Wedding Planner by Billings Gazette

FEBRUARY 2016

Wedding P lanner

Grooms: Look your wedding day best

Advertiser Index Belle en Blanc...................................................9 Montana Liquor.........................................4, 9 Billings Depot..............................................3, 8 Moss Mansion..................................................9

By Metro Services

Billings Hotel & Convention Center...8, 11 Oasis Spa......................................................6, 9

Weddings are a chance for couples tying the knot to be the center of attention. All eyes will be glued to the bride and groom on this special day, which makes it even more important for couples to look their collective best. Brides might garner most of the attention on a couple’s wedding day, but dashing grooms also will get their share of attention. As a result, grooms must be just as diligent as their blushing brides with regard to grooming and appearance on their wedding days. To look picture-perfect, grooms may want to include these grooming tips in their wedding day preparation.

Bin 119...........................................................5, 8 Red Lodge Mountain Resort................. 7, 9 Chancey’s Event Center.......................8, 10 Rock Creek Resort..................................8, 9 Emily Quale @ Blown Away Salon..........8 Total Transportation.....................................9 Gainan’s Flowers......................................8, 12 Uniquely You Planning..................................8 Hilton Garden Inn.....................................6, 8 Velvet..................................................................9 Jodie’s Salon and Day Spa.......................5, 8 Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners................... 9, 11

Inside Grooms: Look your wedding day best........................................................................................ 2 Top 10 mistakes................................................................................................................................... 3 Helpful hints when planning floral arrangements.................................................................... 4 Wedding veils complete bridal looks........................................................................................... 4 Rehearsal dinner how-to.................................................................................................................. 5 Tame wedding day nerves................................................................................................................ 5 Undergarments can make or break wedding looks............................................................... 6 Nail color the finishing touch to wedding day preparation................................................. 7 Vendor listings.................................................................................................................................. 8-9 A wise and rising trend for couples............................................................................................10 Did you know? Bridal showers..................................................................................................... 11

Behind the Scenes General Manager Dave Worstell Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Foley Cover photo courtesy of Metro Newspaper Service The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette. Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Hair

Schedule a haircut with a professional stylist roughly a week before the wedding to get your hair shaped and trimmed. Although trendy hairstyles may show off creativity, keep in mind that photos last forever, and it’s often better to stick with a classic cut. A barber or stylist may suggest styles that best suit your face shape and hair texture. Above all, the haircut should be neat.

Shaving

Shaving is another thing grooms must consider. If you have a beard, make sure it is clean, combed and trimmed. Men who shave the day of their weddings may find their skin is sensitive and irritated, which can lead to redness. Unless your facial hair grows especially fast, shave the evening before. This is a good time to splurge on a professional shave with a straight razor at a barber shop. A hot shave from a professional will produce a close shave with the least amount of irritation when done correctly.

Hands

Grooms also may want to book a manicure. Keep in mind that salons will do men’s nonpolish manicures and pedicures, and they can be well worth the investment. Photos of entwined hands or close-ups of the ring exchange will have guests zeroing in on your fingers. Have hands look their best with clean, shaped fingernails and trimmed cuticles.

Skin

Get plenty of sleep the night prior to the wedding. Being well rested will help reduce puffy eyes, dark circles and sallow skin. It will also put you in a more positive mood, which can help you enjoy the day even more.

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The day of the wedding, shower using water and a mild soap. Avoid any skin irritation by patting your face and body dry, rather than rubbing it with the towel. Moisturize your skin to avoid dry patches. Stores sell many moisturizers geared toward men’s needs, often in unscented or more masculine fragrances. Reducing shine is key for wedding day photos. Rely on face and hair products that will not add unnecessary sheen to your skin or hair to avoid making you look greasy. Matte hair waxes and sprays will tame tresses. Also, ask your fiancée to pick you up a package of blotting tissues if you are prone to oily skin. These absorbent, typically rice-paper sheets will remove oil from your face and keep sheen to a minimum.

Smile

Make sure your teeth have been thoroughly brushed and that you have used a minty mouthwash so you’re primed for that first kiss. Many grooms also opt for whitening treatments prior to the wedding so they have a dazzling smile. On their wedding days, grooms will likely be photographed more than any other time in their lives. That means putting extra effort into personal grooming to look their best.

