AUGUST 2017
edding WPlanner
Advertiser Index Billings Depot Bin 119 Columbia Club Gainan’s Flowers Northern Hotel Red Lion Hotel & Convention Center Red Lodge Mountain Resort Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners Yellowstone Art Museum
3, 11 11 11 11, 12 5, 11 8, 11 7, 11 9,11 9,11
Inside Five reasons for a fall wedding Insider tips for a stress-free, debt-free wedding Fall color combos Bouquets to swoon over Choosing a hotel for your wedding guests Wedding planning 101 Get married to the idea of hiring a wedding planner Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon Tux-renting basics Get a grip on your guest list Wedding website dos and don’ts Great wedding gift ideas Vendor listings 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 Coordinator Spencyr Knatterud
2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 11
5 REASONS
FOR A FALL WEDDING 2. Jewel Tones
4. Budget-friendly Décor
The first question you will hear after getting engaged is, “When is the big day?” It’s not hard to round up inspiration for autumn nuptials. Here are five reasons why fall is the perfect time of year for getting married.
Deep purples, burnt oranges, vivid reds and woodsy greens all take center stage in the fall. Since these colors occur naturally this time of year, incorporating them into your décor will feel lush and organic.
1. (More) Predictable Weather
3. Cute Accessories
Use the changing of the seasons as your stunning backdrop. Make bare branches look elegant in tall vases, arrange pumpkins and your favorite flowers as centerpieces, or use apples as place card holders. With fall décor, it is all about keeping it simple. Pick just a few elements and utilize them throughout for a big impact.
Green Shoot Media
Temperatures are falling and the leaves are changing, which means you don’t have to worry about profuse sweating. Inclement weather also is less likely than springtime weather to impact your plans, which makes outdoor events less of a gamble. The flexibility of cool weather definitely has a lot to offer.
2
Sunday, August 20, 2017
There are some seriously swoon-worthy accessories that you just can’t incorporate in a spring or summer wedding. Think cozy flannel blankets set out for guests or thick chunkyknit shawls for the bridesmaids. This also is the perfect time of year, as the nights get chilly, to add a soft cape to your bridal look.
5. The Food Did we mention apples are in season? This means apple cider, apple-cider donuts, caramel apples and apple pie. Not to mention the other goodies that are only good in cooler temperatures, such as spiked cocoa, bacon-wrapped figs, hearty soup courses and roasted root vegetables.
Insider tips for a stress-free, debt-free wedding! Courtesy of Jennifer Mercer Billings Depot
1. Step one: Create your overall budget Before you choose a single vendor, sit down and figure out what your overall budget is for the wedding. How much total can you afford to spend, without creating stress from overspending? Many couples end up spending far more than planned simply because they started hiring vendors without having a game plan in mind, and those costs can add up quickly, leading to overspending and unnecessary panic! The simplest way to do this is to build a budget first. Once you have the total dollar amount figured out, discuss which items are your top priorities, and which are less important to you. (Pro’s Secret: hiring a wedding planner with experience for a few hours of their time can
save you a fortune in the long run! They know all the tips and tricks!) You also can schedule a free Wedding Budget Planning Consultation with the nonprofit historic Billings Depot, and they will walk you through not only how to build a budget within your resources, but also help get you connected with great vendors that fit both your individual style and your budget. Helping couples pull off a stress-free, debt-free wedding is part of the mission of this community owned historic venue, so the consultation is always free.
2. Stay flexible on a date! One of the most commonly-made mistakes that causes unnecessary stress for couples is prematurely picking a date, before learning the crucial information. Did you know that some months and days of the week are far less expensive than others? Or that some days will allow you a free day to get everything set up early, so that your wedding day can be relaxing and more
enjoyable? You need to check out the venues you are interested in and see how they fit in your budget and overall “feel” of what you are looking for on your wedding day, and then find out what dates would be available. Pre-selecting your date in advance eliminates many venue options that might be the best choice for your budget and your overall style, and causes undue stress when you can’t find what you want. Staying flexible allows you to get all the information you need to make the right decision for you without being under pressure to “hurry up and decide”!
