Susan Lane Events loves planning weddings, whether they be at a ritzy hotel downtown or a rustic campground in Vermont. We expect that all our clients have a different vision of their big day and that’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the Boston area’s top wedding venues for each bride’s wedding personality and style. But that’s not all- we’re also giving you tips on how to best utilize the space and natural architecture to create a unique theme and style concept. We took one of Boston’s top hotels (Taj Boston), a gorgeous farm/barn venue (Harrington Farm), and a classic museum (DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park) and gave each one a wedding story. See the fantastic results below and don’t forget to call us to help you with your own “story”. Susan Lane Events- 508-783-1663 or e-mail us at susan@susanlaneevents.
The Taj– “City Chic”
Like the idea of majestic grand ballrooms and sweeping city views? Look no further than the Taj Boston, located on Arlington Street directing across the street from the Boston Common Garden. We love the idea of having all post wedding photos taken in the park with beautiful pond and garden backdrops. Your guests will definitely be wined and dined here at this former Ritz hotel which recently went through a multi-million dollar renovation. Although this venue boasts five different ballrooms and gathering spaces each different in its own way, we think that the rooftop ballroom on the 17th floor (with panoramic views of the city I might add) is the most impressive. The Roof is open from April to November for private celebrations up to 200 guests for reception and 130 guests seated. Big name big band artists (like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey just to name a few) played here during the Big band era so we decided that a classic Gatsby style wedding was in order. The marble floors are black and white checkered and the ceilings are low which gives the room an intimate feel. Here are our recommendations for throwing the soiree of the season on the Roof at the Taj:
• Black and white colors with silver and amber accents would be the way to go! Little touches of dark blue and purple colors strewn about here and there would look great but nothing too crazy. Table numbers and place cards in the style of the 1920’s or 1930’s and of course white flowers and candles with silver holders everywhere! Track lighting and spotlights would accent the entire room and showcase the beautiful white florals throughout the room. Add in a black and white checkered dance floor with a swing band like the Sultan’s and the vision is complete.
• To start off the night, allow guests to take a glass of champagne from an elegant display with crystal platters, elevations and elegantly embroidered flutes. Why not have guests take home their flutes as a memorable favor?
• Have the reception be “cocktail style” and have the banquet servers butler pass the food. Small plates and heavy hors d’oeuvres instead of a sit down dinner menu make it easier for guests to mingle. We’re thinking a couple of the waitstaff could wear one of those old fashioned cigarette caddies and roam around giving out treats of ice cream sundaes around dessert time!
Harrington Farm– “Rustic Elegance”
For brides who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a quaint barn wedding on a picturesque farm may be in order. We love Harrington Farm because of its prime location near Mount Wachusett and all that goes with having a farm wedding- a rustic barn! For the brides who have their heart set on a wedding held outdoors, there is a Sperry tent on location which is available during the summer months for use for your reception. Brides also have the option to hold their ceremony in the beautiful garden on the property directly adjacent to a pond, which has a white pergola and gorgeous flowers surrounding it. Their menu offerings come straight from the inspiration of the resident chef who holds his organic menu standards to a high. Menus offer fresh home grown produce directly from the farm’s own garden. This earthy and organic concept drew inspiration for an elegant dinner party style wedding with a homegrown and fresh approach:
• Herbs and fresh scents inspire a casual yet elegant feel. Lavender and thyme flavors in the menu selections as well as flavorful specialty drinks. St. Germain and prosecco with a sprig of rosemary, anyone?
• For décor, cocktail hour should definitely have some twinkle lights strewn from bar to bar and within the seating area. Gorgeous earthy flowers such as wildflowers, peonies and hydrangeas would be an ideal fit for this venue. Elegant draping in the barn would be a dramatic statement as the barn has very high ceilings. Why not bring attention to the beautiful multi-story barn in your wedding style selections?
• Light pastels (i.e., lavender or easter egg yellow) would be the wedding colors in the barn. Chevron table runners and menu cards monogramed with the bride and groom’s initials, all in chevron pattern. Simple country style seating and tables would be laid out to give off a dinner party feel. Long tables rather than rounds with equally long centerpieces and candles would be perfect for this venue.
• Finally, a bonfire or sparkler exit would be a fantastic ending to the night! Summer nights end late and with a venue as beautiful as this, we’d love for you to keep the party going.
Sparklers
DeCordova Museum & Sculpture Park– “Smart Sophistication”
A beautiful museum venue nestled in the quiet town of Lincoln, this location is anything but ordinary. Catering toward the modern 21st century couple, DeCordova offers a unique backdrop of contemporary art for an unforgettable wedding in its indoor and outdoor spaces. There are many options for holding events here- from al fresco cocktails on the Sculpture Terrace to a lavish dinner in the main hall or a grand tented affair on the lawn. Ceremonies are often held on the roof terrace which boasts some spectacular views! With over 60 contemporary pieces of fine art on loan from donors across the world, we think this would be a perfect venue for a couple who loves to travel and appreciated the finer things in life- like wine and globally inspired cuisine, for example. The love of wine and culture brought forth this amazing wedding style inspiration:
• Farm fresh cuisine that is globally inspired but locally grown! Not only would there be a sit down dinner, but a multi-course small plates tasting extravaganza to include pairings with only the best wines from around the world. • We would love to bring in some modern all white lounge furniture and sleek seating for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. I’m thinking a white wedding with some succulents to accent the tables would be just heavenly. Green accents here and there (napkins and patterned linens most likely) and long white orchids in full bloom. Picture this- wine table numbers and corks as placecards with a mini succulent garden as a centerpiece! • After dinner, why not have a cigar roller out back rolling some of the finest products from South America and sip on some great ports and cognacs? Susan Lane Events can certainly arrange the best cigar roller for your after party.
Succulents
Like what you see and want to talk wedding themes and venues? Contact Susan at (508) 783-1663 or e-mail us at susan@susanlaneevents.com… for more information.
