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Top 10 mistakes ..........................................................3 What’s new for nuptials?..............................................4 How to choose a wedding venue ...................................5 How to find the right wedding vendors ...........................6
259-2265 • 1019 1st Ave. N.
3 blocks West of the Metra • Hours: Mon 9-6 • tues-sat 9-8
How to handle guests who don’t RSVP .........................6 Safe ways to lose weight in advance of your wedding ....7 Which dinner service is right for your wedding? ...........8 Kids or no kids? Enjoy a wedding that works for you....9 Vendor listings ......................................................11-12 The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.
Wedding Cakes
Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections
Call for a free consultation Delivery Mon-Sat 1540 13 St. West
245-5138
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, and online.
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A-Limo Limousine Service .................................... 11 Big Horn Resort ............................................... 9, 11 Billings Depot .................................................. 3, 11 Bin 119 ........................................................... 8, 11 Engraveables Custom Laser ................................. 11 Evergreen IGA.................................................... 2, 7 Gainan’s Flowers ........................................... 10, 11 Hilton Garden Inn ............................................ 2, 11 Holiday Inn Grand Montana............................. 8, 11 Magic City Productions ........................................ 11 Montana Liquor ............................................... 2, 11 Moss Mansion...................................................... 11 Northern Hotel ....................................................... 5 Rock Creek Resort ......................................... 11, 12 Total Transportation ............................................ 12 Travel Café ...................................................... 4, 12 Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners ................................. 7, 12
Behind the Scenes
Hilton Garden Inn Billings 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 406-655-8800 • 1-877-STAY-HGI www.billings.hgi.com
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©2013 HILTON WORLDWIDE
Sales & Marketing Director Dave Worstell
Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty
Section Designer Kara Peterson
Cover photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Top 10 mistakes Courtesy of Patricia Clark, Patricia Clark Weddings 1. Budget Blindness Decide your budget first! Families need to set a clear dollar amount, and how and when funds will be available. It is key to find the local costs for services; cost for a Billings wedding can be substantially different than other cities. Stick with this budget and keep good records. Don’t overspend and you’ll be less stressed.
2. Getting Stuck on a Date 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.
3. Box Store Photographer Choosing the right photographer is one of your most important decisions! A heartbreaking mistake is hiring a friend or family member as the photographer because they offered a great deal, only to receive poor quality images. Photos become the most tangible memories you will have. To choose the best photogra-
pher, don’t make your final selection based on their website; see one entire wedding to make sure you like their overall style.
7. Perfectionism!
5. Guest List Woes
9. Late vendor search
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 4. To-Do List Overloading just “let go” and let the day flow. Remember, you can’t “Let your guests be your guests.” If a full wedding plan- match your bridesmaids’ dresses to the linens, and ner isn’t in your budget, allow yourself the luxury of fresh flower shades vary. a Day-Of Coordinator, who will guide the decorating, provide a timeline, answer dozens of questions, and 8. Not Remembering the why! keep the day flowing. It is the best spent money of the It’s YOUR Wedding Day!! It’s about the two of you and entire wedding. The details are taken care of, and your the beginning of your new life. Have fun and turn your style and overall look remain. wedding into a true reflection of who you are. You must create the guest list early, as it will affect almost every facet of your day, from caterer to photographer, baker to florist. Not knowing this ahead of time will greatly impact your budget. Final guest count must be available to vendors prior to their ordering product – usually 3 weeks. A good estimate is to expect 70% to attend.
6. Waiting too long to Venue Shop!
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.
10. No Plan B?
Outdoor ceremonies are very popular, but you need to Once you have a budget and guest count, begin have an alternate rain location. And post someone at researching venues right away. To gather accurate the venue directing guests to the alternative site, waitinformation, do not get info online. Make appointments ing to start the ceremony to allow travel time. 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.
