Wedding Planner February 2014 by Billings Gazette

Wedding PLA NNER FEBRUA RY 2014

Advertiser Index

A-Limo Limousine Service............................13 Billings Depot..............................................3,13 Billings Hotel & Convention Center.............13 Bin 119.......................................................12,13 Britney Paige Cinematographers.................13 Evergreen IGA...........................................12,15 Gainan's Flowers........................................5,13 Hilton Garden Inn.......................................7,13 MACK Productions.........................................16 Magic City Vip LLC........................................14 Montana Jack's.........................................14,15 Montana Liquor..............................................14 Moss Mansion............................................11,14 Red Lodge Mountain Resort......................6,14 Rock Creek Resort......................................4,14 Tiny's Tavern..................................................14 Total Transportation.....................................14 Travel CafĂŠ.................................................10,14 Uniquely You Planning..................................15 Velvet................................................................14 Wetzel's Quality Cleaners.........................11,14

Behind the Scenes Sales & Marketing Director Dave Worstell

Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Section Designer Erika McLaughlin Cover photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Inside

Top 10 mistakes...............................................................3 Wedding showers..............................................................4 Choosing a wedding date...............................................6 Music for your wedding day...........................................7 Wedding invitations tips.................................................8 Unique cake flavors.........................................................9 Choosing an all-inclusive resort..................................10 Save-the-date card etiquette........................................11 Wedding reception favors..............................................12 Vendor listings...........................................................13-14

The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette. Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections

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 photographer, don’t make your final selection based on their website; see one entire wedding to make sure you like their overall style.

4. To-Do List Overloading “Let your guests be your guests." If a full wedding planner isn’t in your budget, allow yourself the luxury of a Day-Of Coordinator, who will guide the decorating, provide a timeline, answer dozens of questions, and keep the day flowing. It is the best spent money of the entire wedding. The details are taken care of, and your style and overall look remain.

5. Guest List Woes You must create the guest list early, as it will affect almost every facet of your day, from caterer to photographer,

baker to florist. Not knowing this ahead of time will greatly impact your budget. Final guest count must be available to vendors prior to their ordering product – usually 3 weeks. A good estimate is to expect 70% to attend.

6. Waiting too long to Venue Shop! 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 Place to Have a Wedding”

Cetrone Studios

406.656.7273 • 2310 Montana Ave. www.billingsdepot.org 3

Congratulations Ashley Ringer and Aric Weber! This lucky couple has won The Ultimate Wedding Giveaway valued at $8,250! The Ringer-Weber love story: NOTE: The following should be read while listening to “Lay and Love” by Bonnie “Prince” Billie, or “First Day Of My Life” by Bright Eyes, or “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” by Leonard Nimoy. The Ringer-Weber love story begins while Aric was enduring the throes of a fever dream. Post-hallucination, when Aric realized that little miss Ringer did not in fact have antlers, their love bloomed swiftly and erratically like drunks around free happy hour appetizers. Through ups, downs, sideways, and diagonals (but mostly ups) they’ve kept ahold of their love with humor, magnets, and a mutual appreciation of MST3K. Winning would help Aric fulfi ll Ashley’s dream of having a maritime-themed wedding inside a battleship made of Oh!Henry bars and glitter with music from Electric Light Orchestra with special guest Beyoncé (some of the dream may have to be undreamt, or at least reduced-dreamt).

Sponsored by: Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers Montana Jack’s Billings Depot Gainan’s

Billings Hotel and Convention Center Belle en Blanc Billings Gazette Communications

Wedding showers continue to break from tradition Metro Services

Rain showers on a wedding day may bring good luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a different type of shower altogether is often highly anticipated and can help couples feel like they're one in a million. Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married. The custom began in the nineteenth century and continues to present day, primarily in North America and Australia. Guests traditionally "shower" the bride-to-be with all the necessities (and some fun extras) that she will need after she ties the knot. These gifts will help the soon-to-bemarried couple establish a home together. Bridal showers are steeped in tradition, but today's bridal showers continue to veer off the beaten path. Nowadays, bridal showers feature fun and games much like a party having nothing to do with a wedding. TheKnot.com, a website that aims to help couples plan their weddings and all the events leading up to the big day, identifies these key trends in modern bridal showers.

Couples' showers Modern couples who like to be all-inclusive are now planning bridal showers that cater to mixed audiences. Dubbed a "couple shower," these parties include female and male friends and relatives. Gifts are still the main focus of the event, but they're varied and include guy-friendly items within the mix of household goods.

