August 2015
Last-minute wedding pointers
Advertiser Index
Billings Depot.................................... 3, 10 Billings Hotel & Convention Center......8, 10 Bin 119................................................10, 11 Chancey's Event Center..........................5 Gainan's Flowers................................9, 10 Hilton Garden Inn..............................4, 10 Holiday Inn Grand Montana........... 7, 10 Jeff Hosa Photography...........................6
Metro Services
Montana Liquor.................................2, 10 Moss Mansion.....................................4, 10 Northern Hotel.......................................12 Oasis Spa.............................................. 7, 11 Rock Creek Resort............................ 10, 11 Total Transportation.............................11 Wetzel's Quality Cleaners.............. 10, 11 YWCA........................................................ 2
Couples may find the last few weeks before their wedding days are filled with anticipation. As the big day draws near, it’s understandable if couples are a combination of excited and anxious. The excitement stems from tying the knot, while the anxiety might Write some checks be spurred by the desire that everything goes Many vendors expect final payment a off without a hitch. week or two before the ceremony, and it’s imperative that couples make these payWhile those last few weeks before a ments on time. Revisit all of your contracts to wedding day can be hectic, it’s important determine when the final installment of each that couples stay focused and remember to vendor’s payment is due. Pay via check so perform a handful of tasks as their big days you have a record that the final payment was draw closer. made.
Inside
Last-minute wedding pointers.......................................................2 Top 10 mistakes...................................................................................3 When to visit these honeymoon hot spots..................................4 A wise and rising trend for couples...............................................5 Navigating the rehearsal dinner.....................................................6 Dance lessons can be helpful prior to wedding.........................7 Explore wedding day transportation options.............................8 Vendor listings............................................................................ 10, 11 Destination wedding planning pointers.................................... 11 Finding a hotel for your out-of-town guests............................. 12
Speak to your vendors
Vendors play a big role at weddings, so it’s important that couples contact their vendors to confirm wedding schedules and ensure vendors have directions to the ceremony and
Cover photo courtesy of Jupiterimages
The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.
Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections
s r e d r ecial O
Low P
Sp for all ons i s a c c O Special rices • Lar
ge seLection • Low P
rices
• La
se rge
259-2265 • 1019 1st Ave. N.
Lec
3 blocks West of the Metra • Hours: Mon 9-6 • tues-sat 9-8
2
Contact your ceremony venue as well as the restaurant where your rehearsal dinner will be held to confirm the time of the rehearsal and your dinner reservation. When confirming these details, it’s also good to make sure all bridal party members and family who will be attending the rehearsal and subsequent dinner have transportation to and from each venue.
Couples who have chosen to use personalized toasting glasses, cake servers and other personal items at their wedding receptions should drop such items off in the week leading up their weddings. Arrange this drop-off with your contact at the reception venue, at which time you also can confirm any additional details about your reception you might want to inquire about.
Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Foley Section Designer Nadine Bittner
Confirm rehearsal reservations
Drop off personal items at the reception venue
Behind the Scenes General Manager Dave Worstell
reception locations, if necessary. Couples will be busy on their wedding days, so they may want to provide the phones numbers of their maids of honor and best men so vendors can reach them should something go awry or need to be addressed while couples are preparing for the ceremony.
tio
w Lo n•
i Pr
s ce
Commemorating the beginning of a life together YWCA Billings CeleBrAtion Center Ceremony and reception space, high ceilings, catering kitchen, and more!
Call 252.6303 or email events@ywcabillings.org
Top 10 mistakes Box Store Photographer
Courtesy of Patricia Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings
Choosing the right photographer is one of your most important decisions! A heartbreaking mistake is hiring a friend or family member as the photographer because they offered Budget Blindness Decide your budget first! Families need to set a clear dollar a great deal, only to receive poor quality images. Photos become the most tangible memories you will have. To choose amount, and how and when funds will be available. It is key the best photographer, don’t make your final selection based to find the local costs for services; cost for a Billings wedding on their website; see one entire wedding to make sure you can be substantially different than other cities. Stick with this like their overall style. budget and keep good records. Don’t overspend and you’ll be less stressed. Misunderstanding how venues are priced Many couples will call around to find out the venue rental Guest List Woes fees, only to find out later that rental amount is only a fraction You must create the guest list early, as it will affect almost of the real cost. A venue’s full cost is the rental, plus food, every facet of your day, from caterer to photographer, baker bar service, along with any other miscellaneous charges that to florist. Not knowing this ahead of time will greatly impact are unique to that venue, such as cake cutting fees, setup/ your budget. Final guest count must be available to vendors teardown fees, linens, etc. To get any true sense of the price, prior to their ordering product – usually 3 weeks. A good schedule a consultation. estimate is to expect 70% to attend.
