Wedding Planner May 2015

May 2015

Make your dreams a reality

Advertiser Index

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Billings Depot..................................................3, 10 Billings Hotel & Convention Center..........5, 10 Bin 119.................................................................2, 10 Gainan's Flowers...............................................10,12 Hilton Garden Inn............................................9, 10 Montana Liquor................................................2, 10 Moss Mansion........................................................10 Oasis Spa............................................................10, 11 Rock Creek Resort.............................................8, 11 Red Lodge Mountain Resort............................11 Total Transportation.........................................................11 Wetzel's Quality Cleaners.................................10, 11

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Here’s some good news: Thanks to the modern miracles of roommates, living at home with their parents and being students, and the low expenses that come with those territories, 18- to 30-year-olds are more likely to have up to five months’ living expenses saved up compared to folks ages 30 to 49, according to a Bankrate.com report. The bad news, perhaps, for these folks who are prime marrying age is that they likely may tap some of those savings to pay for their wedding.

Inside

Make your dreams a reality...................................................2 Top 10 mistakes...............................................................................3 Find the perfect place for you............................4 Spread the word: A wedding is coming.............................5 Arrange a floral plan that will make you smile...........6 Say ‘yes’ to having a blast shopping for the dress............7 Plan a menu sure to please all your guests............8 Find the right tunes to get you moving.........................8 Give them layers and layers of sweetness............9 Vendor Listings.......................................................................10, 11

According to the 2014 American Wedding Study from Brides magazine, couples spend $28,000 on average for their wedding, one of the highest totals over the past two decades. Among the study’s findings: The reception accounts for 43 percent of wedding costs, with an average price tag of $12,343.

Behind the Scenes

To establish your magic budget number, look at your designated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and what of your regular income you can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging your day-to-day budget (including savings).

When you’ve come up with your number, plug it in a budget formula to see how much you have to spend in each area of your wedding. Follow these estimates to get started. Remember, the figures are just estimates, so adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s needs:

Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Foley Section Designer Kara Peterson

Since some items were more expansive than expected, 79 percent rework the budget.

• 10% Wedding Attire

To save for the wedding they want, 62 percent of couples say they are willing to have a longer engagement.

• 5% Stationery

Cover photo courtesy of Jupiterimages

The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections

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S for a s n o i s a c c O l a i Spec rices • Lar

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

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Get Budgeting

Outside of the reception, the largest chunks of money are going to engagement rings ($5,002), photography and video ($3,378), music ($1,297) and wedding rings ($1,727).

General Manager Dave Worstell

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Of course, these figures just are the results of large national survey; they’re not spending goals. Today’s couples are more mindful of what they put into their weddings, using savings and on-hand cash – not going into debt – to pay for their events. They’re cautious on how they deploy their dollars. In short, they want to be sure that they and their guests get the most out of what they spend.

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• 50% Reception • 10% Music • 10% Flowers/Décor • 10% Photo/Video • 5% Miscellaneous

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Top 10 mistakes Box Store Photographer

Courtesy of Patricia Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings

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 Budget Blindness Decide your budget first! Families need to set a clear dollar a great deal, only to receive poor quality images. Photos become the most tangible memories you will have. To choose amount, and how and when funds will be available. It is key the best photographer, don’t make your final selection based to find the local costs for services; cost for a Billings wedding on their website; see one entire wedding to make sure you can be substantially different than other cities. Stick with this like their overall style. budget and keep good records. Don’t overspend and you’ll be less stressed.

Misunderstanding how venues are priced Many couples will call around to find out the venue rental Guest List Woes fees, only to find out later that rental amount is only a fraction You must create the guest list early, as it will affect almost of the real cost. A venue’s full cost is the rental, plus food, every facet of your day, from caterer to photographer, baker bar service, along with any other miscellaneous charges that to florist. Not knowing this ahead of time will greatly impact are unique to that venue, such as cake cutting fees, setup/ your budget. Final guest count must be available to vendors teardown fees, linens, etc. To get any true sense of the price, prior to their ordering product – usually 3 weeks. A good schedule a consultation. estimate is to expect 70% to attend.

