Wedding Planner May 2014

Wedding PLA NNER M AY 2014

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259-2265 • 1019 1st Ave. N.

3 blocks West of the Metra • Hours: Mon 9-6 • tues-sat 9-8

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Please Drink Responsibly

Inside

Top 10 mistakes .................................................. 3 Finding the blooms for your big day ..................... 4 Finding your dream dress .................................... 6 Staying energized throughout your wedding day ..... 8 Honeymoons made easy ....................................... 9 Vendor listings ....................................................10 The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

Wedding Cakes Call C ll fforr a ffree consultation l 1540 13 St. West

245-5138

Billings Hotel & Convention Center

Full Service

hotel offers private venues, custom catering, and newly remodeled sleeping rooms to ensure an evening like no other

Perfection is in the

details

Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Advertiser Index

A-Limo Limousine Service .................................... 10 Big Horn Resort ............................................... 8, 10 Billings Depot .................................................. 3, 10 Billings Hotel & Convention Center .................. 2, 10 Bin 119 ........................................................... 5, 10 CK Style .............................................................. 10 Evergreen IGA.................................................... 2, 5 Gainan’s Flowers ........................................... 11, 12 Hilton Garden Inn ............................................ 4, 11 Magic City Productions ........................................ 11 Montana Liquor ............................................... 2, 11 Moss Mansion.................................................. 5, 11 Rock Creek Resort ............................................... 11 Tiny’s Tavern ....................................................... 11 Total Transportation ............................................ 11 Travel Café ...................................................... 9, 11 Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners ................................. 4, 11

Behind the Scenes Sales & Marketing Director Dave Worstell

Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Section Designer Christine Cleveland

1223 Mullowney Lane | www.billingshotel.net (406) 248-7151 2

Cover photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Top 10 mistakes Courtesy of Patricia Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings 1. Budget Blindness Decide your budget first! Families need to set a clear dollar amount, and how and when funds will be available.

It is key to find the local costs for services; cost for a Billings wedding can be substantially different than other cities. Stick with this budget and keep good records. Don’t overspend and you’ll be less stressed.

2. Getting Stuck on a Date

3. Box Store Photographer Choosing the right photographer is one of your most important decisions!

A heartbreaking mistake is hiring a friend or family member as the photographer because they offered a great deal, only to receive poor quality images. Photos become the most tangible memories you will have. To choose the best photographer, don’t make your final selection based on their website; see one entire wedding to make sure you like their overall style.

4. To-Do List Overloading “Let your guests be your guests.” If a full wedding planner isn’t in your budget, allow yourself the luxury of a Day-Of Coordinator, who will guide the decorating, provide a timeline, answer dozens of questions, and keep the day flowing. It is the best spent money of the entire wedding. The details are taken care of, and your style and overall look remain.

Select a few dates. The key to finding the perfect location is flexibility on the date. Some days of the week offer major benefits or less expensive pricing.

Gather information before you make a decision. Check the Billings365.com website events calendar before securing your date. Major local events will greatly affect room rates, availability, 5. Guest List Woes parking, rentals, dining, and the over- You must create the guest list early, all vibe that weekend. as it will affect almost every facet of

your day, from caterer to photographer, baker to florist. Not knowing this ahead of time will greatly impact your budget. Final guest count must be available to vendors prior to their ordering product – usually 3 weeks.

A good estimate is to expect 70% to attend.

6. W aiting too long to Venue Shop!

bridesmaids’ dresses to the linens, and fresh flower shades vary.

8. N ot Remembering the why!

It’s YOUR Wedding Day!! It’s about the two of you and the beginning of your new life. Have fun and turn your wedding into a true reflection of who you are.

Once you have a budget and guest count, begin researching venues right away. To gather accurate information, do not get info online. Make appointments to tour and take a list of questions. What is and is not included in your rental? Are you required to use onsite food service, or do you have the freedom to choose a caterer? This option could save you thousands of dollars on food alone.

9. Late vendor search

7. Perfectionism!

Outdoor ceremonies are very popular, but you need to have an alternate rain location. And post someone at the venue directing guests to the alternative site, waiting to start the ceremony to allow travel time.

There’s no such thing, especially on a wedding day where there are so many personalities and factors at play.

Brides who rave about their wedding say they just “let go” and let the day flow. Remember, you can’t match your

Book your venue/church first, then book other vendors quickly, but wisely. Vendors book a limited number of weddings per weekend, and for boutique businesses, you are their only event that date. Shop smart, check references, talk with your planner and venue manager, attend bridal events, and ask to see their work.

10, No Plan B?

