Wedding Planner August 2013 by Billings Gazette

AUGUST 2013

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Wedding venue shopping ................................................ 3 Pinterest DIY Brides .......................................................... 4 Seating arrangements ....................................................... 6 Father-daughter dance ...................................................... 7 Mother-son dance ............................................................. 7 Wedding dress silhouettes................................................ 8 Wedding photography ..................................................... 9 Centerpiece options.........................................................10 All-inclusive resorts .......................................................... 11 Rehearsal dinner .............................................................. 12 Wedding thank you etiquette ........................................ 13 Vendor listings .............................................................14-15

A-Limo Limousine Service ...................................14 A Promise for Two ................................................14 Billings Depot, Inc............................................. 3, 14 Billings Hotel & Convention Center............ 13, 14 Bin 119 ............................................................... 13, 14 Chancey’s Event Center ...................................5, 14 Cherry Creek Development.................................14 Evergreen IGA...................................................2, 13 Gainan’s Flowers ............................................. 14, 16 Hilton Garden Inn ................................................14

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3 blocks West of the Metra Hours: moN 9-6 tues-sAt 9-8

Montana Jack’s Steakhouse ........................... 10, 14 Montana Liquor ............................................... 2, 14 Moss Mansion ................................................. 10, 15 Rock Creek Resort ............................................12,15 SR Photos ...............................................................15 Tiny’s Tavern ..........................................................15 Total Transportation .............................................15 Travel Café .........................................................11, 15 Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners ....................................15 Yellowstone Art Museum ....................................15

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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: 1. 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! 2. 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. 3. 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.

4. 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.

Timeless. le . Ele Elegant.. EExtraordinary di

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 to be pampered on your special day, and as always, you can choose your own caterer to create the perfect evening. The Depot is proud to announce the addition of an exquisite new outdoor space, Gainan’s Courtyard, designed especially for open-air I-do’s.

Come see why the historic Depot is the picture-perfect place to begin your “happily ever after!”

406.656.7273 2310 Montana Ave. www.billingsdepot.org

Photo taken by TKC Photography

Photo courteesy of Cetrone Studios

Pinterest DIY Brides

Photos courtesy of Chancey’s Event Center

By Pat Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings

Planning your wedding or just daydreaming about it? We all want a system to file away all our wonderful pictures and DIY ideas. The old threering binder has gone by the wayside as brides have become addicted to Pinterest, a convenient and high-tech solution to almost every wedding question. Pinterest is an online bulletin board that you can “pin” with your favorite ideas categorizing them into “boards” and sharing with friends, family and vendors. It is immensely easy, and best of all, it is FREE! Are you a DIY Bride? Watching your budget? I suggest starting with one of the many Pinterest “Wedding Budgets”, laying out a plan before you spend a cent. Then go shopping – first for an event location. DIY Brides should look for a venue that provides space for both ceremony and reception, and the rules are flexible in what they allow you to bring in. Whether you want to save money or include personalized touches, do-ityourself details can make a big impact. But some projects are more difficult than others, and what you thought would be a breeze could turn into an undertaking that takes your stress levels to new highs. To avoid DIY overload, choose wisely what you will create. Sure, you can execute all the elements of a wedding reception yourself: food, entertainment, music, favors, (non-alcoholic) drinks, centerpieces, other decorations and the dreaded clean-up afterwards... but it might be safer for you to pick which ideas excite you the most. It is best to find a good balance between creating it yourself and getting help from others - whether hiring professionals or enlisting friends and family. Yes, there are a ton of super cute DIY wedding ideas on Pinterest. The key to having a beautiful wedding that doesn’t look homemade is to keep it

Wedding Budget Reception, drinks and venue rental, food................................................ 40% Photography & Videography fees (doesn’t include photo costs) ........ 9% Wedding Consultant/additional assistants .............................................12% Wedding Attire (Bride & Groom) 7% Floral ............................................... 6% DJ/Music/entertainment ............... 7% Wedding Rings ...............................4% Stationary (invitations, thanks, mailing, programs, table tents/cards, save-the-date) ...................................3% Gifts ..................................................3% Transportation/Lodging ............... 2% Wedding cake/mints/nuts/candy 2% Ceremony Officiate & legal documents ................................................ 2% Wedding Day Preparation - decorations, favors, guest register, knife/ spatula ..............................................3% NOT included: rehearsal dinner, pampering at beauty shop, honeymoon, engagement ring, bride/groom gifts to each other, room blocks, purchase of dresses or tux rental for other members of the party.

cohesive. Stick with your overall theme and color scheme. Pin your favorites, and then really ask yourself what belongs in your wedding and can you do it yourself! And, not only has Pinterest changed the bride, but the bridal industry as well. The site facilitates the jobs of brides as well as industry professionals. It is much more efficient viewing a bride’s Pinterest boards as opposed to sifting through magazines in search of images that might reflect a bride’s vision for her big day. Pinterest provides a platform to discover and share things you love. It’s what weddings are made of!

