JUNE 2018
edding W
Planner
Advertiser Index Rock Creek Resort
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Step N Out
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Wetzels Quality Cleaners
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Al’s Bootery
4
Pub Station
4
Hilton Garden Inn-Billings
5
Bin 119
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The Northern Hotel
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Billings Hotel & Convention Center
8
Sweet Grass Ranch
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Red Lodge Mountain Resort
9
Big Horn Resort
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Somewhere in Time
12
Inside Wedding Party Rentals
2
Buying a Pre-Owned Dress
4
Hilton Garden Inn
5
Perfect Wedding Band
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Wedding Planning 101
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Summer Wedding Details
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Big Horn Resort
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The Wedding Planner is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette. Access The Wedding Planner at billingsgazette.com/specialsections
Behind the Scenes General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Arcadea Scott Special Sections Coordinators Angie Wagner, Teresa Cox, Mo Lucas Content courtesy of Greenshoot Media unless otherwise noted.
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WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
Bridesmaids in colorful dresses with bouquets of flowers
Alexander Tolstykh
Wedding Party
RENTALS
O
ne of the most commonly told fibs about bridesmaids’ dresses is that you can wear them again. If you have ever been in a wedding, you know this is decidedly untrue for the most part. Why is it that groomsmen can rent tuxes for a small fee and return them after the party while bridesmaids are left to pay hundreds of dollars on gowns they may only wear once? According to the the BRIDES American Wedding Study 2016, the average bridesmaids dress costs $133, and the majority of brides (66 percent) pick a color and allow their bridesmaids to choose the dress style while only 33 percent match both color and style.
This much freedom for today’s you to do so. bridesmaid means you shouldn’t be afraid to exercise your right to rent Bridesmaid Questions to Ask rather than buy your dress. While searching for fashion rental options, be sure to ask the Rental Options following questions: Many local shops offer discount What is your damage and inrental pricing based on dress style cidentals policy? and number of people in your wed How long can I rent the dress ding party. Ask around prior to set- for? tling on your dress company to find If I like the dress, can I have the best deals for your bridesmaids. the option to buy it? They will appreciate both the disLet the answers to these quescounted pricing and your effort in tions guide your final decision. trying to ensure it. As the bride, remember to include If you have enough in your bud- your bridesmaids in the decisionget, offer to pay for extra jewelry or making process. This will help keep accessories to show your brides- everyone on the same page and enmaids you care. You may save sure your friends’ enthusiasm on enough on a rental deal to allow your special day.
Envision the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains as the backdrop for your day. Rock Creek Resort is the ideal location for your Montana wedding. Rock Creek Location Indoor and Outdoor Ceremony Sites Full Service Facilities Including Lodging Reception Capacity up to 300 Winter Discounts January through April
Steaming, Cleaning, Preserving
Vintage Gown Restoration
www.wetzelscleaners.com 117 N. 30th • 245-3760 Weekdays 7:30-6 • Saturdays 8:30-1
Specializing in
Conveniently located in Downtown Billings
1816 Grand Ave. | Billings, MT 59102 | (406) 652-1380 | www.stepn-out.com WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
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Buying a Pre-Owned Dress Buying a Pre-Owned Dress Maybe you don’t like the thought of spending so much money on a gown you will only wear once or you are on a strict budget. Good news for you: It has never been easier to purchase a pre-owned wedding dress. This is a refreshing addition to the wedding industry. With couture gowns ringing in for thousands of dollars, it’s nice to have an option available to give a little more life to a lightly worn gown at a fraction of the price. Before you commit to a pre-owned gown, however, consider the following points.
Search online for local professionals or businesses in your area. You can also ask around to find out if any of your friends, family members or co-workers have used such a service. Even a pre-owned wedding gown can fetch a pretty penny. Buying from a reputable source — preferably a local one — protects you as a consumer.
