If you are not an avid wedding goer you may not be aware of “proper wedding guest etiquette”. With so many do's and don’ts, it can be hard to keep track of everything going on as a wedding guest. And you may have heard there are certain things you can and cannot do as a guest to a wedding. Check out these common wedding guests myths that are really more fiction than fact.

Don’t wear Black to a Wedding

It is often a misconception that black is only to be worn for somber occasions like funerals and should not be worn during joyous occasions such as weddings, but this is simply not true. Go ahead and wear your favorite little black dress to the wedding. In fact black works great for everything from winter or evening weddings, to black tie affairs.

You Always Get a Plus One

Just because you received an invitation to the wedding don’t assume you have also received a plus one. Unless your wedding invitation specifically includes a phrase like “and guest” don’t assume you are free to bring a date. Many times couples have to work within limitations when it comes to their guest list so you don’t want to be the guest who brings an uninvited tag along.

You Don’t Have To Send the RSVP

This myth is almost never true, even if you are sure the bride and groom know you will be attending the wedding you still need to fill out the RSVP card and send it back to them before the requested date. The RSVP card has important information on it that the couple needs to provide to the venue. Remember you’re not the only one invited, the couple will have to keep track of all their guests, so do them a favor and make sure to send back your RSVP.

The Couple is Responsible for Your Accommodations

If you are traveling to a wedding from far away you will have to make travel accommodation on your own. Although many couples will reserve a block of hotel rooms to help get a better rate for their out-of-town guests, don’t expect them to foot the bill. No matter how far away you are traveling the couple isn’t required to pay for your hotel. If you are unsure where to stay you can always ask the bridal party for recommendations.

You should always go to the couple for wedding-related questions

This one is a big no-no especially on the day of the wedding. Don’t assume that the bride and groom should be your first stop for all your wedding day questions just because it is their wedding, they will have enough to deal with. Try asking your wedding related questions to the bridesmaids or groomsmen you can even try the parents of bride or groom before turning to them for answers.

Shopping from the registry is impersonal

Many times guests feel that shopping from the registry is impersonal and they want to show how much they know the bride or groom by buying the couple a gift that they have not registered for. The registry is there for a reason, the couple has chosen these items because they are either things they need for their home or they are gifts they want. If you still want to add a personal touch to your wedding gift try adding a note explaining why you chose that gift. 

It is no surprise that planning a wedding can be stressful. With so many moving parts and details it can be hard to juggle everything. One major way to simplify the wedding planning process is by having your wedding ceremony and reception at one location.  A single wedding venue offers convenience in timing and transportation while also alleviating the stress of finding two locations while planning.

Many couples quickly learn that trying to coordinate dates and times for both a wedding ceremony and a reception can be difficult when utilizing two venues. This can lead to a stressful situation when trying to plan out the timing of the big day. Sometimes there is a considerable time gap between ceremony and reception which can leave guests with too much time on their hands and then a burden of scheduling some other activity to keep them busy.

A singlewedding venue is not only beneficial to the couple but to their wedding guests as well. Driving to multiple locations can be confusing, time consuming and difficult for older guests who are not as mobile. With one location guest can relax and enjoy everything the wedding day has to offer.

Single venues can be more cost effective as well. You not only save money by only booking one venue, but you also can save on things like transportation costs by only needing a limousine service for pick up and drop off rather than an extended block of time.

From convenience, to transportation, and even money, there are many benefits of booking a single venue to host your ceremony and reception. Canoe Club Ballroom offers one of the best ceremony and reception venues in Massachusetts. Providing a beautiful scenic outdoor ceremony space, indoor ceremony location, and a spacious ballroom for the reception-- you can relax knowing the Canoe Club Ballroom will take care of all your needs on your wedding day.  

