Autumn in New England is one of the most magical times of year. It ushers in comfortable sunny days and cool crisp nights. Our waterfront view of the Nunckatessett River is a beautiful back drop to many courtyard ceremonies. As the leaves change here on the South Shore we would like to share with you some fun ways to incorporate all that fall has to offer!

Color
Using a color pallette of jewel tones and pastels is a gorgeous option, try maroon & dusty blue or plum & soft pink!

Metallics
Metallics are great to use as neutrals, use gold or copper to add a little shimmer to your décor!

Pumpkins
Pumpkins are in abundance this time of year in New England, you can use them for centerpieces or use small ones as favors! 

Fruit
Add a bit whimsy to your cake and incorporate fall fruit!

DIY decor is a great way to add a personalized touch to your décor on your special day. Weddings signs are a fun, friendly reminder for your guests. They can be informative, decorative and a conversation starter. Be sure your text is clear and the design compliments your wedding style.    

With our venue being in such a natural setting with classic elegance located on the South Shore of Massachusetts, we have seen many great DIY wedding signs over the years.  Everything from rustic, to beachy, to fairy tale inspired! Here are some fun DIY wedding sign ideas to think about when planning the big day!     

Chalkboard Sign
A fun way to say what your signature drink is, or perhaps an amazing hashtag! 

Chair Sign
A unique way to distinguish the bride and groom and add a little fun to the newlywed’s chairs. 

Banner Sign
A perfect way to greet guests, or you could use it as a prop in a photo, and use it for Thank You cards.

With over 50 years of experience hosting weddings on the South Shore. We have seen some wonderful wedding exits here at the CCB. As for an example, years ago we had hot air balloon exit that was truly incredible!  Amazing photo ops aside, the wedding exit is an age-old wedding tradition dating back to Roman times. Today there are many ways to make your exit truly memorable.

Sparklers & Lanterns
A sparkler exit is super romantic, add a wish lantern to the sendoff into the night for even more good luck.

Ribbons
Silk ribbons and wedding bells tied on the end of dowel rods make for a brilliant exit tunnel.

Bubbles
Bubbles are a cheerful addition to a ceremony or reception exit. Personalize your mini wedding bubbles and they'll act as a favor!

Here at the Canoe Club Ballroom we will be sharing with you a few things to keep in mind when looking for a wedding gown.

Silhouette (Gown Shape)
When choosing the style of the gown, you have many options when it comes to silhouettes.  Whether you choose a classic A-line or a sultry mermaid, make sure to try on different styles. Many brides are surprised when they like the fit of a gown they never might have tried on otherwise.

Neckline
The classic strapless gown will never go out of style because it flatters every neckline. You can always add a strap of lace or even look for something that has an sheer neckline. The possibilities are endless.

Fabric
The fabric of your gown is just as important when choosing your prefect dress and it helps set the tone of how formal of a look you are trying to accomplish. Also, you want to keep the time of year in mind.  For instance, an organza gown will have a light delicate feel possibly for a summer event, whereas satin might be a perfect fabric for the cooler months.

Color
Designers have many different colors to choose from aside from the traditional white. Ivory might be a nice choice since it compliments many skin tones. Don’t forget many brides are even incorporating subtle colors like blush and soft dusty blue.

Length of Gown
Most of the time bridal shops will offer full length gowns, but more and more, brides are choosing to do an ankle length or tea length. There are even little white dresses out there to choose from!

If you are looking for a great way to cut back on some of your wedding costs, check out these perfect budget friendly do-it-yourself wedding favors ideas! 

Coasters: With just a few materials you can create wedding favors that double as a reception table decorations. There are tons of ideas for home-made coasters, one idea we love involves square titles and a map of places you and your spouse-to-be have travelled together. This is a simple way to add a personal touch to your wedding favors. 

A mixtape

Send guests home with a soundtrack to your wedding. Create a mixtape for a fun and super affordable wedding favor. Burn CD’s filled with your favorite love songs, songs that were important to your relationship, or key songs from your ceremony and reception.  You can even go as far as creating your own sleeves including a track list and message thanking guests for joining you.   

Local Flavor

Give guests the taste of some local flavor with a jar of honey or jam from a nearby farm. Take into account your weddings theme, if you are having a fall wedding send guests home with homemade apple jam, or if your wedding is during the summer package up s’mores ingredients for guests to make at home. 

Seeds

Let guests experience your love grow even after the wedding night. Include seeds to your favorite plant or flowers and a pot along with a poem or saying to encourage guests to watch your love grow. This wedding favor is both personal as was cost effective with minimal work on your end.

Your wedding favors don’t have to break the bank, or be boring either. These simple DIY wedding favors are sure to keep your guests remembering your wedding night! 