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Tips for making seating arrangements Metro Services One of the biggest decisions couples make regarding their wedding receptions concerns where to seat their guests. Many a bride and groom has felt the crunch of compiling responses and then coming up with an acceptable seating arrangement for the reception. Seating guests is not a task exclusive to brides- and grooms-to-be. Anyone holding a special party, whether it’s at a reception hall or a restaurant, must determine seating arrangements. Before you begin to make seating arrangements, you will need the entire list of people attending the event. Having a final headcount is essential. While you may want to do a seating chart early into the reception planning, it’s best left until a few weeks before your wedding day, when you know who will and will not be in attendance. Next, know the number of tables you will be allotted in the party space. A catering hall may have a set number of seats that can fit at each table and can usually provide you with a map of the room or a blank seating chart. Many

standard reception tables can comfortably seat between eight to 10 people. Squeezing in more people can make for an uncomfortable dining experience. If you are a visual person, you may benefit from writing guests’ names on small pieces of paper and physically moving them around your seating chart, much as you would do if you were trying to arrange furniture on a room layout. Otherwise, write things down as you plan. When arranging the seating, figure out the head or bridal table. This is one of the easier tables to seat because it is traditionally filled with members of your bridal party and their respective spouses or dates. If your bridal party is especially large, consider flanking your own sweetheart table with two tables for the bridal party on either side. After arranging the bridal table, focus on seating parents and close relatives of the bride and groom next. Many couples prefer to separate their families at the wedding, so the groom’s family may sit on one side of the room and the

bride’s family will sit on the other. This means there will be two parental tables. Consider seating grandparents or other close family members at these tables to ensure they have a place of prominence in the room. This usually means being close to the dance floor to have a good view of all of the festivities. If your parents are divorced or there are any other strained feelings among parents, you can further separate into another table for stepparents, to avoid any unpleasantness or confrontation. Many wedding receptions are full of friends and even coworkers of parents whom the couple tying the knot does not even know. You may need further clarification of their relationships and who gets along before seating them. In fact, ask a parent to take care of arranging their own friends so you will be certain the arrangements will be comfortable for everyone. A friends’ table is usually a mingling of friends or your own coworkers who are of similar ages. A friends’ table can make guests who arrived solo feel more

comfortable because they can converse with others who are like-minded. Seating children can be tricky. You may be inclined to seat youngsters at their own table, which is fine if the children are mature enough to handle sitting by themselves. But young children sitting apart from their parents may be nervous. Furthermore, the parents will continually have to get up and check on the kids. Very young children are best seated alongside their folks. When arranging seating, you also must consider special needs’ individuals who may have mobility issues. Such individuals should be seated near doors and restrooms so it’s easier for them to get around once the reception hits full swing. Try to accommodate special requests, like not seating the elderly too close to music speakers. Keep in mind that there is software and even some smartphone apps that make it even easier to make seating arrangements. Tech-savvy couples may prefer this method to the old-fashioned pencil and paper technique.

Popular songs for the... Metro Services

father-daughter dance Many brides anxiously await their opportunity to dance with dear old Dad at their wedding receptions. One of the more beloved wedding traditions, the father-daughter dance is an often touching moment for fathers, new brides and guests alike. Though fathers and their daughters can choose whatever song they’d like for their special dance together, the following are some of the more popular songs for this special event.