Melissa & Michael 

Wedding Date: Sunday, June 5 2016

Wedding Colors: Hot Pink & Orange

"I have wanted to write this review for a while now but I have not had time to sit and give it the attention that I want so I am finally getting to it now lol.  Mike and I had our wedding at the Canoe Club on June 5th of this year.  When Mike and I got engaged we looked at a few venues for our wedding.  Not only were we won over by Jillian and Stacy right away by how professional, knowledgeable, and personable they were but I personally fell in love with the grounds.  I always wanted to have my wedding ceremony and my reception at the same place, and when I saw the gazebo and how it was right next to the water I was sold!  As we went along with the planning, I kept thinking of how beautiful having this outdoor ceremony was going to be.  Also as we went along with the planning, I got more and more nervous lol. I have become aware (especially through the process of planning a wedding lol) that I am a control freak lol. I get very nervous to the point that I micro mange every detail of things to make sure everything is perfect.  However not only did Jillian and Stacey answer every text/ email that I threw their way quickly and detailed, they were able to “handle” me so well that I was so calm at the wedding that I scared my maid of honor!!  She thought I was medicated lol!!  They even followed up with all of my venders to make sure they were all set!! I know because I called lol (hence control freak!!) They were also very kind and attentive to my family which meant  soooooooo much to me.  My grandparents who I respect very, very much had their own set of questions and ideas and Jillian and Stacy listened and answered all of them.  My aunt also made my favors and was very concerned on how they would be handled and placed on the table.  Stacy realized how much pride my aunt took in her work and reassured her and myself that they would take care of them.  As the day of wedding got closer I realized it was going to rain and my anxiety went out of control because I realized I was not going to have my outdoor ceremony.  I woke up the day of wedding with a positive attitude and realized that I can’t control everything (especially the weather lol) and that it was going to be ok.  However as I pulled up to the Canoe Club in the limo and saw no chairs set up at the gazebo my anxiety/sadness came back.  However when I saw Jillian with her signature bun and genuine warming smile waiting for me at the door my anxiety went away.  I knew that they were going to make sure my wedding was beautiful for me no matter what, and boy was it!!!!  My ceremony was organized and just as beautiful inside and Jillian and my wonderful photographer even took us out to the gazebo for pictures!!!  They made sure Mike and I had a big umbrella while they stood in the rain and took our pictures.  They came out so great that I almost cried when I got my proofs!!!

I am so happy, and grateful that I chose the Canoe Club Ballroom as my venue for my special day.  Stacy and Jillian have a special way with people that you do not see too much anymore. I know for a fact that they do a lot of weddings but they made me feel like mine was so special. They are experienced with weddings so everything is very organized, but they pay so attention to detail that they make everyone’s wedding unique and specific to them. Thank You so much Stacy and Jillian for making my day magical.  I will never forget it!!!!" 

Melissa & Michael: Thank you both for allowing us here at the CCB to be a part of your special day! It was truly an honor meeting and working with you both! We absolutely loved your batman cake topper, and your dance with your dad was adorable! Thank you again for sharing your experience with us, we hope to have the opportunity to work together in the future!! 

<3, Jillian & Stacy 

So you have arranged the perfect seating chart but that’s only the first step to keeping your guests happy at the reception table. Even if you seat friends and family together it’s almost inevitable that there will be some strangers sitting together. And since there is nothing more awkward than a table full of strangers, consider these simple tips to helping your guest break the ice.

Conversation starters: These simple conversation starters are sure to get guest talking. Think of easy and fun questions and write them directly on your table number card. This way each guest will have something to bring to the table to get the conversation started.

Get hands on: Give guest something to do with their hands. Favors that they can unwrap and play with at the table are the perfect way to break the ice. Things like Rubik’s cubes, mini checkers or tic tac toe are sure to start a little light-hearted competition for instant bonding. These toys are especially helpful if you have kids at your reception. Create a “games” table for your guests to enjoy!

Get wordy: Mad libs is the perfect way to get people laughing and joking. This simple and easy game lets your guest complete stories by working together. And for a cute and personal twist make these stories about the couple!

Lean on your Friends: Recruit some of you most lively, outgoing and well-known friends and family members to help get the party started. Their task will be to ensure everyone at the table is introduced, included and having a good time!

Try these simple tips and tricks and your wedding guests will be laughing and chatting in no time at all!

The typical American wedding is bursting with traditions from exchanging of rings to the big white dress. But have you ever stopped to think where these wedding traditions come from and what do they actually mean? Here are a few wedding tradition origins you may not have known about.

Bridesmaid dresses: Though the styles have changed in recent years, the origin of all wearing the matching dresses stems from something much older. In the past, Roman law required ten witnesses to make a wedding legal. Several of these witnesses would dress up exactly like the like the bride and groom, to confound any “unwanted evil spirits” who might show up uninvited.

