How To Start Planning Your Wedding

So you recently got engaged. First of all, congratulations! Now the planning begins.

If you’re like most couples, planning your dream wedding can seem like a daunting task. Don’t sweat yet. Take a couple deep breaths, recruit the help of your friends and family, and follow these steps. Your wedding planning will be off to a stress-free start.

1. Celebrate as a Couple

Sometimes in wedding-planning craziness, couples forget to take time to themselves to celebrate together. Take a thousand photos. Dance in the living room. Shout, “We’re engaged!” Stare in awe at the engagement ring. Grab dinner at your favorite spot and just soak up this exciting time in your lives.

2. Tell Family and Friends

Now that you’ve sufficiently celebrated as a duo, it’s time to tell the people you love about the good news. We suggest starting with your parents. If you live in the same area as your parents, plan a nice quiet evening somewhere when both you and your fiancé can be present to spill the beans. They’ll love seeing the excitement in person. If you don’t live nearby, set aside some time to video call so they’re able to see you and your new fiance—trust us, video makes all the difference!

Once you’ve told your parents, it’s time to move on to other family members and close friends—preferably starting with people who will most likely be in the wedding party.

3. Announce the Engagement

Everybody important already knows about your exciting news and now it’s time to tell the rest of the world. Announcing your engagement can be done a few different ways: face-to-face, phone calls, social media, or an engagement party. If you’re super-enthusiastic, do all 4!

4. Buy a Journal

These next few weeks, months, or years of planning will fly by quicker than you expect and will be full of exciting moments, tough decisions, and a million memories. Writing it all down in a journal is the perfect way to vent about the tough times and remember the great times, all while ensuring you’ll have those memories for years to come.

5. Decide on a Budget

The dreaded B-word. It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, but you can save yourself a lot of stress by setting a budget from the get-go and deciding how much you’re able to spend on a venue, a dress, catering, and other wedding essentials.

If you plan on asking your parents for help, here’s a great resource on how to spark that conversation. Paying for a wedding all on your own? No worries, beautiful affordable weddings are totally doable. If you plan early and stick to the plan, any wedding is possible—you just may need some creativity.

6. Set the Date

Love can be celebrated any time of year, but if you’re looking at a specific location or need to plan around work, vacation, or prior commitments, now’s the time to figure that out. Not only is picking a date one of the most important parts of your early planning process, everyone will be asking you, “When’s the wedding?” and it helps to have an answer.

Picking the perfect wedding date doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it should be one of the easier parts of planning. You may want to start with a couple of potential dates until you officially pick the venue. That way if they’re booked on one of your dates, you’ve got a back up.

7. Find Your Venue

Securing the perfect spot for your dream wedding is key. You want to make sure the space accommodates your guest lists: both for the ceremony and the reception. St. Cloud Country Club has open dates in 2019 and we’d love to help you celebrate the greatest day of your life! Give us a call at (320) 253-1331 ext. 102 for more information.

These are just the beginning steps to planning the biggest party of your life. Remember: your wedding day is about you as a couple and the love you have for each other—not fretting about getting everything perfect for everyone else.

Is an Outdoor Wedding Right for You?

The popularity of outdoor weddings is easy to understand. They result in beautiful pictures, scenic views, and an airy, open experience.

Sometimes, however, they do not quite turn out as expected. In addition to weather changes, the bride and groom must consider amenities, food, and decor when hosting an outdoor wedding.

Weather

We don’t want anyone to stress at their own wedding! Prepare for bad weather ahead of time and be ready for the weather taking a turn for the worse. One way to deal with this is having a stash of umbrellas ready to go.

Since the reception takes up the majority of your wedding, you definitely need to have a shelter available. When you host your wedding at St. Cloud Country Club, this shelter is our beautiful clubhouse. The clubhouse will keep your guests comfortable and dry.

Amenities

An outdoor wedding requires just as many - if not more - amenities as an indoor wedding. Before determining where your wedding will take place, consider what you’ll need: electricity, restrooms, parking, decorations, seating, and more.

Everything you need will be readily available at the St. Cloud Country Club. When we host an outdoor wedding, you get all the same benefits as an indoor wedding.

Food and Decor

Outdoor weddings have their own unique and beautiful look. Whether you want something rustic or romantic, we have a wedding planner to make your dream become a reality. We remove stress from your wedding day by setting up everything so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and deliveries that sometimes come with outdoor weddings.

St. Cloud Country Club also gives you and your guests with a memorable, delicious meal. After a complimentary food tasting, our five-star chefs will give you with the menu of your choice. You won’t have to worry about transporting, heating, or serving the food.


If an outdoor wedding is for you, look no farther than St. Cloud Country Club! Our beautiful space, which can accommodate up to 200 people, has everything you need. Visit the website or call to book a tour for your 2019/2020 wedding!