3. Choose the right photographer Photographers are one of the most important decisions you will make for the entire wedding. A truly great photographer captures the feelings and memories in a way that will be priceless to you later, and the photos are often the only tangible things you will
get to keep from your wedding day! To find the best photographer, feel free to narrow things down using websites, but always schedule consultations with your final 3-4 favorites and ask to see an entire wedding (or two) from beginning to end. That way you get a sense of both their personality and their overall photography style, and not just the best “cherry- picked” shots used on websites!
4. Keep the main thing, the main thing! You are marrying the person that you love most in the world. In the end, the seating chart, style of invitations, the color of the linens, and which menu items you picked won’t really matter. Take a deep breath and remember what this is really about...you are marrying your best friend! Allowing yourself to get stressed about the details just takes away your enjoyment. Have fun, and congratulations on your journey ahead!
KRISTIN JEAN P HO TOG R AP HE R
kristinjeanphotographer.com
Sunday, August 20, 2017
3
Fall color combos Green Shoot Media The right colors can take your wedding from standard to unforgettable. Consider what type of mood and tone you want to set on your big day and then draw inspiration from the things around you, such as your dress and venue. The autumn season offers a wide palette to choose from; here are just a few options to consider.
Cranberry and Blush This is a great color palette if you are after a soft and dreamy feel with a hint of the autumn season. While blush screams romance, a cranberry color punches up this combo. Cranberry red is one of the richest colors of the fall but is also a warm tone — contributing to that cozy feeling. This “dressup, dress-down” combo easily complements a rustic barn wedding or a lavish celebration.
Navy and Dove If you are after an elegant and sophisticated affair, then this color combo is a great option for you. This chic combo is stunning in the fall because it allows nature to do all the work. Choose a rustic backdrop and keep the decor simple and elegant.
Chocolate, Cinnamon, and Eggplant Choose earthy tones and embrace a shabby chic aesthetic. Work a lot of natural wood into your decor, accent with large branches, and play these elements off more luxurious accents, such as rich fabrics and soft, lush flowers.
Pumpkin, Apple and Sage Embrace the harvest and use it for your inspiration. Use small white pumpkins painted with gold table numbers, apples tucked into bouquets and pomegranates at every place setting. Just remember to keep the details simple and clean because these colors add the drama. Think crisp white invitations with apple-red envelopes, for example, to keep things sophisticated and streamlined.
BOUQUETS to swoon over Green Shoot Media Carrying a bouquet that is “in season” will not only help tie your wedding together, but is oftentimes gentler on the budget. Fall foliage offers rich hues, exciting textures, and plenty of harvest bounty to inspire and create beautiful arrangements. Need help putting together a memorable bouquet? Make a trip downtown to your local flower shop. Bring a notebook of ideas and see how they can help you make it happen while meeting your budget. Consider the following elements when dreaming up your perfect bridal bouquet:
Deep and Vivid Colors Spring and summer are typically the seasons we associate with budding flowers, but many blossoms are blooming like crazy
4
Sunday, August 20, 2017
this time of year and are available in many colors. Ranunculus, roses and heather are always classic beauties. But not to be missed are velvety coxcomb, cornflowers and dahlias in early fall, and Amaryllis in late fall. Don’t forget a sprig of heather for good luck.
Lots of Texture While a lush bouquet accented with plenty of greenery is a classic choice, don’t overlook the other options the autumn season brings. Leaves, berries and grasses all add a spark of cold-weather beauty. Also consider lotus pods, fiddlehead ferns and fuzzy lamb’s ear for a distinct look.
stunning — and perfectly ontrend. Pomegranates and artichokes are popular choices right now, and apples are clearly a fall favorite. Don’t forget smaller fruits, such as cheery little kumquats. If you love your greens, cabbage and kale also add a dramatic flair to any arrangement.
Ribbon and Twine
What you use to secure your bouquet can significantly add to its beauty. If you are having a rustic wedding, consider twine, which can be found in many colors. Using a ribbon is a classic choice with so many options. Consider the thickness of the ribbon, material (silk, satin, velvet, lace) — not to mention colFruits and Vegetables or. Be sure the color you choose Adding fruit or vegetables complements the bouquet rather to a bouquet can be absolutely than detracting from it.
