach and take your Oceanside pictures you have been dreaming of! You may think the clouds are a bummer, but trust us, the photographers are so excited about the cloudy-day lighting! No glare, and the perfect white backdrop to your already perfect day! And when the sun sets over the West, take some back-lit, drizzly, nighttime photos! They are always a one-of-a-kind!

Ocean Fog!

On the Coast of Maine, when there is precipitation in the sea air, the fog will roll over the bay, in the morning or all day. But when it does, take an opportunity to take photos walking the bluff path! Just look at how amazing the fog looks rolling up behind this couple!

Double Rainbow!

When the rain clears and the sun shines through the clouds, take a moment to look at the double rainbow stemming from North to South on the Penobscot Bay! It’s a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Beautiful Up-do!

If you had plans to wear your hair down, you might want to consider a beautiful up-do if there is rain in the forecast! Work with your hair dresser during your hair and makeup trial to try it both up and down! You will never know it rained if you go with it up!

Photography by:

Rebecca Aurthurs Photography, Greta Tucker Photography, Hailey Tash Photography & Michelle Turner Photography

July 22, 2019August 8, 2019

Retreat House Catering Kitchen

Our 1,200 sq. ft. catering kitchen is located on the lower level of the Retreat House and is available to licensed and insured caterers approved by our office for meal preparation for events and cooking classes. Use of the kitchen and equipment is offered at no additional cost.

Available Equipment

The preparation area of the kitchen includes:

(1)8 burner gas stove with double convection ovens

(1)36″ propane char broiler/grille

(1) Exhaust hood & Ansel system

(2) Standard fire extinguishers (located near exit & near prep area)

(1)Type K extinguisher near stove & char broiler/grille

(1)Kitchen dedicated 8′ x 10′ walk in cooler with storage shelves

(1)Rolling ice bin with granite cutting board

(1)Proofer/Warmer (electric, full size 120 volt; holds sheet pans)

(1)Upright freezer

(1) Upright refrigerator

(2) Electric steam tables

(8)Stainless steel work tables

(2)Pre-lined 20-gallon trash cans

(1) Food prep sink

(2) Speed racks for sheet pans

(1)500lb. Ice machine (This unit cannot provide sufficient ice quantity for the demands of an event, but is available to the caterer as a back up supply)

(100)Place settings in the butlers’ pantry of dinnerware, silverware, glassware and napkins

The wash room area includes:

(1)Commercial dish washer

(1)Residential dish washer

(1)3 well pot sink

(3)Drying racks

(1)Mop sink

(1)Trash can

Note: French’s Point does not offer towels or small wares of any kind. Please bring or rent all implements required for service.

Catering Kitchen Regulations

For your safety, if you choose to host an event, guests are not permitted in the commercial kitchen. Fryolators are not permitted for use inside at any time. Before the end of the rental term, the kitchen must be returned to its original condition, cleaned before departure and trash & recycling removed to the dumpster area on the west side of the property.

July 15, 2019October 17, 2019

French’s Point Availability for 2020 & 2021

French’s Point 2019, 2020 & 2021 availability by the numbers…

There are 26 weekends May-October. We only host one celebration a weekend to allow each client and their guests ample time for memory-making. As a result, our calendar fills faster than venues that host multiple weddings a weekend.

2019

We are booked!

2020

Prime Season

When our sail cloth tent is available, we have only April 25 & May 23, 2020 weekends remaining available!

Winter Season

We do have November and December 2020 dates available for events with up to 125 guests

2021

We are booking now & expect most prime dates to fill before the end of this summer!

Numbers don’t lie, the time to book is now!

June 17, 2019April 11, 2019

FAQ: How Do I Reserve French’s Point?

The Green Retreat Building of French's Point on the Coast of Maine for Weddings and Vacation Rental

When you determine French’s Point is the right choice of venue for your gathering, securing your weekend is quite simple:

Request your reservation for your date via email or phone.
A virtual contract will be emailed to you and your fiancé for your signature. Once the virtual contract is executed, your date will be held for 5 days until the reservation retainer is received by our office.
Send your $10,000 reservation retainer, paid via check or by wire transfer.
Please confirm with our office which payment method you have selected to pay the reservation retainer and when it has been sent or initiated.
Once we confirm receipt of the reservation retainer and the dually executed reservation contract, our office will confirm that your reservation is official.