Power showers

Premier Wedding Destination

Many are familiar with the terms "man cave" and "bromance," but few may know that there are now wedding showers geared entirely around the groom. Known as "power showers," these events focus on the groom-to-be, who is showered with a bevy of gadgets and power tools that are certain to stock his future garage. The parties are decidedly more testosterone-friendly and can include golf outings, poker nights or action movie fl icks as possible themes.

Destination/activity showers Rather than having guests hang around a restaurant watching gift after gift get unwrapped, some bridal parties opt to throw an activity shower. These showers are focused around a particular activity. For example, ladies may be treated to a day at the spa. Other ideas include horseback riding at a stable or a day at the ballpark. Because hosting an activity shower for dozens of people may get expensive, these types of showers may be reserved for only your closest friends and family members.

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Bride-involved showers The idea of walking into a room and being surprised by friends and family members is appealing to some brides-to-be but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to be surprised by a shower and actually would like to have a role in the planning of the party. However, this is delicate ground on which to tread, considering there may be differences over where the party is held and even the overall experience of the party. These types of showers should be discussed before any plans are made, and tasks should be delegated in accordance with those plans. It is customary for a bridal shower to take place before a wedding. But new trends have emerged that are shaking up the way showers are planned and held.

no dream is too big 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 • 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 consultation 406.238.3161

WEDDINGS

Choose a wedding date wisely Metro Services

Many couples fi nd themselves bombarded with questions the moment they become engaged, and perhaps no questions is more common than, "When is the wedding?" Although a number of couples would prefer to bask in the excitement of their engagement, some couples feel pressured to rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing a wedding date without giving it much consideration may make things more difficult down the road. Rather than jumping head fi rst into any decisions, couples should give thought to any and all dates and decide if there are certain times of the year they want to tie the knot or avoid.

Season When thinking about potential wedding dates, it helps to have a place to start. Some couples fi nd it helpful to start with a particular season and then narrow it down from there. Decide if you prefer the lush greenery of summer or the amazing color spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps you envision arriving at the ceremony with a snow-packed landscape amid twinkling holiday lights? Think about the season when you feel most happy and then determine if that time of year is doable.

the summer when they already have days off. If you run a pool business or a lawn maintenance company, then the summer might not be so good. Keep these factors in mind.

Holidays Some people would like to tie their wedding day to a particular holiday. Valentine's Day is popular for weddings thanks to the romantic sentiments synonymous with the holiday, while some couples prefer Halloween or Christmas weddings. Holiday weddings can be exciting, but they also produce significant obstacles that couples who choose to get married during other times of year don't have to worry about. Guests may not want to travel or spend time away from their families to attend a holiday wedding. Having a wedding during a holiday may mean competing for vendors and reception spaces. Prices on everything from food to flowers to airline tickets could be higher as vendors cash in on customer demand.

Day of the week

It's less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests. Month A Friday wedding requires people to Certain months may seem perfect, but not for busy professionals or those take off from work or school. Sunday with limited vacation time at their dis- weddings may be slightly more convenient, but those who have to get back posal. For example, early spring may to work on Monday may be tired from not be good for accountants tallying late-night festivities. Couples should year-end numbers. Teachers may feel anticipate some guests not making it most comfortable tying the knot in

to their weddings when those weddings are not on Saturdays.

is acceptable.Any available dates Your wedding date may be dictated by your caterer or wedding hall. If you have a particular venue in mind, you Religious constraints may be limited by their availability. Couples having religious ceremonies should consult with their houses This is a concession you will need to make if your heart is set on this parof worship as to which dates are acceptable. Some will not have weddings ticular location. Planning a wedding can be exciton days of religious observation. It is ing. But the ball cannot get rolling wise to consult with a church, synauntil couples fi rst choose the day they gogue or mosque before booking any will tie the knot. other components of the wedding so that you are certain your chosen day

The perfect setting for the perfect wedding. Groups@RedLodgeMountain.com

or call Annalee at 406-446-2610

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How to approach music on your wedding day

Metro Services

Ceremony The ceremony itself often sets the tone for a couple's wedding day. A beach wedding, for example, often creates a laid back atmosphere, while a ceremony held in a large church or temple often sets a more formal tone. Music played during the ceremony also goes a long way toward setting the tone couples hope to establish. When choosing music for the ceremony, couples should fi rst consider the venue where they are tying the knot. Some, such as houses of worship, may have rules pertaining to what can and cannot be played inside the venue. Classical, hymnal or processional music often makes the best fit when weddings are taking place in more formal venues. Outdoor weddings tend to give couples more leeway. But in general couples don't want to choose any music that's too loud or over-the-top for their ceremonies. Keep in mind that while the music played during the ceremony can set the tone for the day, this music can vary significantly from the music played during the reception. A favorite performer may not be appropriate during the ceremony, but that doesn't mean the couple can't dance to that artist's music during the reception.

