From Couture to Clambakes
Sit down with your groom and have a heart-to-heart about the type of reception you're both envisioning. Couples with traditional views will probably gravitate toward a fancier reception; if this is you, Maine won't disappoint. The state is chock full of upscale reception halls, resorts and high-rated hotels; try the Bar Harbor Regency or the Meadowmere Resort for starters.Fun-loving, adventurous couples will enjoy a reception at the foot of the rolling Appalachian Mountains or near Maine's dramatic coastline. You may even want to try a traditional Maine clambake, which can be had in some of the state's most scenic locations. Check into popular wedding reception hot spots such as Foster's Downeast for a delicious experience.
Searching by Region: Maine's Best Bets
If you have a general idea of what locale you'd like to hold your wedding reception in, call your wedding coordinator if you have one, ask friends familiar with Maine or go online to find reception halls in that area. The internet offers a variety of resources to search by zip code or region.Much of Maine is forested and sparsely populated, which means the areas that are populated tend to be filled to the brim with amenities. This is good news for marrieds-to-be searching for one reception site that "has it all." Look in the following towns and regions for reception possibilities: Acadia/Bar Harbor; Aroostook; Augusta/Kennebec; Greater Portland and Casco Bay; Katahdin Moosehead; the Mid Coast; the South Coast and the Western Lake/Mountain region.
Timing is Everything
With its location on the northeastern most tip of the United States and bordering New Hampshire and Canada, Maine experiences dramatic seasons. The state also has three clear-cut climate zones, each with its own weather characteristics. It's important to keep the season and the weather in mind when planning your Maine wedding.Maine's northern interior climate zone runs from Quebec, Canada to Brunswick, ME, comprising the northern half of the state. The area south of the northern interior zone is known as the southern interior zone, while Maine's eastern strip comprises the coastal zone. Generally, the northern interior zone is drier and cooler during all four seasons, while the coastal zone is more temperate than either of the other two. Winter, though lovely, may be a difficult time of year for you to hold your wedding reception, especially if any guests will be traveling. Try bursting, colorful autumn, flower-strewn late spring or summer, which averages 70-80 degrees and has pleasantly cool nights of about 50 degrees.
Start your search now for the best ideas on a wonderful Maine reception -- it's an adventure you'll treasure!