Wedding Planner by Billings Gazette

JANUARY 2013

R Events & Flowers

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Inside Wedding venue shopping ............................................................3 Save money with handmade invites .......................................... 4 Find a gown they will all love .....................................................5 Tips for writing your own wedding vows .................................6 Trend: Sweet, petite and bold color ...........................................7 Tips for selecting wedding day flowers......................................8 Packing for your honeymoon................................................... 10 Planning a honeymoon or destination wedding ......................11 Wedding cuisine ...........................................................................12 Save the Date card etiquette...................................................... 13 Vendor listings ........................................................................ 14-15

A Promise for Two ...............................................................................14 A-Limo Limousine Service ..................................................................14 Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites ................................................. 5 Billings Depot, Inc.............................................................................3, 14 Billings Hotel & Convention Center............................................14, 16 Bin 119 ...............................................................................................14, 15 Eaglerock Golf Course ........................................................................14 Evergreen IGA..................................................................................2, 15 FF190 Slideshow Productions ..............................................................14 Gainan’s Flowers ..............................................................................9, 14 Hilton Garden Inn .......................................................................... 4, 14 Le Fete ..............................................................................................13, 14 Montana Jack’s ................................................................................13, 15 Montana Liquor ............................................................................... 5, 15 Moss Mansion .................................................................................14, 15 Oscar’s Park Entertainment ............................................................2, 15 Q Catering........................................................................................ 7, 15 Red Lodge Mountain Resort ............................................................... 6 Rock Creek Resort ..........................................................................10, 15 Smoken Antlers Café ........................................................................... 12 Tiny’s Tavern ......................................................................................... 15 Total Transportation ............................................................................ 15 Travel Café ........................................................................................11, 15 Velvet ..................................................................................................... 15 Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners ..............................................................15, 16 Yellowstone Art Museum ..............................................................12, 15 The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

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Sales & Marketing Director Dave Worstell Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty

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Wedding Venue Shopping By Pat Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings Congratulations on your engagement! You are about to embark on one of the most exciting adventures of your lifetime – the journey to your wedding day. Can I guess your first thoughts are of wedding dresses and honeymoon locations? May I suggest that the key to a smooth journey is to first complete a little homework, and then begin “window shopping” for the venue that best fits you?

Before you begin venue shopping:

Select a few wedding dates that work for you and your family; Locking yourself into one date will limit the available venues, so the more dates the better! Estimate the number of guests who will attend. Usually you will have three guest lists to merge – the groom’s family, the bride’s family and the couple. Estimate about 70% of the guests you invite will attend. Set your budget, and know that approximately 40% of your budget will be used for venue, food and drink. Some wedding venues may offer a lower cost for the venue up front, but require you to use their food service, which can be more expensive than a private caterer or self-catering.

s g n i l Bil Depot

Do you want to have your ceremony and reception in the same place? Finding a venue that can accommodate both can save money. Many churches have a charge for your ceremony, so be sure that is part of your venue budget. Now, go have some fun. Research venues on the internet, ask friends, gather a venue list from www. billingsmontanaweddings.com/local_vendors.htm, make an appointment and begin the adventure, taking your fiancé or family members to help. Your options will include historic buildings, mansions, private event centers, art museums, gardens, hotels, tents, parks and private family residences. And because every venue contracts differently, here are a few questions that are important to ask: • What is the deposit and payment schedule? • Is any part of the deposit retained for clean-up or damages? • What is not covered in the contract? • Will a staff person be on site the wedding day? • Is a security guard required, and is it covered in the contract?

• Does the venue own a sound system? • What are the event hours and overtime charges? • Are we required to use the in-house food service, or can we hire our own caterer? • Do we need to hire a licensed bar or is there one on site? • Is there room for a band and/or dancing? • Is there a space for the bride and groom to change? • Is there adequate parking and is there a fee? • Are there limitations on decorating? • Are candles or other open flames allowed? • Is there a separate venue rental list? • What is the set-up and clean-up policy? • Does the venue require we have event insurance? Remember to have fun, and the job will be much easier. Keep in mind that you are planning a wonderful party for your friends and family. If you start early, I promise you will find the venue that fits the celebration of your love and romance. With the venue contract signed, you can move forward in making your dream come true. Happy New Year!

Th e

Timeless.. Elegant.. Extraordinary

Featuring soaring ceilings, roman columns, high arched windows, and a grand entrance hall, the Depot’s two beautiful, historic spaces are the perfect place to showcase both your ceremony and reception. The Depot also offers the bridal party a beautiful large dressing area, and as always, you may select your own food caterer!

