Wedding Planner July 2016

JULY 2016

Wedding P lanner

Advertiser Index

Billings Depot.............................................................................................3, 10 Billings Hotel & Convention Center...............................................................10 Bin 119.........................................................................................................5, 10 Columbia Club................................................................................................10 Gainan’s Flowers...................................................................................... 10, 12 Hilton Garden Inn........................................................................................... 11 Rock Creek Resort....................................................................................10, 11 Total Transportation...................................................................................... 11 Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners.............................................................................. 11

Inside

The Autumn I-Do Trend...................................................................................2

Insider Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning.............................................3 Open the Door to Nature................................................................................ 4 Choosing a Venue............................................................................................5 Bridal Skin Care............................................................................................... 6 Add a Twist to Bouquet Toss Traditions........................................................ 6 Build a Registry to Relish................................................................................7 What to Include on Your Wedding Website....................................................7 Writing Your Own Vows.................................................................................. 8 A Dose of Adorable......................................................................................... 8 Reconnect During Wedding Planning............................................................ 9 International Honeymoons............................................................................ 9 Vendor Listings......................................................................................... 10-11 The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Behind the Scenes General Manager Dave Worstell Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Schmaltz

The Autumn I-Do Trend Statistics say that the fall wedding season is gaining in popularity. According to The Knot, 2015 figures showed a real shift from summer to fall weddings.

Green Shoot Media About 39 percent of couples recited their vows in autumn, a full six percentage points more than summer-season nuptials.

Dig into more wedding statistics below from The Knot’s Real Wedding Study and let them inspire you to wed in the fall.

Top 2015 Wedding Statistics 39 percent of couples got married during the fall season in 2015.

In 2015, only 33 percent of couples opted for summer nuptials, down from 39 percent in 2014.

Average Spending Average wedding cost (excludes honeymoon): $32,641 (up from $31,213 in 2014) Most expensive place to get married: Manhattan, $82,299 average spend Least expensive place to get married: Alaska, $17,361 average spend Average spent on a wedding dress: $1,469 Average price of wedding cake: $575 Average cost of invitations: $445

Bride & Groom Info Cover photo courtesy of Metro Services

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Average marrying age: Bride, 29; Groom, 31 Average number of guests: 139 Average number of bridesmaids: 5 Average number of groomsmen: 5

By the Month Most popular month to get engaged: December (16 percent) Average length of engagement: 14.5 months Most popular month to get married: October (17 percent) and September (15 percent) Popular wedding colors: ivory/white (47 percent), blue (39 percent), pink (30 percent), metallics (34 percent), purple (21 percent)

About the Weddings Percentage of destination weddings: 21 percent (down from 24 percent in 2014) 22 percent of weddings have a theme reflecting the couple’s personalities Wedding planners are also becoming an integral part of the wedding planning process, with 26 percent of couples hiring a planning professional in 2015 (up from 19 percent in 2010).

Professional DJs are also on the rise with 66 percent of couples hiring one (up from 61 percent in 2010).

On average, the bride’s parents contribute 44 percent of the overall wedding budget, the bride and groom contribute 43 percent, and the groom’s parents contribute 12 percent (others account for the remaining 1 percent).

Insider Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning Courtesy of JENNIFER MERCER Billings Depot

1. Budget First!

2. Stay Flexible on Date!

3. Choose Your Photographer Carefully!

Before you choose a single vendor, sit down and figure out what your overall budget is for the wedding. How much total can you afford to spend, without creating stress?

Many couples end up spending far more than planned because they started hiring vendors without having a game plan in mind, and those costs can add up quickly, leading to overspending and unnecessary panic!

Once you have the total dollar amount figured out, discuss which items are your top priority, and which are less important, and you can build your budget from there.

Hiring a wedding planner with local knowledge for a few hours of their time can streamline this process and save you a fortune in the long run.