Crystal & Marvin

Wedding Date: August 20, 2016

Wedding Colors: Navy and Blush Pink 

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for everything you did not only this past Saturday but our entire engagement! You made this entire experience an easy one and something I will never forget. Saturday was more than I could have expected it was a dream come true! Marvin and I are truly thankful and blessed for the beautiful wedding you helped us put together. Again thank you for everything and you guys ARE THE BEST!!!!

Love always Mr & Mrs Marvin & Crystal Noj"

Crystal & Marvin: We are SO happy that you enjoyed your special day with us! We can truly say that it has been a pleasure working with you both along the way! Your wedding day was picture perfect in every way, right down to the very moment that you helped Marvin's groomsman propose to one of Crystal's bridesmaids!! (We hope that you were able to see the video we posted of their adorable proposal!!) One of our favorite moments from your wedding day (aside from the proposal) was your parent dances and how you incorporated additional family members to share in that special moment with you both. We wish you all the very best, and hope that you visit us again soon! <3, Jillian, Stacy & The CCB Staff! 

Lisa & Christopher

Wedding Date: August 19, 2016

Wedding Color: Royal Blue 

"Good Afternoon Stacy and crew! :)

First, I want to start by saying thank you so much for everything you did to make our day special. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and flawless and that could not have happened without all your help. Stacy especially thank you for dealing with my dress meltdown on a couple of occasions! :)

Everything was simply perfect and I will make sure I go on and give everyone a fantastic review. Logan thanks you for saving all sorts of cake for him!! :)

We will definitely come in to visit and I hope someone has another event that will bring us there some day.

Loved loved loved my day!!

Swan checking off!! (haha)"

Lisa & Chris (aka Swan & Eagle): Thank you both for the opportunity to host your special day with us here at the Canoe Club Ballroom! It was such a pleasure working with you both (and of course little Logan & Cheyenne!) We loved your little personal touches around the room such as your irish family tree charms on the centerpieces, and your polaroid "selfie station"! We wish you both all the very best! <3, Jillian, Stacy & The CCB Staff! 

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and fall is right around the corner. But we couldn’t be more excited for fall weddings! Fall is one of the most popular times to plan a wedding and for good reason! We love fall weddings from the décor to the colors to the flowers. If you are planning a fall wedding here are a few tips to help you really take advantage of the season.

Décor: When it comes to fall weddings think rustic. The warm overtones of the fall foliage are the perfect inspiration for your fall wedding. Go with warm and rich colors and materials such as chocolate brown or velvet.

Flowers: Flowers can be a big part of your wedding and when it comes to fall weddings you can really get creative. Colorful flowers such as big yellow sunflowers give your wedding the perfect pop of color. You can even pair your flowers with bunches of berries or ring of leaves which help add to the warmth of the season.

Favors: Your favors are where you can really have fun with your fall theme. Try channeling your inner kid with caramel dipped apples wrapped in cellophane, or offer your guests the spiced scent of fall with ginger bread candles.

Invitations: Your invitations set the tone for your wedding so incorporate iconic fall pieces like a maple leaf or pinecone.  Use colors and materials that draw on your weddings color theme when sending out your invitations.

If you are looking to plan your fall wedding Canoe Club Ballroom is the perfect venue for you, our outdoor ceremony space showcases the beautiful fall foliage while our ballroom boasts the largest dance floor in New England. Contact us today to take a tour of our facilities or stop by on Saturdays for our open houses! 

Catie & Bryan 

Wedding Date: August 12, 2016 

Wedding Color: Royal Blue 

Catie and Bryan's wedding reception with us here at the Canoe Club Ballroom was beachy, beautiful, and shark filled in every way! We are always so excited when couples take the "theme plunge" and fully commit, and that is exactly what Catie & Bryan did on their special day.

Their wedding details & decor featured starfish corsages for Bryan and the groomsmen, adorable beachy inspired signs, different sharks as their table names, and even a small starfish perfectly placed in Catie's hair for a completed bridal look. These two are aroable in everyway, and we were so happy to be a part of their special day! 

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Weeks!!! #OnceUponAWeeks

Lillian & Fagner 

Wedding Date: August 6, 2016

Wedding Color: Purple 

Lillian and Fagner had their special day planned perfectly, even down to the very moment that they said "I Do!" As their wedding guests arrived waiting for their gazebo ceremony to begin, the clouds began to roll in--and the skies darkened. We knew that an outdoor gazebo wedding was important to them, so once Stacy and I saw a break in the doppler radar we knew that we had to take it and start their ceremony just a few minutes early! Their ceremony went off without a hitch, and it wasn't until they actually said "I Do" that the rain began! 

Luckily, after their guests made their way into the venue, the rain has finally stopped in time for some outdoor photos! Here are just a few of the special moments we captured from their big day! 

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Barros!!