We are proud to offer several new services, including: • Beautiful new Gainan’s Courtyard area for outdoor ceremonies • Full or partial wedding planning packages • Rental of linens, chair covers, arches, and decor • In-house Full Bar Service • Discounted lodging and Transportation options for guests after the event

Photo courtesy of becky brockie

www.billingsdepot.org • 2310 Montana Ave • Call 656-7273 to set up a private tour

Save money with handmade invites

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Metro Services Calligraphy, embossing, fonts, watermarks -- these and other terms are finely engrained in the wedding stationery lexicon. While traditionalists may pore over carefully crafted invitations, couples looking to rein in wedding spending may choose to take a more hands-on approach to wedding invitations ... by printing the invites themselves. Before the advent of sophisticated home computer systems and affordable desktop printers, brides- and grooms-to-be had to rely on professional printers and engravers. The process of producing wedding invitations likely involved printing plates or some form of thermography and took place in a building replete with bulky equipment and the pungent aroma of ink. Though formal and often exquisitely executed, these wedding invitations can still prove quite expensive.

The Bridal Association of America says that the average cost of professionally produced wedding invitations is $659. This refers to invitations that have printed envelopes, reply cards, and printer reply card envelopes. Changes in design or even the color of the text can impact prices further. It is not unheard of to spend as much as $2,000 for highquality engraved wedding invitations. Considering the invitation is held for a short period of time and then tossed away, some couples cannot imagine spending so much on invitations. In such instances, making your own invitations may be the most affordable option. As the evolution of home-based printing has broadened the possibilities of do-it-yourself printing, couples who hope to design and produce their own wedding invitations have many options at their disposal.

Pre-Made Kits

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A visit to a stationery store or even the local craft retailer should present shoppers with several different wedding invitation kits. These packages often include blank invitations, response cards, envelopes and other embellishments pertaining to the invitation design. Some can be quite elaborate, with the inclusion of vellum or card inserts, as well as diecut designs. Couples who want control over the wording and printing but would rather leave the creative design to someone else can benefit from these invitation kits. They also tend to be affordably priced in comparison to a professional printing service.

dress up the wedding invitation. Couples hosting a casual wedding for a small number of guests may enjoy the process of hand-crafting wedding invitations and possibly customizing them for each guest. Intimate affairs lend themselves well to this level of personalization, and handmade invitations could set the cozy tone of the celebration.

Graphic Design Work

Couples who have a creative spark may want to draw up their own invitation design or look for the assistance of an artist or graphic designer. There are many different programs that employ the use of clip art and stock imagery that can be put to use with regard to invitations. Those who have a cursory knowledge of some design applications can import text and images and manipulate the size of their templates accordingly for the type of invitation they desire. The finished file then can be printed at home or brought to an office supply center for more professional results.

Digital Services

The Internet has brought many services right into the homes of the average person. Discount invitation printing vendors abound and couples can choose and customize everything they want on their invitations. Due to low overhead costs and an abundance of customers, these online retailers are often priced lower than other venues. Depending on how much control the couple desires over the invitation, there may be readymade templates or the ability to pick items “a la carte.” The opportunity to create wedding invitations at home enables Crafty Card-Making some budget-conscious couples to Interest in scrapbooking and card-making has spurred craft centers keep costs for stationery at a minimum. Not only does making their to stock many different materials own invitations save money, it also that can be used to design wedding invitations. Layering different types of enables couples to have more creative control over one of the important paper to create a three-dimensional effect and using embellishments such components of a wedding that helps set the tone for the occasion. as rhinestones or ribbon can help

Find a gown they will all love Metro Services

self-conscious and uncomfortable. Plus, form-fitting clothing will be restrictive and can be difficult to move around in -- particularly considering the gown will be worn for an entire day.

Flattering Color

As a bride you may have a color in your mind for the wedding. But what looks good in table linens and flowers is not always the right choice for clothing. Take the skin tones and hair colors of your bridesmaids into consideration before choosing a dress. Green- and yellow-hued dresses may not look nice on women with olive skin tones, while very pale colors may wash out women with fair skin. Those with dark skin may need a brighter-colored dress.