Voted

“Best Place to Have a Wedding”

Cetrone Studios

406.656.7273 • 2310 Montana Ave. www.billingsdepot.org 3

Find the Blooms Best-Suited For Your Day

Courtesy of Yena Lee BRIDES 365

ment will be put together by hand. In 2012, the average amount spent on florists/décor was just under $2,000, according to TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com’s annual Real Wedding Survey.

Dianne Wagner, a New Yorkbased floral designer and author of “Beautiful Wedding Flowers: 250 Corsages, Bouquets, and Centerpieces” (Hearst, 2011), suggest looking phoDream within your budget It’s best to secure your wedding date, venue and major tos and color swatches for inspiration.

Plan to meet potential florists about vendors (photographer, catering, entertainment) before six to nine months out of your wedding booking your florist — this way you’ll have a better idea date. of how much budget you have to work with and some Once you have an idea of the approach, insight into what type of ambience you want your flowers color palette and price-range you want, meet and décor to create for your wedding. with a couple florists who seem like a good fit A good rule of thumb is that flowers will make up before making your choice. around 10 percent of your wedding budget, give or take.

How far that budget goes, though, depends a great deal on the size and scope of your wedding. There are bouThink local quets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the Most floral experts agree that using in-season groom and groomsmen (plus flowers for special guests (and, if possible, local) blooms is the way to go. Not like parents and grandparents), for example, and a cenonly will they be more affordable, as they’re not terpiece for each table at the reception. The cost per each traveling across the country (or further!), but they’ll be will vary on seasonality on intricacy, as each arrangebest suited to a wedding’s seasonal aesthetic.

Let us help make this special day a success.

Hilton Garden Inn® knows the value of your special event and we can help make it a successful one! From our fabulous food presentations, elegant venue and rooms for your guests, let us take care of the details.

We offer 128 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, over 4,000 sq. ft. of event space including a 2,400 sq. ft. ballroom accommodating up to 200 guests. Banquet, catering, and meeting services are all on site.

Call the hotel direct at 406-655-8800 for your private showing or to make reservations call 1-877-STAY-HGI, and online.

Hilton Garden Inn Billings 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 406-655-8800 • 1-877-STAY-HGI www.billings.hgi.com

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117 N. 30th • 245-3760 • www.wetzelscleaners.com ©2013 HILTON WORLDWIDE

Weekdays 7:30-6 • Saturdays 8:30-1

Content That Works

Today there is no shortage on wedding inspiration.

From glossy magazines to wedding websites and social media, it’s easy to get swept away by a flood of floral inspirations for your wedding.

But as each bride’s wedding theme — and budget — is different, there is no one-size-fits-all flower.

Before getting buried in bouquet ideas, check out these tips to get specific inspirations for your wedding flowers.

Here, Wagner suggests suitable flowers for each of three popular wedding styles:

Private Dining Room Available for:

Modern “If you have always dreamed of a formal-style wedding, use monochromatic flowers and minimal foliage,” Wagner says.

Sculptural flowers like calla lilies and orchids are available in all seasons in a wide variety of colors from pure white to pastels and rich burgundy.

Corporate Dinner Meetings Private Luncheons Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions Open O n Mon-Sat M S @ 11 • Sun @ 10am (Brunch 10am-2pm/Dinner 2PM-Close)

Our downtown restaurant provides the highest quality seasonal dishes with a first-class wine & beer selection. The dining ambiance is pleasantly casual and intimate, with seating available in a charming interior setting or romantic garden patio.

119 N. Broadway • 294.9119 • www.Bin119.net

Flowers for All Occasions Plan your wedding day with us.

Call for your free consultation.

Elegant To achieve a lush, romantic wedding, full soft flowers like garden roses and hydrangea with hyacinth are perfect for a spring wedding. Wagner recommends peonies in the summer, dahlias in the fall, anemones and ranunculus in the winter.

Brides always crave peonies, but they can be pricey. Big-headed roses, such as an esperance pink rose, can be an affordable substitute, adds Susan Kass, owner of A Fantasy in Flowers in St. Augustine, Fla.

American Bistro & Wine Bar

Telefloral Service 1-800-378-5138

1540 13 St. West Located in Evergreen IGA

245-5138

www.evergreenigafloral.com

Moss Mansion

Rustic With an organic, rustic theme that is on trend, colorful flowers with abundant seasonal foliage and special seasonal accents will be perfect selection. Consider pussy willow or flowering branches in spring, berried ivy and bittersweet in the fall, berries in the summer and pinecones and juniper in the winter.