”The Way You Look Tonight” -- Frank Sinatra ”My Girl” -- The Temptations ”Isn’t She Lovely” -- Stevie Wonder ”Wonderful Tonight” -- Eric Clapton ”Have I Told You Lately” -- Rod Stewart ”Butterfly Kisses” -- Bob Carlisle ”Over The Rainbow” -- Israel Kamakawiwo’ole ”You Are So Beautiful” -- Joe Cocker ”Unforgettable” -- Nat King Cole ”Daughters” -- John Mayer ”Father and Daughter” -- Paul Simon ”Daughter” -- Loudon Wainwright ”Landslide” -- Fleetwood Mac

mother-son dance ”What a Wonderful World” -- Louis Armstrong ”In My Life” -- The Beatles ”How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” -- James Taylor ”Summer Wind” -- Frank Sinatra ”Simple Man” -- Lynyrd Skynyrd ”Forever Young” -- Rod Stewart ”The Wind Beneath My Wings” -- Bette Midler ”Child Of Mine” -- Carole King ”God Only Knows” -- The Beach Boys ”Blessed” -- Elton John ”Just The Way You Are” -- Billy Joel ”I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song” -- Jim Croce ”You’ve Got A Friend In Me” -- Randy Newman

Wedding ceremonies and receptions are rife with tradition, and many of those traditions are celebrations of the two families joining together. One of the more popular traditions is the mother-son dance during the reception when the mother of the groom gets to shine on the dance floor with her son as guests watch. Some mother-son combinations choose to go with a more traditional song for their dance, while others prefer to turn up the volume and get down to a more modern song. The following are some popular songs chosen for the mother-son dance.

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Centerpiece options for couples tying the knot Metro Services Weddings may be characterized as a dozen little details coming together to form one big celebration. Key elements of the big day often must be planned well in advance, and timing is usually of the essence to ensure the day goes off without a hitch. Reception centerpieces are one of those seemingly minor, yet important details couples have to consider. The reception is a memorable night for the couple, and creating a magical experience involves setting the scene, which includes decorating guests’ tables with centerpieces that capture the theme of the wedding. Many different styles of centerpieces can be considered. Couples frequently opt for floral centerpieces because of the versatility of flowers and the myriad color combinations that are available. But couples should not limit themselves to a floral centerpiece. In fact, couples can

explore a variety of centerpieces options before choosing the one for them.

Candles

Inexpensive and beautiful, candles impart a subtle glow to a space. Candles of varying heights will cast light on the table and make the reception room look and feel more intimate. Place candles on a mirror or silver cake serving platter so that the light of the flames will reflect and disperse even more.

Fruit

Pieces of fruit, such as lemons, limes, apples, and oranges, can be used as a cost-friendly centerpiece. Whether placed in a basket or clear vase, the colors of fresh fruit can be vibrant and eye-catching. Afterward, the fruit can be brought home and eaten to limit waste.

Beads and baubles

Filling a vase or low-profile glass bowl with beads, shells, rocks, or crystals is an easy way to dress up a table. Consider pairing these decorative beads with candles to have a visually appealing design.

Edible ideas

Centerpieces that double as favors cut down on the expense and amount of work that goes into idea creation. A basket with tulle-wrapped Jordan almonds or decorative boxes of cookies stacked in the center of the table will look attractive and then can be taken home by guests. Even a tall vase filled with candycovered chocolates can be attractive, and then guests can fill up their own little bags of sweet treats.

Themed objects

Birdhouses, watering cans, teapots, a small birdcage, or other items that fit with the theme of a wedding can work well as centerpieces. A carved pumpkin or gourd fits in with a fall-timed wedding, while a sand pail may complete the look of a summer-inspired wedding.

Balloons

Don’t underestimate the power of a billowing bouquet of balloons in the center of a table. Relatively low-priced when compared to flowers, balloons are easy to set up and will quickly fill a space.

Wildflowers

Rather than centerpieces full of exotic flowers, do-it-yourself couples can place whimsical bunches of wildflowers and fresh herbs into vases on each table.

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All-inclusive resorts Courtesy of Billie J. Ruff, CTC, CTE, ACC CEO, Travel Café – Billings, Missoula, Great Falls and Montana Travel, Bozeman To maximize romance—and your vacation dollars—the overall value of an all-inclusive resort is hard to beat. Pioneered over 40 years ago for singles, all-inclusive resorts have dramatically evolved to incorporate many beautiful, expansive properties that cater to all types of vacationers—including couples. If relaxing on a beautiful beach while enjoying impeccable service is of the highest order, an all-inclusive resort is an ideal and affordable vacation. One of the best reasons for staying at an all-inclusive resort is being able to budget for everything prior to embarking on your vacation. All of your meals, alcohol, tips, taxes and non-motorized water sports are included in most all-inclusive resorts. Because many vacationers prefer to “stop and flop” on a beach while on vacation, staying at an all-inclusive resort provides a very relaxed environment in comparison to the traditional, non-allinclusive resorts which tend to have higher priced dining options, pressing many budget-minded couples to leave the resort in search of less-expensive dining.

