2013 Wedding & Event Planner

Courthouse I do’s............................... 4 Honeymoons on a dime................... 7 Making a list...................................... 11 The perfect party............................. 14 Cocktail time.................................... 19 Paid to plan...................................... 22 Let’s hear some music..................... 25 Paying bills in cyberspace.............. 28 Publisher: Jim McGowan General Manager: Jim Coulter Project Sales: Frannie Cummings, Kathy Kelleher, Jodi Lopez & Justine Morris Production & Design: Dara Saltzman & Jodi Lopez Cover Photographs: Spotlight Photo & Jamie Lynn Photography Photos right: Jamie Lynn Photography & Spotlight Photo

Wedding & Event Planner 2013 is a publication of the Ravalli Republic, a division of Lee Enterprises.

Copyright 2013 by the Ravalli Republic.

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Jamie Lynn Photography

By Tresa Erickson

Some brides have been dreaming of their wedding day since they were little girls and only a big to-do at their church or a resort will suffice. Others opt for smaller affairs with fewer guests at a local venue. Some abandon with tradition altogether and exchange vows at the courthouse.

While simple, courthouse weddings offer some major benefits. They cost substantially less than a traditional wedding, require a lot less planning and involve less time and hassle all around. In most cases, all you have to do is go to the

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courthouse, apply for a marriage license and set up a time to exchange vows. You don’t have to find an officiant, you don’t have to find a venue, and most importantly, you don’t have to shell out big bucks.

You can zip in and out and be married in less than 20 minutes. Although brief, there are ways you can make the ceremony special: Dress up. You don’t have to go all out and spend thousands of dollars on formalwear. You can rent a wedding dress and tuxedo, or you can opt for something less formal,

Spotlight Photo

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like a nice dress and suit.

Get some flowers. Pick up some bouquets and boutonnieres for the occasion.

It is your big day after all, and the arrangements won’t cost a lot. You can even make them yourself from fresh or artificial flowers.

Observe some traditions. Wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Wear your hair up or a strand of pearls around your neck if that is the tradition in your family.

Invite loved ones. Choose a best man and a maid of honor to stand beside you and witness your vows. Bring your kids, parents and grandparents. Fill up what pews are available with family and friends.

Capture the memories. Hire a photographer/videographer or ask someone you know to serve as photographer/videographer. Just because you’re not having a big ceremony doesn’t mean you shouldn’t capture it on film or video.

Have some shots taken before and after the event, too.

Celebrate afterwards. Go out to eat, have a little party at home or gather everyone together for a formal reception. A celebration will cost, but again, you don’t have to go all out. A simple meal with friends and family will cap off your big day nicely.

Courthouse weddings may be quick, but that doesn’t mean they have to be uneventful. Do what you can to make yours special. And if you can swing it, consider getting away for a honeymoon, even if it is just a night away at a local hotel.

Jamie Lynn Photography

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Spotlight Photo

By Tresa Erickson

While some newlyweds can still afford to cap off their big day in grand style with a trip for two to someplace exotic, there are many that can’t. Once they’ve paid for the wedding, there is little left for a honeymoon. Fortunately, you can still have a great honeymoon on a shoestring budget. Here’s how.

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Leave at a later date Who says you must leave for your honeymoon immediately following your wedding reception? Enjoy your big day and postpone the honeymoon of your dreams until you can afford it. Wait six months or a year to book the trip. You’ll have more cash to spare and more time to find the best deals.

Go during the off-season Off-season prices are far cheaper than peak season prices. Schedule your honeymoon during the offseason, and to save more cash, consider going to a less popular destination. The rates will be cheaper, and there will be less people to contend with.

Jamie Lynn Photography

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Book way in advance Generally, the earlier you book your honeymoon, the cheaper the rates will be. Start looking for a destination long before your expected departure date and shop around for the best deals.

Cut costs where you can You don’t have to go all out to have a good time on your honeymoon. Think about your plans and find ways to save. Choose less expensive accommodations, especially if you intend to be out and about much of the day. Pack lunches instead of eating out. Take advantage of all free or low-cost activities.

Jamie Lynn Photography

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Stay close to home If you are really short on cash and can’t afford to go away, stay in.

Check out the deals in your area and arrange for a mini staycation.

Book a room at an inexpensive hotel and spend the day checking out attractions and activities you’ve never had time for. If you can’t afford a hotel room, stay at home and have a candlelit dinner.