Getting Stuck on a Date
Waiting too long to Venue Shop!
Select a few dates. The key to finding the perfect location is flexibility on the date. Some days of the week offer major benefits or less expensive pricing. Gather information before you make a decision. Check the Billings365.com website events calendar before securing your date. Major local events will greatly affect room rates, availability, parking, rentals, dining, and the overall vibe that weekend.
Once you have a budget and guest count, begin researching venues right away. To gather accurate information, do not get info online. Make appointments to tour and take a list of questions. What is and is not included in your rental? Are you required to use onsite food service, or do you have the freedom to choose a caterer? This option could save you thousands of dollars on food alone.
Perfectionism!
There’s no such thing, especially on a wedding day where there are so many personalities and factors at play. Brides who rave about their wedding say they just “let go” and let the day flow. Remember, you can’t match your bridesmaids’ dresses to the linens, and fresh flower shades vary.
Not Remembering the why!
It’s YOUR Wedding Day!! It’s about the two of you and the beginning of your new life. Have fun and turn your wedding into a true reflection of who you are.
Late vendor search
Book your venue/church first, then book other vendors quickly, but wisely. Vendors book a limited number of weddings per weekend, and for boutique businesses, you are their only event that date. Shop smart, check references, talk with your planner and venue manager, attend bridal events, and ask to see their work.
No Plan B?
Outdoor ceremonies are very popular, but you need to have an alternate rain location. And post someone at the venue directing guests to the alternative site, waiting to start the ceremony to allow travel time.
Voted Best
Wedding Venue
Named One of the Top 100 Wedding Venues in the USA!
406.656.7273 • 2310 Montana Ave. • www.billingsdepot.org
3
When to visit these honeymoon hotspots People opting to get married in the winter A honeymoon provides a welcome retreat in the Northern Hemisphere might want to for couples after months of budgeting, planescape the cooler temperatures and shorter ning and ironing out the details of their weddays with a honeymoon south of the equator. dings. On their honeymoons, couples get the Australia and New Zealand are beautiful spots chance to escape the pressures of everyday life to visit and enjoy summer when those in the and simply enjoy being alone with each other. Northern Hemisphere are mired in winter. Honeymoon vacations can be expensive, France and many couples want to ensure they get the Paris and other French cities can be best value for their trips. A honeymoon that enchanting to visit any time of the year, but is overshadowed by inclement weather can locals advise honeymooners visit in Septemmake this once-in-a-lifetime trip memorable ber when the climate is quite comfortable for all the wrong reasons. While not every and tourism is minimal. Spring is another hiccup can be avoided, couples can plan their great time to visit France, especially for those honeymoons for those times of year when people who want to spend plenty of time specific locales experience their best weather. outdoors.
Jamaica
Couples tying the knot in the earlier part of the year may want to honeymoon in Jamaica. With average temperatures in the 80s year-round, Jamaica makes for a great honeymoon destination. January through April see less rain than other times of the year, and keep in mind June through the end of December is hurricane season.
Mexico
Areas of Mexico, such as popular Cancun and Cozumel, tend to stay warm all year long, but they can be particularly hot in the summer. Spring brides and grooms may want to venture there before the summer season is in full swing. Couples might want to avoid vacationing in certain areas in March, as students visiting for spring break may compromise the
Everything you need to make your wedding a success. Hilton Garden Inn® Billings knows how important your Big Day is, and we can help. From our fabulous food presentations, elegant venue and rooms for your guests, we are here to ensure your biggest day is a success.
romantic atmosphere honeymooners are hoping for.