Size matters

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The body shapes and sizes of the women in your bridal party will be different, and this should be kept in mind when selecting a gown style and cut. There are certain dress shapes that are universally flattering, such as A-line. Try to avoid gowns that are extremely formfitting, as only a few of the bridesmaids may be able to pull off this look successfully. The remainder could be left feeling

party will enjoy. • Take one or two bridesmaids shopping with you. Try to select ones with opposite body types so you can see how the gown looks on a woman who is thin and one who may be more full-figured. • Think about choosing separates. The bridesmaids can mix and match tops and bottoms to find a fit that works. This may enable a woman with a larger bust size to select a top with supportive straps while another bridesmaid can opt for strapless. Many stores have increased their inventory of separates because of their growing popularity. • Choose one color and then let the bridesmaids choose the style they like the best for themselves. The look will still be cohesive, but it won’t be boring with one type of gown. Also, each bridesmaid Price Tag It is an honor to be asked to be part will be comfortable with a gown that flatters her shape. of a bridal party, but that honor can • Go with a tea-length gown. These be very expensive. The bridesmaids are expected to pay for their wardrobe, hair gowns have become quite trendy and are less formal and cumbersome than styling, and makeup, as well as parties full-length gowns. Plus, there is a greater and gifts for the happy couple. As a courtesy to the women who already will likelihood that the gown can be used again at a later date. be investing a considerable amount to • Purchase the bridesmaid gowns be a part of your wedding, make every effort to select a gown that is affordable. at the same store where you will be There are plenty of retailers offering styl- purchasing your wedding gown. Most ish options that may not be as expensive shops will offer a courtesy discount if the bridesmaid gowns are purchased at as some specialty stores. the same store. Ensuring bridesmaids are happy in Other Tips their gowns takes a little work but will Once you’ve decided on the basic be well worth the effort. elements, consider the following suggestions to find a gown that the bridal Pam McLean

Close friends and family members are an important component of a couple’s wedding day. Individuals who are especially close to the bride and groom are often asked to become members of the wedding party, which means a brideto-be will be asking one or more women to play an integral role in the celebration. To set these ladies apart from other guests at the wedding, they are often asked to wear coordinating bridesmaid gowns. Selecting a style and color that is fitting to the unique people of the bridal party can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. As if choosing your maid of honor wasn’t tricky enough, you now must make a host of other decisions as well, all while playing stylist to the wedding party. Fashion sense is as unique as a fingerprint, and it is unlikely the bridesmaids will be able to agree on every aspect of the gowns they will be asked to wear. However, there are ways to narrow down the choices and be as accommodating as possible to their needs.

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Tips for writing your own wedding vows Metro Services

Metro Services

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many couples, so brides and grooms wish for the event to be momentous and memorable. As such, couples are increasingly integrating personal nuances into their ceremonies and receptions to tailor weddings to their unique visions. The desire to include personalized wedding vows continues to be a popular trend. If you are considering personalized wedding vows, first realize that it may not be a simple task. That’s because you want the message conveyed to be dear to your heart, and that can be challenging when faced with the pressures and planning of the rest of the wedding. That isn’t to say that writing your own vows is impossible. Here are some guidelines for personalizing your ceremony with your own sentiments.

G OLF C OURSE

n i g t s t e t f c r e e e p Th for g d n i d e t c w r e e f the p Groups@RedLodgeMountain.com or call Rachel at 406-446-2610 www.RedLodgeMountain.com/weddings

notes can serve as the starting points for the actual vows.

Read inspirational writings

Perhaps there is an author or a poet who inspires you? You can quote certain writers in your vows or let the tone of their works help shape the words of your vows. There also are suggested wedding readings and other quotes about marriage readily available at the library or with a quick search online.