Voted
“Best Place to HaVe a Wedding”
406.656.7273 • 2310 Montana Ave. www.billingsdepot.org 3
What’s New for Nuptials?
honeymoon. Couples have the choice to choose their accommodation level that best suits their expectations and budget, from luxury rooms to butler services, there is something for The summer months are filled with everyone. sunshine, fresh air, and weddings! As Hawaii doesn’t get new hotels very wedding season gets underway; hotels often, so when it does it is hot news in and resorts in the Caribbean, Hawaii the industry! After years of remaining and Mexico create exclusive packages dormant on new accommodations, Hadesigned to help honeymooners and waii made a big splash when it opened destination wedding-goers to customAulani: A Disney Resort & Spa in late ize their perfect romantic getaway. August of 2011. Now, the new talk of Rendezvous, a couples-oriented the town is the Andaz Maui at Wailea, boutique hotel nestled in the CaribHawaii’s latest addition to its portfolio bean Island of Saint Lucia, débuted its of luxury resorts. Situated on Maui’s premium “Ever After Wedding Collecpremier southwestern coastline along tion.” From a sunset cruise along the Mokapu Beach, the 15-acre beachcoast, to a pampering couples masfront Andaz Maui at Wailea opened in sage on the beach, the customized September, 2013. Designed by worldcollections offer personalized experirenowned architects Rockwell Group, ences for every bride and groom. All Andaz Maui at Wailea captures the the collections build on the Rendezspirit and feel of today’s Hawaii. The vous Romance package and include a expansive oceanfront resort features pre-planning wedding consultation, 297 guest rooms and suites, including on-site wedding planner and dedicated seven luxurious three-to five-bedroom resort wedding team, champagne residential villas. You can’t go wrong breakfast, couples massage, VIP arriv- with a honeymoon or destination al and check-in, and more. In modern wedding at this spectacular resort on day relationships, learning something Maui. new together is a great bonding experiMexico may be one of the world’s ence and a way to get to know your most popular honeymoon destinaspouse on a deeper level. Rendezvous tions, but it still has a few tricks up has created unique experiences for its sleeve. Located just off the coast of you to learn together. Cancun, Isla Holbox and Isla MuSandals resorts are the most jeres feel a country apart. The ferry familiar all-inclusive resorts, espeto Isla Mujeres is 30 minutes away cially for destination weddings and from downtown Cancun. However, if honeymoons. Couples have the choice you really want to get away head to between 15 Caribbean resorts on six Isla Holbox, the ferry is a two-hour islands; Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Batrip from the airport. Casa Sandra on hamas, Antigua, Barbados and the Isla Holbox is the ultimate kick-yournewly opened Grenada property. Every shoes-off beach hotel. Super relaxed, Sandals resorts is situated directly yet elegant, it doesn’t take long for you on white sandy beaches with exquito feel at home. site sapphire waters and stunning There are endless choices for each sunsets to enjoy the most romantic unique couple.
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FREE WEDDING IN PARADISE Book six nights or longer at any Sandals® or Beaches® Luxury Included® Resort in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados and Turks & Caicos.
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BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS WEDDING* You’ve waited all your life for this moment, and at Sandals and Beaches Resorts your wedding will be everything you’ve dreamed of, from the exotic location to a fresh floral bouquet to the perfect cake. With a Free* Beautiful Beginnings Wedding, your day will be filled with all the romantic elements of a classic wedding. For a limited time, Sandals Resorts will give you a $500 Wedding Credit, plus $500 in Bonus Credit** for you to use towards your WeddingMoon®!