Hawaii
Spring and summer can be ideal times to visit the islands of Hawaii, as the weather can be beautiful and travel tends to be less expensive during these times of year. Rains increase as autumn sets in, and Hawaii often sees the bulk of its vacationers during the winter, meaning higher costs and bigger crowds.
Italy
April through June and September through October are some of the best times to visit Italy. Be aware that Venice tends to be misty and damp during the late fall and early spring. Italy, especially southern Italy and Sicily, can get quite hot during the peak summer months. Weather and tourism should be considered as newlyweds choose where to go on their honeymoons.
Moss Mansion
Ask about our Premier Wedding Package. • 2,400 sq. ft. Ballroom for up to 180 people • Pre-function areas for greeting and cocktails • Bridal King Suite for your wedding night • Personalized online wedding web page for hotel room reservations • Coordinated planning services with our experienced staff, Executive Chef, and more! Call Sales & Catering Today at 406-655-8800 for all the details. Hilton Garden Inn Billings 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 406-655-8800 • 1-877-STAY-HGI www.billings.hgi.com
4
©2015 HILTON WORLDWIDE
Metro Services
Australia
Metro Services
406.256.5100
www.mossmansion.com
A wise and rising trend for couples Courtesy of Chancey’s Event Center Today it is very popular with couples to hold the reception and ceremony at the same venue especially if the venue offers less restrictions. It is often easier for both the bridal party and the wedding guests to have everything take place at the one location. Many couples find that it can be difficult coordinating dates and timing when dealing with different locations for the ceremony and reception. One location may have the date you want available, while the other may not. Timing can also be a problem, especially, when you are trying to avoid leaving too much time between the ceremony and the reception or you are trying to make sure there is sufficient time in between to get from one location to the other. For couples looking for flexibility, an on-site ceremony is a great option especially if the venue is away from city limits. This choice means less restrictions as far as curfews and noise ordinances and quite possibly parking too.
one destination. Driving to multiple locations can be very confusing and stressful, especially for out of town guests who are unfamiliar with the area. With one destination, guests need not worry about getting lost while making their way from the ceremony to the reception or being concerned with filling a large gap of time between the ceremony and reception, or not having adequate time to get from one location to another. This leaves them feeling rushed and anxious to get to the reception on time. Your guests will have a more enjoyable experience knowing that once they arrive at the ceremony they won’t need to get back on the road. It’s an added bonus if your venue has onsite rooms for out of town guests and provides shuttle service to and from the venue. Another consideration is that there may be cost savings when the ceremony and reception are at the same location. Some locations having wedding gardens along with an indoor space in case of inclement weather eases stress regarding the weather. Many times floral pieces used in the ceremony outdoor area can be moved inside saving costs. Transportation costs are also greatly reduced for the couples and their guests.
The advantages do not end with the planning stages. Imagine how relaxed your wedding day can be when your ceremony, pictures and reception are all together at one location. Avoiding the hassle of gathering your wedding party and losing time traveling Venues with a special outdoor garden from one location to another will allow you to areas are very popular allowing couples to spend more time enjoying each part of your have their ceremonies outside in these areas. wedding day. Guests will certainly appreciate
Book your event!
Cabel Noteboom Photography
Cabel Noteboom Photography
Brooke Peterson Photography
Daniel Sullivan Photography
Brook Peterson Photography
Billings’ Premier Wedding Venue
We’re all inclusive!
Call for a personal tour or to book your wedding
(406) 348-2205 www.chanceysevents.com
Thinkstock
5
Navigating the rehearsal dinner Metro Services Rehearsal dinner is a fun wedding tradition that typically takes place the night before a couple walks down the aisle. The immediate families of the bride and groom as well as any additional members of the wedding party are on hand for the rehearsal dinner, which often follows a walk-through of the wedding ceremony. The rehearsal dinner is usually a laid-back affair, but there are some things couples must navigate as they sit down to their last dinner together before becoming husband and wife.