Choosing a Hotel for Your Wedding Guests Congratulations!! You are now embarking on one of the most exciting times of your lives. There are many things to consider when you are looking to choose a location for your out-of-town loved ones to stay at while they celebrate your special day.
something to do in the days and hours before the wedding. Many hotels will provide concierge services complimentary to their guests. You can work with the hotel concierge to get maps of the local area, recommendations for shopping, dining, spas, etc.
Location Location is arguably the most important consideration when choosing a wedding hotel. If you are hosting your wedding at a hotel, reach out to that same hotel to see about group room rates for your guests to stay at. What is better than taking the “elevator home?” If you are not getting married at a hotel, look to hotels that are close to your reception venue. A lot of these properties will provide transportation for your guests. This gives your guests flexibility to stay and celebrate as long (or as little!) as they would like!
Full Service
Attractions Attractions are another important factor to consider when choosing a hotel for your wedding guests. Brides and grooms-to-be will be busy throughout the weekend, but wedding guests who arrive in town on Friday for a Saturday ceremony will have lots of free time on their hands. Unless your wedding weekend is intended to be a weekend retreat for you and your guests, try to find a hotel in a lively neighborhood with plenty of nearby attractions so guests have
Make sure the hotel you are looking for your guests to stay at matches the needs of your guests. Look for a full service hotel with additional amenities so that your guests will have everything they need. Restaurants on property, room service, a gift shop, transportation, etc. Transportation Transportation will be important for your out-of-town wedding guests. Some will choose to rent a car, but some may want to stay at a location that will provide transportation to the airport, wedding venue, and the local area. Ask the wedding Sales Manager when booking your room block about the transportation services that are offered to their guests. They will be able to assist with internal options, or will be able to provide information for local transportation companies. Making your wedding guests comfortable during the time they spend to celebrate with you will make your wedding unforgettable.
NorthernHotel.com
THE DETAIL ... TO YOUR FAIRY TALE • Separate hotel spaces for wedding guests and parties • Incredible Grand Ballroom with accent ceiling lighting and up-lighting
You only have one chance at doing it right...we completely understand.
• 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!
19 North Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 • 406-867-6767
Sunday, August 20, 2017
5
Get married to the idea of a
WEDDING PLANNER Metro Services
Wedding planning 101 Green Shoot Media Once the excitement of being engaged settles in, you will need to begin to plan the nuptials. Many brides-to-be can’t wait to start trying on dresses — but before you head to the boutique, there are other items on your to-do list. Here are the first few things you need think about:
Pick a Style Have a conversation with your fiancé and discuss how you want your wedding to feel. Fun and festive? Intimate and sophisticated? Has one of you always dreamed of marrying barefoot on a beach or on the lawn of a stately mansion? What are the most vital elements of the wedding to each of you? Decide what’s most important to each of you and compromise.
Decide on a Timeline While the availability of your most coveted vendors will help you choose an exact date, you still need to think about other factors that will impact your timeline: Is there a season or time of year you hope to marry in, or avoid? Holidays or
6
Sunday, August 20, 2017
other family events you need to work around? You also might consider how much time you need for planning and preparations. The answers to all of these questions will help shape the timeline of your wedding.
Set Your Budget This can be one of the most difficult tasks of wedding planning. You need to have sit-down conversations with each other, and with each set of parents, to be clear who will be contributing what when it comes to finances. These numbers will impact every other decision you make, and you don’t want to plan or purchase based on assumptions.
Book Priority Vendors Priority vendors will be the people in charge of the elements most important to you and your fiancé. The most significant of these vendors will likely be your venue. Your venue will impact almost all other aspects of your wedding - including your date. Another vendor who will likely take top billing is your photographer. Be sure to research all your options to secure the best price with the extra amenities you want.