Keep your venue in mind The venue or ceremony location also is critical factor in deciding on the overall look of your décor, says Kass. If the ceremony is taking place in an ornately decorated church or temple there might not be a need for many flowers as there is already so much built-in elegance.

Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with a beautiful floral arch or column arrangements that add rather than detract from the natural beauty.

406.256.5100

www.mossmansion.com 5

How to stay energized throughout your wedding day Courtesy of Metro Services A couple’s wedding day is the culmination of months and months of planning. For most, it is one of the most memorable, magical days of their lives, fi lled with fond moments of time spent with close friends and family.

As enjoyable as a wedding can be, most brides and grooms who have already tied the knot can attest that a wedding is a long, often tiring day. It is very easy for energy levels to wane.

To ensure you have enough energy to last through to the fi nal good-bye of the evening, follow these suggestions to remain energized.

Weddings take up the entire day, and it can be easy to succumb to a lack of energy as the day progresses.

But by heeding a few tips, it’s possible to remain in top form throughout the entire wedding day.

Recognize your wedding day is a very long day It’s possible to rise quite early in the morning to begin prepping with makeup, hair styles, wardrobe and more. If the party is an evening reception, it could last until the wee hours of the morning.

You may fi nd yourself up for nearly 24 hours, when the cameras will be flashing and the video rolling throughout. Naturally, you’ll want to look your best throughout.

Get a good night’s sleep Get to bed early the night before so you will get ample sleep and look rested. It is understandable that nerves and excitement may get the best of you and make it difficult to fall asleep. If you often grow anxious and struggle to fall asleep before big events, talk to your doctor prior to the wedding to ask if you can be prescribed a onetime-only sleeping pill that will ensure you get to sleep promptly.

Do not take this medication with alcohol, and be sure to take it only if you can get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Otherwise you may experience medicine hangover.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast At breakfast on the morning of your wedding, consume a combination of carbohydrates and protein. The carbs will provide the initial burst of energy you need to get going, and the protein will keep you feeling full. A combination of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt makes for a fi lling start to the day.

Stay hydrated Although drinking a lot of water can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom -- which can be cumbersome for brides wearing their gowns -- it is essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can result in headaches, weakness and dizziness and may make you feel cranky. Be sure to consume water throughout the day.

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Pack some snacks The time between breakfast and the cocktail hour of a wedding may be significant. In your wedding “survival” kit, be sure to pack some easy snacks to eat. Trail mix can be nibbled for a boost of energy, and a banana can take the edge off of hunger pangs. Avoid anything messy that can drip onto clothing or get stuck in your teeth.

Arrange to have snacks stowed in the limousine or another mode of transportation so that you can refuel on the way to the ceremony or in transit to the reception.

Don’t overdo it with caffeine It may be tempting to lean on an energy drink or a super-size cup of coffee to give you the boost you need. But caffeine is only a temporary fi x. After the effects of the caffeine wear off, you could fi nd yourself more tired than before and crash at an inopportune time during the day. Instead, a brisk walk outdoors may recharge your batteries. Afterward, time spent on the dance floor enjoying the reception will likely stimulate some adrenaline to keep you going.

Eat dinner When family is beckoning and the photographer needs to get yet another pose, it is easy to skip dinner. Be fi rm with your decision to enjoy your meal. After all, you paid for it and it should not go to waste. Besides, sitting down to dinner enables you to rest and absorb the atmosphere of the wedding.

Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the night Alcoholic beverages may be flowing, but too many spirits can compromise your energy levels.

Be sure to balance the booze with hydrating fluids, such as water or juice.

Honeymoons made easy

Courtesy of Billie J. Ruff, CTC, CTE, ACCCEO Travel Café – Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls and Missoula Planning a honeymoon can often become an afterthought to wedding preparation. All-inclusive resorts offer a great solution to planning a memorable honeymoon without having to worry about all the details of your stay. Pioneered more than 40 years ago, all-inclusive resorts have dramatically evolved to incorporate many beautiful, expansive properties that cater to all types of vacationers.

If relaxing on a beautiful beach while enjoying impeccable service is of the highest order, an all-inclusive resort is an ideal and affordable vacation.

All-inclusive resorts bundle lodging and all the amenities for a worry-free vacation. Once you arrive, all of your transfers, meals, alcohol, tips, taxes and non-motorized water sports are included in most all-inclusive resorts.

What’s New in All-Inclusive Romance?

Choosing the right destination for your rendezvous is just as important as picking the resort that best suits you. All-inclusive resorts have become so popular because of their high level of service and the ease of travel. Prioritizing what is most important to you will help narrow down the resorts.