Guest list
If your rehearsal dinner will take place at a restaurant, then try to find a restaurant that can cater to various tastes. Rehearsal dinner parties tend to be large, and within your party you may have guests who are vegetarian or on gluten-free diets or those who need to avoid certain foods. The more versatile the menu, the more capable an establishment is likely to be with regard to meeting the various needs of your party. While many rehearsal dinners are held at restaurants, it’s not unheard of to host a dinner party at home or at the home of the bride’s or groom’s parents. If you plan to go this route, just be sure to provide a variety of food so no one goes home hungry.
Booking
find restaurants that can accommodate the unique diets of potential party guests. So try to book a reservation three to six months in advance of the dinner. If you are getting married during an especially popular month to tie the knot, such as June or October, try to make the reservation even earlier, as the longer you wait the more likely other couples will have booked the restaurant for their rehearsal dinners. Starting early also gives you more time to find the ideal restaurant to host the dinner.
Tab
Many wedding traditions have fallen by the wayside over the last several decades, and that includes who is picking up the tab. In the past, the brides’ parents paid for the wedding while the grooms’ parents were ex-
pected to pick up the tab for the rehearsal dinner. But many couples now pay for their own weddings, and those that are footing the bill should include the rehearsal dinner in their wedding budgets. If parents offer to pay or split the tab, you can take them up on their generous offer. But it is still to a couple’s advantage to expect to pay for their rehearsal dinners. Rehearsal dinners are an enjoyable tradition that affords couples the chance to sit down with their closest friends and family members and enjoy a great meal together. Planning ahead can make the dinner even more enjoyable.
If you are hosting a rehearsal dinner at a restaurant, booking a reservation should be near the top of your priority list once you have chosen a date for the wedding. It’s not always easy to find restaurants that can accommodate especially large parties, nor is it easy to
Thinkstock
Metro Services
It is customary to invite anyone participating in the wedding, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls, and ring bearers, to the rehearsal dinner. In addition to those in the wedding, family members, such as parents of both the bride and groom and their respective siblings who are not in the wedding, also are invited to traditional rehearsal dinners.
Menu
6
Dance lessons can be helpful prior to a wedding Couples may want to begin dance lessons a few months before their wedding day to get Apart from their initial nerves during their acclimated to the experience. The more leswedding ceremonies, many couples feel com- sons couples take, the more comfortable they will likely be when it comes time to cut a rug. fortable having all eyes on them for the majority of their wedding days. However, some Private dance lessons may be more efcouples get a bit of stage fright when dancing fective than group lessons, as they enable as husband and wife for the first time. one-on-one interaction with instructors, who point out any missteps immediately First dances and parent-child dances and correct form on the spot. Instructors also are popular wedding reception rituals. The may suggest which routines couples should couple’s dance serves as their first act as a embrace and which they may want to avoid. married pair, often occurring at the onset of the wedding reception. Father-daughter and mother-son dances may take place at different points in the evening.
Some people relish the idea of having the spotlight on them, while others are nervous about dancing in front of a crowd. While couples need not look like contestants on “Dancing With the Stars” to pull off a successful first dance, taking dance lessons prior to the wedding can teach men and women some key moves and help calm their nerves.
Preparation can stem nervousness and help couples feel more confident on the dance floor, even if their dances last only a few minutes. The goal of dance lessons is for couples to become better dancers, but improved skills on the dance floor is not the only thing couples can take from dance lessons.
Exercise
Dancing is an excellent form of exercise that can help couples build up their endurance. In addition, the cardiovascular benefits
Before you say “I Do”...
Oasis Health Spa will customize a Bridal program for you and take the stress out of this milestone event. Call today and schedule. Be radiant on the day that only perfection will do. • Bridal Party & Groom Packages • Bachelorette Parties • Body Treatments • Therapeutic Massages • Esthetician Services • Spa Packages • Women’s Weekend Purifying Retreat • Naturopathic Hydrotherapies • Facials & Massage
QUEEN FOR A DAY
Your Walk Down The Aisle Begins Here...
Oasis Health Spa is a bridal retreat where personalized attention, beauty, comfort and wellness combine to create a totally memorable and rejuvenating experience. Our Specially priced, customized services and medically approved products make our Brides and Bridal Parties look and feel their very best.