Decide on a tone

Although the day is based on love and affection, you may not feel comfortable spouting words of adoration in front of friends and family. Feel free to tap into your unique personality. Humor can be used if it aligns with the way you Schedule time for writing normally express your affections. Be sure Amid the bustle of dress fittings and to weave this tone into more traditional interviews with photographers, it can be passages to create a cohesive expression of easy to put off the important task of writ- your feelings. ing vows for another day. But as any great writer can attest, it takes writing -- and Establish an outline rewriting -- to achieve a finished product Put together all of the words and you can be proud of. Give the task of phrases you’ve jotted down into an outwriting your vows your undivided attenline to help you organize the flow of the tion. Mark it in on your calendar or set a vows, using these words as a blueprint for reminder on your computer just as you the vows and building upon them. Make would any other appointment. sure the vows will be concise. Aim for your entire speech to be around 1 minute Be aware of ceremony guidelines in length to keep everyone engaged and It is best to check with your officiant the ceremony moving along. and confirm that personalized wedding vows are allowed. During civil ceremonies Put everything together it’s often acceptable to customize vows Draft your vows and then practice as you see fit. However, during religious them by reading out loud. You want to ceremonies there may be lines of scripture avoid long sentences or anything that trips that need to be read or certain passages you up. Although large words may sound required. Before you spend hours working impressive, they could make the vows seem on the task, be sure that it is allowed and too academic and not necessarily heartfelt. that your spouse and you are on the same Enlist the help of a friend or two to act page. as your audience to see if the vows sound good and are easily understandable. Jot down your feelings Writing your own vows can be a Answer some questions about what way to include personal expressions of marriage means to you and how you love into a couple’s wedding day. Public feel about your spouse. Try to avoid trite speaking is seldom easy, nor is finding the sayings and think from your heart and perfect words to convey feelings about a personal experiences. Think about what future spouse. However, with some practice is the most important thing you want and inspiration, anyone can draft personto promise to your future partner. These alized vows.

Trend: Sweet, Petite and Bold Color Courtesy of Q Catering Many catering companies do everything from the delectable appetizers to providing your desserts and wedding cake. Small is the new big on the wedding dessert scene! Gorgeous five layer cakes can be a stunning centerpiece, but elegant or whimsical little confections are making a big statement on today’s dessert tables. Before you decide on one big cake, consider all the flavor combinations and fun that can be had with minicakes. Smaller individualized cakes can be uses as wedding favors, compliment the regular wedding cake or can be a petite alternative. Here are a few ideas to incorporate this sweet little trend:

Courtesy of Q Catering

• Vibrant, bold or traditionally decorated cupcakes in various flavors for each guest • Cake-pops offer a fun alternative for the kids and the kids in all of us • Mini-cakes at each table for guests to share • Cupcake towers with a mini-cake topper for the bride and groom The other hot trend now in cakes is bold color. Pastel colors are replaced with big bright colors like oranges, bright blues and hot tropical colors. Couples are opting for cakes with where the color starts dark on the bottom tier of the cake and fades lighter as it goes up to the top tier, which is then a very pale version of the color or almost white. Summer brings requests for bright tropical colors for and various shades of green, such as lime, with orange, purple and sage for fall weddings. The base colors make a bold backdrop for fresh flowers or designs that tie in elements from a fabulous dress or invitation. For your big day, play with shapes, colors, tower heights, size and fun flavors. Ask your caterer about all of the dessert options that they can provide!

Tips for selecting wedding day flowers Metro Services What would a wedding day be without flowers? The beauty and the aroma of fresh-cut flowers can create a welcoming atmosphere and complement the beauty and the style of a wedding wardrobe. Flowers are often the first things that guests see upon arriving for the ceremony, and they may even be something guests take home at the end of the night. Flowers create an air of romance, and most couples want to make flowers -- whether fresh or silk -- an integral part of their wedding day. As with any decision when planning a wedding, choosing the right flowers requires some research and a basic knowledge of which flowers will convey the message and the theme of your wedding. The number of colors, textures and

combinations that can be created are so numerous that couples may feel the decision on the floral arrangements is best left to the florist. But it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to know what you want, and it is important for couples to convey their feelings to the florist. Consider these tips when choosing a florist and selecting flowers. • Experts advise that a couple start looking for a florist at least six months before the wedding, especially if the wedding will take place during the peak season of May through September. Get recommendations from friends as to which florist they used or find out if your wedding planner or banquet hall manager recommends a particular