Live musicians can add a more elegant feel to the ceremony, but such performers also can be costly. Playing prerecorded music may not be as elegant as having a live performer, but it can cost a lot less and still make for an enjoyable day and evening.

Reception Many couples prefer deejays to live bands for their wedding receptions. Deejays can play favorite songs as couples and their guests know them, while bands can only play their own renditions of those songs. Another thing to consider when choosing between a deejay or live band for the reception is the venue itself. Some venues are smaller and unable to accommodate a full band, while others may not have ideal acoustics, making it difficult for a live band to sound as good as they might in a more music-friendly environment. The formality of the event should also come into consideration when choosing between a live band or a deejay for the reception. Deejays spinning the latest top 40 hits may stick out like sore thumbs at especially formal weddings, while a classical orchestra likely won't fit into the laid back theme of a beach or destination wedding. Couples tying the knot outdoors may need to consider equipment when choosing bands or deejays to play their weddings. For example, some venues do not provide equipment, such as microphones and speaker systems, to couples for their ceremonies. Renting such equipment can be costly, but couples can often skirt such charges by hiring deejays or bands who lend couples their equipment during the ceremony. Deejays or bands that will loan and set up the necessary sound equipment for outdoor ceremonies merit extra consideration. When discussing music to be played during the reception, couples must consider their own musical tastes as well as those of their guests. A wide range of popular music tends to go best at wedding receptions,

as guests are more likely to dance to songs they recognize. Avoid any music that has the potential to offend guests, opting for lighter, happier tunes instead. Whether hiring a band or deejay, couples should make a list of no-play songs or artists and make sure that such lists are included in their contracts. Music plays an important role on couples' wedding days. Though choosing music for the ceremony and the reception is often fun, couples must take such decisions seriously.

Maria Teijeiro/Photodisc

Music often plays an important role on festive occasions, and wedding days are no exception. The right music can make a wedding day that much more meaningful, while the wrong music can make a couple's big event memorable for all the wrong reasons. Though music selection might seem like one of the easier decisions couples must make, those about to tie the knot typically must make a host of music-related decisions regarding their wedding day, including whether to choose a live band or a deejay to perform at their wedding receptions. While the reception is when music might be most on display, couples planning their weddings must think beyond the reception when setting the musical tones for their weddings.

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.

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

Choosing an all-inclusive resort 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 nonmotorized 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 provides a very relaxed environment in comparison to the traditional, non-all-inclusive resorts which tend to have higher priced dining options, pressing many budget-minded couples to leave the resort in search of lessexpensive 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 powderwhite 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 adultsonly, 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, all-inclusive 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.

Save-the-date card etiquette Metro Services

Many couples fi nd that tradition reigns supreme when planning a wedding. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions. One such recent tradition is the save-the-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple's big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones.

Finalize the guest list first Couples must fi nalize their guest lists before sending their save-thedate cards. Doing so avoids the potentially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-the-date card but then not make the fi nal guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to fi nances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-thedate cards. Once the guest list has been fi nalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible.

Keep things appropriate Save-the-date cards need not be as formal as wedding invitations, but they should still be appropriate. Guests often keep save-thedate cards on their refrigerators, where people of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided.

Don't overdo it with information Save-the-date cards don't need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include information about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding website on the backs of their save-the-date cards, which makes it easier for guests to learn more details about the wedding without inundating them with information too early.

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Confirm addresses Couples should confi rm their loved ones' addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private messages sent on social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. Confi rming addresses can save couples money on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, confi rming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don't because a couple did not have their correct address.

406.256.5100 11

Choosing the right wedding reception favors Metro Services

Planning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical. One of the fi nal components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities. Though favors don't require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the last minute to made decisions regarding their wedding favors. Brides- and grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many different wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to fi nd something that suits the theme of the wedding and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy. A couple's budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gifts but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to fi nd favors that fit the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. The following are some favor-fi nding guidelines.

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Be creative

Food favors mean guests can enjoy their gifts and not have to worry about fi nding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, fi ne chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake. Favors are often integral to wedding celebrations. Selecting a favor that will be appreciated and fit with the wedding is often a fun and stress-free part of planning a wedding.

Wedding favors can be just about anything, so there's no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. The more creative couples are, the more receptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumn-theme wedding, fi ll mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses.

Complete the theme Some weddings follow a particular theme from start to fi nish, and wedding favors should stick with that theme. Couples who will showcase their love of travel on their wedding days may want to give guests key chains or purse holders that feature popular landmarks around the world. Those who are admitted beach bums may want to present a small fishbowl with sand and a goldfish inside, reminiscent of days at the seashore.

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.

Go traditional Couples who opt for universally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes. Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on someone's shelf.

