We are in the midst of wedding season here at the Canoe Club Ballroom, and we are loving every minute of it! We meet newly engaged couples all the time, and we are constantly hearing about all the wonderful proposal stories! So today on the blog we will talk about what to do when after you get engaged! Here are five things to do right after the engagement! 

Make an announcement

Time to shout it from the roof tops and make it Facebook official! Start posting all those ring selfies, and celebrate with close friends and family!

Start Dreaming about your Wedding

You may have had an idea of what you wanted before your engagement. Now it’s time to narrow your focus for what you really want for the big day! Pick your top three must-haves and then go from there.

Set Budget

Time for the budget talk! Now that you have a more fine-tuned idea of what you two are looking for, and keeping your top three must -haves in mind. Figure out what will work best for the two of you, and start saving those pennies! 

Guest List

I suggest putting a VIP list together, all the nearest and dearest people who have been there for you two will be on this list. If you two both have large guests list, keep in mind this may affect your budget.

Chose Venue & Set Date

 
Finally, as you begin the search for the perfect venue. It’s so important to look at all the venues you two are interested in, and try to meet the people who will be part of the planning process as well as day of duties. Once you chose the venue, book a date that is perfect for the two of you!

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

We are taking a trip down memory lane with a lovely wedding from last September. Hannah & Ryan had a romantic wedding with us in our gazebo area surrounded by friends and family! The celebration continued into the ballroom where guests danced the night away!

 
Beautiful photo of the happy couple after their ceremony! 
 

We just loved their outdoor ceremony decorations! 

Cupcake tower with a great cake topper! 

Picture perfect couple! 

"My husband and I got married at the Canoe Club Ballroom two weeks ago on September 23rd, we wanted a fairytale wedding in a ballroom with me wearing a princess dress, and let me tell you that we got exactly what we envisioned! We first visited in December 2015 and immediately fell in love with the venue and the staff! I had butterflies walking through the venue and we left knowing it was going to be where we would get married! Stacy and Jillian and the rest of the staff are AMAZING from the first day we went to the countless emails and meetings, rehearsal and finally our big day they were there taking care of everything from start to finish and they truly want to make your day special! I had zero stress on my day and wasn't the least bit worried in anything not going as planned because of how professional the canoe club staff handled everything. They set everything up just the way we wanted with all of the decorations we brought in, and they also packed everything up for us and made sure it got it my car safely for my brother to take care of it all from there. We didn't have to worry about anything. Which we were so grateful for! The grounds outside are beautiful! My husband and I always wanted to get married outside even before we knew eachother so we were so grateful the rain held off till our reception and we had a beautiful ceremony outside, and then our formal pictures outside. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect! Thank you everyone at the Canoe Club Ballroom for making our dream wedding come true!"
- Hannah and Ryan

When you start envisioning your wedding theme you want one that suites your personal style. Also think colors, patterns and symbols that are meaningful to you. Today we will be highlighting a beautiful theme “Old-World Glam Meets Modern Romance”. We have had the pleasure in seeing this trend grow over the last wedding season, it’s romantic, classic, and timeless all rolled into one! We think this theme would go perfectly here at the CCB, with our natural setting and grand ballroom! With this theme, think gilded touches and ruby-red blooms to set the formal tone. An easy way you  can offset the formality is to choose romantic lace tablecloths and natural accents like pebbles and greenery. We have gathered up some beautiful photos for inspiration for your wedding planning needs! 

Invitations 

Elegant invitations to set the tone for your big day! 

Decor 

Gilded chair decor, is perfectly placed at the sweet heart table for the birde and groom. 

Tables 

Greenery & ruby red florals adorn the tables perfectly. 

Details 

Place cards are delicately displayed on pebbles for a natural effect. 

Flowers 

Big blooms add a dramatic touch!
 

Cake 

Classic in shape, with romantic details fits the theme perfectly! 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

Here at the Canoe Club Ballroom, we have had the opportunity to see many beautiful bridal gowns over the years. Wedding gown shopping is a big part of the wedding planning process, it may seem overwhelming when you first start, try not to worry and enjoy this happy time! Here are a few things you want to keep in mind when searching for your dream gown! 

Silhouette 

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!

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment!

Real Wedding

Amanda & Matthew

4-22-17

Amanda & Matthew were married in a romantic indoor ceremony this past April. They chose hues of silver, coral and turquoise to decorate the ballroom. After a passing shower, they were able to take wonderful photos in our courtyard! The reception was amazing and everyone danced the night away! 

"My now husband Matt and I were married at the Canoe Club on 4/22/17. We had an amazing experience working with Stacy and Jillian, they were both very attentive and responsive to all questions and concerns. They helped us have a beautiful wedding despite the rainy day we ended up with, we couldn't have asked for better and we now have wonderful memories of our special day to last us a life time."

A lovely photo of the happy couple in the courtyard!

A beautiful welcomes guests as they enter the venue.
 

Candlelit centerpieces with amazing ceiling drapery! 

A fun photo with the birdal party! 

Cake cutting and a cupcake tower! 

~We would like to wish Amanda & Matthew a lifetime of happiness and love! 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

Your ceremony was picture perfect, and your wedding reception was an epic party! Now it’s time to get your life back in order and start your after wedding duties! We have gathered up some great tips on what to do when your special day is over!

Thank You Notes

After your honeymoon, schedule a block of time for you and your partner to start writing your thank you cards.