Top 10 mistakes Courtesy of Patricia Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings

Budget Blindness

Decide your budget first! Families need to set a clear dollar amount, and how and when funds will be available. It is key to find the local costs for services; cost for a Billings wedding can be substantially different than other cities. Stick with this budget and keep good records. Don’t overspend and you’ll be less stressed.

Guest List Woes

You must create the guest list early, as it will affect almost every facet of your day, from caterer to photographer, baker to florist. Not knowing this ahead of time will greatly impact your budget. Final guest count must be available to vendors prior to their ordering product – usually 3 weeks. A good estimate is to expect 70% to attend.

Getting Stuck on a Date

Select a few dates. The key to finding the

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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.

the venue rental fees, only to find out later that rental amount is only a fraction of the real cost. A venue’s full cost is the rental, plus food, bar service, along with any other miscellaneous charges that are unique to that venue, such as cake cutting fees, setup/ teardown fees, linens, etc. To get any true sense of the price, schedule a consultation.

Box Store Photographer

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.

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

Misunderstanding how venues are priced

Many couples will call around to find out

Waiting too long to Venue Shop!

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.

Call Now to Schedule Your Private Tour & Consultation 656-7273 3

Helpful hints when planning floral arrangements By Metro Services

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Veils complete bridal look By Metro Services

They also tend to add glamour to brides’ looks. Here are the types of veils from The perfect dress is on the wish list of shortest to longest. many a bride-to-be, but no bridal ensemble Blusher: Blushers cover the face, though is truly complete until the bride chooses some extend only to mid-cheek on the bride. her veil. Flyaway: Flyaways cover just the back Veils have been worn by brides at their of the head. Shorter veils may work better weddings for centuries. Veils can be traced on petite women. back to the Middle East, where veils helped Shoulder: Shoulder veils are about 20 protect against the weather while also inches in length and will hit at the bride’s preserving the modesty of the bride. In An- shoulders or just below. cient Greece and Ancient Rome, veils were Waist: Waist-length veils cascade down used as protection against evil spirits. to the middle of the bride’s waist. According to popular wedding website Fingertip: These veils extend down 38 The Knot.com, until Vatican II, all Catholic to 42 inches, brushing against the bride’s women were required to have their heads fingertips. covered in church, including during their Waltz/Knee: For a dramatic look, wedding ceremonies. Veils were worn for many brides may opt for waltz-length veils, this purpose, but they also symbolized trust which fall to the back of the knees. in the groom and his love and companionChapel/Floor: Veils that extend to ship. Some Christians also see the veil as a the floor may be referred to as “chapel” visual representation of submission to the or “floor-length” veils. Such veils cascade Church and to God. slightly behind the bride. Others think of the veil as another beautiful accompaniment to their bridal Veils can complete brides’ wedding day gown, without attaching any additional looks. Shorter veils may be comfortable to meaning to the veil itself. wear throughout the day and evening, but Veils come in various lengths and can brides may want to consider detachable complement the style of a wedding gown. veils if they are selecting lengthier options.

When planning their weddings, couples may find themselves becoming experts on subjects they previously never gave much thought. Thanks to the cost of weddings, today’s couples must make each decision carefully, and that may result in hours of research and discussion. One of the big decisions couples must make when planning their weddings concerns their floral arrangements. The right floral arMetro Services rangements won’t break the bank but will add substantial aesthetic appeal to ceremonies and and the greater their availability the less receptions. It can be difficult for couples to couples are likely to pay for them. achieve that balance of cost and look on their Repurpose arrangements own, so the following are a few helpful hints Another way to save on floral arrangefor couples when choosing their wedding day ments is to repurpose flowers throughout the floral arrangements. day. Once bridesmaids no longer need their Trust and like your florist bouquets, use them to decorate gift tables or All florists are not the same, so finding one cocktail areas. Floral arrangements on display you can trust and will enjoy working with can during the ceremony can be removed once make all the difference. Many couples have you have both said “I do” and moved into the little or no experience with floral arrangereception area where they can be enjoyed ments prior to planning their weddings, so it through the night. Go over any repurposing can calm couples’ nerves to work with some- you plan to do with your reception hall manone they trust in such situations. Florists with ager prior to your wedding day so he knows significant wedding experience will no doubt where and when to move the arrangements. make a host of recommendations based on Go big couples’ budgets and preferences, so couples Some flowers simply bloom larger than might be more inclined to listen to that advice others, and choosing such flowers may help if they are working with someone they trust. Ask relatives, friends or coworkers if they can you save money since you won’t need to buy recommend any florists whose wedding work as many flowers as you would if you were to go with smaller blooms. Once you find a they are familiar with. florist to work with, discuss your options with Use in-season or native flowers regard to doing more with less. Many florists Couples working with tight budgets may embrace the challenge to be creative within want to choose in-season flowers or those a budget, so you might just be surprised and native to the area where they will be tying impressed by what they come up with. the knot. In-season and native flowers won’t Floral arrangements can set the mood for need to be ordered or shipped in from afar, a wedding ceremony and reception, and even which can be costly. In-season and native couples with little or no experience choosing flowers tend to be more abundant as well, arrangements can end up with stunning displays.

