South Shore Living / January 2011 / Planning the Perfect Day

Planning the Perfect Day

Congratulations on your engagement! The fun starts now as you plan for your big day.

A wedding is a celebration of a major milestone in your life and it should be planned with care and thoughtfulness but first take a minute to enjoy the bliss of being newly engaged!

The best place to start is with your other half. Take some time together to sort through each of your desires for your ideal wedding day. Decide on your priorities and let that guide your plan for your celebration.

A well thought out plan usually begins with deciding on the day of your wedding. The day is often determined by a bride and grooms desired season and budget. Once you have narrowed down the day selecting a venue for the ceremony and the reception is vital. If you desire a wedding during some of the more popular times of year securing a venue early is essential. After that working through a detailed list of needs and desires for your dream wedding helps make the planning easier. Don’t forget to discuss and decide on your budget (something that you may want to do before securing a venue) to be sure you stay on track.

Be thoughtful in choosing who will help guide you through the planning process. Some brides do it themselves or with family and friends others choose to hire a wedding planner. Either way the key is to have a plan. This should include choosing your dress, the bridesmaid’s dresses, tuxes, flowers, invitations, music, the cake, party favors, and more.

In this section you will find many businesses that specialize in helping make your wedding a memorable and stress-free day. Consult them as you navigate through your plan and, remember, this is a celebration! Relax, enjoy and know that when the day comes you have created a memorable event not only for yourself and your betrothed but for your family and friends as well!

Venues

Barker Tavern
21 Barker Road, Scituate, MA
(781) 545-6533
www.TheBarker.com
For over thirty years, The Barker Tavern has hosted the most romantic and memorable wedding receptions south of Boston. Overlooking Scituate Harbor and centrally located between Boston and Cape Cod, the Barker Tavern is a unique 17th century restaurant and modern ball room nestled within the fabric of a quaint New England coastal village with atmosphere rich in beauty and charm.

Historic Winslow House
634 Careswell Street, Marshfield, MA
(781) 837-5753
www.winslowhouse.org
Seasonally, the Winslow House barn room, tearoom, terrace, and grounds are available for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, parties, showers, classes, or business meetings. Our large kitchen facilities, historic setting, picturesque landscape, location, and ample parking make the site an ideal and unique place for your next event.

Independence Harbor
10 Narrows Road, Assonet, MA
(508) 644-2225
www.ihweddings.com
Independence Harbor is a twenty-acre private estate unequalled in Beauty, reserved exclusively for one wedding, one of Southern New England’s most sought after destinations for private wedding receptions and garden wedding ceremonies. Acclaimed cuisine, celebrated service, renowned wedding planning, affordable elegance for gatherings from 100 to 250 persons. Close to Boston and Providence, Independence Harbor offers wedding packages accommodating all wedding styles, sizes and budgets.

Old Derby Academy
34 Main Street, Hingham, MA
(781) 749-7721
www.hinghamhistorical.org
Celebrate your weddings, fundraisers, and other happy events in this elegant 1818 schoolhouse in downtown Hingham, within walking distance to four historic churches. A full catering kitchen and a garden terrace allows Old Derby Academy to accommodate up to 250 guests, with ample parking nearby. Romantic, historic, magical and available for any occasion. Call Debbie at 781-749-4782 for rental inquiries.

Plimoth Plantation
Plymouth, MA
(781) 746-1622
www.plimoth.org/dining-functions/weddings
At Plimoth Plantation, your wedding celebration will become the first of many unforgettable memories together. Our experienced event planners will assist you with every decision and our staff will attend to the smallest detail with professional, impeccable service. Our unique English Colonial setting for a ceremony outdoors in Horn- blower Garden, to a celebration in Gainsborough Hall, the Peabody Pavilion or the Accomack Room all set the stage for exquisite culinary creations so you and your guests can celebrate your special day.

Raffael’s
1601 Main Street, Walpole, MA
(508) 668-8071
www.raffaels.com
Raffael’s offers you a private and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Upon entering our Grand Ballrooms, take a moment to catch your breath as the elegant surroundings are sure to steal it away. Whether you’re looking for country club sophistication or European elegance, we have the facilities to make your dreams come true.