Try Before You Buy
After you’ve conferred with some reputable sources and you’ve made a short list of styles you love, try to find bridal salons that stock them. Make a series of appointments and try on as many on your list as you can. What you love on Deal With a Reputable Seller paper you may not love on your body. And you don’t want to find Unless you know the seller person- this out after you’ve purchased a ally, it is best to go through a facilita- gown; there is generally no returntor that specializes in the industry. ing pre-owned.
Say
Yes
to the
Ask For Additional Photos Once you’ve found a gown, tried it on in person and found a potential seller, don’t be afraid to ask for additional photos. Many sellers list designer photos so the dress they are trying to sell is recognizable. Ask for photos of the seller in the dress. Real wedding photos will tell you more about the dress’ condition than a magazine spread.
Pay Attention to Details Many brides have their gowns altered to fit them perfectly. If you are purchasing a gown second-hand, odds are it will have been altered. A size 10 may have been brought in closer to a size eight, or a hem might have been taken up. You don’t want to purchase a gown that won’t fit — or cannot be altered to fit. A local seamstress can help you evaluate the gown to see what can be done to make it yours.
Boots!
NOW AVAILABLE AT
Serving S i g the West W t Since Si e 1946
406-245-4827
www.alsbootery.com
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WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
Remember the Hilton Garden Inn Billings as you prepare for this journey toward marriage. Our Sales Staff and Culinary Team look forward to working with you to customize your wedding to your taste and style.
Say“I Do� and we will. Let us help you plan, book and celebrate your special event today. The Hilton Garden Inn Billings is known for exceptional service, outstanding in-house catering, luxuriously appointed guest rooms and beautiful elegant banquet facilities all in one location. We are listed among the top ranked
The Hilton Garden Inn offers 128 guest rooms, and 4,000 square feet of meeting space along with in-house catering prepared by our Executive Chef to accommodate wedding parties from 50-180 guests.
hotels in Billings on Tripadvisor and are ranked in the top 10% of Hilton Garden Inns nationwide for service. We would love the opportunity to work with you in providing the perfect reception venue
Schedule your onsite event planning consultation today so we can serve you with the best that Billings has to offer.
and we are committed to providing exceptional service and hospitality every step of the way.
Dream. Love. Everlasting.
128 Beautiful Guest Rooms In-house Catering prepared by our Executive Chef Treasure State Ballroom - a total 2,400 square feet to host up to 180 people Dance Floor and Center Pieces Complimentary Linens in various colors Complimentary Set-up and Tear Down of Event
Call 406-655-8800 to Reserve Your Special Date WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
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PerfectWEDDING BAND N
ow that you have your engagement ring and settled on your venue and dress, it’s time to pick out the perfect band to accompany your left-hand sparkler. There are many factors to consider. Cost, comfort and overall style are a few of the most important ones.
Set Your Budget Ironically, wedding bands are one of the most overlooked costs of planning a wedding — and they can be expensive. However, you can find beautiful rings in every budget. It is important to balance what you can afford with what you want to see on your hand for the rest of your life. Be sure to account for bands for both you and your significant other. Materials (gold, platinum or titanium) and gemstones will factor into the final price.
Matching Your Ring Versus Matching Your Partner’s Answering this question will help you narrow down your choices a lot. If you want your wedding bands to match, then you need to discuss elements that both of you
Closeup of wedding rings on a rose bouquet Phase4Photography - stock.adobe.
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)
WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
Try ‘Em On Nothing will help you make a decision faster than seeing potential bands sitting next to your engagement ring. After you’ve set your budget and discussed your options with your significant other, it’s time to try on some rings. If you have the opportunity and the time, visit as many local jewelry stores as possible. You never know where you are going to find a deal and a truly breathtaking band. Plus, there is not much that beats spending a casual hour in a jewelry shop while associates bring you band after band to slip on your finger.