You can also schedule a Budget Planning Consultation with the community-owned historic Billings Depot, and they will walk you through the budget basics, and help you get connected with great vendors that fit both your individual style and your budget! The consultation is completely free, and helps you know where to go from here.

One of the most commonly-made mistakes for brides and grooms is prematurely picking a date before learning the crucial information. This mistake automatically eliminates many venue options that might be the best choice for your budget and your overall style, and causes undue stress when you can’t find what you want. Staying flexible allows you to get all the information you need to make the right decision for you!

Did you know that some days of the week are far less expensive than others, or that some days will allow you to get everything set up a day or two early, so that your wedding day can be relaxing and more enjoyable? You also want to check out the venues you are interested in and see how they fit in your budget and overall “feel” of what you are looking for on your wedding day, and then find out what dates would be available. Once you have that information, you will have all the tools to make the best decision for YOU.

Photographers are one of the most important decisions you will make for the entire wedding. A truly great photographer captures the memories in a way that will be priceless to you later, and the photos are often the only tangible things you will get to keep from your wedding day!

To find the best photographer, feel free to narrow things down using websites, but always schedule consultations with your final 3-4 favorites and ask to see an entire wedding (or two) from beginning to end. That way you get a sense of both their personality and their overall photography style, and not just the best “cherry- picked” shots used on websites!

Voted Best

Wedding Venue

4. Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing You are marrying the person that you love most in the world. In the end, the seating chart, exact style of invitations, and which menu items you picked won’t really matter. Take a deep breath and remember what this is about...

LOVE!

Named One of the Top 100 Wedding Venues in the USA!

3 years in a row!

Call noW to ReseRVe YouR PlaCe in HistoRY! 406-656-7273 Sunday, July 31, 2016

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One of the hottest trends in wedding planning today is bringing a touch of nature into the experience. You can easily achieve this goal through strategic additions to your invitations, decorations and even meals.

Green Shoot Media If Mother Nature is on your invite list and you appreciate all things outdoors, there are many ways to make your fall wedding the perfect nature-inspired event.

Choose a Theme and Spot Nature is full of plants and animals and beautiful landscapes, and it evokes feelings of peace and calm in many people. This means there are numerous natural themes you could design into your wedding to create a pleasing atmosphere.

Use an earthy color palette that matches the fall season. Pumpkin, sage and brown would be a great mix of colors.

Your nature-inspired palette can be carried through to your bridesmaids dresses, too. Choose complementary, casual and comfortable outfits that play well with your main colors for a stunning pairing.

A natural location in the woods or other beautiful outdoors setting can be the perfect backdrop to your fall wedding or reception. This can be a cabin by a lake, a park or a nature preserve. You also can consider the beach or a local wine vineyard for a beautiful backdrop. Talk the decision over with your spouse and make sure to check with the land authority for any rules on maximum number of guests, fires, trash or alcohol.

Decorations and Meals You can incorporate your natural theme and colors into your invitations and decorations. Check with local printers to find materials that are designed and printed on recycled paper. This is a great way to make a sustainable impact on the environment while building your wedding plans.

Natural fabrics include materials such as linen or cotton and make great options for tablecloths. Create fabulous bouquets with your favorite flowers. Pick fresh wildflowers or any variety of flower in season and loosely bind them with your bouquet for a cute design touch.

The menu for your natural-themed wedding might encompass organic, locally sourced wine and food for the reception. Work with your local sustainable food organization or farmers to find out what is in season at the time of your wedding and give your guests the freshest meals possible.

To end your nature-themed wedding, consider planting a tree after your ceremony or giving away flower seed packets as party favors. The possibilities are endless. Just be creative and let nature inspire you.

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Open the Door to

Nature

Choosing a Venue After the wedding, you will want to celebrate your new lives together with your guests.

Where you choose to do so should come down to size, cost and overall fit for your party plans.

Green Shoot Media Selecting the right facility for your reception can be a challenging part of the wedding planning process. Enlist the help of a local planner to come up with options that meet your requirements, and try to get this step done early in the process.