Red Lion Inn
71 South Main Street, Cohasset, MA
(781) 383-1704
www.redlioninn1704.com
A luxurious resort built in 1704 located 20 miles south of Boston in the beautiful New England town of Cohasset. The Red Lion Inn provides a spectacular setting, superior service, exquisite cuisine and outstanding accommodations, and an attention to detail that remains unsurpassed on the south shore. It’s an idyllic destination for you and your guest on your special day.

Scituate Country Club
91 Driftway, Scituate, MA
(781) 545-7666
www.scituatecc.com
A Little bit of Heaven where land meets water! A country estate set at the edge of the ocean, overlooking salt marshes and the North River a truly magnificent sight for your special day. One of the most romantic places for a wedding on Boston’s South Shore. Surprise your guests with a wedding that will be as unforgettable as the views!

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Bella Derma, LLC
501 John Mahar Highway,
Braintree, MA
(781) 535-6886
www.belladermaskinclinic.com
Focusing on customization, medical grade facials utilizing SkinCeuticals and Environ products and Laser Technologies, allows Bella Derma to consistently exceed their clients expectations. Their Bio-Ultimate Non Surgical Face Lift treatment immediately erases the signs of aging. Ionithermie Body Shape Detoxifies, Tones and Sculpts. Zerona Body Shaping effectively removes excess fat and inches. Call today for a complimentary consultation. How old you are is your business! How old you look is ours!

The Face Place and Spa
Merchants Row Mall, Rte. 53
Hanover, MA
(781) 871-7887
www.faceplaceandspa.com
Relax, You Will Be Radiant! Our sanctuary of beauty and wellness will relieve all of your stress before your wedding day. Your pampering starts with your choice of Herbal Facial or Massage, followed by a Manicure, a Pedicure ad much more! For details or to schedule your bridal services call us today (781) 871-7887 or visit www.faceplaceandspa.com.

Inches Away
222 Webster Street, Hanover, MA
(781) 789-9700
www.inchesawayusa.com
TREATMENT! What a great gift!! Inches away offers a healthy and effortless way to shape and sculpt your body using microcurrent technology.. Rapidly lose inches, burn fat and tone muscles in a warm and private environment. Treatments provided by certified RN’s.As Featured on Oprah and Rachel Ray with countless endorsements. Tone your body while helping your favorite bride fit into the most important dress of her life. Bridal party and family members save 15% on package plans, and for every 6 treatments booked, the bride receives one FREE.

The Modern Barber Shop
430 Liberty Street (Rte.58),
Hanson, MA
(781) 294-7552
Gentlemen, come visit The Modern Barber Shop where they have all the tools and expertise to make you look your best. On your special day and everyday. Conveniently located at Shaw’s plaza in Hanson.

ZYP Fitness Plus
Hanover Mall
1775 Washington Street,
Hanover, MA
(781) 829-8622
www.zypfitnessplus.com
Zumba anyone? ZYP Fitness Plus offers the best Zumba experience around! Specially designed floor, amazing sound system and lighting, experienced instructors and over 20 plus classes to choose from. ZYP is located in the Hanover Mall and your first class is FREE! You have nothing to lose but calories and inches. Come shimmy, shake and Zumba at ZYP Fitness Plus.

Cakes

Sugar Plum Bakery
161 Summer Street, Kingston, MA
(781) 585-PLUM (7586)
www.sugarplumbakerykingston.com
Sugar Plum Bakery opened in 2007 by cousins johanna lyons and paula barry. You can watch johanna on the cake bosses new reality show next great baker. Sugar plum is best known for their great tasting cakes and has become a popular birthday party location. Sugar plum bakery offers one of a kind custom cakes. If you can imagine it we can create in cake.