Couples see their weddings as not only the start of a new life together, but also as one of the most important organizational jobs they may ever encounter. Looking at weddings in the latter light makes it easy to see why many couples hire professional wedding planners. Many couples initially eschew the idea of hiring wedding planners. But when it comes to wedding expertise, professional planners can guide couples in all the right directions - ultimately helping them save money overall. Expertise is not the only advantage to hiring a wedding planner. These people are often skilled at negotiations and can serve as buffers between couples and vendors. Brides and grooms also can rely on wedding planners to avoid to succumbing to the stress of planning their weddings. The following are some other reasons why hiring a wedding planner can be a smart move. Planners handle the not-so-fun parts. Trying cake flavors and picking out bouquet colors might be exciting, but figuring out how many tipsy wedding guests can fit in a shuttle bus back to a hotel may not. Wedding planners can step in when necessary to handle the more mundane tasks, like organizing receipts or putting together guest toiletry baskets. Planners may be privy to discounts. Some planners may have longlasting professional relationships with vendors, and these relationships may help couples get better prices on certain services. Planners also have the expertise to advise on which purchases are smart and which may be unnecessary. Properly vet vendors and stay on top of deadlines. Wedding planners can investigate all vendors and be in charge of getting them paid on time. Planners also can keep track of upcoming deadlines, ensuring that all parties
arrive on time to rehearsals, fittings, appointments, and, of course, the wedding. Planners can help establish a budget. Wedding planners can assist couples in developing their wedding budgets. Because they know how much many services cost, planners can provide accurate estimates on wedding bills and how to allocate funds. Planners can free up time. When couples are not bogged down with running errands or scheduling every detail of the wedding, they can enjoy the time leading up to their weddings even more. That means more time can be spent planning the honeymoon. Weddings are multifaceted events that require substantial forethought. Wedding planners help keep couples on task, on budget and less stressed.
Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon Metro Services
ELEMENTS OF LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Honeymoons are big business. According to a recent Conde Nast Bridal Infobank survey, the average couple spends more than $5,000 on their honeymoon, indicating just how much meaning couples assign to their first official trip as newlyweds. If the average spending on honeymoons seems high, it’s important for couples working on budgets to realize that there are plenty of ways to plan memorable getaways without breaking the bank. Couples can keep the following strategies in mind as they plan their honeymoons. Plan and book early. In its 2016 Real Weddings Study, online wedding resource The Knot found that the average engagement length was 15 months. That gives couples plenty of time to plan their weddings, but also a great chance to book their honeymoons well in advance of their wedding days. Fifteen months affords couples the chance to piece together the perfect honeymoon on their own or shop around for package deals. Delay the honeymoon. Couples
without much wiggle room in their budgets or those who simply want to save money can delay their honeymoons, choosing to take their getaways months after they tie the knot. This provides couples with more traveling flexibility. And depending on when couples get married,
delaying the honeymoon may push the trip into the vacationing off-season, when more affordable deals can often be found. Don’t shy away from your newlywed status. Resorts might not advertise it, but many offer special amenities to honeymooning newlyweds. Some may
provide complementary spa services, while others might offer free room upgrades if they have any vacancies. Such amenities may be grand or small, but no matter their size, they can make honeymoons feel more special. Give ample consideration to all-inclusive honeymoon packages. Whether couples are working on tight budgets or planning their honeymoons without regard to cost, all-inclusive packages may be worth the extra money upfront. All-inclusive packages tend to include meals, some beverages and fun activities that couples would otherwise have to pay for á la carte. All-inclusive packages may also remove some of the work of planning the honeymoon because couples won’t need to tirelessly research activities and find the most affordable local vendors. Couples can examine the nuts and bolts of all-inclusive packages to make sure they include activities and foods they’re likely to enjoy. Planning a honeymoon takes work, but much of that work is fun, and couples who do their due diligence can save substantial amounts of money.
Your Unforgettable Beartooth Wedding
A Beautiful Be Indoor/Outdoor Setting for up to 150 Guests. Catering - Full Bar - Planning Assistance
(406) 425-1030 www.RedLodgeMountain.com/Weddings
Sunday, August 20, 2017
7
TUXRENTING
BASICS
B
Metro Services rides-to-be may invest thousands of dollars into their wedding day ensembles. Online wedding resource The Knot says that the average cost for a wedding dress
is $1,469. Grooms generally have a much easier and less expensive experience with their wedding day attire. In fact, grooms often rent their tuxedos for minimal cost. Renting a wedding tuxedo has its advantages, namely in the cost savings. However, it’s easy for a guy to fall into the trap of rent-
K I S S A B L E .............................