**Restrictions apply. Please contact us for details. travelcafeonline.com 406-259-0999
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How to Choose a Wedding and Reception Venue Courtesy of Mary Ann Keenan, it- yourself undertaking, weigh the pluses and minuses: Do you have to Northern Hotel Congratulations! You’re engaged and looking forward to happily-everafter. You want your wedding to be perfect and, for that to happen, you need to fi nd a place to say your vows and a place to celebrate. Most importantly discuss, negotiate, and decide on a place both of you will love. How large will be reception be? Will you invite everyone you both know or just close friends and family? The number of people that a venue can accommodate will be a key part of your selection. There are really two types of wedding venues: full service and non-full service. A full service wedding venue usually offers everything from table and chair rentals to linens and catering supplies. A non-full service venue, most of the time, offers you the space and it is up to you to fi ll in the rest. Before you commit to an “I do”-
provide tables and chairs or will they be provided? Does the venue provide catering or do you need to contract with a caterer? Does the venue have a kitchen where a caterer can heat up the food? Is dancing important to you? If so, does the venue have a dance floor? Is parking easily accessible for guests? The venue location should be easy for people to fi nd. Very important, who handles the post-party clean up: the venue staff – or you and your wedding party? Go to the venue and look around. Some venues will stand out; others will get crossed off your list. How much are you willing to spend to rent that venue? Try to come up with a fi rm amount and stick to it. If the venue you want costs more than your budget, try to negotiate the cost. If that is not possible, you will have to decide if your want it bad enough to cut back on some other expenses for
the wedding. Just when you think you know everything about the venue you’ve selected: ask, ask, and ask again. One very important thing to do is ask the same question to multiple people associated with the venue. Depending on whom you are dealing with, and what their role is at the venue, you might get different answers, so make sure you ask your questions to everyone – to the catering manager, to the business manager, to the day-of coordinator. Some questions you may not think to ask are: How many weddings are held here in one day? Who will be here helping me the day of the wedding? Do you have any construction or landscape changes coming up before my wedding? Do you anticipate any
changes to the venue before the wedding day? When you have the answers that reassure you, get everything in writing. Congratulations, again! You’ve arranged the perfect venue and now you’re ready for your perfect wedding day.
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How to find the right wedding vendors Metro Services Weddings are a careful balance of many elements that culminate on one special day. Making all of the components of a wedding come together seamlessly requires a well-organized bride and groom and the cooperation of professional wedding vendors who understand their unique roles. Vendors, including florists, transportation companies, musicians, and dressmakers are essential to a successful wedding. Competent wedding vendors will remove much of the worry and work from a couple’s shoulders. But not every couple ends up with topnotch wedding vendors. Research, planning and verifying references are some ways to ensure your vendors make your wedding day that much more enjoyable.
Seek recommendations
Talk to friends and family members whose insight you value about which wedding vendors they used. If you attend a wedding or another party and find the flowers or the music particularly well done, ask for the name of the florist or band. Word-of-mouth advertisement is a great way to find quality wedding vendors who will help make your dream wedding a reality.
Consult a wedding planner
If budget allows, work with a wedding planner. He or she will have an extensive list of wedding vendors you can contact. A wedding planner wants the job to get done right and efficiently, and many wedding planners have already vetted and verified certain vendors as quality workers.
Deposits should be a fraction of the total price Avoid wedding vendors who insist on hefty deposits. A deposit is a good-faith agreement to hold the date of the wedding, and it should be a small percentage of the overall cost of the services.
Do not pay balances too far in advance
Many wedding vendors require the balance be paid on the day of the wedding or shortly before. Good vendors realize couples will not want to pay the tally until they have received the products or services they signed up for. A photographer may ask for the final payment when albums are delivered. The exception may be a caterer or reception site that needs the funds to order food and beverages a few weeks in advance. Paying off a vendor too early means you run the risk of that vendor having your money and then not coming through on the wedding day. It’s difficult to track down a person for a refund, plus you’re left with finding a replacement at the last minute.
Contracts are your friends
Every agreement should be in writing. You have a better chance of fighting for a refund or restitution in court when you have a contract in writing.
Consider wedding insurance
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Even the best-laid plans can go awry on a wedding day. Anything from freak weather events to illness to vendor absences can wreak havoc. The Better Business Bureau advises purchasing wedding insurance to protect yourself when weddings are especialAlways ask for references and ly costly. Such insurance may cover vendors don’t ignore them who fail to show up, cancellations, inclemBusy wedding vendors should provide ent weather, military deployment, medical you with a list of names of satisfied customemergencies, and travel delays. With wedding ers. Talk with couples who used the vendors’ insurance, you won’t lose money if plans services in the past and ask the questions change. A basic insurance policy that covers that are most important to your decisionloss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings, making process. Unbiased feedback also may and deposits usually costs between $155 and be available through online review sites, but $550, depending on the amount of coverage direct contact with references may make you you want. feel more comfortable. If a vendor fails to provide references, this should raise suspicions about the person’s reliability.