Ring finger: One of the biggest wedding traditions is the exchanging of rings. But have you ever wondered why Americans wear the wedding ring on the left-hand third finger? Well, it’s because of an ancient Greek belief that a vein in that finger ran directly to the heart, how romantic!

Tossing of “everything”: Do you ever think of how much is tossed in the air during a typical wedding? From rice, to flower bouquets, to garters lots is being tossed around. Well rice is tossed on the newly married couples to ensure fertility and bougets are tossed for luck and protections, but Garters may have the best back story. Back in the day people would rip off parts of the wedding dress to capture some of the good luck and fortune of the bride for themselves. Now that these dresses often cost an arm in a leg, garters have become a safe part of the dress you can rip off without having to ruin the dress.

Side by Side: Have you ever wondered why the bride traditionally stands to the left of the altar and the groom on the right? Well way back when, weddings used to be a lot more confrontational, and the groom needed to keep his right hand free in order to swiftly grab his sword and fight off and disgruntled wedding guest that may rush the alter. 

Tying the knot: This seems like an odd saying as there usually aren’t too many knots involved in the typical wedding ceremony. This phrase actually stems from an old Irish custom called “handfasting” which is when the bride and grooms hands are tied together at the ceremony to symbolize their commitment to each other. 

Express yourself on your wedding day and make a statement with these fun and inexpensive ways to customize your wedding day!

Create Signature drinks: Creating a signature drink is a fun way to add a personal touch to your cocktail hour, and can also help save you money. Instead of offering a full bar for your cocktail hour or reception give guest the option of beer, wine and choosing from two signature drinks, this can help you have tons on your liquor bill. As a friendly reminder, one of the many options avaialble for your special day here at the Canoe Club Ballroom is our beverage fountain! This is always a great way for guests to enjoy that "signature drink" as well! Popular selections include: Champagne, Sangria, Planter's Punch, Margaritas, and Mimosas! 

Get Creative With Table Names: Instead of just labeling your tables by numbers offer a more personal touch and get creative with your table names. Give them names of your favorite songs or places you have travelled together. Or one of our favorite ideas is adding childhood photos of the couple at the age of the number of each table. This simple and inexpensive decor adds a personal touch and not to mention is a great conversation starter.

Incorporate Your Favorite Hobby: Adding a favorite hobby of the two of you is a fun and easy way to give your wedding a personal touch. For example, if you love to sail why not have a nautical themed wedding?

Have a Loved One Officiate Your Wedding: What better way to make your wedding ceremony as personal and meaningful as possible than to have a loved one officiate the wedding? Almost anyone can become ordained and having a family member or a close friend marry you will make it all the more special for you and your guests.

Walk down the aisle to a meaningful song: Instead of walking down the aisle to the typical wedding march, walk down to a meaningful song for you and your groom. Whether it be the first song you danced to or one of “your” songs this easy change is sure to give your wedding a personal touch. 

Flowers are one of the main focal points of any wedding and can quickly become a major expense. One way to keep costs down is to opt for flowers that are in bloom during your wedding season. Since summer wedding season is here we thought we would share some of our favorite flowers that won’t break the bank!

Alstroemeria: Alstroemeria are in bloom in late spring or early summer so they are perfect for a May or June wedding. These colorful flowers are also known as Peruvian Lillies and come in a wide range of different colors (over 150 shades!) so they are perfect for any color pallet.

Carnation: Carnations are the perfect flower for weddings due to their lengthy sturdy stem which is great for tall elegant arrangements. They are also perfect for long wedding days because they have a long-lasting bloom even hours after being cut. Carnations are in bloom during late spring so if you are getting married in early summer they may be a great fit.

Daisy: Daisies are a great staple flower, whether being used as a filler flower or to make up an entire bouquet. Daisies may even bring back childhood memories of plucking the white petals off wondering “he loves me, he loves me not”. Daisies are in bloom throughout the summer and into early fall and make an affordable whimsical flower for a more casual wedding.

Sunflower: Sunflowers may be the most summer time flowers of them all. There is something about the big bright petals that just make you happy when you see them. Their bright gold color adds a great pop to any floral arrangement. Sunflowers are in bloom throughout the summer.

Baby's breath: What was once a filler in bouquets and centerpieces baby’s breath is making a comeback on its own. Lately, we have seen lots of brides using baby’s breath in big mounds, which gives a gorgeous whimsical look and goes great with long trailing pastel color ribbons. Baby’s breath is also great for making delicate and airy flower crowns perfect for any summer wedding.