St. Cloud Country Club: A Family Experience

When my husband first approached me about joining St. Cloud Country Club I replied with “Sure, sounds like a great place for you to golf!” When he explained there was more to love than just golf, I was suspicious to say the least, because I’d heard that about other courses, too.

Well, 4 years later I’m ready to admit it: My husband was RIGHT. Here are some of the things I’ve come to appreciate about the St. Cloud Country Club.

The Pool

What a lifesaver this place has been! Along with a large pool and water slide, there is a great kiddie pool for the littles in your life. Take it from a mom who’d rather sip a cocktail poolside than get into the water (I may be part cat), having a kiddie pool you can wade in with your kids is fantastic.

You don’t have to get super wet, and your kids still enjoy themselves. There is also a snack hut where you can order drinks, snacks, and the full 19th hole grill menu, which they will deliver to you by the pool. This is nice for the parents who don’t want to strip the swimsuits off their kids’ wet little bodies to go inside and eat, only to squeeze them back into said wet swimsuits when they’re done eating. The pool is also fully staffed with trained lifeguards. It’s nice to know there are always multiple sets of eyes watching over the pool and keeping everyone safe.

The Course

While I may not take pride in my golf game, I do know what makes for a great golf experience. The course is always well maintained and has a beautiful layout that blends into Mississippi River views around you.

While a round of 18 holes would take upwards of 4 to 5 hours at another course, the rate of play at the St. Cloud Country Club is steady, making a typical round last about 3 ½ hours. My favorite part about the course is that we can bring our 4-year-old, who is obsessed with golf, out onto the course in the evenings to play a few holes. He loves the fact that he’s on a real course with the adults, and we love that he’s getting a true golf experience. The staff always acknowledges him and engages in golf chat with him.

We’re excited for him to be old enough to participate in the junior golf program. There are also leagues for men and women, and couples golf nights, which usually have a dinner theme (perfect for date night!) These are all fun ways to enjoy the course in a more social setting.

The Dining and Banquet Experience

The dining experience at the St. Cloud Country Club is unmatched in the St. Cloud area. My husband’s family drives 2 ½ hours from Fargo every year for the Mother’s Day brunch – that’s how good it is. There are weekday specials like a build-your-own pasta bar, burger bar, prime rib night, fish frys during the Lenten season, and a “meet Santa” brunch in December.

We have also participated in some themed dinners, such as a Beaver Island dinner, which included special food selections, each course being paired with Beaver Island Brewing Co. beer. Planning date night is easy for us because we can just look at the events calendar each week and decide what we want to do!

As members, we’re able to rent out the banquet facility for events, which we did for my sister-in-law’s graduation party. The party was a breeze because Paige, Norm, and the rest of the staff were so on the ball. Our food was hot and fresh throughout the entire day, drinks were always full, and everyone who came to the party was thoroughly impressed by the facility, food, and staff.


The St. Cloud Country Club has become on of my favorite places to spend quality time with my family and friends. I was skeptical at first, but I’m so thankful that my husband was able to convince me to check out all that the SCCC has to offer. Come see for yourself – set up a tour of the St. Cloud Country Club today. I’ll wave to you from the pool!

Choosing Wedding Flowers for Summer Weddings

Planning your wedding can bring about enough decisions to make your head spin! Let us help you decide decor with information about wedding flowers that will be in season during your summer wedding.

Choosing wedding flowers that bloom during the month you are marrying reduces cost and ensures your flowers are fresh and fabulous! Here are the beautiful blooms to choose from in June, July, and August.

June Flowers

In early summer, you are a bit limited with choices. Tulips are perfect for an early June wedding, peonies for big bold blooms, and irises for height and elegance. If you prefer wild flowers for a bohemian themed wedding, this is a great list of native species that would work well in a cascading bouquet.

July Flowers

In July, many blooms open each week and there is much beauty to choose from! Roses, lilies, baby’s breath, phlox, orchids, poppies, and other popular wedding flowers are all great bouquet choices! Read about the plethora of July blooming wedding flowers here.

August Flowers

During late summer, wedding blooms include mums, dahlias, zinnias, and carnations. During August many ornamental grasses go to bloom as well which can make for interesting and ethereal wedding decor. A trendy choice for 2018 is sunflowers which are perfect for late summer weddings!


Another great guide to logistics around planning your wedding flowers is theknot.com’s tips and tricks article. Also, when choosing your flowers, it can be symbolic and special to learn the traditional history behind your flowers.

It is also good to keep in mind that St. Cloud Country Club is the perfect venue for your wedding! We will work with your florist to ensure the wedding flowers are all set up as expected and the day goes off without a hitch. To learn more, visit here!

The Top 5 Benefits of Becoming A St. Cloud Country Club Member

You may think you know all there is to do in Saint Cloud, but if you are not a member of the Country Club, you are missing out.