It doesn’t really matter where you are as long as you are together.

Honeymoons don’t have to break the bank. You can still have fun and celebrate the beginning of your life together on a shoestring budget. It just takes some advance planning and creative thinking.

Jamie Lynn Photography

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By Ronda Addy

Whenever there is a lot to do, it’s always a good idea to make a list.

It’s pretty much taken for granted that the bride or someone helping the bride will make a to-do list, but what about the groom? Believe it or not, the groom also has a lot to do. Here is a brief list.

12 Months or More • Buy the engagement ring.

• Find an officiate.

• Book the reception.

• Sit down with the parents and discuss financial obligations.

Seven to 12 Months • Begin putting together the guest list.

• Choose the best man, groomsmen and ushers (one usher for every 50 guests).

• Register for gifts.

• Arrange to pay for the bridal bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres.

• Decide on a menu.

• Schedule the engagement photo session.

• Select and order the male attendants’ clothing.

Spotlight Photo

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Four to Six Months • Begin shopping for wedding rings.

• Find a place to live and shop for furniture.

• Review passports and visas.

• Finalize honeymoon plans.

• Book wedding transportation for the wedding party and any out-oftown guests.

• Go over the guest list.

• Plan the rehearsal dinner.

groomsmen and any others are done.

• Get the marriage license.

Two to Three Weeks • Confirm all transportation.

• Confirm the honeymoon details.

• Begin moving into new home or apartment.

• Go to the bachelor party.

• Schedule a haircut.

• Send out change-of-address forms.

Two to Three Months • Finalize the guest list.

• Reserve rooms for any out-oftown guests and for the wedding night.

• Shop for a gift for the bride and gifts for the groomsmen.

• Get any additional clothing needed for the honeymoon and wedding events.

• Consider getting a physical and making a will.

• Confirm arrangements for the rehearsal dinner.

One Week • Pack for the honeymoon.

• Reconfirm rehearsal dinner plans.

• Get traveler’s checks.

• Go over the wedding day schedule with the bride.

• Remind those in the wedding party to pick up their suits.

• Make sure shoes are shined.

One Day • Attend the rehearsal dinner.

• Give the gifts to the groomsmen.

• Confirm transportation pick-up times.

• Pick up tuxedo.

• Explain any special seating arrangements to the head usher.

Eight Weeks to One Month • Pick up the wedding rings.

• Make arrangements for any final payments.

• Make sure all the fittings for the

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Wedding Day • Make sure the best man has the rings and license.

• Give the best man money for any fees for the officiate, DJ, limo, etc., in sealed envelopes.

• Sign the marriage certificate and make sure it is safely put away.

Some of these items will also be on the bride’s to-do list, so the groom should consult her on the really important things. By making a list and checking it many times, the groom will be well prepared for the big day and won’t be embarrassed by forgetting something.

Spotlight Photo

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By Ronda Addy

Dinner parties used to be the way to get together with friends. But now, because of people’s busy schedules and the costs involved in hosting a dinner party, dinner parties have gone out of style. With some planning and a little ingenuity, you can bring back this time-honored tradition.

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ing. Choose a main dish that you have made before; trying out a new recipe during a dinner party is not recommended. Plan out your entire menu so that you don’t end up trying to make two items that require the oven at the same time.

It’s a good idea to match the type of food you are serving with the type of party you are having-buffet-type foods will be different than those for a sit-down dinner party.

Buy as much food ahead of time as possible, go over your menu and make a list of the items you need directly from your recipes-don’t rely on your memory.

Dinner parties don’t have to be expensive. There are a couple of ways to save money when throwing a dinner party. One is to have

When planning a dinner party, you should first decide on a date, a theme, and a guest list, as well as how to invite guests. Of course, if you decide to throw a dinner party around a specific holiday, you have the theme idea in the bag, as they say. When inviting guests, make sure they are compatible with each other. For a smaller party, calling your guests is the easiest way-you can get an immediate response and you can ask if they have any type of food allergies. For larger parties, giving guests two to three weeks to RSVP is acceptable.

Menu planning is essential to a successful party. When planning your menu, don’t insist on anything beyond your cooking skills or the time you have to devote to cook-

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the party between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., traditional non-meal times. Another is to prepare and serve the food yourself, instead of hiring a caterer. If you are having a large group of people, the easiest and cheapest type of party is a buffet. If you are having a small enough party, why not try a potluck? If you have a potluck, it might be a good idea to get a list of what everyone is bringing to avoid duplication.