Throw out Rule Book There are no hard-andfast rules to what type of wedding band you should choose, including choosing none at all. Stay true to your own style and budget and you will end up with a ring you are eternally happy with.
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
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do (and perhaps more importantly don’t) want. Or perhaps there is a wedding band that matches your engagement ring. Be sure to discuss your options with your partner before hitting up a jewelry store.
Stop by The Gazette at 401 N. Broadway or visit billingsgazette.com/contact
To subscribe, call 406-657-1298
THE DETAIL... TO YOUR FAIRY TALE • Separate hotel spaces for wedding guests and parties • Incredible Grand Ballroom with accent ceiling lighting and up-lighting • Rehearsal dinner, brunch and gift-opening breakfast options • Secure Gift Room • Private dressing areas near the Grand Ballroom for the wedding party and their attendants
• Our Hotel’s finest suite for your honeymoon night, complete with champagne
• Discounted guestroom rates for your family & friends • Hotel’s Chef to create the perfect menu for your day • Wedding packages available for parties of 10-400 people! • Packages include all set up, tear down, dance floor and more!
WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018 ¬ June 2018
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Wedding Planning 101 Family Features
style within that range of hues. Bring it all together by choosing a uniform look for makeup, shoes and accessories. There is no better time to thank the ladies than the morning of the big day. A few thoughtful gifts can go a long way, such as matching robes, tumblers to stay hydrated throughout the day and cosmetic cases to stow makeup essentials.
First comes the proposal then comes the wedding planning. There are dozens of decisions that need to be made before it’s time to walk down the aisle, which can be overwhelming for brides and grooms. To help make it less stressful, these tips from Macy’s can help couples through the entire wedding-planning process, from on-trend apparel and accesso- Dressing the Gents ries for the entire wedding party Similar to bridesmaid dressto all the essentials to create a es, groomsmen attire can be deperfect registry. pendent on the venue and overall event aesthetic. While a suit Dressing the Ladies can fit the bill for a country club When it comes to bridesmaid wedding, a city affair may call dresses, the mix-and-match ap- for the sleek fi nishes of a tux. proach is trending in popularity. Tuxedo accessories, such as cuff Start by deciding on a color pal- links or bow ties, make great ette, such as lilac, champagne groomsmen gifts and are clasand petal pink. Then have each sic pieces they can use time and bridesmaid choose her favorite time again.
Creating the Perfect Registry When building a registry, it’s never too early to start. People want to give gifts as soon as they know a couple is engaged. Start by taking inventory of what you already have, what you need and what you want to upgrade. It’s also
recommended to update the registry regularly so there are enough gifts to choose from, especially if there is an engagement party and bridal shower coming up. To get started, some popular registry items include stand mixers, craft beer glasses, Dutch ovens, bath towels and vacuums. For extra guidance, couples can speak to ad-
visors who can help with the full registry building process at Macy’s stores. For more wedding ideas and inspiration, and to find the right attire and gifts for your wedding planning, visit macys.com.
At the Billings Hotel & Convention Center we understand that your wedding day is one of the most special days as you begin your life together. We know the details that go into planning your event and work with you to ensure your wedding/reception is executed with every detail you planned. You are able to be comfortable, relaxed and enjoy your guests. Indoor & Outdoor reception space Comfortably accommodate parties ranging from 25 – 600. Outdoor Venue - Melville, MT www.sweetgrassranch.com (406) 537 4477
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WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
Complimentary dressing rooms as well as, 230 sleeping rooms and 9 suites Call Today! (406) 867-8239 • 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT • www.billingshotelmt.com
SUMMER wedding details
There are many advantages to getting married in the summer. For starters, it’s easier for people to take off work and the weather is more consistent. Make your wedding stand out by incorporating some of the following details.
1.