Setting the Scene

Choosing the right destination for your rendezvous is just as important as picking the resort that best suits you. Some of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean to consider are St. Lucia (the “Hawaii of the Caribbean”) and Antigua (known for its powder-white sands, casinos, and sightseeing). The Turks and Caicos Islands, Aruba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are other great islands options that also have a fantastic array of recommended all-inclusive resorts. And, you can’t beat the turquoise water and white powdery sand of the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Keep in mind that romance is of top priority, so you’ll want to start honing in on a resort that suits your wants and needs. Included among many of the best, all-inclusive resorts are adults-only properties that will offer an incomparable atmosphere of romance.

Secrets Resorts are not just adults-only, they are also ‘couples only’ in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Sandals has resorts on many beautiful islands including St. Lucia, Antigua and Exuma. Other resorts that are adults-only include Excellence Resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and Couples Resorts with four resorts in Jamaica. If you want to truly go all out and splurge on an indulgent high-end, allinclusive experience (but remain tastefully within a slightly larger budget), there are many all-inclusive resorts that have concierge and club levels that will satisfy your every whim and make you feel like you’re the only person on the island. For example, Sandals takes this kind of luxury to the next level by offering several categories of suites that come with a butler. At Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica, every category of accommodations comes with a butler, and because of this, their guest to employee ratio far exceeds the highest of luxury hotels which makes service here simply outstanding.

Plan Ahead (and we mean it!)

Planning ahead means everything for couples wanting to experience an unforgettable experience, so be ready to start planning at least eight months in advance of your selected honeymoon dates. These timeframes will yield plenty of choices and options. Remember that your local travel professional is your best source for helping you plan and book a vacation, particularly when it comes to your honeymoon. It’s important to know that not all resorts are created equal, and the differences between them can be many. Because there is such a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts, choosing just the right one can be overwhelming for couples. That’s where an experienced travel agent who specializes in all-inclusive resorts can really help couples narrow down their options and find the perfect match for the type of vacation experience they are searching for.

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Planning the rehearsal dinner Metro Services tradition has largely fallen by the wayside. Couples should determine who will be paying for the dinner in advance so there’s no confusion once the meal is over. Couples who are handling the bill for their weddings should include the rehearsal dinner in their overall wedding budget.

Try to create a relaxed atmosphere

Many of the people invited to the rehearsal dinner may be meeting one another for the first time, so couples Choose the right restaurant should aim to create a relaxed atmoCouples who are having their cersphere to reduce any nervousness and emony and reception at the same venue tension. The rehearsal dinner may also may be able to have their rehearsal be the only time couples can relax and dinner at the venue as well. But many let their hair down with their family couples still prefer the rehearsal dinand friends, as the wedding day itself ner be held at a different restaurant. and the ensuing reception can be hectic. When choosing the restaurant, be sure So take advantage of the more relaxed to make a reservation several weeks in atmosphere and share a few laughs with advance and choose a restaurant that is those closest to you. fully capable of accommodating your party. The restaurant should have a Bring the gifts for members menu that’s versatile enough to accomof your wedding party modate guests on special diets or those The rehearsal dinner is when who are vegetarian or vegan. The rehearsal dinner party can be quite large, brides- and grooms-to-be give their so you’ll want to make your reservation bridesmaids and groomsmen their gifts. If the gifts are especially large, then you as early as possible so you can get the might want to give them before you enrestaurant of your choice. The larger the group, the earlier you should make ter the restaurant or even back at the hotel. But in many cases, it’s perfectly the reservation. alright to give out the bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts at the rehearsal dinner.

Creatas

One of the final responsibilities a couple has before they tie the knot is planning their rehearsal dinner. Typically the night before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity for the families of the bride- and groom-tobe and the members of the bridal party to get to know one another. Planning a rehearsal dinner is much less complicated than planning the wedding, but couples still must take steps in advance of the dinner to ensure it goes smoothly.

lies and friends to enjoy an intimate and relaxing dinner with one another the night before the couple’s big day. But as relaxing as the rehearsal dinner

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Invite the right guests

Some couples may be confused as to whom they should invite to their rehearsal dinners. Wedding party members and their significant others should always make the cut, as should the parents of both the bride and groom and the person officiating the wedding. Kids who will be in the wedding and their parents also should be invited. Many couples even invite their immediate family members and siblings, even if those relatives are not in the wedding.