Decorating for a dinner party doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Use greenery from your yard with fruit, flowers or candles for centerpieces. Instead of having a fancy tablecloth, try a clear drop-cloth with leaves or paper

Stock Photo

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decorations under it. Decorate to match the season.

Prior to the party, check to make sure you have enough plates, chairs, tables, cutlery and serving pieces. Borrow what you can, instead of buying it. Make sure everything looks good and is in repair.

It is a good idea to make a checklist when planning your party, starting with the day of the party and going backwards. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to finish the food preparation, house-cleaning, decorating, entertainment (if any) and getting yourself ready.

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particular attention to the bathroom and kitchen. If you plan to have any carpet cleaning done, make sure you have enough time for it to dry before the party.

Don’t be afraid to seek help. If you know a high school or college student in need of some extra money, consider hiring them to help you with the shopping, cleaning or even the food preparation, or for a formal party, maybe even the serving.

Have as much done before the party as possible. If you are using your dining room and it can be closed off, set it up a couple of days in advance. Prepare as many foods as you can ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. That way, the day of the party, you can actually find some time to relax before the guests arrive.

When it finally comes time for the dinner party, relax and enjoy yourself. If you are tense and are not having a good time, how can you expect your guests to? If no one has a good time, chances are no one will ever want to come to another one of your dinner parties again. Don’t let that happen. Take a deep breath, relax and have fun.

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Stock Photo

By Tresa Erickson

During the 1950s, cocktail parties were all the rage. Individuals often gathered together at someone’s house after work to relax and unwind over a few drinks.

Today, cocktail parties are starting to make a comeback. If you are interested in having a cocktail party, here are some tips.

Cocktail parties can range in tone from a casual get-together after work to a formal, elaborate party in honor of some special occasion. The tone of the party will set the stage for your menu choices. If you are planning a formal affair, for example, you will probably want to serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner, dessert and coffee. If you are going for a more casual gathering, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres may suffice. For an after-theatre cocktail party, a variety of flavored coffees and desserts should be served, along with a selection of drinks.

Obviously, the most important ingredient to a successful cocktail party is the drinks. You will want to keep the preferences of your guests in mind and serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, in addition to coffee and tea. You will need about 20 drinks for every 10 guests, and depending upon your budget,

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you may provide a full bar or a selection of cocktails made from a couple types of liquor, along with some beer and wine.

For a full bar, you will need a variety of ingredients, and to ensure you have time to mingle with your guests, you may want to hire a bartender. No matter who tends to the bar, they will want to have access to blended whiskey, bourbon, gin, rum, scotch, sherry, tequila, vermouth and vodka, as well as several mixers, including ginger ale, orange juice, soda, tomato juice and tonic. No bar would be complete, of course, without horseradish, lemons, limes and Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.

Whatever type of cocktails you offer, make sure you stock up on all of the essentials. You will need approximately one pound of ice per guest, as well as a variety of glasses for the drinks you intend to serve. Since most guests will have at most one to two drinks, you will need twice the number of glasses on hand as there are guests.

To help guests keep track of their glasses, consider adding charms to the stems, when possible. That way, they will know to whom the glass with the silver heart charm belongs.

The food you choose to serve is up to you. Just make sure you offer a wide variety of selections to suit all tastes. If you are serving food buffet style, don’t forget to check up on the table from time to time and refill trays as needed.

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Unless you intend to have a formal cocktail party with a sit-down dinner, your party will probably last no longer than a couple of hours, so you don’t have to spend a great deal of time fussing over the guest list. You can invite as many people as you want without worrying about them having something in common that they can discuss at the dinner table. Your guests will be free to mingle with whomever they want and leave whenever they choose. Just make sure everyone gets home safely. Have the phone number of a taxi service on hand and be prepared to call it as needed to take guests home.

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By Andrew McGlothlen

Your new fiancĂŠe looks at you with tears in her eyes as she realizes that she can now prepare for one of the biggest days of her life. A look of horror comes across her face, though, as she realizes just how much that entails. She begins to panic and frantically starts trying to make arrangements. If this is the kind of situation you find yourself in, you might be able to do your fiancĂŠe and yourself a favor by hiring a wedding planner.