Getting Stuck on a Date

Waiting too long to Venue Shop!

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, parking, rentals, dining, and the overall vibe that weekend.

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.

Perfectionism!

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

Not 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.

Late vendor search

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.

No Plan B?

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.

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“B est Wedding Venue”

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Find the perfect place for you

By Carley Lintz CTW Features Traditional churches, rustic barns, urban warehouses, scenic gardens or ornate ballrooms – just about anywhere can be your perfect wedding venue. But with so many choices available to the modern bride, how do you choose?

Have a vision

Before you begin visiting venues, you should have a clear idea of the theme or overall style of your wedding. Ask yourself: “When I imagine my wedding and reception, what do I see?”

You can create an inspiration board using tools like Pinterest – 54 percent of brides use Pinterest to communicate their wedding-day vision to planners and vendors according to 2014 American Wedding Study from Brides magazine. What you pin will help guide the way toward the right space for your wedding.

“If they’re visualizing candlelight and twinkly lights and champagne flutes, then I know it’s going to be a more laid back, romantic, nighttime wedding,” says Carolyn Miller, owner of Creative Celebrations in Portland, Oregon. “On the other hand if they’re seeing bright colors and outdoors and all kinds of activity, then that’s a whole different vision for the day.”

“When you look at a picture, you don’t feel heat, you “Some couples have a misconception that every venue don’t feel cold, you don’t smell smells, you don’t hear noise, that they look at is going to provide everything they need,” says Brandon Rich, a wedding planner and venue coordinator all you see is the pretty picture,” Rich says. in Nashville. “Some venues are an empty box where you’ve All of these factors can affect your wedding and turn a basically rented a floor, walls and a ceiling, and that’s it.” perfect location into a nightmare, so make sure to visit the venue and have back up plans in place.

Consider any extra rentals (tables, chairs, etc.) a site will require and plug it into the budget. Also take note of logistical concerns like parking and restrooms – are there enough for the number of attending guests? The simpler the space, the more customizable it is to fit your personality and vision. However this can also add to décor costs and may make the logistics challenging.

Outdoor venues

Wedding locations in picturesque fields or on the beach are beautiful but also come with a unique set of difficulties. Outdoor settings aren’t traditional facilities, so every part of the wedding has to be manually brought in.

“Every glass, every table, every piece of ice, all the food, all the beverages, everything – it’s like camping for 250 people,” says Miller of outdoor weddings.

You also should note the added expense of people to help with set up and tear down.

You don’t have to have every detail set in stone before venue hunting, but having a broad idea of the style will be help you and your planner to narrow down the candidates to Another factor to consider with find the perfect match. open-air locales is the surrounding atmosphere. Is it noisy? Does it smell?

When to start What is the contingency plan for inclemIt’s not unusual for popular locations to book up a year (or more) in advance, so the sooner you start the better your ent weather? chances of finding and securing your perfect place. The venue selection truly sets the foundation for your wedding and can determine everything from the date to vendor selection to guest count. Miller recommends being as flexible as possible when it comes to dates, letting the venue dictate the day rather than the other way around.

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Know the costs

As expected, the venue takes up a major part of the budget – couples spent an average of $13,385 on reception hall according to TheKnot.com’s 2013 Real Weddings Survey.

A multitude of factors can contribute to the price tag, including any required in-house vendors. Some venues require the use of a particular caterer or wedding planner, while others come with hidden costs like extra cake cutting fees or have a required food/drink minimum (if catering is included).

Just make sure to go over your venue contract carefully and ask plenty of questions to know what is and isn’t included.

Logistics

Sure the venue has the right look and the right price, but does it provide all the other elements to host a large group of people?

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Spread the word: A wedding is coming!