Most reception halls and community centers will require a down payment well in advance of your event. That’s why it’s crucial to hammer out all of your research on the front end.

Considerations The reception facility is the backdrop to the wedding party. There will be many things to consider in your search.

You might get ideas from receptions you have attended. Ask friends and family for places that are reputable and affordable.

When searching for that perfect reception venue, you might consider any themes in your wedding. The reception is an extension of the main event, so be sure to check if

the facility can accommodate your special ideas or requests.

Specifics Location has to be considered when choosing the right reception facility. This will be the case especially for a destination wedding but also for a local one.

You don’t want to travel a long distance to a reception and neither do your guests.

Keep logistics in mind when settling on a facility.

Size counts too, because the venue

needs to comfortably accommodate the number of wedding guests you expect.

This applies for safety reasons, also.

Consider the atmosphere and mood you want to create for that first event of your married life.

Facility Ideas The traditional place for a reception has been a church fellowship hall, multi-purpose room or basement. Some still prefer this, and that is perfectly fine. Whatever meets your needs on your wedding day will

be appreciated by your family and friends celebrating with you.

Additionally, local civic centers and halls can be rented for your reception. Wineries make great reception venues, especially if you’re looking for stunning scenery.

If you’re planning a smaller wedding, you may have a family member or friend offer to let you use their home.

There numerous options when it comes to choosing the perfect facility for your reception. Consider all factors before making your final decision and stick with your choice.

Private Dining Room Available for:

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

To subscribe, call 406-657-1298

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)

American Bistro & Wine Bar 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 Sunday, July 31, 2016

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Bridal Skin Care The right products and care techniques can help you achieve great skin with a healthy glow on the most special day of your life.

Green Shoot Media Skin hydration and your dietary choices both play a role in how good your skin can look, so be ready to make necessary choices to ensure that perfect complexion at your wedding and reception.

Daily Skin Care The best strategy to great wedding skin is developing a daily skincare routine well ahead of time. Even if you haven’t always followed a regimen or have avoided using sunscreen at times, it’s not too late to pamper your skin for your wedding day.

The first step is cleaning your skin daily. Use makeup remover first for mascara and lipstick. Always use your hands to apply your favorite cleanser, because washcloths can contain built-up bacteria.

A regular facial at your local spa will refresh your skin, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself as part of your cleansing routine. Your local spas and dermatologists have more in-depth procedures, such as micro-dermabrasion, which can exfoliate layers of bad skin. Check in with these local professionals to see what can be done to help you reach your skin care goals.

Diet One of the most overlooked factors in the health of your skin is diet. Eat the wrong foods and your skin may endure breakouts or extra oils — especially on your face. A healthy, balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy glow, so be sure to be diligent about your diet choices in the months leading up to your wedding day.

Your daily diet should include all the nutrients essential to healthy skin. Some superfoods that contain these nutrients are grapefruit, broccoli and lettuce. All skin types crave water so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids. Watermelon is a super food that provides vitamins and fluids to your skin, so be sure to work in plenty of these types of snacks.

Makeup Some brides will choose to wear makeup to enhance their skin while others will go natural. This is a personal choice. All that matters is you feel beautiful while you’re exchanging your vows.

If you plan to wear makeup on your wedding day, mix a small amount of moisturizer with it to keep your foundation and skin from drying out. This also will help soften your complexion. Every bit if extra moisture matters on what can be a long day of photos, smiling, dancing and celebrating with your loved ones.

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Add a Twist to Bouquet Toss Many couples are ready to toss aside the idea of a bouquet toss and reinvent the tradition.

Metro Services Part of what makes weddings such enjoyable events is the many traditions that are built into the day. Tradition lends familiarity to the proceedings and serves as unwritten cues for guests.

Certain traditions invite guest participation, and these can make great memories for both couples and their guests.