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How to handle guests who don’t RSVP Metro Services
day quickly approaches. Wedding invitations are often When guests a great source of information for fail to respond on time, couples guests. While wedding websites should maintain their compoalso provide a great opportunity sure and not take it as a sign for couples to get the word out of disrespect or indifference. about their weddings and share Guests might not be planpertinent details like the date ning a wedding, but chances and location of the wedding, are they’re busy, too, and their many people are still unfamiliar failure to respond is likely just a with the concept of a wedding mistake. Before contacting those website, and therefore they rely who failed to provide a timely reon invitations as their primary sponse, wait a few extra days so source of information about a responses that were mailed at wedding. the last minute can be counted One of the most important among those that were received bits of information couples on time. must include on their wedding Once the deadline and subinvitations is the RSVP date. The sequent extension has passed, RSVP, which stands for “reponcouples can begin to contact dez s’il vous plait,” is a couple’s those guests who have not request for a response to their responded to their invitations. If invitation. The RSVP is typically it’s a close friend or family mema specific date by which guests ber who hasn’t responded, simmust let the couple tying the ply call them on the telephone knot know whether or not they and politely ask if they plan on plan to attend the wedding. coming to the wedding. They There are no rules that won’t need to mail the RSVP at govern how far in advance of this point, so just jot down their the wedding couples should ask response and thank them before their guests to RSVP, but some moving on to the next person. venues might want a final headWhen a person who hasn’t count or at least a close estimate responded is less familiar to of the final countdown three to the bride and groom, such as four weeks before the big day. As a parent’s distant cousin or a result, it’s best to ask guests to professional colleague, then it’s RSVP at least three weeks before perfectly reasonable to ask for the wedding and preferably four help. For example, if a parent’s to five weeks before the festivineighbor has yet to reply, ask ties commence. Mom or Dad to drop by their If invitations are mailed house or call them on the phone two to three months prior to to determine if they plan to atthe wedding, that gives guests tend. ample time to determine The majority of invitees, if whether they can or cannot join not all of them, who fail to rein the celebration. While many spond on time will understand guests will respond immediately when contacted directly and or in plenty of time for couples asked if they plan to attend, so to arrange seating and notify couples need not be nervous or their reception venue, nearly confrontational when making every bride and groom has been phone calls or writing emails. forced to deal with guests who Keep things short and sweet simply failed to respond to their and let guests know their atinvitations, a potentially precari- tendance is appreciated or their ous position for couples to find absence will be felt if they canthemselves in as their wedding not make it.
Safe ways to lose weight in advance of your wedding Metro Services
Many couples aspire to lose weight in the months leading up to their weddings. Few things are a bigger weightloss motivator than being on display during a wedding, where guests will have their eyes trained on the happy couple. Brides- and grooms-to-be often cite their impending nuptials as a reason to shed some pounds. A Cornell University study found 70 percent of the roughly 270 engaged women interviewed for the study said they wanted to lose weight for their weddings, with many citing a desire to lose as much as 20 pounds. Losing this amount of weight is feasible over a significant period of time. But according to Samantha Heller, a registered dietitian and exercise physiologist at New York University’s Langone Medical Center in New York City, many people get consumed with other wedding details and forget about weight loss until the last minute, causing many to resort to drastic measures to lose weight in the weeks before walking down the aisle. Quick fixes may result in rapid
weight loss, but all too often such measures don’t work as expected and may cause unexpected side effects. In addition, crash diets or extreme cleanses usually will not help a person keep weight off, which leads to many people packing on the pounds once they return from their honeymoon. Losing weight and keeping that weight off requires that men and women make lifestyle changes, which often include alterations to their eating habits.