By Timothy R. Schulte CTW Features Stationery is your guests’ first impression of your wedding, so you want to make sure it’s fun, grabs their attention and gets them excited about your big day.

You can look at your stationery in three parts: the save-the-date, the wedding invitation and enclosures, and the day-of pieces. Whether you’re getting your stationery professionally designed or going the DIY route and designing and printing them yourself, you’re going to need to visit a stationery shop to get your hands on some paper and check out design styles.

Typically, expect to spend around 5 percent of your budget on your stationery, including postage, but adjust as necessary.

Save-the-date

As soon as you have your wedding date set in stone – the venue is booked – you should send out a save-the-date. It doesn’t matter if it’s a year out from the wedding or nine months out or seven – the point is you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules ASAP. You don’t need to go overboard on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, reception and accommodations, include the URL. And, of course, you can mention that a formal invitation will follow.

Invitations and enclosures

Let’s get this out of the way right now: Do not include registry information on the invitation. You’re inviting your friends and family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not inviting them to bring you gifts! (You can list registry info on your wedding website.)

The actual wedding invite is where you officially invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wedding. For some more creative ideas for wording your invites (and a quick primer on the basics), visit offbeatbride.com and search “wedding invitation wording.�

The RSVP card (self-addressed and stamped) is where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated dinner, mark their dinner selection (see sidebar). List a date in which you’d appreciate their reply by, usually four weeks before the wedding date.

As mentioned, you might have all the pertinent info on your wedding website, but you’ll want to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for your reception and accommodations.

Day-of items

The invitation might be the main attraction, but there are still some paper pieces you need for the big day: • Programs: If you’re having a ceremony in a house of worship, this will list info for the officiant, readings, the wedding party, etc. • Table numbers/names • Escort cards and Place cards: Escort cards tell the guest which table they are at. Place cards show them where at the table they are sitting. • Menus: An outline of dinner, set with their place card, is a nice touch. • Thank-yous: If you want to get a jump on showing your gratitude, it can be worthwhile to invest in stationery with your newly married name.

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Arrange a floral plan that will make you smile Connect with your florist

By Cathy Cassata CTW Features You’ve set the date, selected a venue, maybe even booked your band. Now, it’s time to choose flowers that will add the perfect finishing touch to your special day. Not a flower connoisseur? Don’t fret, you’re not alone.

“Flowers are new territory for many brides, and the process can be intimidating,” says floral designer Jennifer Morris, owner of J. Morris Flowers in Leesburg, Virginia. “Even if you’ve ordered a floral arrangement or two in the past, you probably haven’t bought large quantities like you will for your wedding. Remember, the whole process of planning your wedding should be fun, and when it comes to flowers, there’s really no wrong way to go.”

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Smile your way through your flower picking endeavors with the following tips.

Of course every bride wants a florist who knows flowers, but Morris says also look for a florist who’s willing to know you. “Besides walking you through the process and helping you find what you like and want, a good floral designer should really listen to you, ask you about yourself and the groom, and most importantly show passion and enthusiasm for finding the right flowers for you,” Morris says. “You should leave your florist saying ‘That was fun. She really got what I was looking for.’”

One way to find a good fit is to look at potential florists’ websites to get a sense of their style, says Virginia Wolff, a floral designer in Chicago. “Seems kind of obvious, but although I’m confident I can do any style a bride asks for, if you look at my site, you get a feel for what your flowers will be like even with your particular taste. Most likely the florist will add a touch of her or his style to your flowers, so be sure you like it.”

Research those blooms

There’s nothing like a surprising price tag to take the fun out of planning, says Morris, who suggests looking into the cost of flowers before allotting a budget.

“Ten percent is still probably right on for what you’ll spend on flowers, and with the national average for a wedding costing around $27,000 or $28,000, it’s likely you’ll spend a few thousand dollars on your flowers,” she says.