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florist. Some catering halls have centerpieces and flowers that adorn agreements with florists, and they other areas of the room. work together. •B ecause receptions tend to take Browse magazines to get ideas of place in the evening hours and are what you like. You also may be often indoor affairs, experts say able to find a florist through an that added lighting may be needed advertisement or if he or she has to put emphasis on the floral been featured in publications. Keep centerpieces and help present them a scrapbook of the colors, types of in their best light. You may want flowers and arrangements and any to think about hiring a lighting other ideas that attract you so you designer to spotlight some areas will be able to present this informaof the room or at the very least tion to the florist. incorporate candlelight into your Establish your flower budget prior centerpiece arrangements. to sitting down with the florist. • To give the impression that there You should expect to pay at least are more flowers than there really 8 percent of the total wedding are, use fragrance and filler as your cost on flowers. Get an estimate tools. Fragrant flowers can fill up on the floral arrangement and the room with a welcoming aroma. then tweak your needs according Look for frangipani, lilies, hyacinths, to your budget. Many florists can jasmine, and sweet peas for a big modify arrangements and find a impact. Florists know how to stretch middle ground with regard to cost. arrangements by using greenery Selecting flowers that are in-season and other filler to lend bulk withwill result in more affordable rates out too much extra cost. than if you desire exotic or out-of•E xperienced florists will know season blooms. how long it takes certain buds to Once you’ve hired the florist, you open and show off their maximum can come up with a wedding flower beauty. Therefore, expect a florist to worksheet that establishes all of be working on your floral arrangeyour needs. The florist may ask for ments as much as a week before the specific information, such as photos wedding date -- purchasing containof the bride’s gown as well as the ers, cleaning flowers and waiting for colors and styles that the wedcertain ones to open fully. Minimize ding party will be wearing. A good changes close to your wedding florist knows that a bouquet should date as most things will already be not overpower or detract from the started. beauty of the bride. The florist may • I t is possible to make your own want to mimic textures from the centerpieces or bouquets if you so dress, such as beading, with smaller desire. Simplicity will work best for flowers or berries within the arthe novice. Think about grouping rangement. The groom’s boutonsimilar-hued calla lilies together for niere is traditionally one of the a bridal bouquet. Hydrangea and flowers from the bride’s bouquet so peonies are larger flowers that can that the look is cohesive. easily fill up a vessel on a table as Ceremony flowers may be tradia centerpiece. White flowers will tional, and some houses of worship coordinate with any color scheme have strict guidelines as to what and could be the easiest to mix and can and cannot be used. However, match. White blooms include sweet reception flowers can be where pea, rose, camellia, stephanotis, naryou show off your creativity and cissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the whimsy. After all, this is a party valley, jasmine, and gypsophila. and it should be fun. You may want Flowers are one component of the to give the florist more freedom of wedding that will help achieve the magic expression with regard to reception and beautiful atmosphere couples desire.

Packing for your honeymoon

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When basking in the afterglow of a momentous wedding, most couples would rather think about scores of other things than packing for their honeymoons. But with ever-changing restrictions on what and how much a person can bring along on airlines and other modes of travel, packing is something that eventually must be done. According to the Honeymoon Study 2010 by The Wedding Report, a Wedding Statistics and Market Research organization, 81 percent of newly married couples take a honeymoon. The top honeymoon destination for those in North America is the Caribbean, where the average couple will spend $3,500 on their honeymoon. Although 15 percent choose to cruise to their destinations, the remaining likely drive or fly. In any case, packing becomes a part of the honeymoon planning. Some people are good at packing and can execute the task rather easily. Others are left with a bulging suitcase that won’t pass muster at security clearance or meet size and weight guidelines imposed by airlines. Nevertheless, anyone can become a packing pro with a few guidelines. • If you don’t already have a suitcase,

choose a design with a hard case. This way it won’t expand while packing, and there’s no chance it will ever exceed the size limits. • Roll clothes because it will limit wrinkling. • Use a layering technique to fit a multitude of items and protect against displacement during transit. • Fill the bottom of the suitcase with the heavier items: shoes, jeans, jackets, and any gear or tech items. • Next, layer dresses and slacks so they lay lengthwise on top of the first layer of items. It’s okay if the ends extend over the edge of the suitcase. • Shirts and sweaters (if applicable) can be rolled and then layered next. Use any overhanging slacks and dresses to fold over the shirts and keep them in place. • Lightweight items, like lingerie and undergarments, can be placed on top. Also, include toiletries that are sealed in leakproof bags. • Be sure to know airline requirements in advance. While some restrictions have been lifted, the Traffic Safety Administration and the airlines themselves may have rules regarding how much liquid or sharp items you can bring along. • Keep important documents, such as tickets, reservation numbers and emergency contacts, with you in a travel bag. Any prescriptions you need should be carried as well. • Place an emergency outfit in your carry-on in the event your luggage is lost or temporarily detained. • Consider packing lightly and buying some necessities at your destination. • Sometimes it is less expensive to ship items instead of paying airline baggage fees. Investigate these options, especially on the return trip. • Take advantage of laundry service on honeymoons so you won’t return with a bag full of dirty items that need laundering right away. Also, doing laundry on your trip limits the number of things you need to pack because you can wash and re-wear. • Make the most of the honeymoon by packing early. Come your travel day, you can simply hop in the car and look forward to the vacation ahead.