Sandals resorts are the most familiar all-inclusive resorts, especially for destination weddings and honeymoons. Couples have the choice between 15 Caribbean resorts on six islands; Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Antiqua, Barbados, and the newly opened Grenada property. Every Sandals resorts is situated directly on white sandy beaches with exquisite sapphire waters and stunning sunsets to enjoy the most romantic honeymoon. Couples have the choice to choose their accommodation level that best suits their expectations and budget, from luxury rooms to butler services, there is something for everyone.

St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain now offers an all-inclusive escape for lovers called the “Total Romance” package.

Clients who book this package for a minimum of five nights will receive one night free in categories Sky, Star and Moon. This offer is valid currently through 2014. It includes all taxes and services, airport transfers both ways, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, beverages, off-property excursions, resort activities, a bottle of champagne, one-hour massage for two, half-day Jungle Biking tour, two resort t-shirts, a half-day sailing on skippered resort yacht Serenity, and an anniversary certificate of $500 to be used on a return visit. Now, that is an all-inclusive offer!

Remember – these are just samples of destinations – there are many more to consider, based on your desires and preferences.

Plan Ahead (and we mean it!)

Planning ahead means everything for couples wanting to experience an unforgettable honeymoon, so be ready to start planning at least eight months in advance of your selected honeymoon dates. These timeframes will yield plenty of choices and options.

Remember that your local travel professional is your best source for helping you plan and book a vacation, particularly when it comes to your honeymoon. It’s important to know that not all resorts are created equal, and the differences between them can be many.

Because there is such a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts, choosing just the right one can be overwhelming for couples. That’s where an experienced travel agent who specializes in all-inclusive resorts can really help couples narrow down their options and fi nd the perfect match for the type of vacation experience they are searching for.

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Vendor listings

Venues, catering, accommodations & more A-LIMO LIMOUSINE SERVICE 405 N. 12th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 252-2536 or (800) 694-3168 Helping the Billings and surrounding areas make their occasions special for more than 20 years. We pride ourselves in giving our clients fi rst class treatment. If you have a special request, we try to do whatever we can to make that perfect moment happen.

Call us today! We’ll make you feel like a STAR! Voted Billings Gazette Readers’ Choice Winner 2013!

BIG HORN RESORT

FREE Bridal Packet

When you place your engagement announcement in The Billings Gazette.

To place your engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement in The Billings Gazette, call (406) 657-1241.

Available at The Billings Gazette Customer Service Center 401 North Broadway

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1801 Majestic Lane, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 839-9300 or (877) 955-8999 thebighornresort.com The Big Horn Resort is a full-service hotel in Billings, MT with a uniquely modern, luxurious & comfortable setting. Our expert staff provides fi rst class attention for your very perfect special day. Our consultants work with you to create your vision and ensure the comfort of your guests. We can accommodate groups of up to 500 people and offer a separate entrance for your event. We provide plenty of parking & easy access. Call today for your free consult! Our amenities include: options for indoor or outdoor weddings, private reception facilities, 102” LCD screen projector & wireless microphone, catering options, customized menus, in-house full service bar, banquet facilities, place settings & linens, ballroom, guest rooms, airport shuttle, indoor water park/family entertainment.

THE BILLINGS DEPOT 2310 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-7273 - billingsdepot.org With its soaring ceilings, high arched windows and roman columns, the historic Billings Depot is an elegant event center specializing in providing the perfect space for your special

event. New services include wedding planning, rental of linens and décor, in-house full bar service, guest transportation, and a new outdoor courtyard area created especially for weddings.

BILLINGS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7151 - billingshotel.net The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is a full service, newly renovated facility with 236 rooms and suites. In addition to our on-site restaurant, lounge and casino, we offer over 25,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, specializing in groups of 10 to 1,400 people. We also have a ballroom and beautiful court yard for your special day.

BIN 119 119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net Bin 119 provides a casual fi ne dining atmosphere with American bistro and regionally influenced cuisine. We serve lunch and dinner daily as well as a brunch menu every Sunday. The menu offers a great variety of tapas, steaks, seafood, paninis, burgers and desserts. We have an amazing wine list as well as quality beer and ales.

Patio and banquet room available.

CK STYLE & MAKE-UP Catherine Keas 105 E. Main St., Laurel, MT 59044 (406) 694-2851 facebook.com/CkStyleMakeUp CK Style offers traveling hair and make-up services for your entire bridal party on your special day. You can also come and see me at Elite Salon for all your cosmetic needs, from hair colors and cuts to eyelash extensions and waxing!