Gift Certificates YELLOWSTONE NATUROPATHIC CLINIC also available
Call 294-7778 or | 720 N. 30th St.
of dancing can help couples shed a few pounds prior to their wedding days.
Stress relief
Planning a wedding is not always easy. Having a night of the week devoted to some fun couple time can help relieve some of the stress couples may feel when planning a wedding.
Metro Services
Metro Services
Enjoyable memories
Taking dance lessons as a couple is something couples may look back on fondly long after they have tied the knot and cut their first rug as husband and wife. Dance lessons can help couples calm their nerves as their first dance approaches.
Plan your special event at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana for a memorable day. Your vows will be unforgettable with a Waterfall Ceremony in the Atrium and finished with an elegant reception in the Grand Ballroom.
We offer romantic packages to the bride and groom to make your special day picture perfect.
Book your wedding by October 30th, 2015 and receive $200.00 off any wedding package and complimentary chocolate covered strawberries in the Bride & Groom’s Wedding Suite.
The healing power of nature.
www.yncnaturally.com
Open Monday-Saturday by Appointment
Call Oceana Blake today at 406-238-8951 or email oblake@higrandmt.com 7
Explore wedding day transportation options Couples have many options at their disposal regarding transportation on their wedding days. Limousines continue to be popular choices, but other vehicles also may fit your needs. According to The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks wedding trends, the size of the average wedding party has grown, which means a greater number of people may need a ride to the festivities. But couples also must decide how they will get to and from their ceremonies. Couples who want to arrive in style may want to consider the following options.
Take a page out of a favorite fairy tale and arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. Carriages can typically fit between two and six passengers. If you cannot find a carriage, consider pedicabs or bicycle-drawn buggies as an alternative.
Step out of a classic movie
Vintage cars can make a statement. Although you may immediately think of a Rolls Royce, consider cars that embody your personal style. Rugged couples may want a classic pickup truck, while those who live life in the fast lane may prefer a vintage sports car.
These vehicles may be equipped with party lights, impressive sound systems and even minibars.
Go eco-friendly
If your ceremony is nearby, arrive on horseback or even peddling a bicycle. Such options are eco-friendly and, in the case of bicycles, may be free.
rvices
Engaged couples may be ready to walk down the aisle and begin their new life together, but first they have to get to the ceremony.
Arrive like royalty
Metro Se
Metro Services
When booking transportation for you and your wedding guests, remember to do so well in advance. In addition, get all agreements in writing, verify that the company is Take the party on the road licensed and insured and provide Moving a large number of people in the directions and the itinerary to wedding party takes forethought. Party buses and SUV limousines can fit a substantial drivers. This will ensure things go amount of passengers, making them a more smoothly. cost-effective option for large bridal parties.
Â? Â
8
Photography by Jana Graham
What’s your wedding dream? From mountains to masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers over 60 years of experience to help make your wedding vision a reality.
FLOWERS RENTAL | DECOR GIFT REGISTRY DELIVERY We specialize in destination weddings including: Billings | Red Lodge Moonlight Basin | Big Sky Flathead Lake | Northern Wyoming
WEDDING MAKE THE
of your dreams A REALITY
SPECIAL OFFERS
$50 toward the bride’s bouquet if your total order is $500 or more. 10% of gift registry sales returned to the bride and groom as a gift card.
MONTANA’S premier WEDDING FLORIST and GIFT REGISTRY
Call today for your personal consultation: 406-238-3161
9
Vendor listings
Venues, catering, accommodations & more
THE BILLINGS DEPOT 2310 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-7273 - billingsdepot.org
BIN 119 119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net
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.
Bin 119 provides a casual fine dining atmosphere with American bistro and regionally influenced cuisine. We serve lunch and dinner daily as well as a brunch menu every Sunday. The menu offers a great variety of tapas, steaks, seafood, paninis, burgers and desserts. We have an amazing wine list as well as quality beer and ales. Patio and banquet room available.