Begin your plan early
Make weight loss as much of a priority as planning the wedding. Schedule a time to speak with a physical trainer and/or dietician who can help you develop a healthy weight loss plan. It may take several months to a year for you to lose weight the right way. Plan accordingly so you will not be scrambling at the last minute.
Set reasonable goals
Losing 15 to 20 pounds is entirely possible in six months to a year, but losing that much weight in a week is unlikely. Determine how much time you
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have and set weekly or monthly goals, which can keep you on track and motivate you to lose the weight.
Don’t buy clothes in smaller sizes
Some brides-to-be order their wedding gowns in the sizes they “hope” to fit into come their wedding day. This is never a good idea, as it may create undue stress that can make losing weight even more difficult. Gowns are also quite expensive. It’s easier to alter a gown to make it smaller and much more complicated (and expensive) to add fabric to increase the size.
Keep your doctor informed It is always best to consult with a doctor before starting a weight-loss regimen. Your doctor may suggest certain strategies to facilitate weight loss. Furthermore, you may be able to stop taking certain medications that can cause weight gain.
your body works to preserve energy and retain fat, which is counterproductive to your goal of losing weight. Eat at regular intervals and enjoy several small, healthy meals per day. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sodium and refined carbohydrates. Stick to complex carbohydrates that are full of fiber and lean protein.
Remember to stay hydrated
Symptoms of dehydration can mimic those of hunger. If you start feeling hunger pangs, try a glass of water before you munch on a snack. Your body just may be telling you it needs more fluids. Wedding weight loss goals are common, and couples can lose weight safely if they avoid crash diets and begin a healthy eating and exercise plan early on.
Combine cardiovascular exercise and weight training
Cardiovascular exercise alone will not help you lose the maximum amount of weight. Toned muscle will continue to burn calories and rev up your metabolism long after your workout is over. You do not need to use heavy weights; just enough to provide resistance and force your muscles to work a little harder.
Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals or eating at irregular intervals will make your body think it is starving. This slows down your metabolism as
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Which dinner service is right for your wedding? Sit-down dinner
Metro Services
A sit-down dinner consists of several Weddings are typically the culmina- courses of plated food served by a wait tion of months of careful planning. Afstaff. Guests never have to leave their ter a couple has officially tied the knot, seats, and sit-down service is usually a celebration typically follows. Although in line with a formal reception. Some music and mingling are integral to a food offerings at sit-down dinners tend wedding reception, the meal is often the to be fancy and presented in a manner central component of the party. that is appealing both to the eye and Couples have options when choosing the palate. dinner service for their weddings, and There are several advantages to sitsome need not serve dinner at all. An down meals. Guests can focus entirely early wedding may consist of a brunch on enjoying themselves and conversing or some passed appetizers, while some with fellow guests rather than getting couples opt for a cocktail party in lieu up to seek out food, and those with of a dinner party. Still, some weddings mobility issues do not have to worry feature only desserts. about maneuvering to a buffet station But guests attending more tradiaor trying to balance food. Guests get tional weddings expect to dine at the top-notch treatment and will have a receptions that follow such affairs. Buf- wait staff on call to fill their every need, fet service and a sit-down dinner are which can make an affair more memothe most popular choices for wedding rable for all in attendance. meals, and each has its advantages and But sit-down dinners are typically disadvantages. Choosing the dinner more expensive as well. Guests are service that works best for your wedgenerally given several choices for the ding may involve a careful comparison main course, and that could mean of the various offerings and keeping ordering extra food and preparing it to your budget and guests’ comfort in be ready for guests’ selections. Serving mind.
meals may take longer, and sometimes meals may not arrive hot to the table. Guests may be limited to certain food choices, and portion sizes may not be what guests were hoping for. Sitting idle for a while can affect the mood of the reception and lead to boredom.