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Tame wedding day nerves

Rehearsal dinner how-to

By Metro Services

By Metro Services Many couples find their wedding rehearsal dinners to be relaxing respites from the whirlwind of wedding planning. Such dinners enable the happy couple to slow down and enjoy themselves in a relatively casual gathering with their closest friends and family members. Rehearsal dinners typically take place in the night or two before the wedding. The couple, the members of the wedding party, the parents of the bride and groom and others involved in the wedding typically attend this dinner. The couple generally takes the time at the dinner to thank everyone for their contributions to the wedding and to offer some small gifts of appreciation. No rules govern rehearsal dinners, so couples have the freedom to plan the dinners as they see fit. Rehearsal dinners often come immediately after the ceremony rehearsal, when the wedding party and the officiant go over the timing and details of the wedding. Make arrangements with the ceremony site and officiant prior to making dinner reservations. Parents of the groom traditionally host the rehearsal dinner, so they will be integral in planning the event. That means couples should keep an open and gracious mind. Remember, the rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be a lavish affair, and it can be customized to any budget or preference. Some couples feel that hosting rehearsal dinners in casual settings can make the dinner more comfortable for members of the wedding, who can use the dinner as an opportunity to mingle and get to know one another before the wedding. This will help to tame nerves and enable the wedding party to loosen up and enjoy themselves even more. Some people may

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be more inclined to socialize and have fun when they’re not worried about putting on airs. Restaurants that have special meaning to the couple often make for great places to hold rehearsal dinners. The bride and groom can suggest their ideas, but ultimately it is the person handling the bill who has the final say. Couples who want greater control over the rehearsal dinner festivities can suggest hosting it themselves. Despite its name, the rehearsal dinner doesn’t actually have to be a dinner, as couples can opt for meals at a different time of the day, like brunch or lunch. An earlier occasion gives guests plenty of time to get home and rest up for the festivities of the wedding to come. Toasts are expected at the rehearsal dinner, but they tend to be spontaneous, off-the-cuff remarks. A couple with a good sense of humor might not mind being roasted at their rehearsal dinners. The bride and groom should expect to say a few words of thanks to all in attendance, but remarks need not be too formal. Rehearsal dinners may even feature a little entertainment. Tech-savvy parents may put together a presentation with videos or photographs that chronicles the couple’s lives separately and their life together. Rehearsal dinners provide an opportunity for couples and their families to spend time together before the larger festivities of the wedding pull them in multiple directions. Plus, they set a fun tone for the wedding weekend to come.

When couples tie the knot, many changes are in store, many compromises will be made and many lasting memories will be created. But in the weeks and months before their big days, couples can easily get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, never taking inventory of their feelings until their wedding days have arrived. Come their wedding days, couples should not be surprised if some nerves set in. A survey from the anxiety self-help resource The Fear Source indicated 71 percent of bridesto-be suffered from some type of nerves during the lead-up to their weddings. Ninety-two percent of brides experienced nerves on the day of the wedding or the evening before, while 66 percent reported that it affected their daily lives prior to their weddings or hampered their performance and enjoyment during the day itself. Metro Services According to Psych Central, a modern online voice for mental health information, emotional support and advocacy, pre-wedding jitters are common and can be the subconscious telling a person that something needs to be remedied. Wedding nerves do not mean a wedding is doomed; it just means certain issues may need to be worked through. The following are some ways to tame wedding day nerves.

Communicating openly and honestly is one of the foundations of a strong relationship.