A self-serve ice cream bar or snow cone cart. Both whimsical and refreshing, a snow cone cart or ice cream bar puts a new twist on wedding desserts. They also keep guests cool as a cucumber on a sultry summer day. Check with party rental companies to see what options they can offer.
ding. But a crisp cocktail in a bright color screams summer — not to mention many fruits and veggies are in season and at their height of flavor. Work with a local bartender to find out what’s in season to craft the best drink to reflect your tastes
3.
Lawn games. The summer wedding season brings many an outdoor affair. Let guests make their own fun by offering a selection of lawn games croquet and lawn dice, which work well with players sporting formal wear.
4.
Sparklers. When things get late and it’s time to take your can have a signature cocktail no leave, do it in style by handing matter the season of your wed- out sparklers for guests to light
5.
A waterside locale. Nothing says summertime more than a beach wedding or a lawn wedding by a lake.
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Bright bouquets. Summer was made for bold colors — and Mother Nature agrees! Choose flowers in vivid colors like red, pink or yellow. Pick large blooms like peonies, hydrangeas or sunflowers. No matter what you decide to incorporate into your summer wedding, remember to always get quotes from as many local vendors as possible. Doing so will save money and uncover unique ideas that may help your special day stand out from the summer wedding crowd.
ELEMENTS OF LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
2. Signature cocktails. You
and line your path.
Affordable Indoor/Outdoor Se�ng | www.RedLodgeMountain.com/Weddings 828 Upper Con�nental Dr. Red Lodge, MT 59068 | events@redlodgemountain.com | (406) 425-1030 WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
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Photos by CabelNoteboom
Big HornRESORT ALL INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE
By Big Horn Resort Staff
P
lanning a wedding is exhilarating, exciting, and… nervewracking. Even the slightest detail going wrong can be immensely stressful. That’s why booking your wedding at the Big Horn Resort is so beneficial for you in your planning efforts. We take care of you by setting up all your tables, chairs, linens and then clean it up at the end of the
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WEDDING PLANNER JUNE 2018
night. We provide all the staff needed to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch, so you are able to concentrate on the experience of being bride. The Big Horn Resort is a locally owned hotel offering 108 guest rooms, 7,400 square feet of convention space and an indoor waterpark. As a bride of the Big Horn Resort, you can expect exemplary service, a talented executive chef, and a complementary room for you and your attendants to get ready in. Our gorgeous outdoor ceremony garden will allow you to say your vows in front of your friends and family as you stand beneath a
wooden pergola on a raised platform, surrounded by lush gardens and a tranquil waterfall. “I highly recommend the Big Horn Resort! From beginning to end, our sales manager and the staff, made the entire process easy, and they had great, helpful recommendations! The food was incredible! It was served quickly to all 350 people and was amazingly hot and delicious. There was never a waiting line for the bar. We had rave reviews from all of our guests! The wedding reception could not have gone anymore perfect! I cannot thank the Big Horn Resort enough for creating the perfect venue of celebration!” Diana Holland, mother of bride, 9/1/17 Want to see how we can make your wedding perfect? Stop by our Bridal Expo on Sunday, September 30th, 2018.
Your special day…. Our exceptional venue
Expo Bridal 0th, 2018 3 . t p e S
theBigHornResort.com 1801 Majestic Ln, Billings MT 59102
(406) 839-9295
WEDDING PLANNER | JUNE 2018
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Billings’ Premier Wedding Venue
Just minutes from downtown Billings, located along Pryor Creek, this spectacular venue brings together the quiet of the country and the convenience of the city. We offer a stunning wedding garden and a spacious 7,800 sq. ft. reception hall featuring a beautiful foyer, private bridal suite, elegant chandeliers, & spacious patio areas
We also do reunions, company parties, retreats, corporate meetings, or any other important events!
Creekside at Chanceys
We’re all inclusive!
A Great New Outdoor Venue
Rentals Vendor Choices No Curfews Clean Up Free Night Stay
(406) 348-2205 12
June 2018 ¬ WEDDING PLANNER
www.ChanceysEvents.com