At French’s Point, no matter the season, each wedding hosted here is a reflection of our couples and their vision for the experience they wish to share with their family and friends. We LOVE these weddings! But we love nothing more than a winter weekend wedding at French’s Point. It brings back memories of my own winter wedding 10 years ago. Winter weddings possess magic and beauty all their own, simply not found in any other season. Perhaps I am biased. I do think that French’s Point was made for weddings, particularly this time of year. If you are considering a winter wedding, I thought I would share a sample winter wedding weekend itinerary with you for inspiration. Put your own touches on this and make the weekend your own!
“Winter weddings possess magic and beauty all their own, simply not found in any other season.” – Jessika, Owner of French’s Point
FRIDAY
1:00PM Check in to French’s Point! Settle into your room and take a deep breath. A festive weekend lies ahead.
2:00PM Kick off the comradery and memory-making with a snowman making contest, some epic sledding down the West slope behind The Farm or a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the estate grounds.
3:00PM Freshly bake snickerdoodle cookies and hot coffee make your guests feel at home.
4:00PM Gather your wedding party, family and everyone participating in the ceremony for a rehearsal at your chosen setting to work out the jitters so everyone can relax on the big day. Choose from a cozy setting inside the Conservatory with broad views of the bay or a refreshing location at the Gazebo for a ceremony no one will soon forget!
4:30PM Meet at the bar at The Retreat for a cocktail party and welcome your guests to your rehearsal dinner.
5:30PM Enjoy a delicious rehearsal dinner of wood-fired pizza with seasonally-inspired flavors in the Retreat House Conservatory.
7:00PM Cuddle up around the fire pit on the Cobblestone Terrace in a cozy blanket and reconnect with family and friends while you enjoy in a cozy blanket and reconnect with family and friends while you enjoy s’mores fresh off the fire and a hot cocoa bar.
10:00PM Get some rest! Tomorrow is going to be a big day.
SATURDAY
8:00AM Rise and shine, it’s your wedding day! Snowshoe the trails and along the shore in Sandy Point State Park or enjoy a morning yoga session for the wedding party and family lead by a local instructor inside the sun-filled Conservatory.
9:00AM Enjoy a cup of coffee, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, quiche, and fruit with your family at The Farm before you freshen up.
11:00AM Your wedding vendor team arrives to begin preparation at The Retreat. Pampering time begins for you and your wedding party with hair and make-up sessions with your chosen provider in front of the fireplace at The Farm House Parlor. Your ladies snuggle up in front of the fire in the beautiful, locally-made blanket wraps you gifted them for the occasion. Sit back and enjoy the hours leading up to your ceremony with those nearest and dearest to your heart.
12:00PM The wedding party lunch delivered with popovers, warm butternut squash soup & bellinis!
1:00PM The groom’s party enjoys the game on the TV in the Recreation Room at The Retreat while they begin preparing and dressing for the festivities. Don’t forget those wedding rings!
2:00PM Here comes the bride! The Bridal Party moves to the Retreat House and has pre-ceremony photos taken on the balcony overlooking the estate. Don’t forget your wrap!
The groom’s party enjoys the distraction of a game of poker or pool while awaiting pre-ceremony photos.
3:30PM The ceremony bell rings out over the bay and calls your guests to the ceremony location of your choosing: the breath-taking Gazebo or inside our stunning Conservatory inside the Retreat House. The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! Your ceremony will commence with that storied stroll toward your beloved.
4:00PM Congratulations to the happy couple! Take your first photos as husband and wife, with your wedding party and family. Head outside to catch the beautiful sunset with your new spouse and photographer. We offer a variety of locations to capture this splendid light.
Your guests will warm up with soup and grilled-cheese passed apps in the Lounge by the roaring fire, while they mix, mingle and enjoy cocktail hour with delicious stationery and passed hors d’oeuvres.
5:00PM Before the dinner reception begins, gather your guests in the foyer and snap some group photos from the balcony. This is a beautiful record of the guests who were able to join you for your big day.
5:15PM Guests are ushered into the beautiful Retreat House Dining Room appointed with beautiful farm tables set for family-style service and appointed with all the details you imagined for the reception.
5:30PM Before dinner, introductions of the family and wedding party followed by speeches. Cheers to the happy couple!
5:45PM Dinner is served! Enjoy unique fare chosen by you, provided by your wedding catering partner of choice. A harvest-inspired menu of port wine poached pear salad with fresh goat cheese, roasted turkey & pork with cranberry chutney served with locally sourced vegetables.
6:15PM Official cake cutting. Enjoy your first dance as a married couple in the Conservatory. It’s time to boogie!
6:45PM Cake and coffee are served.
One last call from the bar. Enjoy one last dance with your sweetie for the perfect ending to a magical day!
9:50PM The Unplugged After Party begins with a laid-back vibe while guest remove their shoes and relax by the fireplace in the Lounge. Fuel the fun with delicious late-night treats with the arrival of a vintage food truck serving sausage subs, pizza, or warm cookies and milk! Take in the silent night and the view of the moonlight dancing on the water and the snow-covered fields.
10:00PM Vendors begin preparing for the next day’s gathering.
11:00PM Bid your guests farewell & return to your cozy room & watch the moon sparkle over the freshly fallen snow.
12:00AM Retreat to your beautiful suite with your new spouse to reflect and celebrate this magical experience.
SUNDAY
8:00AM The caterer arrives to prepare for the farewell brunch. Begin your first day as husband and wife!
9:00AM Your guests stop by The Retreat House Dining Room one last time to say goodbye and enjoy a farewell brunch before heading home. Enjoy a beautiful, hearty buffet, or offer portable food and coffee-to-go so guests can get on the road after they bid you farewell.
1:00PM Check out time. Pack up your gifts, snap one last picture to immortalize the experience, and hit the road. It’s time for your next adventure!