Just because something is a tradition, however, doesn’t mean couples can’t put their own unique spin on things.

The bouquet toss is one tradition that may benefit from a little personalization. In a 2015 Jezebel poll of about 4,500 readers, 19 percent supported having a bouquet toss, but 81 percent were against it, suggesting that this tradition is ready for some updating.

The bouquet toss traces its origins to Olde English times. In those days, women used to try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. To escape from the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run away. The bouquet is tossed to single women with the idea that whoever catches it will be the next to marry. This may have placated the throngs of single ladies in olden times. Today, however, some single women are no longer interested in finding matches at a wedding and view the bouquet toss as a somewhat archaic tradition. Others dislike the expectation that they stand on the dance floor with the hopes of finding a spouse.

For couples who want to embrace the traditional bouquet toss while giving it a more modern twist, consider the following suggestions:  Girls-only dance. Invite all of the women out on the floor - not just the single ones - and play a female-centric empowerment song or one that mentions ladies having a good time. This puts the emphasis on having fun rather than finding a spouse.  Attach a prize to the toss. To encourage people to participate, explain that the bouquet- and garter-toss winners get prizes - and that the prize has nothing to with finding a partner.  Wedding anniversary countdown. Invite all of the married couples to the center of the dance floor. The DJ or band can play a beautiful love song and count up the years as the song plays. As each year is mentioned, couples leave the dance floor after their most recent anniversary has passed. The last couple on the dance floor marks the couple who has been married the longest. That couple gets to take home the bouquet.  Have a bridal piñata. All guests can take a turn at hitting a bouquet-shaped piñata. It’s fun and entertaining and doesn’t discriminate based on age or marital status.

With a little ingenuity, the traditional bouquet toss can be reborn.

What to Include on Your Wedding Website Wedding websites provide a great platform for couples to share all sorts of information regarding their big day, making them an essential element of modern-day wedding planning.

Metro Services Wedding websites need not feature all the bells and whistles of more permanent sites. But while there are specific guidelines governing what to include on wedding websites, couples should be mindful to share certain information to ensure their guests stay in the know about the pending nuptials.

The Participants Wedding websites can be used to inform guests about the couple getting married as well as the various participants, such as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Extended families of the bride- and groom-to-be may not know much about their loved one’s betrothed, and the wedding website can help guests get to know both people getting married.

Include information about the bridal party as well. A brief story about each bridal party member’s relationship to the bride and/or groom can be a great way to illustrate just how much each person in the party means to the couple tying the knot.

The Big Day Invitations were once the go-to source for information about couples’ wedding ceremonies and receptions. But unlike invitations, websites won’t get lost around the house or in the mail, making them more reliable resources for guests. Include all the pertinent details about the big day on your website, including the time and location of both the ceremony and the reception.

Include directions to and from the venue (both the ceremony and reception venues if they will be held at separate locations), and include a Google maps feature if possible.

RSVP Info Save guests the trouble of returning RSVP cards by including an RSVP section on your website. Establish an email address solely for RSVPs, and check it regularly so you can update who is and who is not attending your wedding. Couples can save the expense of postage by requesting that guests RSVP exclusively through their websites. Just be sure to include that request with the invitations if you still plan to mail more traditional invites.

Accommodations Many couples arrange for discounted hotel rooms for their out-of-town wedding guests. Include this information on your wedding website, and aim to include at least two hotels where guests can register under your party and receive discounted lodging. In addition to the hotels you arrange a deal with, include some extra information about other lodging options in the area. Out-of-town guests will appreciate having as many options as possible, and couples providing that information saves guests the trouble of researching certain neighborhoods to determine if they are safe or close to the ceremony and reception sites.

Registry Wedding websites also provide a great way for couples to share registry information. Include links that take guests directly to your online registries.

Wedding websites are a great resource for couples who want to share information about their weddings. As the big day draws closer, couples can update their sites to reflect any new developments.