“It’ll be more fun when you meet with your florist if you have somewhat of an idea of what flowers you can afford so you’re not overwhelmed with cost and options on the spot.”

It’s no news that Pinterest can provide a frenzy of wedding flowers at which to gaze, but Wolff says that in addition to pinning blooms you like, pin ones you don’t like. “I had a bride come in recently who told me she was very minimalist,

so I showed her pictures of arrangements I thought she wouldn’t like. Right away she felt comfortable, and we were able to move on.”

Take a floral field trip

Sometimes you just have to see and feel your flowers to embrace them, says Morris, who suggests visiting your nearest floral wholesaler, if possible. “These aren’t your ordinary grocery store flowers. You’ll find flowers you’ve never heard of in all kinds of colors and sizes, and they’re usually labeled, so browse around, gather some up, take photos and send them to your florist,” she says. “It’s great to look at pictures online or in books, but flowers are most powerful in person.”

Ask for a showing

For couples who want to see their vision come to life, Morris makes a sample of the bride’s bouquet at half its full size, as well as a sample center piece. “I take it a step further by bringing together their table cloth, china, stemware, flatware and special chairs, along with the samples so they can see how it all comes together,” Morris says.

“It’s really a fun thing and ensures that the bride and groom are happy with everything.”

Break bloom tradition

Give your guests a break from table décor by drawing their attention to the ceiling. “Some couples put a majority of their décor budget into the ceiling so that guests are wowed as soon as they walk into the venue,” Lopez says. Besides chandeliers, try hanging lanterns, fabric designs, glass globes, frames or flowers, she says.

Viewing your flowers as an accent to a more impactful piece is another way to enjoy them. “The flower girl and ring bearer can add so much charm to a wedding, but recently a bride told me that she was having her two grandmothers be the flower girls, and that they would throw petals down the aisle. I thought that was so clever,” Wolff says.

Another client of Wolff’s asked her to create floral accents for a 6 foot in diameter open hoop that stood 8 feet tall with floor-length ribbons attached all around it. “Instead of place cards, the bride put guests’ names and table numbers on the ribbons, so when people walked through the hoop, they looked for their name,” Wolff says. “The guests had a blast doing this.”

Morris recalls a bride who created her center pieces by stacking old fashioned vintage cameras on top of travel books. “She didn’t want flowers to overshadow her overall theme, so we just created them as accents to her theme on each table, and it really worked,” Morris says.

Now that you’ve got some ideas for a fun-filled flower picking experience, you’re sure to cross one more thing off your to-do list in no time.

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George Doyle

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Say ‘yes’ to having a blast shopping for the dress 5. Silence your inner critic

Start the dress search early – six to nine months ahead of the wedding day, if you can – so you’re not stressed out with last-minute shipping and alterations. Bridal salon appointments typically last from about an hour to 90 minutes, so block out enough time to talk to consultants, take measurements and try on plenty of styles. “It’s always fun to look and try on, but keep in mind you do need to make a decision eventually,” says Ramona Southard, owner of Love and Lace Bridal in Irvine, California.

Remember that voice you sometimes hear as you’re trying on swimsuits or jeans? The right dress will make you feel gorgeous and glowing, not focused on your hips or your tummy. “If you’re feeling those things, maybe it’s not the right dress for you, and eventually you will find the right dress. Don’t convince yourself that’s the right one,” Glantz says. Though if the negative feelings persist, “voice those opinions and work through them through the fitting process,” Janks says. “Even if nobody else is seeing it, if you’re feeling that it’s important. You need to feel comfortable on the day.”

2. Go with an open mind

6. Add finishing touches

1. Give yourself time

Before the appointment, look at dresses in bridal magazines and websites, and on social media like Pinterest, to see what might suit your style, but remember that dresses may look entirely different once you actually put them on. “You might have an idea of what you want for the day, but you might end up with a completely different dress because it looks fantastic on you,” says Sydney, Australiabased designer Sarah Janks of Sarah Janks Bridal, whose dresses are available in about 18 U.S. stores nationwide.