Flowers for All Occasions

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119 N. Broadway â&#x20AC;˘ 294.9119 â&#x20AC;˘ www.Bin119.net

Food and beverage gifts are fun

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

Telefloral Service 1-800-378-5138

1540 13 St. West Located in Evergreen IGA

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Vendor listings

Venues, catering, accommodations & more

A-LIMO LIMOUSINE SERVICE

BILLINGS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

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 fi rst 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!

1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7151 - billingshotel.net The Billings Hotel and Convention Center is a full service, newly renovated facility with 236 rooms and suites. In addition to our on-site restaurant, lounge and casino, we offer over 25,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, specializing in groups of 10 to 1,400 people. We also have a ballroom and beautiful court yard for your special day.

THE BILLINGS DEPOT

119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net Bin 119 provides a casual fi ne 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.

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.

GAINAN’S FLOWERS

BIN 119

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.

Billings Hotel & Convention Center

Full Service

hotel offers private venues, custom catering, and newly remodeled sleeping rooms to ensure an evening like no other

Perfection is in the

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1223 Mullowney Lane | www.billingshotel.net (406) 248-7151 13

Vendor listings

Venues, catering, accommodations & more

MAGIC CITY V.I.P.

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.

Billings, MT (406) 272-2311 - magiccityvip.com Book our 28 passenger limo bus— available for all your wedding transportation needs! We have hourly rates for single events or packages for your bachelorette/bachelor party all the way to your wedding day and everything in between. Visit our website or give us a call to see how we can make your event special.

RED LODGE MOUNTAIN RESORT

MONTANA JACK’S CATERING

(406) 446-4610 groups@RedLodgeMountain.com redlodgemountain.com/weddings-ban520 Hansen Lane, Billings, MT 59105 quets/banquets-conferences (406) 252-0243 When you’re planning your big day, Montana Jack’s Catering service will handle all your catering needs. We ca- Red Lodge Mountain Resort’s Banquet ter Weddings, Private Parties, Holiday facility is that perfect mix of brains Parties and Special Functions such as and beauty. Our A-framed Clubhouse family reunions or birthdays. We offer with floor-to-ceiling views can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. a large menu selection and can tailor Our large, timber-framed banquet the menu to fit your taste. Please call room has seating for 100 plus room Kelly for more details at (406) 252for a band to set up and room for 0243. dancing. The party can continue outside to our deck and patio, where the MONTANA LIQUOR, INC. unforgettable mountain scenery will 1019 1st Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101 stay with you long after your guests (406) 259-2265 We can do special orders for your spe- have gone home. Call or email to start cial day no matter how large or small. making your plans now. Large selection and low prices with ROCK CREEK RESORT great customer service to help you 5 miles South of Red Lodge on Hwy make your special day just what you 212 Red Lodge, Montana 59068 imagined it would be! 1 (800) 667-1119 or (406) 446-1111 rockcreekresort.com/weddings.asp MOSS MANSION Choose from our indoor facility which 914 Division St., Billings, MT 59101 faces out toward Rock Creek, or our (406) 256-5100 - mossmansion.com

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Special Orders Special Occasions

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.

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

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION (406) 252-1778 or 1 (800) 698-1778 mttotaltransportation.com Total Transportation has been in service for 32 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.

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

WETZEL’S QUALITY CLEANERS 117 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 545-0794 Welcome to Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners, serving the dry cleaning needs of Billings and eastern Montana for more than 97 years. You can trust us with your precious items. We are certified Master Dry Cleaners and specialize in many areas, including wedding gown preservation. Mail order services are also available.

for all

259-2265 1019 1st Ave. N.

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

Wedding Cakes Call C ll fforr a ffree consultation l 1540 13 St. West

Please Drink Responsibly

245-5138

Wedding Catering!

• Customized Menus • Complimentary Taste Tests • China & Silverware Included • Punch Fountain • Full Bar • Guarantee we will not run out of food

& Much More!

From simple appetizer trays, to full catering services!

Call Kelly to set up your complimentary taste test Catering menu available on our website www.mtjacks.net

406.252.0243 406.696.3540

Uniquely You Planning FREE Bridal Packet

MAKE YOUR WEDDING DAY PERFECT Coordinating and Officiant Packages Available SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY

Call or email for details

uniquelyyouplanning@gmail.com 406-850-1879 • www.uniquelyyoumt.com

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

America’s Hottest Ladies Night Saturday, March 1, 2014

Party starts at 6pm

Billings Depot

• Cocktail Hour • Shop for all your naughty & nice wedding party needs • Enter to win a trip to Las Vegas!

HUNKS on stage at 7:30

Stay for the after party & Photo-ops with HUNKS