Build a Registry to Relish Metro Services Registries are a wedding tradition, not unlike a couple’s first dance or the best man/maid of honor toast. But as practical as wedding registries are, many couples approach their registries with a degree of hesitation, fearful that they might appear presumptuous or simply uncertain about what to include on their lists. The following tips can help engaged couples build a registry to relish and utilize for years to come.

Establish an online registry.

Whereas guests once had to visit a couple’s favorite retailer(s) and ask what remained on their registry, online registries now allow well-meaning family members and friends to peruse potential gifts from the comforts of home and ship gifts directly to the couple. Online registries even indicate which items have already been purchased, saving couples the trouble of returning duplicates while reassuring buyers that their gifts are fulfilling a need or want.

Share your registry information on your wedding website and stationery. Guests need to know where you are registered, so share that information on your wedding website and include it on your save-the-date cards and invitations.

Register with multiple retailers.

By registering with more than one retailer, couples can give their guests more options to choose from. Try to include one brick-and-mortar store, ideally one with a national presence, so guests who prefer to shop in-person won’t be forced to buy online.

Don’t be afraid to list expensive items. While few guests will break the bank to buy wedding gifts, that does not mean couples should avoid including expensive items on their registries. Some couples might feel it’s inappropriate, but it can actually prove practical. Many stores offer couples steep discounts on items they listed on their registries that ultimately were not purchased. If you have your eye on an especially expensive item, include it on your list without worrying about how it may look to your guests, as they will understand when you explain the post-wedding discount you’re eligible for.

Don’t limit your registry to expensive items. While it’s perfectly acceptable to include expensive items

on your registry, remember that variety is the spice of life when adding items to your registry. Include items at a range of price points for guests working with various budgets. Don’t hesitate to include low-cost items, as some guests may enjoy building a wedding gift basket with various affordable items from your registry.

Remember that no gift is too obscure. Thanks to the Internet, just about any item can now be tracked down by ambitious gift givers. If you want to include items that might not be available at run-of-the-mill retailers, choose an online retailer such as Amazon to host one of your registries.

Such sites are great places to find specialty items or more obscure offerings that might be out of stock at more traditional retailers.

Encourage donations. If you are truly hesitant to ask for gifts or you’re tying the knot later in life and already have everything you need, encourage guests to donate to a favorite charity in lieu of making a donation.

A wedding registry provides a practical way for well-meaning wedding guests to show their love for brides- and groomsto-be.

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Writing Your Own Vows There is nothing more priceless than writing your own wedding vows. These carefully chosen and spoken words will reveal the essence of your love for each other and serve as special memories that can literally last a lifetime.

Green Shoot Media If you’re considering writing your own vows, there are some steps to take before making your final decision. Read on for tips on how to work together with your spouse to prepare your special vows.

The Groundwork The first thing to do is to make sure you both agree on the idea of writing your own vows, and if so, whether you will write them together or keep it secret until the wedding.

To make sure you stick to a reasonable time limit, make sure to build in a specific word count. Vows that

last five minutes or more may be a bit excessive, so keep the words smooth and concise.

Be sure to discuss the idea of reciting your own vows with your officiant. Some may prefer traditional vows, but there may be a way for you to also work in your own wording. Let the officiant know what you are thinking and be open to different ways to pull it off.

Personal Vows A good place to start when writing your vows is how you met. Pinpoint that first moment you laid eyes on your spouse and bring back the memories with poignant words. Another good

idea is to borrow quotes from books or poetry that have a special spot in your relationship.

After describing the beginning, move to the present. Now is a good time to describe the personal and enduring traits — loyalty, strength, humor — that caused you to end up here on your special day with your spouse.

Finally, end your vows with your hopes and dreams for the future. Promise all the things you are prepared to do to make your marriage last forever.

Additional Tips There are no rules for writing your own vows, but it’s best to follow the cues of your relationship. Be authentic. You know your spouse better than anyone else, so understand whether the moment will call for humor or more serious, sensitive words.