Slow down and breathe

Wedding planning involves making many decisions, and sometimes couples move at breakneck speeds. Make slowing down a priority. Try to enjoy a quiet dinner with just the two of you. When enjoying peaceful moments, take deep breaths, which can be calming and revitalizing. If need be, consider signing up for a yoga or tai chi class to force you to slow down.

Address performance anxiety

It’s easy to build up the big day in your mind and hope that everything goes according to plan. But it’s impossible to plan for each and every outcome on your wedding day. Focus on everything that can go right, rather than worrying about what might go wrong. Also, realize that your guests are your friends and family members who will be forgiving of any hiccups along the way. You’re bound to recover gracefully from any mishaps.

Work on confidence

Wedding fears may stem from inadequate self-confidence. Give yourself a pep talk and surround yourself with positive people. Keep the worry-warts at arms’ length for the time being.

Recruit more help

Weddings are huge undertakings, so it’s no surprise that couples sometimes feel overwhelmed. Ask reliable relatives or friends to double-check all of the lastminute details. This way you don’t feel it is all on your shoulders.

Wedding day nerves are to be expected and often have little to do with the decision Speak with your future spouse about to get married. Planning such a big event the things that may be causing your anxiety. can be nerve-wracking, but there are ways Maybe you have doubts on financial choices to combat any anxiety that builds up as the or where you will be living after the wedding. big day draws near.

Keep an open dialogue

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Undergarments can make or break wedding looks By Metro Services

appearance and make her extremely uncomfortable. According to a study done by Swiss lingerie company Triumph, a As guests’ eyes are trained on couples come their wedding days, it is no large number of women are choosing surprise that both the bride and groom their bras incorrectly. The international want to look flawless on their big days. survey of 10,000 women found that Men and women will spend thousands 64 percent of them are wearing the of dollars on clothing, hairstyling, make- wrong size bras. If women are wearing up, teeth whitening, fitness classes, the wrong undergarments for everyday and more to ensure they look their looks, it stands to reason that their best. While couples may be particularly wedding choices may not be spot on, concerned with their wedding day apeither. pearance, what they wear under their Undergarments should be purchased clothing—particularly for women—can and brought to all fittings as soon as a impact how clothes fit and look. gown is selected. In fact, it often is a Choosing the right bra or supportgood idea to ask the bridal store emive undergarments can play a crucial ployees to suggest a bra or corset that role in how a gown fits and whether or will complement the gown and remain not brides achieve that picture-perfect invisible beneath the dress. Some shops look. Wearing the wrong undergarwill make bras available when trying on ments can negatively affect a bride’s gowns. Brides are not obligated to pur-

Everything you need to make your wedding a success.

chase undergarments where they purchase their gowns, but take note of the brand and style and find a similar one elsewhere that fits with your budget if you don’t want to buy at the store. Pay attention to the gown’s fabric and how dense it is. Certain shapewear, including bras, that have a lot of boning in them to shape and support the body can show under bridal dresses without a lot of layers. Always try on the bra with the gown to gauge the finished look. You may opt for simpler and plain lingerie styles so that you will be guaranteed a seamless appearance. Nudecolored bras tend to be less noticeable than white. Some dresses with plunging necklines or backless designs may necessitate other options. Sew-in bra cups are another option that can lend invisible support.

Women with more ample busts may want to select gowns that will allow for bras with supportive straps to be worn. This way there is no worry about strapless bras or other style lingerie slipping down. In addition to bras, other types of shapewear can enhance certain areas of the body or downplay perceived flaws. Shapewear can smooth and pull in stomachs. Choose boy shorts or thongstyle cuts for a seamless finish. Shapers can smooth out bulges on the back, legs and hips, too. There also are special shorts that have some padding in the rear to create a curvier look. Bras and other shapewear can make a world of difference in how wedding attire looks and feels. Invest in some quality pieces that will highlight wardrobes to their fullest.

Before you say “I Do”...

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Nail color the finishing touch to wedding day prep By Metro Services Certainly a bride’s gown receives its fair share of attention on her wedding day, especially in those first moments when she proceeds down the aisle to her soon-to-be spouse. But another part of the bride’s ensemble will be scrutinized ... her hands. Wedding guests will be anxious to see the wedding ring, and photographs of the couple holding hands typically are included in the wedding album. A bride’s hands need to look as polished as the rest of her wedding day ensemble. Luckily there are no established rules when it comes to wedding day nail polish. Colors can range from neutrals and traditional shades to shades that are brighter and more exotic. Some brides like to wear blue nail polish, which gives them flair and completes the requisite “something blue” tradition. Not sure what to choose for your wedding day color? See if one of these suggestions fits your style.

