207.967.0857
You’ve decided to get married in the Kennebunks and now you have to PLAN.
Fortunately, we’ve asked our local experts just what to expect, what’s hot and what’s not and what you can do to make your wedding here special.
Wedding planner Audrey Zahares of Azalea Events said the most popular month for weddings in the Kennebunks is September.
“The first two weekends after Labor Day,” she said, adding that last year’s rainy June might have scared some people off. The previous year’s weather can affect the next year’s planning, she said.
And fortunately the Kennbunks have a wide variety of venue options, from resorts with sweeping sea views to more modest halls.
But Zahares said while many people imagine a grand wedding on a beach, the reality is usually far different.
“You have to worry about parking and there’s no rain plan for the beach,” she said.
But regardless of where they get married, most couples want one thing.
“A lot want ocean views,” she said. “People want that view!”
One place known for its views is the Breakwater Inn and Spa, where Director of Sales Mathew Havrilla said trends are shifting.
“Untraditional is the new traditional!” he said.
For example, big cake ceremonies have given way to private cake cuttings, two small cakes or cookie and milk combos or even a doughnut wall.
“Hand-helds are a big thing,” Havrilla said. “Whoopie pies, cupcakes, dessert bars. People don’t want to sit down.”
“For a while there were a lot of dessert buffets,” said Peggy Liversidge, owner of Kitchen Chicks Catering. “Now we’re seeing smaller cakes to cut. It’s more economical than a buffet.”
And while custom cocktails are always an option, Havrilla said couples today are often going a more inclusive route.
“There are a lot of mocktails – true mocktails,” Havrilla said, which are just as creative as craft cocktails and accessible to all.
He said the traditional champagne toast, with champagne or prosecco waiting at each place setting, is also out.
“People will toast with anything.”
But if they’re drinking, chances are it’s not with what they used to.
“It used to be vodka, 3-1,” Liversidge said. “Now it’s tequila. A spicy margarita, though an aperol spritz is popular, too.”
Gina Sawtelle, owner of Above & Beyond Catering, said while Palomas are popular, her clients have different ideas.
“Bourbon has been huge!” she said.
While couples are still doing custom cocktails, Liversidge said there’s one thing she doesn’t see and she’s glad: shots.
“We have a no shots policy,” she laughed, adding that years of experience have informed that decision. “There’s no reason for shots at a wedding!”
But plenty of room to pay homage to the surroundings.
“People are looking for classic Maine,” Liversidge said.
Seafood is still king, she said, with lobster bakes a popular option for rehearsal and welcome dinners, or for a day-after event. The wedding dinner itself might feature a more elevated – and less messy – version such as a grilled lobster tail.
“People are getting away from formal rehearsal dinners,” said Liversidge. “We’re seeing casual welcome parties, inviting all out of town guests, or family dinners followed by open events.
It allows them to welcome people, offer some bites, and for people to get to know each other,” she said.
Other trends include dropping the “old stuff” – receiving lines, the garter toss and cake cutting ceremony – and adding new traditions like the “first look,” she said.
“It takes a lot of the stress off everyone,” she said.
Havrilla said other trends include elaborate coffee bars and after-party food like sliders and small, glass Coke bottles.
As for after party venues, Zahares said the new Pilot House is a favorite, as is Wandby Landing and Old Vines. The Rabbit Hole at Via Sophia, she said, is a great option for a small wedding after party.
For wedding venues themselves, Zahares said buyouts of restaurants work really well, and pointed to The Boathouse and Wandby Landing as two that do wonderful jobs hosting.
Those looking for larger wedding venues should consider the ballroom at the Colony, a tent at the Nonantum, The Boathouse for a cocktail-style event, Hidden Pond or Johnson Hall Museum.
And of course, there are halls, churches, barns, theaters and inns all available for venues.
The area lends itself to wonderful bachelorette weekends as well. Picture brunch at Via Sophia, spa treatments at the River’s Edge Spa (or one of our other wonderful spas), a wine tasting at the Wine House on Main and gift bags filled with products from Maine Cottage Apothecary.
And for the bachelors, perhaps dinner at The Lost Fire (or Smoke), cigars and wine or beer at Maine and Vine and a private tour at the Maine Classic Car Museum.
The possibilities are endless here in the Kennebunks!
The same is true for activities for guests.
Consider a cove walk with Coast Encounters or a ride on the Schooner Eleanor or Pineapple Ketch or any of the other boats found around town to get people closer to the water. Then there’s wine tastings, brewery tours and samplings of other spirits. And for those in need of stretching their legs, the Arundel Conservation Trust, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kennebunk Land Trust and Eastern Trail offer wonderful walkways – and don’t forget there’s always a walk on one of our beautiful beaches.