Adds Southard: “In the end, it’s what suits you and what suits your body type. Be open to our expertise and let us guide you to what looks good.”

Images

Your wedding dress should make you look stunning.

What it should not do is stress you out. Follow these tips for having a fun, carefree time finding your gown.

a neat chignon (rather than a messy bun), and a touch of mascara and lip gloss. “Look as best as you can, so you can get a good picture of how you’ll look on the wedding day,” Glantz says.

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By Brooke Showell CTW Features

Want to really look and feel like a bride? Complete the potential winning look with accessories like a headpiece or veil. “Ask to try on any jewelry they have that’s similar to the style you want to help recreate the picture you have in your head for the day,” Janks says. Some shops will let you take photos, while others may not permit it, so always ask beforehand.

7. Don’t get overwhelmed

You found a dress you absolutely love – maybe. Some brides are able to make a decision on the spot, but don’t An entire entourage probably isn’t the best stratget stressed out if you’re not entirely egy. “Everybody likes to have their experience be small, ready to commit just yet. “We suggest intimate and personal, so when you bring in a group of you take time, grab some coffee to 10 people, it takes away from that,” Southard says. “Bring people who mean something to you – your mom, your sis- get out of the environment or sleep ter, your close friends – but don’t turn it into a party. Bridal on it. If you still can’t get the gown shopping should be about you finding a dress. “Stick dress out of your mind, make a to a small group of two or three companions whose opin- follow-up appointment,” Southard says. Just remember, you don’t need ions you trust. You want to bring people who tell you the honest truth, or someone who is calming,” adds New York to see every dress – Janks recomCity-based “professional bridesmaid” Jen Glantz, founder mends about five to 10 to get a good of Bridesmaid for Hire. “We all have those friends who tell picture. And most important, she adds: us we look great in everything we wear; those are people “Stop looking once you get dress.”

I’d bring to the second dress fitting.”

3. Choose the right shopping buddies

Slipping into glamorous gowns will be so much more enjoyable if you really feel the part of a beautiful bride.

Wear nice-quality nude underwear (a bright purple thong won’t exactly give the lines you’re looking for) and a good strapless bra. “You’ll get so much better of an idea of what you will look like with good foundation,” Janks says.

Also, consider taking it up a notch in the hair and makeup department, whether it’s wearing long and loose waves or

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4. Dress for success

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Find the right tunes to Plan a menu sure to please all your guests get you moving!

By Jill Jaracz CTW Features

However, if you take pictures before the ceremony, you can go straight from the ceremony to dinner.

The biggest event of your lifetime deserves the party of a lifetime. After your family and friends have seen you get hitched, the wedding meal takes center stage. If you’ve been wise with your catering choices, the food will keep everyone in a celebratory mood.

Know how formal of a feel you want, Cousins says. A sit-down, plated dinner is more formal than a buffet. A family-style service is more casual and encourages conversation at the table. While buffets were thought to be a cheaper option than a sit-down dinner, it’s not always the case, Cousins says.

CTW Features You don’t plan a wedding without making a few concessions. Perhaps it’s cutting your guest list to fit into your top-choice venue, or opting for a smaller bar package in order to keep the drinks flowing all evening.

But at the end of the day, you’re going to remember the fun you had at your wedding and not a few minor details. Entertainment, however, is one area where you don’t want to make any concessions.

Your DJ will be the arbiter of your party, singlehandedly making the decisions that bring out the craziest, funniest and romantic best in you and your guests at your reception.

You want to ensure a night of great music and great memories. So, as with all vendors, ask the right questions and make sure you are a good match before you commit. Here are some things to keep in mind when meeting with your potential wedding entertainment.