Nude colors

Brides may want to downplay their nails and not let them detract from their rings or gowns. Using nude colors will help achieve this. Nudes can include blush pink, off-white and beige-toned nail polish alone or in combination, such as with a French manicure. Some brides choose to go with clear polish and let their natural nails shine through.

Glitter

For a bit more pizzazz, brides can have their nails done with a nude or clear color enhanced with glitter. The glitter will add a bit of sparkle that can complement the shine of wedding rings and any embellishments on gowns or veils. An alternative is to have tiny faux gems embedded into the polish near the base of the nail where it meets the cuticle.

Nail Art

Polish can be enhanced further with nail appliques or painted-on designs. It’s common for nail art to only appear on one nail of each hand, and it’s usually reserved for the ring finger. As people admire the wedding ring, they also can grab a peek at some fun and flirty nail art designs.

Bold and Beautiful

Brides who really want to make a statement can select a bold color for their nail polish. Coral and deep pinks can be a stark contrast against a white gown and add a bit of drama to a bride’s look. Brides also may want to coordinate their nail colors to the theme of the wedding. A blue or teal shade for an ocean-side wedding or a lavender shade for a spring wedding amid tons of blooms can look beautiful. It pays to have nails professionally manicured so that fingers will be flawless. A manicure also provides a little pampering before the demands of the wedding day set in.

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Vendor listings THE BILLINGS DEPOT 2310 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-7273 - billingsdepot.org With its soaring ceilings, high arched windows and roman columns, the historic Billings Depot is an elegant event center specializing in providing the perfect space for your special event. New services include wedding planning, rental of linens and décor, in-house full bar service, guest transportation, and a new outdoor courtyard area created especially for weddings. BILLINGS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7151 - billingshotel.net The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is a full service, newly renovated facility with 236 rooms and suites. In addition to our on-site restaurant, lounge and casino, we offer over 25,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, specializing in groups of 10 to 1,400 people. We also have a ballroom and beautiful court yard for your special day. BIN 119 119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net Bin 119 provides a casual 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.

Venues, catering, accommodations and more CHANCEY’S EVENT CENTER/ SOMEWHERE IN TIME BED AND BREAKFAST 266 Hogan Road, Huntley, MT 59037 (406) 348-2205 - chanceysevents.com Whether you are looking for an elegant reception hall, a romantic spot for your ceremony, or an inspiring location for a fundraiser or your next corporate event, we are pleased to offer a classy, unique atmosphere. Just minutes from downtown Billings, located along Pryor Creek, this spectacular venue brings together the quiet of the country and the convenience of the city. We offer a stunning wedding garden and a brand new 7,800 sq. ft. reception hall featuring a beautiful foyer, private bridal suite, elegant chandeliers, and spacious patio areas. EMILY QUALE @ BLOWN AWAY SALON & SPA 2010 Grand Ave., Suite 3, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 939-4674 Deciding how to style your hair on your special day can be the hardest thing to do. Leave it up to the expert! Emily will help put your mind at ease, whether you go with an updo, half updo, all down or to the side. Emily will work her magic not just on your hair; she also offers beautiful eyelashes extensions that make the look complete for your extra special day! You will have heads turning when you choose Emily as your stylist! Call for your consultation today!

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 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. JODIE’S SALON & DAY SPA Located within Sola Salon 2545 Central Ave., Suite 13, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 599-5820 - jodiefjohnston@gmail.com At Jodie’s Salon & Day Spa, Licensed Cosmetologist & Massage Therapist, Jodie Johnston LMT, provides haircut & style, color, texturing, hair removal, gel polishing and massage services to get you ready for your big day. On location services available as well. Book your consultation today and see what Jodie can do for you.

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

Bridal Boutique

RED LODGE MOUNTAIN RESORT (406) 446-4610 - groups@RedLodgeMountain.com www.redlodgemountain.com/weddings-banquets/ banquets-conferences When you’re planning your big day, Red Lodge Mountain Resort’s Banquet facility is that perfect mix of brains and beauty. Our A-framed Clubhouse with floor-to-ceiling views can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. Our large, timber-framed banquet room has seating for 100 plus room for a band to set up and room for dancing. The party can continue outside to our deck and patio, where the unforgettable mountain scenery will stay with you long after your guests have gone home. Call or email to start making your plans now. 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.