LET THE RED LION HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER BILLINGS HELP CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY. • Event space available for 25-800 guests • Rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions and brunches • Outdoor garden courtyard • Experienced wedding catering coordinator on-site
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 406-248-7151 RED LION HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER - BILLINGS 1223 Mullowney Ln, Billings, MT 59101 | redlion.com/billings
8
Sunday, August 20, 2017
ing something that will not help him look his best if he isn’t educated about the process. Looking sharp involves a little more than just showing up to the shop and picking a tux off the rack.
Choose Your Retailer Wisely Many stores sell or rent suits and tuxedos. As is the case with many aspects of wedding planning, getting a recommendation from friends or family members can help grooms identify the shops that offer exemplary service. When attending others’ weddings or special events, pay attention to the look of the groom and his groomsmen. Find out where they got their tuxes. Price alone should not dictate where to shop. Once bridesmaid dresses have been selected, the groomsmen can begin to shop around for tuxedoes. This way ties and vests will coordinate. Initial tux selection should begin between four and six months before the wedding.
Get a Proper Fitting The experts at Men’s Wearhouse say that it is important to be fitted for a tux or suit properly. Their professionals can handle the measurements, or men shopping elsewhere can use a tailor of their choosing. Shoulders should be close to the body in the jacket but not restrictive. Sleeves should fall so that they show a quarter- to a half-inch of shirt sleeves when arms are at the sides. An illfitting suit or tux can make a gentleman look sloppy. It is key to pay attention to sizing and use a shop that has a variety of styles that fit various body types.
Choose a Classic Style No one wants to look outdated in their wedding pictures. By choosing a classic cut and color in a suit or tux, guys will look stylish no matter the year. Fun can be had with vest colors or bow ties.
Confirm the Order The entire wedding party can visit the tuxedo shop for selections and fittings. The groom should call the store at least a month prior to the wedding to ensure that everyone has been fitted. Tuxes should be picked up a few days in advance of the wedding and tried on to ensure that everything fits and all accessories are included. This way last-minute alterations or substitutions can be made. Grooms and groomsmen can look dapper by selecting a classic suit or tuxedo, having it properly fitted and confirming that all wardrobe components are ready to go in time for the big day.
C GET A GRIP on your guest list
Metro Services
Someone Getting Married?
eu m
You won’t want to miss
017 2 7
ye
us
ad
determined number of guests you’re capable of inviting. Couples can appease their parents by encouraging them to compile a list of people they hope to invite, and then telling them these people will be invited if other guests are unable to make it. Couples whose parents are footing some or all of the bill must be more receptive to their parents’ wishes than those paying for their own weddings. Agree on a kids policy. A policy regarding kids may help couples as they create their guest lists. Couples working with tight budgets may decide that the only children who will be invited are their nieces and nephews. Young cousins likely won’t feel slighted if they don’t make the cut, and their parents may even appreciate a night out without the kids in tow. Employ the “future versus past” formula when paring gets tough. When all else has failed, couples faced with difficult decisions regarding their wedding guest lists can ask themselves if prospective guests are people they expect to see again in the future or if they are people from their past. Including the former might be a good idea, while removing the latter may also make sense, especially if it’s been a long time since couples have seen people who fall into the “past” category. Creating the guest list is one of the more difficult parts of planning a wedding. But couples willing to compromise may find the process goes smoothly.