Maybe you want to deliver one powerful sentence or sing your vows. There are countless ways to express your love, so take the time and put in the effort to kick off your marriage the right way.

A Dose of Adorable

Your wedding plans involve a comprehensive set of responsibilities and tasks that include a host of important matters, such as your dress, decorations and the honeymoon.

Green Shoot Media Embedded in those plans is the choice of that special little guy that will bear that all important ring.

How to Choose One How do you choose that cute wedding party member with the biggest responsibility? Most weddings only in-corporate one ring bearer, but many families have a number of equally loved nephews and male cousins. You do not want to make any of them feel left out or create an atmosphere that one of them is your favorite, so the choice can be difficult.

Age will have to be a top consideration, because you want your ring bearer to be old enough to follow directions.

Traditionally, ring bearers are three to eight years old according to the experts in the industry. Younger boys could work if they are mature for their age.

Their personality and nature are important too, because

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some might be introverted or shy. They might prefer to just watch the wedding. Others might love that attention and the limelight. On the other hand, if they are too active, they might get bored with the pomp and circumstance. Take all of these factors into consideration when choosing your ring bearer.

The Perfect Clothes

Preparing Him

Make sure your little guy is ready to strut proudly down the aisle with the perfect clothes. Consider the de-signer, color and obviously, the price if you’re the one footing the bill for the ring bearer.

Many times the ring bearer will mimic the groom’s ensemble. If you have trouble finding anything in his smaller size to match, try finding an outfit with colors that match the overall theme of your wedding.

The main key is to make sure your ring bearer is wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that are the right size and fit correctly. You want him to enjoy the experience too.

If your ring bearer is anxious about his part, explain to him about how proud you are of him. Puffing up his confidence can only help the situation. Reassure him that he is perfect for the job and that his responsibilities are important to the day in general.

Practice his role several times to help him remember and get comfortable in the environment. Another good idea is to place someone along the aisle or the center who he knows and will encourage him down the aisle.

You might be pleasantly surprised as he rises to the occasion. Make sure you reward him for his efforts.

Reconnect During Wedding Planning

Wedding planning can be intense and often requires dedication and many hours of work. Coordinating a wedding often requires that couples make many different decisions and spend a considerable amount of time in the wedding-planning trenches.

Metro Services Couples expend so much energy planning their weddings that it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture - namely the relationship that is the basis for the marriage in the first place. But as easy as it can be to get lost in wedding planning, couples can use this time together to connect on a deeper level and learn to work cooperatively.

Divide and Conquer Separate wedding planning duties so that both of you feel you are contributing equally and no one person gets overly stressed out. Stress can lead to short tempers and arguments.

Establish a Mutual Budget Even the healthiest couple argues over finances from time to time, but budgetary debates should not set a negative tone for wedding planning. Couples should discuss their potential budget before they even begin to plan their weddings, and both partners should do their best to compromise while also under-

standing where the other person is coming from.

Schedule Time for Fun Do not let wedding planning be all-consuming. Schedule days that allow you to enjoy yourselves together without having to think about or discuss your pending nuptials. This may include date nights that may have fallen by the wayside since getting engaged or periodic day trips to get away from it all. Explore your mutual hobbies or try something new.

Learn to Laugh at the Little Things Not every detail will go off without a hitch. How you react as a couple may influence how much you enjoy your wedding. Recognize that certain things will not go your way, but that unforeseen circumstances will not ruin your wedding day, no matter how unpleasant they may seem. Laugh at what cannot be changed and recognize that, in the long run, the details you think are major today may actually prove trivial when you look back on your wedding day in the years to come.

International Honeymoons Your honeymoon is the final aspect of your wedding plans. This part is all about celebrating your newfound love together, and many couples desire the romance and adventure of an international honeymoon.