406.702.7646 114 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 www.belleenblancmt.com

Monday-Friday 11-4 Saturday 10-5

Voted Billings’ Best Bridal Boutique

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION (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. VELVET 222 N. Broadway (Across from the Alberta Bair) Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-0308 - velvetcravings.com velvetcravings@gmail.com Velvet custom wedding cakes are designed and handcrafted especially for you. We will create a customized cake guaranteed to be as beautiful and elegant as the bride on her wedding day. Whether for a small gathering of family, or for a ballroom packed with happy loved ones, let Velvet help make your perfect cake. 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.

Moss Mansion A one-of-a-kind place for your unique event.

JOIN US FOR OUR WEDDING PREVIEW DAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 1-4 PM

Weddings | Showers | Anniversaries (406) 256-5100 • events@mossmansion.com

A wise and rising trend for couples Courtesy of Chancey’s Event Center

Book your event!

Cabel Noteboom Photography

Amber Reinhardt Photography

to spend more time enjoying each part of your wedding day. Guests will certainly appreciate one destination. Driving to multiple locations can be very confusing and stressful, Today it is very popular with couples to hold the reception and ceremony at the especially for out of town guests who are unfamiliar with the area. same venue especially if the venue offers With one destination, guests need not less restrictions. It is often easier for both worry about getting lost while making their the bridal party and the wedding guests way from the ceremony to the reception or to have everything take place at the one being concerned with filling a large gap of location. Many couples find that it can time between the ceremony and reception, be difficult coordinating dates and timing or not having adequate time to get from one when dealing with different locations for location to another. This leaves them feeling the ceremony and reception. One location may have the date you want available, rushed and anxious to get to the reception on time. Your guests will have a more while the other may not. Timing can also enjoyable experience knowing that once be a problem, especially, when you are they arrive at the ceremony they won’t need trying to avoid leaving too much time to get back on the road. It’s an added bonus between the ceremony and the reception if your venue has onsite rooms for out of or you are trying to make sure there is sufficient time in between to get from one town guests and provides shuttle service to location to the other. For couples looking and from the venue. Another consideration is that there may be cost savings when the for flexibility, allowing you to relax at an ceremony and reception are at the same on-site ceremony is a great option especially if the venue is away from city limits. location. Some locations having Wedding This choice means less restrictions as far Gardens along with an indoor space in case as curfews and noise ordinances and quite of inclement weather eases stress regarding possibly parking too. the weather. Many times floral pieces used The advantages do not end with the in the ceremony outdoor area can be moved planning stages. Imagine how relaxed your inside saving costs. Transportation costs wedding day can be when your ceremony, are also greatly reduced for the couples and pictures and reception are all together at their guests. one location. Avoiding the hassle of gathering Venues with special outdoor garden areas your wedding party and losing time traveling are very popular allowing couples to have from one location to another will allow you their ceremonies outside in these areas.

Amber Reinhardt Photography

Billings’ Premier Wedding Venue

We’re all inclusive!

Call for a personal tour or to book your wedding

(406) 348-2205 www.chanceysevents.com

Jupiterimages

Did you know? By Metro Services The modern bridal shower may trace its origins the 1890s. “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” says the first bridal shower hostess filled a paper parasol with small presents and turned it over the head of the bride-to-be. Soon the concept caught on, and many other women began “showering” future brides in such a manner. Naturally, as presents became larger and heavier, the tradition of literally showering the bride with gifts was modified—but the name has stuck. Bridal showers are designed to equip couples with many of the necessities to start their new life together. This custom is believed to have evolved from an old dowry system, in which a bride was expected to bring valuables to the marriage. The dowry was originally intended as compensation for the burden of supporting a wife placed on the groom. Some parents of the bride were not rich enough to afford an ample dowry, so friends and family members would offer small gifts to help

offset this financial responsibility. Today, both the bride and groom are equal partners in the marriage, bringing together their collective wealth. However, showers are still held regardless of the financial need of the bride as a way to offer good wishes before she embarks on her new journey.

Conveniently located in Downtown Billings

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

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

Sunday, February 14, 2016