The first impression

When you walk into the office, are you at an office or at someone’s home? How do you feel? Is the meeting friendly or transactional? Do they take the time to get to know you and your fiancé as a couple or just dive into the package options? Do they ask about your music tastes? The difference between feeling like a client and feeling like another customer is important, and it may be indicative of the service you’ll be provided.

The playlist

The DJ may have all the songs you want to hear in his catalog, but how are you going to convey that to him? Is there an online song-management system?

Forms to fill out? What is the deadline to have your requests submitted? If desired songs are not available, will the DJ obtain them?

“Food helps to tell a story,” says Alicia Caldecott, principal of A Day in May event planning and design in Traverse City, Michigan. “It also helps to create an environment.”

When you’re choosing the food that will tell the story of your relationship, the first thing to keep in mind is how much you can spend. The cost of food and beverages takes up about 30 percent of your budget, says Michelle Cousins, owner of Michelle Leo Designs in Salt Lake City. According to a survey of wedding expenses from The Knot, the average couple spent $66 per guest on catering in 2013.

With so much at stake, it pays to find the right caterer for your event. “There are so many little things you’ve got to think of that day, you don’t need to worry about food,” says Alexa Lemley, chef at Artisan Foodworks in Columbus, Indiana.

If you don’t have a particular caterer in mind, research local vendors and get suggestions from friends who have recently gotten married. “I’m kind of like a [catering] matchmaker,” says Cousins, a wedding planner. “We talk a lot about the guest experience and what experience [you] want to provide for guests.”

A good planner will talk about the type of food you like and don’t like, as well as your budget and the day’s schedule. If you’re taking pictures after the wedding, a cocktail hour is a pretty standard way to entertain guests while you’re busy with the photographer, Cousins says.

The equipment

Take a listening test. Ask what grade of speakers and subwoofers they have and if they have backups, if need be. See how their DJ system works for queuing up songs, fading them in and out and changing the song.

Be sure to review all sound package options – including the services, number of hours, prices and payment schedule. When you’ve found the service that meets your needs, like every vendor, be sure to sign the contract and get a copy. All that’s left to do is dance.

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The package and the paperwork

If budget is a huge concern, you also change can the time of day for your reception. Brunch is a unique time, and you can do fun stuff with breakfast cuisine, Caldecott says.

Heavy hors d’ouevres cocktail hours and dessert receptions are other effective ways to celebrate.

For longer receptions, you may want to consider offering some late-night bites to keep your guests fueled while they’re dancing the night away. Late-night pizzas or a food truck serving tacos or other street-food faves adds variety to your food choices and gives your guests a totally different way of interacting with the food, Caldecott says.

Keep variety in mind for the main meal, too; aim to have some options to cover your guests’ different palates and dietary restrictions. However, with a large-scale event, “you just can’t cater to everyone,” Cousins says. Do make sure you find out about any specific food allergies so the kitchen can prepare for them. Otherwise, plan for three appetizers, two meat entrees and five or six sides that are hearty enough for vegetarians, Lemley says.

The most fun weddings focus on having an abundance of good food, Cousins says. “Don’t get so fancy with food that they don’t know what they’re eating.” She notes that a good portion of protein and a decent starch is all you need for a fun celebration, particularly if it looks beautiful and is edible. “If [your guests] are well-fed and have access to good drinks, they’re going to spend the night with you.”

Give them layers and layers of sweetness

By Carley Lintz CTW Features

“The cake usually sits right by the dance floor, in the middle of where all the action is and lots of eyes are on it,” says Lori Stephenson, owner of LOLA Event Productions in Chicago.

Modern weddings are all about personalization, so what “Take into account the entire room décor and really keep with sweeter way to show off your style than the wedding cake? a cohesive theme so that it feels like it’s the jewel in the design The first step to creating your dream dessert is finding the of the room.” right baker. Come to cake tastings armed with photos of styles But you don’t have to sacrifice personality for a unified look. you love, and make sure the bakery can execute your vision.