Order Your Wedding Album

You’ve posted your digital photos to your social media, now it’s time to set up a time with your new spouse to order your album!

Review Your Vendors

Express your gratitude for your vendors who worked tirelessly to make your day perfect and magical! Be sure to write a thoughtful review on their Facebook page and other wedding websites.

Return or Exchange Unwanted Gifts

There are always double gifts and some gifts that might not be your style, be sure to do this sooner than later so you can get something that you can use.

Purchase Gifts (you still want)

This part is important if there is anything you didn’t get that comes at part of a set, you may have only received five of the eight place setting your wanted, or two out of the five towels. Also, you want to put those gift cards to good use!

Name Change

If you are planning to change your name, changing your name on social media is easy, but you also have to make sure to do it legally. Commit to your name change early so you can have an easy transition into married life! 
 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 
 

If you love everything about fairy tale endings, from stunning ball gowns to enchanted carriage rides. You may want to add a little whimsy to your wedding day! A perfect way to do that, is to add Disney into your wedding day! Here at the CCB we are all about Disney! We love seeing brides incorporate fun Disney details into their wedding day! We have gathered some amazing ways to elevate sweet Disney ideas into wedding-worthy decor for your ceremony to your reception! 

Enchanted Invites

Beautiful invitations set the tone for your enchanted wedding! 

Welcome Your Guests 

Beauty and The Beast Welcome Sign 

Cocktail Hour

Alice & Wonderland cocktail hour tags 

Place Setting 

Snow White inspired table decor 

Centerpiece 

Beauty and The Beast Centerpiece

Cake

An adorable Cinderella themed cake!

Little Details 

A cocktail napkin with the perfect quote.

Accessories 

Micky Mouse cufflinks are a great subtle detail. 

Treats For All 

Micky Mouse Candy for Favors 

A Grand Exit 

Leave in style with a horse and carriage ride! 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

We all know the rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Ledged has it, that if the bride wears items that represent those descriptions, it will bring her luck in her marriage. Brides today, do it less for that belief and more of a fun tradition. A lot of mothers and grandmothers donate their old gems, broaches, gloves or pearls for this portion of the tradition. We have been lucky enough here at the CCB, to have witnessed some amazing, thoughtful and fun something old items at the weddings over the years.  When you start planning your wedding, think about these unique ways to add something old into your ceremony and reception!

Wedding Cake Toppers

A perfect way to add something old into your wedding day, top your cake off with a vintage cake topper!

Wedding Dress Details

Here is a charming way to add a family heirloom into your gown, sew in a pearls or decoration from an aunt or speical family member from their gown they wore.

Handkerchief

Add a vintage lace handkerchief around your bridal bouquet. You can always add a family ring around the bouquet as well. 

Car

Your something old doesn’t have to be small, if you have a vintage car in the family, use it as your getaway car!  

Jewelry

A touch of sparkle from a family member will be a perfect addition to your speical day! 

Don’t forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour and Bridal Appointment! 

Jennifer & Robert 

Wedding Date ~ 1-21-17

We would like to share Jennifer & Robert's magical winter wedding here at the Canoe Club Ballroom. Rustic touches were scattered throughout the entire venue. Lanterns, wooden signs, and gorgeous blooms adorned the tables perfectly! Guests enjoyed delicious doughnuts later on in the evening. We are so honored to have hosted their beautiful wedding reception! 

Picture perfect entry

Rustic place cards 

Lanterns & Blooms 

Woodland theme cake & cupcakes 

 Delicious doughnuts

“The reception could not have been more perfect! All of our ideas had come to life! The decoration displays were perfectly executed, the staff were incredibly attentive and professional, and the food was amazing! Our guests raved about the service, the food, the bar and the venue space. We could not be more thrilled! I cannot express how much we really loved our experience with the CCB! They were so wonderful to work with and made planning so easy for us as far as the venue. Stacy and Jill made us feel so comfortable from the moment we first visited the CCB to our last dance of our special day. Everyone there is amazing!!!”

                                                                                                                                                -Jennifer & Robert 

Don't Forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour and Bridal Appointment! 

Feeling stresses about wedding gown shopping? Don’t fret, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first when starting your search. With us located on the South Shore we have seen bridal gowns from all over! Luckily we have an abundant array of Bridal Shops in our great state of Massachusetts! We just love seeing all the beautiful gowns that come through our doors here at the Canoe Club Ballroom! From sparkles to lace, ball gowns to mermaid, we just love them all! We have gathered up a few ways to keep stress away when you start your search for the perfect bridal gown!

Set a Budget

Don’t forget to set a cutoff point when trying on bridal gowns. Plan to spend 10% of your overall budget on your wedding gown.

Start Early

It takes about 6-12 months from the moment you start your search. It takes 4-6 months for the gown to be made.

Do Your Research

Before you try to anything on, think about what you want your “look” to be.

Make an appointment

Once you have an idea of what you want, call ahead and check to see if the shop has the designers you are looking for.

Limit your entourage

Bring only the people you trust to your bridal appointment, having too many people might make you lose focus on what you really want to try on.

Comfort Zone

Try a few different styles on that might be out of your comfort zone. You may find your dream dress in a style that you never thought you might like!

Size 

Forget about size when ordering your gown. No two designers size charts are created equal! Remember it’s easier to take a size in then to let out!

Saying Yes

Don’t worry about saying yes to your dream dress right away. Sometimes trying on dozens of dresses confuses you more than helping!

Don’t forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour and Bridal Appointment!