While hiring a wedding planner will add an extra expense to your wedding, it

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Spotlight Photo

can save you in the long run. Wedding planners have experience in all aspects of pre-marital plans and the one you choose will be able to guide you through the important decisions you’ll have to make and make some of the unimportant decisions for you. Like a contractor for a new home, a wedding planner can help make things happen as you imagine or bring you back to reality if they are out of your budget. By letting the wedding planner be the bearer of bad news, you can cut down on friction among members of the wedding party.

Sometimes, though, wedding planners have enough contacts and experience to make things possible that would have otherwise been impossible on your budget with your contacts.

When working with a wedding planner, set down some guidelines at the beginning of the agreement. How much control do you want over the arrangements? Would you like to micromanage, or are you only worried about the major details? A good wedding planner will keep you informed of each decision and work hard to incorporate input. Avoid wedding planners that seem to disregard your opinion. This is still your big day, after all. While wedding planners can caution you against a certain plan of action, it is still your decision to make.

Some things a wedding planner can help you with may include:

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• Finding a church, an officiant and a reception hall • Inviting guests • Explaining what is legally necessary for marriage • Selecting appropriate dress for the ceremony • Arranging entertainment for the reception • Choosing the menu for the reception • Selecting flowers for the ceremony and reception • Arranging video and photograph documentation of the ceremony and reception • Decorating the church and reception hall • Arranging transportation from the ceremony to the reception hall • Setting up a rehearsal dinner • Orchestrating the wedding party at the rehearsal and ceremony Not all wedding planners will handle all aspects mentioned, and some will handle more. For this reason, you should investigate the details of the arrangement ahead of time and determine what your own responsibilities will be.

A wedding planner can save you a considerable number of arguments and maybe even some money in the long run, but exercise caution as you investigate wedding planners in your area. After all, personality or contractual differences between you and the wedding planner could cause more problems than the wedding planner would have solved. With a good wedding planner, though, it will be much easier to focus on enjoying your big day.

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Spotlight Photo

Spotlight Photo

By Ronda Addy

The to-do list for your wedding is slowly shrinking. You’ve bought your dress, you’ve booked the florist and the caterer, and you’ve selected the invitations.

You still need to decide what music to use during the ceremony and at the reception. Here are some suggestions to help you with this task.

The location of your wedding ceremony may affect the type of music you can have. If you are not having your ceremony in a religious setting, you can probably have whatever type of music you want, as long as it is tasteful. If you are having your ceremony in a religious setting, you may encounter some restrictions regarding the type of music you can have. Secular music may be allowed before the ceremony while the guests are being seated but not during it. It is a good idea to check with the church for guidelines regarding the type of music you can and cannot use.

The length of your wedding ceremony will determine the number of music selections you need. On average, you will need one to four. There is a good chance the church may not allow recorded music, so you may need to hire

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an instrumentalist or a vocalist. If you decide to go with an instrumentalist, check with the church to see if you are restricted to using their organist or pianist or can bring in someone from the outside.

If you decide to go with a vocalist, keep in mind that there may be restrictions as to when they can sing. Again, you will need to check with the church for guidelines regarding recorded and live music.

When choosing songs, you should look for ones that mean something to you. Ask your instrumentalist or vocalist for suggestions and page through their sheet music. If you find some songs you like, have them play or sing the selections. If they don’t have anything that works for you, go to a store that sells sheet music and browse through their selections. If you positively can’t find anything, you may want to hire a songwriter/composer to create something just for you (just make sure you give them plenty of time).

Once you have your ceremony music under control, you can concentrate on your reception music.

You will probably have a diverse group at your reception, so you want music that will appeal to everyone and guarantee they have fun. There are two major choices for musical entertainment: a DJ or a band. Which one should you choose?

In order to make your choice, talk with various DJs and bands.

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Find out about their music choices, schedules and fees. DJs are generally less expensive than bands. See if you can drop by a wedding they are working at.

That way, you can see them in action and find out how the crowd reacts to them. Ask for references and follow up on them.

The location and length of your wedding reception may affect your choice.

The area may not be large enough for a band and a dance floor. There may also be some restrictions on the type of music allowed. The average reception lasts about four hours. Can you imagine having to play an instrument longer than that? Having a DJ would be the wiser choice if you are planning a long reception.

You want a DJ or band that is flexible and willing to work with you on your music selections. You want a performer that can keep the fun going and the audience motivated. You want a performer that can adapt to changes in the crowd’s mood and keep the reception classy and memorable.