BILLINGS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER GAINAN’S FLOWERS 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 502 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7151 - billingshotel.net (406) 245-6434 - gainans.com The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is No dream is too big. From mountains to a full service, newly renovated facility with masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s 236 rooms and suites. In addition to our offers 60 years of experience to make your on-site restaurant, lounge and casino, we wedding vision a reality. Our experienced offer over 25,000 square feet of meeting and consultants welcome the privilege of assistbanquet facilities, specializing in groups of ing you in planning the day of your dreams. 10 to 1,400 people. We also have a ballroom We specialize in destination weddings and beautiful court yard for your special day.
including Billings, Big Sky, Red Lodge, Flathead Lake, Moonlight Basin and Northern Wyoming.
MONTANA LIQUOR, INC. 1019 1st Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-2265
HILTON GARDEN INN BILLINGS 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 655-8800 - billings.hgi.com
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!
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. THE HOLIDAY INN GRAND MONTANA 5500 Midland Road, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7701 higrandmt.com
MOSS MANSION 914 Division St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 256-5100 - mossmansion.com Explore a historic local treasure in downtown Billings. The Moss Mansion Historic House Museum brings 1903 history to life, showcasing original furniture and artifacts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this local treasure is a source of inspiration and education for all. Visit www.mossmansion. com for seasonal tour hours.
Winter Wedding Destination At the bAse of the beArtooth MountAins, beAuty is your bAckdrop red lodge • montana
1915
1915
YEARS
YEARS
100
2015
Book your wedding January – April 2016 and receive 20% off your ceremony cost 20% off banquet space 20% off guest lodging.
100
2015
*This offer is based on availability and for parties of 20 or more
5 miles south of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 406.445.0457 or 1.800.667.1119
117 N. 30th • 245-3760 • www.wetzelscleaners.com Weekdays 7:30am - 6pm • Saturdays 8:30am - 1pm
10
Photo courtesy Jessie Moore Photography
Visit rockcreekresort.com for complete pricing and to connect with our wedding coordinator.
OASIS SPA 720 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-5095 – yncnaturally.com Oasis Spa takes the meaning of spa to a new level with body treatments, massages, and esthetic services beyond the ordinary. Services support natural detoxification through the largest organ of the body: the skin. Using natural products from herbs to organic essential oils, we bring mind, body and spirit into balance for improved wellness. Call today to nurture your body’s natural healing ability in the serene, peaceful environment of Oasis Spa!
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
TOTAL TRANSPORTATION (406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 www.mttotaltransportation.com
WETZEL’S QUALITY CLEANERS 117 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 545-0794
Total Transportation has been in service for 33 years. Limo & Carriage Company and Choose from our indoor facility which faces Billings Trolley & Bus Company. We do 95% out toward Rock Creek, or our many outdoor of the weddings in the surrounding areas of Montana and Wyoming. We offer elegant locations. We can accommodate parties from 25 to 300 guests. Our on-property ex- horse drawn carriages, limousines from ecutive chef will help you select the perfect Hummers to Cadillac Escalades to Lincoln limo stretches. In 2006, we were awarded meal, and we offer a romantic honeymoon one of the top ten services in the nation. cabin. See our website for pictures and information.
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.
Destination wedding planning pointers Metro Services Destination weddings continue to be popular among couples tying the knot. In its annual Real Weddings Survey, multiplatform wedding resource The Knot found that 24 percent of the nearly 16,000 brides and grooms who participated in the survey and married in 2014 had destination weddings, the second year in a row nearly a quarter of all survey respondents acknowledged taking their vows away from home. Destination weddings often benefit from picturesque landscapes and idyllic backdrops during ceremonies and bridal party photo sessions. But there are some things couples should consider before they decide to tie the knot in a faraway land.
and its timeline before opting for a destination wedding. In addition, some countries may mandate that personal documents, such as birth certificates, be translated into the official language of the country where couples will be tying the knot, and such translations typically must be conducted by approved translators.
dings, and their services are often included in resort wedding packages. If no such service is included in the hotel package, consider hiring a local wedding planner to make the process go more smoothly.
Engagement period
given place. When planning your destination wedding, embrace this culture by choosing local foods, flowers and entertainment. Not only will it make your big night more unique and authentic, but also buying local will save you money and benefit the environment at the same time. Destination weddings are significant undertakings, but couples can ease some of their workloads by taking certain steps to make the planning process go more smoothly.