Determine who is paying in advance

The groom’s family traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner, but that

Allow time for toasts

Jan - April 2014.

Toasts are not just a tradition of the wedding reception, but of the rehearsal dinner as well. The couple’s parents often want to toast the brideand groom-to-be, and such a toast may be conducted in tandem. But the groom is also expected to give a toast, most notably to his bride-to-be. In addition, the couple walking down the aisle can toast their bridal party during the rehearsal dinner, thanking them for being a part of their big day. Rehearsal dinners are typically a fun chance for couples and their fami-

should be, couples should still follow certain protocols to ensure the dinner goes off without a hitch.

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Wedding thank-you cards etiquette Metro Services Weddings and gifts go hand-in-hand. Couples who are tying the knot can expect to receive scores of gifts, ranging from simple well-wishes to cash to items listed on their registries. Couples should plan on spending some time writing thank-you notes to express gratitude to the people who were kind enough to give a gift. Contrary to popular belief, couples do not have a year’s grace period to mail out thank-you notes after the gift has been received or the wedding has taken place. According to the etiquette experts at The Emily Post Institute, all thank-you cards should be written and mailed within three months of receipt of a gift. It is preferable that the thank-you be written directly after receipt of the gift, but time-strapped couples may not have the opportunity to do so. However, writing a few thank-you cards every few days can alleviate having a giant pile to

do later on. Many couples prefer to order thankyou stationery when they order their wedding invitations. This way the paper, font and style match the original invitations. In addition, it may be less expensive to order stationery as a package. In some cases, a photography package may include thank-you notes with wallet-sized photos to include. Couples can then mail out a nice sentiment with a photo from the wedding. To keep with the etiquette time frame of thank-you notes, it is important to find out when the thank-you photos and cards will arrive first from the photographer. The thank-you sentiments should not be delayed by the photographer. For those interested in less expensive options, preprinted thank-you cards can be purchased at a stationery store. There are many designs and price points available. Remember, it is not the card itself,

•B e sincere in your messages and try but the thank-you that is important. to mention the gift and what it will As to the rules regarding those getting a thank-you, it is just about anyone be used for. who contributed in some part to the • P romptly respond to gifts that were received through the mail so the wedding, even if verbal thanks were giver knows they arrived. already offered. Anyone who provided •N ever mention that you plan to an engagement, shower or wedding gift, those who gave gifts of money, anyone return a gift or exchange it. who hosted a party or shower, attendants •M entioning the amount of a monetary gift is optional, but it does in the wedding, people who may have confirm to the giver that the right housed wedding guests, parents of the amount was received. bride and groom, suppliers and vendors, • A mass thank-you posted on social and employers who have wished couples well should all be included on the thankmedia is not adequate. •E ven if you are late with writing you list. out thank-you notes, that doesn’t Here are some other guidelines to exclude you from doing so. follow. •M ail out a handwritten note to By adhering to thank-you card each and every person being etiquette, couples will ensure their guests thanked. •D o not use form letters or preprint- know that gifts and efforts to make the ed cards to which you simply add wedding special were appreciated. your signature.

Timeless Tradition

Private Dining Room Available for: Corporate Dinner Meetings Private Luncheons Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions

The Billings Hotel and Convention Center has been privileged to have been a part in over 500 weddings in the past 41 years. We are proud to assist our couples in planning their special event. Whether you are seeking an outdoor courtyard setting or our beautiful Ball Room, we embrace your new, inventive, and creative ideas - making your dreams come true. Intimate gatherings of 10 to grand lavish affairs of 600, our professional catering staff is there to make your wedding and reception the remembrance of a lifetime.

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.

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Flowers for All Occasions

Please call and ask about our Wedding Packages - they range from wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, honeymoon suites, gift opening brunches, and of course your reception and wedding service! 406-248-7151 • 800-537-7286 • www.billingshotel.net • billingshotel@bresnan.net

Telefloral Service 1-800-378-5138

Plan your wedding day with us. Call for your free consultation.

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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 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.

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.