Planning a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding Courtesy of Travel Café Your honeymoon is the best time to start making memories as a married couple. Too often, honeymoons are an afterthought to wedding planning. A honeymoon is an investment in memories for the rest of your life, so don’t take chances with it. Start with a conversation. Discuss the level of luxury and privacy you want, what you want to do every day, and the type of nightlife you desire. Researching your trip online is easy and fun, but when it comes to booking your all-important honeymoon, the advantages of working with a travel agent are myriad. Agents can offer you the benefit of their globetrotting experiences; inside lines to discounts not widely advertised; package deals and a range of itinerary options; one-stop shopping for air, car, and hotel reservations; and, last but not least, peace of mind. They are your saviors and advocates when travel plans go awry. Here are some points to help you find the agent of your dreams. Some travel agencies, stung by potential clients who “window shop” for agents and itineraries then book the tickets themselves, have started charging a fee for their services and expertise. This fee varies according to the intricacies of the trip and may be waived when the trip is booked or included in the final quote. If you trust and like the agent, consider it a small price to pay for a perfectly planned honeymoon. What’s one of the most important agent credentials? First-hand experience with a property. An agent who has visited a specific hotel knows which room has the best view and can recommend what to order for dessert at the restaurant. Best of all, he may have an inside line to the owner and be able to make special requests on your behalf. Also look for the CTC – Certified Travel Counselor. Ensure the best honeymoon experience for you and your spouse when you purchase a honeymoon package

in advance, including your flight, hotel, and activities. You’ll want to finalize and book your honeymoon approximately 4-6 months before you plan to travel. To give yourself enough time to prepare for your honeymoon, start shopping and packing about 1-2 weeks before your trip. Make sure to leave at least one day in-between your wedding day and your honeymoon trip. Most flights leave in the early morning, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to get to the airport and not feel rushed. Give yourself the luxury of extra time. Eliminate the stress of wedding planning when you plan your destination wedding with these tips. While selecting a destination, check with the country’s tourism board or consulate for all legal wedding requirements. It’s usually required that you and/or your witnesses arrive a few days before the ceremony—the number of days varies per destination. This will give you time to meet with the wedding coordinator and double check what you have planned. This is the trip of a lifetime, so pamper yourself by flying first class, upgrading your room to a suite, or by choosing a resort that caters to destination weddings. Go for the all-inclusive wedding/honeymoon package. With your food, beverages, accommodations, and amenities taken care of, it’ll be one less thing on your mind for your big day. Check to see whether your resort is family-friendly or adults only, as that will impact your guest list. Attention brides—if your passport is issued in your maiden name, make sure the information on your flight and hotel reservations matches your passport and any other required travel documentation. Bring a copy of your marriage certificate. Many hotels require proof of marriage to take advantage of special amenities exclusive for honeymooning couples. Relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

HONEYMOONS AND DESTINATION WEDDINGS If a honeymoon or destination wedding is in your future,

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Variety is the spice of life with wedding cuisine Metro Services Weddings are a celebration wherein guests look forward to the reception as much as the actual ceremony, and the food served at the wedding is often hotly anticipated. Wedding receptions feature a bevy of different foods to tempt the palates of those in attendance. From appetizers served during the cocktail hour to the last crumb of cake, food plays a big role in a wedding reception. Choosing foods for a reception can take a little forethought, especially when the wedding party is especially large. The following are a few suggestions to ensure most guests are happy with the menu selections.

The first rule of thumb is variety. As much as budget allows, give guests the choice over what they dine on. During the cocktail hour -- if there is one -- couples can play with many different tastes and offerings. For those who want to be creative, this is the time to do so. Exotic flavors can be served alongside more traditional offerings that guests recognize. For example, offer Asian fusion appetizers that may have spice alongside more traditional items, like miniature quiches. During the main course of the meal, give guests a few options. Most catering facilities will offer suggestions in their meal packages. Couples can typically

choose to offer a meat dish, a poultry and a seafood. This caters to a wide variety of diners. It is important for couples to recognize that many people have food allergies or are on restricted diets. While it may not be possible to provide for everyone’s specific requirements, it is possible to make some accommodations. First, ask the catering manager how his company provides for guests who are vegetarians or vegans. Ensure that the meal will not be simply a bunch of garnishes and vegetable side dishes lumped together. In addition, couples should recognize that many people have now adopted gluten-free lifestyles. More and more restaurants and establishments have expanded their offerings to include gluten-free items, so it is important for the bride and groom to confirm. People who are diabetic and must limit their consumption of sugars and carbohydrates may appreciate a selection of sugar-free desserts or lower carbohydrate foods. When couples focus on meeting the needs of their guests, it shows they have put in the effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at the wedding. Couples who have the environment in mind can choose to serve organic foods and look to catering facilities that