should have plans in place to create a free-flow of guests to the buffet stations, there Buffet service A buffet-style dinner is served from a will be a long dais table that holds several chaffirst and ing dishes full of food. Wedding guests a last table called will rise from their seats and make to eat, and guests on their way to the buffet stations, where they’ll be able to serve themselves or be the tail end of the service may be stuck with whatever is left over if food is not served by staff manning the stations. adequately restocked. In an effort to Buffets present an array of foods accommodate everyone, extra food that cater to the various dietary needs may be cooked for buffet-style dinners, of guests. Those at the reception can which can be costly and wasteful. In sample several different foods rather addition, guests are asked to do more than be restricted to one main course. Guests can limit portion sizes or some- work, as they need to get up and retrieve their own food. times return for second helpings. BufA catering company or the banquet fets are generally less formal and allow manager at a reception site can work guests to mingle more readily. with couples as they decide if a buffet But buffet-style meals may produce or sit-down dinner is the best option for long lines as guests pick and choose their wedding receptions. their meals. While experienced catering managers and reception site staff
Plan your special even 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.
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We offer romantic packages to the bride and groom to make your special day picture perfect. Book your wedding by September 30th, 2014 and receive $200.00 off any wedding package and complimentary chocolate covered strawberries in the Bride & Groom’s Wedding Suite. Call Oceana Blake today at 406-238-8951 or email oblake@higrandmt.com
Kids or no kids? Enjoy a wedding that works for you Metro Services
No children Couples who decide to exclude kids from their guest lists should alert guests well in advance of the “no kids” edict. Be tactful when alerting guests. If you will be sending out save-the-date cards, include the phrase “Adults only, please” on the card. You also may want to include the information on a wedding website if you have one. A website affords you more space to explain your stance on young guests. When it comes to the wedding invitation, your indications should already be clear. However, you can reinforce that kids are not invited by addressing the invitations accordingly. Do not include the children’s names or “and family” on the envelope. Invitations should only feature the names of the people being invited. Be consistent if you do not want children at the reception. It is not okay to allow one guest’s kids while excluding another’s. The only excep-
tion is children who are members of the wedding party. However, if you prefer a kid-free wedding, you may want to avoid a ring bearer and flower girl during the ceremony. Chances are word will spread that the wedding is not for child guests. If you do not want to handle inquiries, ask a member of the bridal party to answer any kid-related questions.
Children allowed Contrary to popular belief, children can be well-behaved at a wedding and add a youthful component to the celebration. Watching a child twirling on the dance floor or devouring a large piece of wedding cake can make a wedding day more memorable and special. Couples who invite kids to the wedding should expect the unexpected from their youngest guests. Let the small things slide and speak with youngsters’ parents if any issues arise. Arrange for some activities to keep children entertained and out of trouble. Have the band or deejay incorporate some child-friendly dances or activities. Designate the kids’ table and arrange some small toys or activity books.
Be sure to choose some childfriendly foods during the cocktail hour. Hungry children can be that much fussier. Arrange a special menu with the catering manager and be clear about how many kids are invited. Usually kids’ dinners cost substantially less than adults’. Some reception sites may provide a separate room where children can gather. A television with a favorite movie or a few video games may be all that’s necessary to pass the time. Hire a babysitter to stay with the children and give adults in the other room peace of mind.
Limited children You may want to include older children at the wedding but have younger ones stay home. As you would for a wedding without kids, spread the word that there is an age limit. On savethe-date announcements, request that “No children under age 12” attend the wedding. Be prepared for some opposition from guests whose kids fall under the age limit. Just be firm with your plans.
Marc Debnam/Digital Vision
Weddings are a time for celebration and sharing good times. Some couples want to share their love and excitement with as many people as they can fit under one roof, while others may prefer a more intimate affair to enjoy with a select few. One difficult decision couples must face when planning a wedding is whether or not to invite children to join in the festivities. Young guests can bring an energetic spark to the celebration, but kids unaccustomed to dressing up and enjoying a fancy night out may get swept away by the majesty of the night. Adult guests looking to have a good time may find it difficult to relax and let loose if they have to keep a constant eye on their children. The topic of children at weddings is a tricky subject. Family and friends may have strong opinions on either
side of the debate. Ultimately, the couple needs to come to an agreement regarding children at their wedding. Once a decision has been made, couples can employ some strategies to make the wedding as enjoyable as possible for every age group.