Sept -1
EE n FRmissio
ooperation is key for couples planning their weddings. Compiling the guest list is one area of wedding planning where couples oftentimes must embrace both cooperation and compromise. Putting together a wedding guest list can cause some tension. That tension may be confined to couples, but it may even occur between couples and their families. Getting a grip on their guest lists may be one of the more difficult tasks couples encounter when planning their weddings, but there are ways to make creating the guest list go smoothly. Recognize the need to compromise. Couples who recognize the need to compromise in advance of compiling their guest lists may find it easier to pare down that list if the initial number of guests is too high. Couples can create lists of people they want to invite, breaking these initial lists down into categories such as “friends,” “family,” “acquaintances,” and “coworkers.” Couples may not want to compromise on inviting friends and family, but each person should be willing to remove some coworkers and acquaintances from their final lists. Don’t succumb to parental pressure if mom and dad are not paying the bills. Couples who are financing their own weddings should not feel beholden to their parents’ wishes when compiling their wedding guest lists. Politely explain to parents you’re working on a budget and that you have a pre-
ll o w
sto n e a
rt m
• Dozens of regional wedding exhibitors
Steaming, Cleaning, Preserving
Specializing in
Vintage Gown Restoration
• Raven’s Cafe d’Art open for brunch from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Conveniently located in Downtown Billings
• Preregister online at www.artmuseum.org to win a FREE venue rental at the YAM and other great prizes! Register online HERE
Sunday, September 17 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 401 North 27th Street , Billings • 406-256-6804
www.artmuseum.org
www.wetzelscleaners.com 117 N. 30th • 245-3760 Weekdays 7:30-6 • Saturdays 8:30-1 Sunday, August 20, 2017
9
Great wedding
GIFT IDEAS Metro Services
Wedding
WEBSITE dos and don’ts Metro Services
T
echnology continues to infiltrate all areas of life. So it should come as no surprise that apps and digital organization play a prominent role in many couples’ weddings. Couples may now feel it is necessary to design a wedding website to keep their guests up-to-date. Though they’re useful when planning a wedding, websites are not a must-have, according to bridal etiquette experts. However, those who choose to delve into the world of wedding websites can keep these pointers in mind when navigating. DO use the wedding website as a central hub for putting pertinent information about the wedding that may not be covered on invitations or save-the-date cards. DON’T ignore the potential for identity theft and privacy. Wedding websites can put quite a deal of personal information out for public consumption. Not only will the website advertise when the wedding takes place (when your home and the
10
Sunday, August 20, 2017
homes of all your guests will be empty), but also it could include birthdays, maiden names, and other information that would normally be more difficult to track down. DO use a wedding website provider that gives you the option to password protect your website. Urge guests not to share this protected information with others. DON’T caption engagement photos, bachelorette party photos and more with dates and names on the wedding website and on other social media. DO skip the wedding website if you are strongly opposed to it. When properly composed, a wedding invitation will convey all the pertinent details. A group email or phone calls can alert guests to any changes after the fact. DON’T forget to link to gift registries. DO use the wedding website to collect responses and then make a table seating arrangement online. This will help you stay more organized and streamlined. Wedding websites are yet another tool couples can use to stay organized as they plan their weddings.
Many people rely on bridal registries when buying wedding gifts for their loved ones. But for those who put off buying wedding gifts until registries have been picked clean, finding the right gift can sometimes be difficult. Even if men and women do not intend to buy wedding gifts directly off a couple’s registry, it’s best to first visit that registry to ensure that the gift that is ultimately purchased is not a duplicate gift. Shoppers who do know what to get the happy couple can consider the following gift ideas.
Luggage
them to transfer those miles to a loved one. If so, transferring the miles won’t cost the person doing the gifting any money out of pocket, but it can save couples substantial amounts of money on their next trip, including their honeymoon if they have yet to book one.
Experience Many people have embraced gifting an experience instead of an item to their loved ones. Some companies even facilitate such gifts to newlyweds. Websites like Traveler’s Joy allow couples to establish honeymoon registries, building them with activities and experiences they hope to enjoy on their trips. Loved ones can then gift money toward those activities, providing a win-win situation for people who would prefer to gift an experience and ensuring couples’ honeymoons will be that much more memorable.
Many couples put luggage on their wedding registries, so shoppers should double check before purchasing any luggage for the happy couple. Couples about to go on their honeymoons may love a new set of sturdy luggage for their travels, while others with a love of travel may appreciate being able Cash to replace luggage that’s bore the Cash may seem impersonal, brunt of their globetrotting in but couples tying the knot will no recent years. doubt appreciate an infusion of cash after saying “I do.” According Airline Miles to The Knot, the average wedding Though it might be unconven- cost more than $35,000 in 2016. tional, gifting airline miles to the Even couples whose parents foot happy couple may save them hun- the bill for their weddings will apdreds of dollars. Men and women preciate having some extra monwith ample airline miles should ey on hand that they can use on determine if their their honeymoons or put toward a a g r e e m e n t home. a l lows
Vendor Listings 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
Venues, Catering, Accommodations & More
celebrations of life, all for reasonable rates. We offer two levels for parties, three full service bars, a stage, dance floor, and plenty of parking. Our facility is conveniently located in the heart of Billings on Grand Ave. We offer all of this at affordable rates, without the hidden cost that can break the budget. The choice is yours: At our facility, you can pick a caterer of your own choice, or bring in your own food, choose your own music, and choose your own decorations. Make your party yours. One of our friendly staff would be happy to help you customize your next event.