Vendor listings

Venues, catering, accommodations & more GAINAN’S FLOWERS

MOSS MANSION

502 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 245-6434 - gainans.com No dream is too big. From mountains to masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers 60 years of experience to make your wedding vision a reality.

Our experienced consultants welcome the privilege of assisting you in planning the day of your dreams. We specialize in destination weddings including Billings, Big Sky, Red Lodge, Flathead Lake, Moonlight Basin and Northern Wyoming.

914 Division St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 256-5100 - mossmansion.com Explore a historic local treasure in downtown Billings. The Moss Mansion Historic House Museum brings 1903 history to life, showcasing original furniture and artifacts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this local treasure is a source of inspiration and education for all. Visit www.mossmansion.com for seasonal tour hours.

HILTON GARDEN INN BILLINGS 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 655-8800 - billings.hgi.com We offer exceptional wedding reception facilities, bridal party rooms, guest accommodations, concierge services, hotel banquet hall and more. Hotel features: restaurant, bar/ lounge, room service, indoor pool, spa tub, fitness facility, high speed internet access, airport shuttle and laundry facilities.

drawn carriages, limousines from Hummers to Cadillac Escalades to Lincoln limo stretches. In 2006, we were awarded one of the top ten services in the nation.

make sure your honeymoon exceeds your expectations at the best possible value. Wherever you are, 24/7, you’ll know someone is standing by to take care of your every need.

TRAVEL CAFÉ

WETZEL’S QUALITY CLEANERS

313 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-0999 or (888) 404-0999 travelcafeonline.com jenniferk@travelcafeonline.com Travel Café offers the unique service of a Bridal Registry to help today’s engaged couples make their Honeymoon Dreams Reality! With a Travel Café ROCK CREEK RESORT 5 miles South of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 Travel Advocate by your side, you’ll spend your honeymoon immersed in Red Lodge, Montana 59068 new sites, cultures and adventures 1 (800) 667-1119 or (406) 446-1111 www.rockcreekresort.com/weddings.asp without a care in the world. Your AdChoose from our indoor facility which vocate draws on the hundreds of years of Travel Café staff experience and faces out toward Rock Creek, or our utilizes worldwide travel alliances to many outdoor locations. We can accommodate parties from 25 to 300 guests. Our on-property executive chef will help you select the perfect meal, and we offer a romantic honeymoon cabin. See our website for pictures and information.

117 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 545-0794 Welcome to Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners, serving the dry cleaning needs of Billings and eastern Montana for more than 97 years. You can trust us with your precious items. We are certified Master Dry Cleaners and specialize in many areas, including wedding gown preservation. Mail order services are also available.

Premier Wedding Destination

MAGIC CITY PRODUCTIONS TINY’S TAVERN CATERING Billings, MT (406) 671-6499 daveaustin@magiccityproductions.com At Magic City Productions, our goal is to provide you, your family, your business, and your friends with the bets in entertainment. If you’re needing a DJ to help plan and coordinate your wedding reception, please give us a call.

MONTANA LIQUOR, INC. 1019 1st Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-2265 We can do special orders for your special day no matter how large or small.

Large selection and low prices with great customer service to help you make your special day just what you imagined it would be!

323 North 24th, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-0828 or (406) 259-1625 www.tinystavern.com Twenty five years of catering and winner of Readers’ Choice Best Caterer 2011. But it’s not about us, it’s about you. We work with all budgets. Check us out at www.tinystavern.com. We also do bar setups. If we cater your wedding, we give a discount for bar setup fee.

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION (406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 www.mttotaltransportation.com Total Transportation has been in service for 33 years. Limo & Carriage Company and Billings Trolley & Bus Company. We do 95% of the weddings in the surrounding areas of Montana and Wyoming. We offer elegant horse

• Indoor/Outdoor facilities • Spectacular Creek Side Mountain Location • Year Round • On-Site Wedding Coordinator • Full Service • Lodging & Dining 5 mi. south of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 406-237-9844 • 1-800-667-1119

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Montana’s Premier Wedding Florist Gift Registry

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From classic to contemporary, Western to whimsical, Gainan's offers over 60 years of experience to help make your wedding vision a reality.

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We specialize in destination weddings including: W t Billings

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Basin Lake tNorthern Wyoming

S SPECIAL OFFER: $50 toward the bride’s bouquet if y your total order is $500 or more.

SPECIAL OFFER: 10% of gift registry sales returned eturned tto the bride & groom as a gift card.

Call ttoday for your personal floral consultation!

PHOTOS BY:

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(406) 238-3161