Veronica’s Sweetcakes
1849 Ocean Street,
Liberty Plaza, Marshfield, MA
(781) 834-7470
www.veronicassweetcakes.com
Veronica’s Sweetcakes has been delighting the South Shore’s discriminating hostesses. Whether it’s a multi-tiered, elegant wedding cake or birthday cake featuring your child’s favorite character, everyone loves Veronica’s cakes! Veronica has won many awards including The Best Of South Shore and a blue ribbon for her delicious carrot cake. When asked what makes her cakes so special, we use butter cream frosting and the same fresh ingredients that our mothers used.

Attire, Lingerie & Trousseau’s

Bloom Lingerie Boutique
61 Water Street, Hingham, MA
(781) 749-0063
www.bloomlingerieboutique.com
Bloom Lingerie offers an exquisite collection of bridal lingerie to meet every need from wedding gown to honeymoon. Our bridal trousseau options are ageless and tailored to the unique personality and taste for each bride. From romantic European bustiers to ethereal silk gowns, luxurious cashmeres and lace peignoirs from select designers. We invite you to experience all the lingerie selection available at Bloom.

Collections on Court
2C Court Street, Plymouth, MA
(508) 732-9850
Collections on Court have the dresses we are all looking for perfect for that special wedding or elegant occasion. Beautiful fabrics in an array of colors. The customer service at Collections is invaluable. Mary Jane will help you choose the perfect style and perfect fit for your unique look. Pull it altogether with fabulous accessories, including jewelry, hats and scarves. Personalized service for both men and women.

Tory Nicole
9 Standish Street, Duxbury, MA
(781) 934-5316
www.torynicole.com
Tory Nicole Unique Handbags offers custom made, high quality photo handbags, wristlets, totes, eyeglass cases, accessory bags and pillows in cotton or silk. You provide the unique photo or image; we do the rest. On your special day, Tory Nicole products are a treasured memento for mothers, sisters, grandmothers and bridesmaids! All Tory Nicole products are made in the USA.

Trotting Park Designs
Abington, MA
(781) 738-6712
www.trottingparkdesigns.com
Trotting Park’s latest addition to its day, evening and special occasion hand-
bags is a custom bridal collection inspired by Cape Cod and the Islands. Headquartered in Abington, head designer/owner, Trish Turner, brings her elegant esthetic to each hand crafted addition to the wedding trousseau. In this new collection Trish references her experience designing wedding gowns for a prominent Newbury Street boutique.

Dancing

Fred Astaire Dance Studio
10 Cordage Park, Ste. 115
Plymouth , MA
(508) 732-6790
www.fadsplymouth.com
Whether you envision a sweet and simple waltz or a high energy swing, our certified instructors will make your first dance as husband and wife a moment to remember forever. Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers lesson to brides and grooms of all levels and abilities,and are experts in helping wedding couples prepare for their big day!

Jewelers

Cohasset Jewelers
790A Chief Justice Hwy.,
Cohasset, MA
(781) 383-1933
www.cohassetjewelers.com
Cohasset Jewelers is proud to present the highest quality handcrafted gemstone jewelry, engagement and wedding rings, watches and clocks. When you need to find the perfect engagement ring, trust the experts at Cohasset Jewelers. Buying a piece of fine jewelry should be a truly memorable experience. Our knowledgeable and personable staff will help guide and assist you in making a rare and exceptional selection.

Gifts

Country House Furniture & Interiors
818 CJC Highway, Cohasset, MA
(781) 383-1832
www.countryhousecohasset.com
For over 47 years, Country House Furniture & Interiors located on Boston’s South Shore offers the finest selection of brand name furniture and the most comprehensive interior design services. We also offer a vast collection of fine gifts, china and home accessories perfect for special occasions or wedding gifts. Let us help you choose items for your registry at “Accents at the Country House” located in our store.

Darilynn’s
64 South Main Street, Cohasset, MA
(781) 383-1002
www.darilynns.com
Darilynn’s, a charming boutique located conveniently in scenic Cohasset Village, offers a unique collection of fine gifts and home accessories. Choose gifts for your registry to treasure for a lifetime from such fine vendors as Simon Pearce, Vietri, Wedgewood and Beatriz Ball. Signature wrapping is always complimentary and our friendly staff is ready to assist guests in making the perfect selection.