There is so much to do at the Saint Cloud Country Club if you are one of our members! Consider the top 5 benefits of becoming a member:

1. A Pristine Golf Course

The SCCC boasts the best 18-hole golf course in Saint Cloud. As a member, we offer many options for competitive play as well as junior, women's, and men’s leagues. If you are a novice, individual lessons and clinics are available to learn! You will absolutely love the quiet atmosphere and the gorgeous views on SCCC’s pristine golf course.

2. Splash in our Swimming Pool

Summer fun means pool time, but there are limited options in Saint Cloud for a place to dip your feet. As a member of the SCCC, you get access to our large outdoor swimming pool from May 27th through September 4th. If you have a family, this benefit is huge! The pool includes a water slide, kiddie pool, and we also offer swimming lessons. The SCCC also serves meals to order poolside and has ample snack and drink options while you relax.

3. Fun Family Events

As a member of SCCC, you have access to our large gathering space which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This is not just for weddings, think office parties, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, birthdays, and more! You have a venue ready to serve delicious food and do the clean-up for your family events.

4. Scrumptious Food

Speaking of delicious food, our dining experience is excellent. Our chefs use seasonal foods to shape a gourmet menu just for you. The cuisine paired with the gorgeous views of the rolling hills along the Mississippi river make for the perfect mealtime experience. Join us for a date night, a fish fry, a Thursday night pasta bar, or a Sunday brunch. You will not be disappointed!

5. Part of a Community

The best benefit of becoming a member at the Saint Cloud Country Club we saved for last. The community at the SCCC is outstanding! Many members have been a part of the Country Club for decades. Expand your professional network, meet a golf or tennis pro, and build relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.


Consider becoming a member of the Saint Cloud Country Club today! With so much to do and so much to gain, the benefits really outweigh the costs.

Winter Wedding Planning Tips

Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular for many reasons. Many vendors will offer lower prices during the colder seasons. If it’s snowed recently before the wedding or even flurries during the wedding, it makes for perfect photo opportunities. Here are our top tips for planning your winter wedding.

Work with Your Caterer or Venue to Create a Winter-Themed Meal

There’s no need to have a heavy entree; you can still have light, winter-themed meals. Work with your caterer or venue to decide on savory soups and delicate appetizers. Instead of champagne, think about having mulled wine and ciders. At the end of the night, treat your guests to a hot chocolate bar.

Pick Flowers that are in Season

Although you will save money on most vendors for a winter wedding, florists are not one of them. Since the majority of flowers are in season during the spring and summer, the cost of flowers can increase significantly during the winter. If you choose to go with real flowers instead of faux, pick flowers that are in season to help keep costs down.

Create a Cozy Reception

To keep your guests comfortable, provide pillows and throws throughout the reception. Instead of turning on the bright lights, keep your lighting low and use lots of candles. It will help create a romantic environment, and the warmth from the candles will help keep it cozy.

Send your Save the Dates Early

Although it’s not the summer, people may be just as - if not more - busy. If you want a majority of your friends, family, and colleagues to make it to your winter wedding, send your Save the Dates early.

Don’t Get Obsessed with Tracking the Weather

Although you’re less likely to get rain on your wedding day, you will still be obsessed with tracking the weather. You’ll likely check each day before the wedding to ensure a snowstorm doesn’t happen on your perfect day. Plan for bad weather and make your plans early; the weather will come no matter what, so all you can do is let it happen.



St. Cloud Country Club can help you plan a fantastic winter wedding. Contact us today to learn more.

Host Your Holiday Party at the St. Cloud Country Club

Getting ready to plan the same old holiday party for your office? Take it up a notch by choosing the St. Cloud Country Club for your celebration venue. Here are just a few of the reasons you and your holiday guests will love it here!

The Location

Located amidst the rolling hills, tucked away in a quiet part of town, Saint Cloud Country Club is serene and private. Our indoor banquet hall seats 200 and you do not have to be a country club member to host a party. Enjoy Mississippi River views from the outdoor areas and take in the beautiful landscape. Conveniently located only a few miles from I-94 right off Highway 75, the location is also convenient for locals and those joining the party from afar.

The Menu

Our highly-reviewed food will not disappoint your guests, no matter how big the party! We have seasonal menus and customizable options to ensure you are serving food that everyone will enjoy. Leave it to our experienced chefs to cook up some Minnesota Chicken with Northwood's wild rice and mushrooms, offer a pasta buffet, or serve a smoked salmon platter. The best part is that there is no food or beverage minimum for parties. Enjoy and eat without the worry, just the wow.

The Details

Getting the details organized for a holiday party can be stressful. Rest assured that our food and beverage manager, Paige Bremer, will help you out. Paige can help work out all the details of your holiday party and make sure everything falls into place. To reserve a time and find out pricing details, call Paige at (320) 253-1331 ext 102.


The St. Cloud Country Club is the clear choice for this year's holiday party planning. Learn more about our excellent dining choices and holiday party options here. Your guests are looking to let loose and have fun, so celebrate your holiday party with us!