Green Shoot Media

safety is the next priority. There are many things that could compromise your honeymoon, so be vigilant of your location, past crime rates and any These trips require additional health and safety considerations, so make sure you do your unrest that may be happening in the area of your destination. homework.

Check with credible sources on the With a little research and proper planning, you safety and security of the area. Another option can turn your cross-border honeymoon into a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll be talk- is to ask someone you know who has been there in the past. One of the biggest factors to consider ing about throughout your marriage. is the weather conditions. Some exotic locations are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes Selecting the Spot during the fall season. It is especially important Choosing your perfect international location to be aware of this while making your plans. will be a challenge, because you have to consider both of your interests before you settle on a spot.

Safe, Effective Planning Exotic places in paradise locations such as the According to the Centers for Disease Control Caribbean are popular for many reasons. They and Prevention, some types of international are breathtakingly beautiful, and they offer many peaceful excursions that can add to the experience. travel — especially to developing countries and rural areas — have higher health risks. Here are Some couples prefer adventure over leisure.

Others want to visit a piece of their heritage, espe- some tips from the CDC:  Ensure that you are up to date on all your cially if they share it together. To prepare for an international honeymoon, be aware that all countries routine vaccines, as well as travel vaccines.  Make appointments with your health care require certain documentation and identification, as well as passports. Look into these requirements providers four to six weeks before your departure date. now; you might need to apply and obtain these  Be careful what you eat and drink, and use things well ahead of time to make sure you can insect repellent. legally make the trip.  Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Safety Factors  Avoid touching animals, especially monkeys, When you agree on a possible destination, dogs and birds.

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Vendor Listings Venues, Catering, Accommodations & More

THE BILLINGS DEPOT

BIN 119

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.

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

BILLINGS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

COLUMBIA CLUB

At the Knights of Columbus Hall 2216 Grand Ave., Billings, MT 59102 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-7010 - www.facebook.com/ (406) 248-7151 - billingshotel.net The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is a ColumbiaClub2216Grand full service, newly renovated facility with 236 Book your event here! We specialize in wedding receptions, reunions, company parties rooms and suites. In addition to our on-site restaurant, lounge and casino, we offer over and celebrations of life, all for reasonable 25,000 square feet of meeting and banquet rates. We offer two levels for parties, three facilities, specializing in groups of 10 to 1,400 full service bars, a stage, dance floor, and people. We also have a ballroom and beauti- plenty of parking. Our facility is conveniently located in the heart of Billings on Grand ful court yard for your special day.

RECEPTION | CEREMONY | REHEARSAL DINNER | B R I D A L S H O W E R | O F F - S I T E C AT E R I N G

1223 MULLOWNEY LANE | WWW.BILLINGSHOTEL.NET/WEDDINGS | (406) 248-7151

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Ave. We offer all of this at affordable rates, without the hidden cost that can break the budget. The choice is yours: At our facility, you can pick a caterer of your own choice, or bring in your own food, choose your own music, and choose your own decorations.

Make your party yours. One of our friendly staff would be happy to help you customize your next event.

GAINAN’S FLOWERS 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.

HILTON GARDEN INN BILLINGS

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION

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.

(406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 www.mttotaltransportation.com Total Transportation has been in service for 34 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.

ROCK CREEK RESORT 5 miles South of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 Red Lodge, Montana 59068 1 (800) 667-1119 or (406) 446-1111 www.rockcreekresort.com/weddings.asp Choose from our indoor facility which faces out toward Rock Creek, or our 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.

WETZEL’S QUALITY CLEANERS 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.

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.

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

©2016 HILTON WORLDWIDE

Steaming, Cleaning, Preserving Specializing in Vintage Gown Restoration Conveniently located in Downtown Billings 117 N. 30th • 245-3760 • www.wetzelscleaners.com Weekdays 7:30am - 6pm • Saturdays 8:30am - 1pm Sunday, July 31, 2016

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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

o f y o u r d re a m s 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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Sunday, July 31, 2016