Couples hoping to have a destination wedding should expect to have a longer enRequirements gagement than those getting married closer Some countries may allow couples to to home. The longer engagement period tie the knot the moment they step off their gives guests more time to arplanes, while others have residency requirerange for travel and couples ments that can be as long as several weeks. If more time to navigate the your budget is tight or your work schedule is requirements of getting inflexible, then try to find a country that does married overseas. When not require you to spend several weeks within sending save-the-date its borders before you can legally marry there. cards to guests, include brochures on the area Wedding planner Paperwork where you will be getting Many couples who choose destination Whether you’re getting married in your married so guests can see weddings ultimately get married at a resort, current country of residence or overseas, you and such resorts typically have wedding what the area has to offer. must allow time for paperwork to be proplanners or coordinators who are well versed Buy local cessed. Wedding license applications may not in local laws and customs governing wedding Many couples choose be processed as quickly on a remote island as ceremonies. Such professionals can make it destination weddings Metro Ser vices they are in a major American city, so be sure easier for couples to navigate the sometimes because they are attracted to get a firm grasp of the application process complex laws regulating destination wedto the local culture in a
Private Dining Room Available for: Corporate Dinner Meetings Private Luncheons Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions Open O n Mon-Sat M S @ 11 • Sun @ 10am (Brunch 10am-2pm/Dinner 2PM-Close)
American Bistro & Wine Bar Our downtown restaurant provides the highest quality seasonal dishes with a first-class wine & beer selection. The dining ambiance is pleasantly casual and intimate, with seating available in a charming interior setting or romantic garden patio.
119 N. Broadway • 294.9119 • www.Bin119.net
Stop by The Gazette at 401 N. Broadway or visit billingsgazette.com/contact
To subscribe, call 406-657-1298
11
Finding a hotel for your out-of-town guests Metro Services
Location bears considerable weight when choosing a hotel for your out-of-town wedding guests. If you are tying the knot in a large city, guests are less likely to rent cars for the weekend, so look for a hotel with access to restaurants and other attractions One of the more enjoyable aspects of wedding planning is finding lodging for out- your guests can enjoy while they are in town. of-town guests. Hotels come in all shapes and If your ceremony and reception are in a more remote location, then try to find a hotel that’s sizes, and visiting various hotels and seeing what each has to offer can be fun. As couples nearby so guests do not spend the bulk of their time behind the wheel while they are set out to find lodging for their out-of-town guests, the following factors should be taken in town. If you simply can’t find a hotel that’s close to your ceremony and reception locainto consideration. tions, then arrange for bus transportation Number of guests so guests can get to and from the reception Even if you have yet to pare down the guest list, you may have an idea of how many safely and soundly. guests you hope to invite to your wedding. Amenities Peruse your preliminary guest list to deterOut-of-town guests will have more free mine how many of those potential invitees time on their hands than the bride- and may need lodging. Some hotels won’t offer groom-to-be, so consider the amenities
12
Cost
rvices
Location
each hotel you visit has to offer. On-site exercise facilities, pools and outdoor lounge areas all can help guests fill the hours before the wedding and enjoy some rest and relaxation. In addition, hotels with on-site restaurants or those next door to restaurants can provide convenient places for guests to eat and meet up with fellow guests.
Metro Se
Wedding planning can seem overwhelming at times, but couples also tend to have a lot of fun when making preparations for their big day. Whether it’s sampling various cuisines for their wedding reception or researching potential honeymoon destinations, couples have much to look forward to as they delve deeper into their wedding planning.
discounted room blocks without a minimum number of guests, so try to find a hotel or hotels that can accommodate your group size and still offer a discount on their usual rates.
Like location, cost is a significant consideration when choosing a hotel for your out-of-town guests. Whether such guests are driving or flying in, the cost of travel is already hitting them in the pocketbook, so finding hotels that offer budgetfriendly rates for wedding parties should be a priority. Finding a hotel for out-of-town wedding guests is an enjoyable element of wedding planning. Couples should consider a host of factors before making their final decisions.