CHANCEY’S EVENT CENTER 266 Hogan Road, Huntley, MT 59037 (406) 348-2205 www.chanceysevents.com contact@chanceysevents.com Chancey’s Event Center is a Premier Event Venue family owned and operated. Chancey’s exudes elegance and class, from our landscaped outdoor patios and gardens, to our gorgeous interior with sparkling chandeliers and beautiful reception room. You may select from our on-site rentals, table linens, centerpieces for your guest tables, entertainment, audio equipment, overnight accommodations, and more! Our philosophy is to provide you with professional planning from beginning to end. Chancey’s is located just minutes from downtown Billings nestled in the quiet of the country with all the conveniences of the city.

CHERRY CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER Beautiful Hall & Recreation Area for any occasion Desiree Fjelstad – Manager (406) 254-2555 or (406) 850-2469 1955 Cherry Creek Loop, Billings, MT 59105 cherrycreek@bresnan.net

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.

MONTANA JACK’S CATERING 520 Hansen Lane, Billings, MT 59105 (406) 252-0243 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!

Let us help make this special day a success.

Hilton Garden Inn® knows the value of your special event and we can help make it a successful one! From our fabulous food presentations, elegant venue and rooms for your guests, let us take care of the details. We offer 128 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, over 4,000 sq. ft. of event space including a 2,400 sq. ft. ballroom accommodating up to 200 guests. Banquet, catering, and meeting services are all on site. Call the hotel direct at 406-655-8800 for your private showing or to make reservations call 1-877-STAY-HGI, or book online.

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

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.

ROCK CREEK RESORT

SR PHOTOS (406) 281-2256 sr_photos@yahoo.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SRPics SR Photos provides quality photography for any need, at prices anyone can afford. Every package includes full ownership of your photos. Let us help preserve your memories, just how you want them. ‘Like’ us on Facebook for albums, special deals, and fun contests where you can win great prizes!

TINY’S TAVERN CATERING

323 North 24th, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-0828 or (406) 259-1625 5 miles South of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 www.tinystavern.com Red Lodge, Montana 59068 Twenty five years of catering and 1 (800) 667-1119 or (406) 446-1111 winner of Readers’ Choice Best Caterer www.rockcreekresort.com/weddings.asp Choose from our indoor facility which 2011. But it’s not about us, it’s about you. faces out toward Rock Creek, or our many We work with all budgets. Check us out at www.tinystavern.com. We also do bar outdoor locations. We can accommosetups. If we cater your wedding, we give date parties from 25 to 300 guests. Our a discount for bar setup fee. on-property executive chef will help you select the perfect meal, and we offer a romantic honeymoon cabin. See our website TOTAL TRANSPORTATION for pictures and information. (406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 www.mttotaltransportation.com Total Transportation has been in

service for 30 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.

know someone is standing by to take care of your every need.

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 TRAVEL CAFÉ items. We are certified Master Dry Clean313 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 ers and specialize in many areas, including (406) 259-0999 or (888) 404-0999 travelcafeonline.com – jenniferk@travelcafeonline. wedding gown preservation. Mail order services are also available. com Travel Café offers the unique service of a Bridal Registry to help today’s YELLOWSTONE engaged couples make their Honeymoon ART MUSEUM Dreams Reality! With a Travel Café Travel 401 N. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101 Advocate by your side, you’ll spend (406) 256-6804 www.artmuseum.org your honeymoon immersed in new sites, Thinking beyond the chapel? Hold cultures and adventures without a care your wedding in Billings’ most creative in the world. Your Advocate draws on and unique venue, the YAM! Featurthe hundreds of years of Travel Café staff ing historic and contemporary art in an experience and utilizes worldwide travel elegant setting. Friendly, flexible staff to alliances to make sure your honeymoon help arrange your most memorable day. exceeds your expectations at the best possible value. Wherever you are, 24/7, you’ll

Weddings

no dream is too big What’s your wedding dream? From mountains to masquerade, Western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers 62 years of experience to help make your wedding vision a reality.

flowers • rental • dÉcor • gift registry • delivery We specialize in destination weddings including: Billings • Red Lodge • Moonlight Basin • Big Sky • Flathead Lake • Northern Wyoming

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 & groom as a gift card.

call today for your personal consulation 406.245.6434 Jim Gainan Event Producer | mailus@gainans.com

References and portfolio available by request photos by Jana Graham Photography