Go bold with an entire cake inspired by your favorite movie “I think couples really need to do their homework before or get a romantic quote penned in icing. If you want to keep they go visit bakers, and have a general idea of what sort of it simple, use cake toppers to add a unique and subtle touch. cake style they want,” says Nora Sheils, a wedding planner Flavor can also inject individuality into any cake – think about owner of Bridal Bliss in Portland, Oregon. “Some bakers can’t do utilizing a childhood favorite like cookies and cream or fruit it all. Some can’t do fondant and some only do buttercream.” fillings to liven up classic tastes.

If you and your fiancé have a particular favorite kind of If cake doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth or you just want cake – such as red velvet or cheesecake – you can narrow to give your guests more options, a dessert table is a contemyour search by researching local bakers that specialize in your porary alternative to tiered cakes. Stephenson recommends desired dessert. having a small bites buffet with mini versions of your favorite Keep in mind your budget when meeting with bakers. treats like brownies, cookies or candy.

According to the 2014 American Wedding Study from Brides Interactive food stations are another fun way to offer more magazine, the average couple spends $461 on a cake. Remem- choices. Guests can customize their own ice cream sundaes or ber that customized features also can add up quickly. decorate cupcakes, to name a few options. For an added bonus, Sheils recommends ordering fewer servings – about 5 to 10 Sheils suggests placing carry out boxes or baggies with the percent less than the number of guests – to keep costs within spread so everyone can take some home as favors. your budget.

Whether you choose a cake with fillings or an entire dessert Remember that the wedding cake also is a major visual ele- spread, traditional rules for wedding cakes no longer apply. ment of the reception, so the design should complement the rest of the décor.

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Everything you need to make your wedding a success.

Hilton Garden Inn® Billings knows how important your Big Day is, and we can help. From our fabulous food presentations, elegant venue and rooms for your guests, we are here to ensure your biggest day is a success.

A     B M,     RED LODGE • MONTANA

Rock Creek Resort provides a year round venue with indoor/outdoor ceremony site options, all-inclusive reception facility, and an on-site wedding coordinator at exceptional pricing.

5 miles south of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 406.445.0457 or 1.800.667.1119 | rockcreekresort.com

Ask about our Premier Wedding Package.

• 2,400 sq. ft. Ballroom for up to 180 people • Pre-function areas for greeting and cocktails • Bridal King Suite for your wedding night • Personalized online wedding web page for hotel room reservations • Coordinated planning services with our experienced staff, Executive Chef, and more!

Call Sales & Catering Today at 406-655-8800 for all the details.

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

©2015 HILTON WORLDWIDE

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Vendor listings

Venues, catering, accommodations & more

THE BILLINGS DEPOT 2310 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-7273 - billingsdepot.org

BIN 119 119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net

HILTON GARDEN INN BILLINGS 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 655-8800 - billings.hgi.com

MOSS MANSION 914 Division St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 256-5100 - mossmansion.com

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.

Bin 119 provides a casual fine 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.

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.

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.

BILLINGS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER GAINAN’S FLOWERS 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 502 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 245-6434 - gainans.com (406) 248-7151 - billingshotel.net No dream is too big. From mountains to The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s a full service, newly renovated facility with offers 60 years of experience to make your 236 rooms and suites. In addition to our wedding vision a reality. Our experienced on-site restaurant, lounge and casino, we offer over 25,000 square feet of meeting and consultants welcome the privilege of assisting you in planning the day of your dreams. banquet facilities, specializing in groups of 10 to 1,400 people. We also have a ballroom We specialize in destination weddings and beautiful court yard for your special day. including Billings, Big Sky, Red Lodge, Flathead Lake, Moonlight Basin and Northern Wyoming.

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!

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OASIS SPA 720 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-5095 - yncnaturally.com Oasis Spa takes the meaning of spa to a new level with body treatments, massages, and esthetic services beyond the ordinary. Services support natural detoxification through the largest organ of the body: the skin. Using natural products from herbs to organic essential oils, we bring mind, body and spirit into balance for improved wellness. Call today to nurture your body’s natural healing ability in the serene, peaceful environment of Oasis Spa!