purchase foods from local vendors and farms. If a banquet hall does not make such concessions, ask if specialty items that benefit organic and local food producers can be brought in. Some caterers will be happy to make the change, but it will likely affect the cost of the wedding package to do so. Food and drink will be some of the most costly portions of a wedding, and couples who are interested in keeping costs down can still offer quality foods if they make some changes. Varying the time of day that the wedding is held can enable a brunch or luncheon wedding to take place. These foods are often less expensive and labor-intensive to prepare, and therefore the cost savings are passed down to the bride and groom. Some couples opt for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvreonly reception -- which should clearly be indicated on the invitation so that guests can plan accordingly. An informal wedding may feature only a selection of desserts and specialty liquors. This may be the least expensive option. Food is an important factor at a wedding and it is in a couple’s best interest to ensure that the food served is tasty, full of variety and acceptable to the majority of the guests who will be attending the reception.

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Save the date card etiquette Metro Services More and more couples planning to walk down the aisle are embracing save the date cards to give guests adequate notice that there is a party on the horizon. Save the date cards do more than let guests know when you’re getting hitched. The cards are a preliminary way to keep guests informed and let them know they are, in fact, on the guest list. These cards haven’t always been so popular, but have risen in popularity due to longer engagement periods, a growing number of destination weddings and the growing number of couples with guests from all over the country, if not the world. Considering people often plan business trips, vacations and other excursions several months in advance, save the date cards help secure a greater number of attendees at your wedding. Save the date announcements can

vary in many ways. They may be postcards or magnets that can be attached to a refrigerator door. If you desire a cohesive theme to your wedding stationery, select the save the date cards at the same time you choose your wedding invitations. This way you can ensure that either the patterns, fonts, colors, or style of the cards will match. It will also help convey the tone of the wedding. Guests often take their cues regarding the level of formality of the wedding from the type of stationery couples choose. When to send out the save the date announcements is important as well. As a general rule of thumb, it is wise to mail out the cards six months in advance for a standard wedding. If the wedding requires travel or extended overnight accommodations, you may want to mail them out eight months to a year in advance to give guests the time to investigate flight

costs and hotel arrangements. A wedding also may necessitate planning a vacation or personal time off from work. Therefore, ample advanced notice is advisable. Be sure to make your guest list in advance of sending out save the date cards. Everyone who receives a card should also be sent an invitation prior to the wedding. Remember to include any members of your planned wedding party in the list of recipients. Just because a person has verbally confirmed attendance at your wedding doesn’t mean they should be excluded from subsequent announcements. Guests may talk to one another and it is best to avoid hurt feelings and any added drama before the wedding by treating everyone equally. Be sure to include the wedding date, your names and the location of the wedding on the save the date cards. You do not need to offer RSVP information

or detailed specifics at this time. You may want to include a website URL on the card so guests can check it frequently for updates on wedding information. Be sure to also include that a formal invitation will follow at a later date. You do not want to cause confusion by having guests think that the save the date card is the actual invitation. Also, make sure you address the save the date cards correctly to show your intentions with respect to guest invites. For example, be clear about whether children will be invited and whether a boyfriend/girlfriend or another guest can tag along. Although save the date cards are not a necessity, they have become a popular part of wedding planning to eliminate confusion about invitations as well as help guests plan time off for your wedding.

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Vendor listings Venues, catering, accommodations & more A-LIMO LIMOUSINE SERVICE 405 N. 12th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 252-2536 or (800) 694-3168 Helping the Billings and surrounding areas make their occasions special for more than 20 years. We pride ourselves in giving our clients first class treatment. If you have a special request, we try to do whatever we can to make that perfect moment happen. Call us today! We’ll make you feel like a STAR! Voted Billings Gazette Readers’ Choice Winner 2011!

A PROMISE FOR TWO Billings, Montana (406) 671-9510 www.apromisefortwo.com apromisefortwo@gmail.com A Promise for Two is a consulting service that offers PreEngaged, PreMarriage and Relationship Counseling, Relationship & Marriage Prep Workshops and Wedding Officiating Services. We offer services that are individualized to meet your specific

needs. We practice non-denominational counseling that honors individual beliefs, traditions and culture. Serving the Billings Montana area since 2011!