Phillips Candy House
818 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA
& South Shore Plaza, Braintree, MA
(800) 722-0905
www.phillipschocolate.com
Make your special occasions a sweet success with our handmade chocolates and candies from Phillips Candy House. Choose from a selection of customized boxes filled with your choice of creamy milk and dark chocolates, hand roasted nuts or flavorful candies. Our gourmet chocolates, handmade in small batches, are a welcome addition to social and corporate events, as well as family celebrations.

Sylvia’s by the Sea
131 Front Street, Scituate, MA
(781) 545-6060
www.sylviasbythesea.com
Sylvia’s by the Sea is not only an inspiring gift boutique that is located in the heart of Scituate Harbor that offers a wide variety of nautical home décor, jewelry and Tommy Bahama for both men and women, but also the largest on the South Shore with unbeatable prices! Come in and shop the unique gift items for that special someone.

Suzanne’s Home
132 North Street, Hingham, MA
(781) 749-5111
www.suzanneshome.com
A unique gift boutique in the heart of downtown Hingham Square, with wonderful selections available from Vietri, Mariposa, and more! Brides and grooms are certain to find gifts that will delight them for many years to come. Complimentary gift wrapping and Suzanne’s will offer a one-time 10% discount on any items remaining on your registry, after your big event!

The Roman Table
164 Front Street, Scituate, MA
(781) 378-2015
www.theromantable.com
The Roman Table is a purveyor of beautiful hand crafted European tableware and table linens. In addition, we carry a selection of colorful authentic Italian Terra Cotta Cookware. More than 30 distinctly different Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars are available. Monthly olive oil gift subscriptions as well as cooking classes are unique ideas for wedding gifts and the perfect addition to your gift registry.

Bridal Gowns

Country Weddings Bridal Boutique
20 Station Street, Hingham, MA
(781) 749-5774
www.southshorebridal.com
Country Weddings is the premiere bridal boutique on Boston’s South Shore offering an exquisite collection of bridal gowns, mothers and bridesmaids dresses. Our signature look is simple elegance, with classic yet chic styles suitable for a causal beach setting to the most extravagant formal wedding. We also offer the finest collection of accessories including veils, headpieces, shoes, and jewelry.

Hillary’s Bridal
27 Samoset Street, Plymouth, MA
(508) 746-1600
www.hillarysbridal.com
Your wedding dress may only be worn once, but you will cherish it forever! In the relaxing atmosphere of Hillary’s Bridal browse our collection of wedding gowns, mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and prom dresses. Our designers include Maggie Sottero, Casablanca, Dessy, Cameron Blake and Tony Bowls and others. At Hillary’s Bridal we love helping you make your dreams come true!

Wedding Planners

4 Season Wedding and Events
(617) 610-7322
www.4seasonwedding.com
Having a limited wedding budget does not mean you have to scrimp on style; casual can be classy. As a wedding planner Suzanna will assist you through each step, from invitations to ceremony, reception and beyond. At 4 Season Wedding and Events we specialize in small intimate gatherings it is the belief that each couple should have a wedding as unique as they are. You are invited to a private estate to celebrate your wedding ceremony and reception. Call for a complete tour of the facility.

A Warm Reception
Duxbury, MA, (617) 417-7495
www.awarmreceptioninc.com
A boutique firm specializing in home weddings and less-traditional venues since 1997. Our focus is on personalization and service. There are no do-overs, so we make sure everything is done right. We offer packages in a wide range of service levels, so most couples can access our experienced and professional planning and coordination.

Music

Absolutely Music— Four Guys in Tuxes
Locations in Boston, Cape Cod, and Newport, RI
BOSTON (617) 482-3234
CAPE COD (508) 457-1583
NEWPORT (401) 847-4416
www.fourguysintuxes.com 
Live music: Soloists to Ten-Pieces, playing Swing, Society, and Classic Rock for Listening or Dancing.  Corporate, Private, Political, and Charitable events, and WEDDINGS ARE A SPECIALTY! Fund-raising experts.