It is no surprise the most popular time of the year to get married is the summer. The weather is nice and you can take advantage of the sunshine and beauty of the South Shore of Massachusetts. With wedding season right around the corner, don’t sweat planning your summer bash, here are a few tips to help your summer wedding beat the heat!

Order a Backup Boutonniere: Boutonnieres are often overlooked and are very fragile, especially during the summer when they need to withstand the heat and humidity. Ask your florist to leave you some extra backup flowers or a second boutonniere for the big day, you’ll be glad you did if your groom's flowers start to droop.

Provide parasols or fans for outdoor ceremonies: During summer, outdoor ceremonies are a must, but the beating sun can often take a toll on your guests. Provide your guest with some shade by offering parasols or small hand fans to keep them cool throughout your ceremony. Your guest will appreciate the extra mile especially if your wedding day falls on a hot summer day.

Cool down with a refreshing drink: Nothing is better on a hot summer day than a nice refreshing drink. Welcome guests with a complimentary refreshing lemonade and water station!

Always have a plan B: No matter what kind of wedding you are planning it is always important to have a plan b. Mother Nature has a mind of her own, and can make you change plans no matter what season.  Make sure to have a backup plan to keep you worry free on your wedding day. Luckily, our plan B for a ceremony in doors here at the CCB is just as beautiful! 

Summer is the perfect time to plan your wedding, but make sure you keep in mind these tips so your big day goes off without a hitch.

If you are planning a summer wedding contact Canoe Club Ballroom we provide the perfect outdoor ceremony venue for any summer wedding! 

Wedding Date: April 30, 2016

Wedding Color: Eggplant

Laura and Billy’s wedding day was picture perfect in every way. The weather could not have been any nicer for their outdoor ceremony, and we were so excited for them to be our very first couple married at the new gazebo!!

From the moment we first met Laura and Billy, we knew that their big day would be a special one. Laura’s parents had their very own wedding here at the CCB—and on the day of Laura and Billy’s rehearsal, her mother brought their wedding album to show us!

Aside from the beautiful décor, one of our favorite wedding details was their “guestbook” that included wooden hearts of their guests’ messages & happy thoughts to be dropped into a shadow box frame for them! (We may have written a special one to them from all of us here as well!!)

Thank you Laura and Billy for allowing us here at the CCB to be a part of your special day! It was such a pleasure working with you both, and your families!!

Perhaps another family member could be in the future?!  We sure hope so!!

Personalizing your wedding is a great way make the big day all that special. Adding unique touches that the bride and groom choose themselves is a great way to let guests feel part of the wedding. These small details also transform the ceremony and reception from to a true reflection of the couple and their relationship. 

One specific detail couples can have a lot of personalizing fun with, is creating their own signature wedding cocktail to serve to guests. But how do you decide on the perfect cocktail as the list is endless? Here are a few tips on how to plan the perfect signature cocktail.

Pick Your Favorites: One of the easiest ways to choose a signature cocktail is by simply picking your favorites. Do you or your future spouse have a go to drink you always order at the bar? Picking your favorite drink is a fun way to make your guest learn a little more about you. You can even do a ‘his and her’ signature cocktail naming them “Bride’s Favorite” & “Groom’s Favorite”. 

Go With The Theme: Does your wedding have a theme? This is a perfect chance for you to tie your theme together by narrowing down a drink that fits the theme. Whether it be a black tie even calling for a more classic drink or a tropical theme calling for a fun fruity drink. Have fun with your theme, there is no harm in adding you own twist to a traditional cocktail recipe to spice things up!

Get Sentimental: Take your guests on a walk down memory lane with a sip of your signature cocktail. When dreaming up your signature wedding cocktail think about all the memories you have shared as a couple. Maybe it was a drink you had on your first date, or maybe you are channeling a vacation you took together, make it something meaningful to both of you. Having a sweet story behind your signature cocktail is a great way to personalize your wedding day. 

Add a Beverage Fountain: Don't forget that you can always add a multi-tiered flowing beverage fountain to your wedding package for your special day! Add a touch of elegance to your cocktail hour and choose from sparkling champagne, margaritas, sangria, mimosas, or planter's punch!