Moss Mansion

117 N. 30th • 245-3760 • www.wetzelscleaners.com Weekdays 7:30-6 • Saturdays 8:30-1

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406.256.5100

www.mossmansion.com

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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 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.

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Welcome to Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners, serving the dry cleaning needs of Billings and Choose from our indoor facility which faces eastern Montana for more than 97 years. You When you’re planning your big day, Red Lodge Mountain Resort’s Banquet facility is out toward Rock Creek, or our many outdoor can trust us with your precious items. We are certified Master Dry Cleaners and specialize in locations. We can accommodate parties that perfect mix of brains and beauty. Our many areas, including wedding gown preserfrom 25 to 300 guests.

Our on-property exA-framed Clubhouse with floor-to-ceiling views can accommodate groups of up to 200 ecutive chef will help you select the perfect vation. Mail order services are also available. meal, and we offer a romantic honeymoon people. Our large, timber-framed banquet cabin. See our website for pictures and room has seating for 100 plus room for a information. band to set up and room for dancing. The party can continue outside to our deck and patio, where the unforgettable mountain TOTAL TRANSPORTATION scenery will stay with you long after your guests have gone home. Call or email to (406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 start making your plans now. mttotaltransportation.com

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WETZEL’S QUALITY CLEANERS 117 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 545-0794

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ROCK CREEK RESORT 5 miles South of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 Red Lodge, Montana 59068 1 (800) 667-1119 or (406) 446-1111 rockcreekresort.com/weddings.asp

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RED LODGE MOUNTAIN RESORT (406) 446-4610 groups@RedLodgeMountain.com redlodgemountain.com/weddingsbanquets/banquets-conferences

Stop by The Gazette at 401 N. Broadway or visit billingsgazette.com/contact

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To subscribe, call 406-657-1298

Before you say “I Do”...

Oasis Health Spa will customize a Bridal program for you and take the stress out of this milestone event. Call today and schedule.

Be radiant on the day that only perfection will do.

• Bridal Party & Groom Packages • Bachelorette Parties • Body Treatments • Therapeutic Massages • Esthetician Services • Spa Packages • Women’s Weekend Purifying Retreat • Naturopathic Hydrotherapies • Facials & Massage

QUEEN FOR A DAY

Your Walk Down The Aisle Begins Here...

Oasis Health Spa is a bridal retreat where personalized attention, beauty, comfort and wellness combine to create a totally memorable and rejuvenating experience. Our Specially priced, customized services and medically approved products make our Brides and Bridal Parties look and feel their very best.

Your unforgettable Beartooth wedding The Premier Red Lodge Wedding Venue.

A beautiful indoor/outdoor setting for up to 150 guests.

Catering - Full Bar - Planning Assistance

RedLodgeMountain.com/Weddings groups@RedLodgeMountain.com 406.446.2610 ext. 101

Gift Certificates YELLOWSTONE NATUROPATHIC CLINIC also available

Call 294-7778 or | 720 N. 30th St.

The healing power of nature.

www.yncnaturally.com

Open Monday-Saturday by Appointment

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Photography by Jana Graham

What’s your wedding dream?

From mountains to masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers over 60 years of experience to help make your wedding vision a reality.

FLOWERS RENTAL | DECOR GIFT REGISTRY DELIVERY We specialize in destination weddings including: Billings | Red Lodge Moonlight Basin | Big Sky Flathead Lake | Northern Wyoming

WEDDING MAKE THE

of your dreams A REALITY

SPECIAL OFFERS

$50 toward the bride’s bouquet if your total order is $500 or more.

10% of gift registry sales returned to the bride and groom as a gift card.

MONTANA’S premier WEDDING FLORIST and GIFT REGISTRY

Call today for your personal consultation: 406-238-3161

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