When booking musical entertainment for your wedding ceremony and reception, you should do it early. It is not unusual for musicians to be booked a year in advance. The really good ones could be booked farther ahead than that. Happy hunting!

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By Craig W. Armstrong

Paying bills is a chore no one likes. They stack up on the kitchen table in piles by due date until it’s time to sit down and start writing checks. It’s never a good feeling to watch hard-earned money go out the door right after your paycheck is opened.

Paying bills online won’t alleviate this pain, but it may take the sting out, especially if you have trouble organizing your bills and getting them paid on time.

Online bill paying can be done through your bank or set up directly with your service providers. If your bank is paying your bills, you will need to set up an account on your bank’s website. The bank’s system will need to know which account funds should be taken from and where the funds will be going. For instance, say you are paying your phone bill. You will need to enter all the account information from your bill, that is, the account number, billing address, etc. You will also need to make sure that the phone company will accept payment from your bank. Keep in mind they may have special instructions about paying bills online. Read the fine print on your bill.

The other form of online bill paying involves paying the provider directly, that is, setting up the account with the phone company and authorizing them to withdraw owed funds from your bank account. Payment is made in one of two ways. If the provider is set up for it, Automated Clearing House (ACH) technology is used. This means the funds from your account are transferred electronically to the provider’s account. However, if the provider does not have access to this technology, a pa-

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per check is issued.

You must also consider whether you want to pay your bills manually or automatically. To pay a bill online manually means to release the funds for each bill as it comes due. When your phone bill is due, for example, you log onto either the bank’s or service provider’s website and allow the amount due to be released from your bank account. The provider is paid and you don’t have to write a check or lick a stamp. If you have a bill that is due at the same time every month and/or is for the same amount, automatic bill pay might be the way to go. If your mortgage payment is due on the 15th of each month and is always the same amount, for example, you can have those funds released to your mortgage company on that date. Automatic bill pay does require you keep track of what’s been paid. You will need to deduct the amount paid from your balance.

Many people are reluctant about putting their confidential financial information into cyberspace. There are ways this information can be stolen, but there are also many ways to protect yourself. Never use a computer other than your own to do your online banking. By using computers at airports, hotels and other public places, you run the risk of someone retrieving your information. The same goes with Wi-Fi. You may be using your own computer, but the information can literally be pulled out of the air.

Next, remember to type the Web

address directly into your browser.

Don?t click on a link that takes you to the website. This could cause you to become a victim of phishing. This occurs when an individual or business impersonates a company. You click on a link, it takes you to a fake website and you enter your information. You think it’s the legitimate website, but it’s not and you just gave someone your valuable personal information. It’s also important to change your passwords every few months to prevent others from figuring them out.

Online banking is used by millions of people and undoubtedly is the future of bill paying. The key is to take your time, understand the process and ask for help should you need it.

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Ravalli Fairgrounds

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2013 events

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Fair January 12

My Kid’s Closet October 4-6

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Employee Banquet January 25

Fall Freeze Arts & Crafts Show October 26

Bitterroot Building Association Home & Ranch Show February 1,2

Friends of the Fair Banquet October 22

2nd Annual Bitterroot Cowboy Ball February 9

Harvest Festival October 31

Sports Connection Inc. Gun Show February 15-17

MT Arts Council Artists Gathering November 1,2

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Banquet February 23

Bitterrot Bounty Show November 16

Friends of NRA Banquet March 2

Bitterroot Art Guild Holiday Show November 22-23

Junior Olyjmpic Boxing Tournament March 8,9

Sports Connection Gun Show December 6-8

Spring Thaw Arts & Crafts Show March 16 KLYQ Spring Fair March 23 Easter Egg Hunt March 31 4-H Carnival April 6 Ravalli Republic Indoor Garage Sale April 13 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet April 20 My Kid’s Closet Sale April 26-28 4th Grade Farm Fair May 3 Bitterroot College Graduation May 10 BGMS Gem & Mineral Show May 17-19 Junior High State Rodeo Finals May 31, June 1 Montana Mule Days & Big Sky Fiber Festival June 14-16 Senior Pro Rodeo June 28,29 Ravalli County Fair & Rodeo August 28-31 Sports Connection Gun Show September 20-22 P u b l i c H e a l t h C l i n i c s & E m p l o y e e Tr a i n i n g s Private Weddings & Par ties

Call to book your venue today!

www.rc.mt.gov • 406.363.3411 30

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