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Venues, catering, accommodations & more regionally influenced cuisine. We serve A-LIMO LIMOUSINE lunch and dinner daily as well as a 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!
BIG HORN RESORT 1801 Majestic Lane, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 839-9300 or (877) 955-8999 thebighornresort.com The Big Horn Resort is a full-service hotel in Billings, MT with a uniquely modern, luxurious & comfortable setting. Our expert staff provides first class attention for your very perfect special day. Our consultants work with you to create your vision and ensure the comfort of your guests. We can accommodate groups of up to 500 people and offer a separate entrance for your event. We provide plenty of parking & easy access. Call today for your free consult! Our amenities include: options for indoor or outdoor weddings, private reception facilities, 102” LCD screen projector & wireless microphone, catering options, customized menus, in-house full service bar, banquet facilities, place settings & linens, ballroom, guest rooms, airport shuttle, indoor water park/family entertainment.
THE BILLINGS DEPOT 2310 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 656-7273 - billingsdepot.org With its soaring ceilings, high arched windows and roman columns, the historic Billings Depot is an elegant event center specializing in providing the perfect space for your special event. New services include wedding planning, rental of linens and décor, in-house full bar service, guest transportation, and a new outdoor courtyard area created especially for weddings.
BIN 119 119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net Bin 119 provides a casual fine dining atmosphere with American bistro and
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.
ENGRAVEABLES CUSTOM LASER 819 16th St. W., Billings, MT 59102 (406) 245-1681 – engraveables.net Engraveables Custom Laser now has Wedding Accessories! Be sure to include Engraveables Custom Laser as you plan your wedding, the arrival of a new baby or special event. Through a recent acquisition, we have added many new wedding accessories to our inventory—from cake toppers & servers to attendants’ gifts, wedding books & frames. Our baby gift department has also expanded! If you need embossed napkins for that special day, we can do that too! Engraveables Custom Laser should be on top of your list of places to shop when planning your special day!
THE HOLIDAY INN GRAND MONTANA
MOSS MANSION
5500 Midland Road, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7701 higrandmt.com
MAGIC CITY PRODUCTIONS Billings, MT (406) 671-6499 daveaustin@magiccityproductions.com At Magic City Productions, our goal is to provide you, your family, your business, and your friends with the bets in entertainment. If you need a DJ to help plan and coordinate your wedding reception, please give us a call.
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!
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.
ROCK CREEK RESORT 5 miles South of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 Red Lodge, Montana 59068 1 (800) 667-1119 or (406) 446-1111 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.
GAINAN’S FLOWERS 502 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 245-6434 - gainans.com No dream is too big. From mountains to masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers 60 years of experience to make your wedding vision a reality. Our experienced consultants welcome the privilege of assisting you in planning the day of your dreams. We specialize in destination weddings including Billings, Big Sky, Red Lodge, Flathead Lake, Moonlight Basin and Northern Wyoming.
HILTON GARDEN INN BILLINGS 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 655-8800 - billings.hgi.com We offer exceptional wedding reception facilities, bridal party rooms, guest accommodations, concierge services, hotel banquet hall and more. Hotel features: restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, indoor pool, spa tub, fitness facility, high speed internet access, airport shuttle and laundry facilities.
406.256.5100
www.mossmansion.com .mossmansion.com 11
Vendor listings
Venues, catering, accommodations & more TOTAL TRANSPORTATION (406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 www.mttotaltransportation.com Total Transportation has been in service for 33 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.
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 possible value. Wherever you are, 24/7, you’ll 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 items. We are certified Master Dry Cleaners and specialize in many areas, including wedding gown preservation. Mail order services are also available.
Premier Wedding Destination Winter
rates
available
• Indoor/Outdoor facilities • Year Round, Full Service • Spectacular Creek Side Mountain Location • On-Site Coordinator • Lodging & Dining
5 miles south of Red Lodge on Hwy 212 406-237-9844 1-800-667-1119 www.rockcreekresort.com Photo courtesy of Becky Brockie
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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