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

FF190 SLIDESHOW PRODUCTIONS

1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7151 www.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.

Billings, Montana (406) 208-2930 www.youtube.com/user/TheFiremedic79 As you prepare to begin a new chapter in your life, celebrate when your story began. Share memories of your beautiful wedding with friends and family. An FF190 Production gives you the opportunity to look back over time by transforming your photographed memories into a beautiful slideshow choreographed to the music of your life. Contact Eric Barbeau today and begin a gift that will be cherished throughout each and every chapter of your life. Call today - (406) 208-2930.

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

EAGLEROCK GOLF COURSE 5624 Larimer Lane, Billings, MT 59105 (406) 655-4445 eaglerockgolfcourse.com Ryan - eradmin@imt.net EagleRock Golf Course is a wonderful venue for your intimate wedding, anniversary, private or corporate party. Our clubhouse has a great view with a beautiful outdoor deck. We have a full liquor license, and you may pick your own caterer. EagleRock offers very affordable group rates on golf. Visit our website or call and schedule your event with us. Space is limited.

GAINAN’S FLOWERS 502 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 245-6434 www.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 www.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.

LA FETE - French for the “party, celebration” 2010 Grand Ave., Suite #2, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 545-7127 kathleen@lefete.net Welcome to La Fete, the source for full service event planning and coordination. We are very passionate about creat-

ing important events whether it is weddings, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, sympathy tributes, pet sympathy bouquets or all occasion bouquets. It is our goal to work side by side with our clients in order to create a unique and elegant event or bouquet for everyone to enjoy.

MONTANA JACK’S CATERING 520 Hansen Lane, Billings, MT 59105 (406) 252-0243 www.mtjacks.net Montana Jack’s Catering service will handle all your catering needs. We cater Weddings, Private Parties, Holiday Parties and Special Functions such as family reunions or birthdays. We offer a large menu selection and can tailor the menu to fit your taste. Please call Kelly for more details at (406) 252-0243.

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 www.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.

OSCAR’S PARK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 3670 Wise Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 696-0966 www.oscarspark.com We’re the perfect spot for your special event. Oscar’s Park is conveniently located on the majestic Yellowstone River, just west of Billings, Montana. It’s the perfect place for your next event. We are capable of accommodating groups from 10 to 15,000 people. In this historic and unique setting you are sure to make your next event memorable.

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

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION

(406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 www.mttotaltransportation.com Q CATERING Total Transportation has been in 2503 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 service for 30 years. Limo & Carriage (406) 245-2503 www.CateringbyQ.com From casual to sophisticated, no detail Company and Billings Trolley & Bus is too small on your big day. Fresh menus, Company. We do 95% of the weddings in the surrounding areas of Montana and stunning cakes and event space available. We can cater anywhere in the Billings area Wyoming. We offer elegant horse drawn carriages, limousines from Hummers to or you can select our spaces on historic Montana Avenue for that unhurried fam- Cadillac Escalades to Lincoln limo stretches. In 2006, we were awarded one of the ily get together or bridal shower. 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.

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TRAVEL CAFÉ 313 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-0999 or (888) 404-0999 travelcafeonline.com jenniferk@travelcafeonline.com Travel Café offers the unique service of a Bridal Registry to help today’s engaged couples make their Honeymoon Dreams Reality! With a Travel Café Travel Advocate by your side, you’ll spend your honeymoon immersed in new sites, cultures and adventures without a care in the world. Your Advocate draws on the hundreds of years of Travel Café staff experience and utilizes worldwide travel alliances to make sure your honeymoon exceeds your expectations at the best pos-

sible value. Wherever you are, 24/7, you’ll know someone is standing by to take care of your every need.

VELVET 225 N. Broadway (Across from the Alberta Bair) Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-0148 www.velvetcravings.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.

YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM 401 N. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 256-6804 www.artmuseum.org Thinking beyond the chapel? Hold your wedding in Billings’ most creative and unique venue, the YAM! Featuring historic and contemporary art in an elegant setting. Friendly, flexible staff to help arrange your most memorable day.

Private Dining Room Available for: Corporate Dinner Meetings Private Luncheons Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions Open Mon-Sat @ 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

is in the details... Our goal is your personal vision. Allow us to transform our private venues into the setting of your dreams. Our professional expertise, with your creative imagination, will ensure an evening like no other. Whether you seek an intimate gathering or a grand lavish affair, The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is the place for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

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FREE Bridal Packet

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

Available at The Billings Gazette Customer Service Center 401 North Broadway