GAINAN’S FLOWERS
119 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 294-9119 - bin119.net Bin 119 provides a casual fine dining atmosphere with American bistro and regionally influenced cuisine. We serve lunch and dinner daily as well as a brunch menu every Sunday. The menu offers a great variety of tapas, steaks, seafood, paninis, burgers and desserts. We have an amazing wine list as well as quality beer and ales. Patio and banquet room available.
COLUMBIA CLUB
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.
THE NORTHERN HOTEL
At the Knights of Columbus Hall 2216 Grand Ave., Billings, MT 59102 (406) 656-7010 - www.facebook.com/ ColumbiaClub2216Grand Book your event here! We specialize in wedding receptions, reunions, company parties and
19 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 867-6767 - northernhotel.com Make your day one to remember at The Northern Hotel. With more than 12,000 square feet of event space, The Northern Hotel provides everything you would need to put on
an exceptional wedding. Your vision for your special day will be brought to life by our amazing culinary team, our polished serving staff, and our wedding Manager, who will be with you every step of the way. We are also able to accommodate your guests with amazing guestrooms and first-class amenities including two restaurants. Save the Date TODAY and let The Northern Hotel become a part of your memories!
that perfect mix of brains and beauty. Our A-framed Clubhouse with floor-to-ceiling views can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. Our large, timber-framed banquet room has seating for 100 plus room for a band to set up and room for dancing. The party can continue outside to our deck and patio, where the unforgettable mountain scenery will stay with you long after your guests have gone home. Call or email to start making your plans now.
RED LION HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER
WETZEL’S QUALITY CLEANERS
1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-7151 - redlion.com/billings The Red Lion 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.
RED LODGE MOUNTAIN RESORT (406) 446-4610 groups@RedLodgeMountain.com www.redlodgemountain.com/ weddings-banquets/banquetsconferences When you’re planning your big day, Red Lodge Mountain Resort’s Banquet facility is
117 N. 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 (406) 545-0794 - wetzelscleaners.com Welcome to Wetzel’s Quality Cleaners, serving the dry cleaning needs of Billings and eastern Montana for over 100 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.
YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM 401 N. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101 Contact Shane de Leon: rentals@artmuseum.org - (406) 256-6804 ext. 245 Spend your wedding day surrounded by some of the world’s greatest artists. The YAM is available for your wedding, reception, or other big day. Take advantage of our outdoor courtyard, grand staircase, or one of our curated galleries. We provide a beautiful atmosphere for an intimate affair or larger gathering.
Private Dining Room Available for:
Stop by The Gazette at 401 N. Broadway or visit billingsgazette.com/contact
To subscribe, call 406-657-1298
Corporate Dinner Meetings Private Luncheons Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions Open O n Mon-Sat M S @ 11 • Sun @ 10am (Brunch 10am-2pm/Dinner 2PM-Close)
American Bistro & Wine Bar Our downtown restaurant provides the highest quality seasonal dishes with a first-class wine & beer selection. The dining ambiance is pleasantly casual and intimate, with seating available in a charming interior setting or romantic garden patio.
119 N. Broadway • 294.9119 • www.Bin119.net Sunday, August 20, 2017
11
Photography by Jana Graham
WEDDING MAKE THE
o f y o u r d re a m s A REALITY
What’s your wedding dream? From mountains to masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers over 65 years of experience to help make your wedding vision a reality.
FLOWERS | RENTAL | DECOR GIFT REGISTRY | DELIVERY MONTANA’S premier WEDDING FLORIST and GIFT REGISTRY
Call today for your personal consultation: 406-238-3161
12
Sunday, August 20, 2017
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 and groom as a gift card.