Ravalli republic wedding planner 2014 by Ravalli Republic

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Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 3

In this issue

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Destination weddings................................... 6 Wedding checklist...................................... 13 Bridal dos...................................................... 15 Increased options with tents...................... 20 Wedding quilts............................................. 24 For richer or poorer..................................... 28 New times, new traditions.......................... 34

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Publisher: Jim McGowan • Editor: Sherry Devlin General Manager: Jim Coulter Project Sales: Frannie Cummings, Kathy Kelleher, Jodi Lopez & Justine Morris Production & Design: Dara Saltzman Cover: Spotlight Photo

adver t iser

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Albertsons.......................................................21 Bags & Baubles..............................................16 Beach Transportatio.....................................17 Big Sky Travel Management..........................4 Bitterroot Black Tie.........................................32 Bitterroot Brewing..........................................35 Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering.........35 Bitterroot Laundry..........................................21 Bitterroot River Inn & Conference Center....9 Bradley O’s Homestead...............................27 Cheers Unlimited, Inc....................................25

Eastgate Party Rental..................................l29 Eskay Bridal....................................................40 Flying Horse MT..............................................25 Good Times Photo Booth.............................27 Hamilton Party Rentals..................................39 Hixson Family Photography............................4 J. Willis Photography.....................................22 Melinda Bingham Photography....................4 Mikesell’s Fine Jewelry..................................11 Missoula Federal Credit Union.....................19 Night Owl Imagery........................................16

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Noteworthy Paper And Press.......................32 Pampered Chef............................................27 Riverhaus A.V. Interiors.................................12 Rodan & Fields...............................................11 Sara Bozik.......................................................17 Serendipity Boutique.....................................36 Spotlight Photo................................................9 Teased Salon.................................................22 The McBarn......................................................2 Townhouse Inn of Hamilton ........................5

4 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

first interstate center, ravalli county fairgrounds, hamilton, montana • 10am-3pm • free admission

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Albertsons Arbonne Bags & Baubles Big Creek Coffee Roasters Bitterroot Black Tie Bitter Root Brewing

Bitterroot River Inn Boho Hair Boutique Good Times Photobooth Hamilton Party Rentals Hixson Family Photography J Willis Photography

1pm – Workshop #1: “Wedding Production: What you need to know about every Vendor”

In this workshop, we’ll look at each technical aspect required to produce a successful wedding - from hiring vendors who are just right for you, to what questions to ask so that nothing falls through the cracks. I’ll provide you with the tools to be completely empowered while working through the myriad technical issues that exist in every wedding, ensuring that you spend your day enjoying the moment, not dealing with disappointment.

Presented by: Jason DeCunzo, 25 year veteran of the Event and Entertainment Industry.

Mary Kay Melinda Bingham Photo Night Owl Imagery Pampered Chef Riverhaus Av Interiors Rodan & Fields

Serendipity Boutique Spotlight Photo Teased Salon Flying Horse MT Townhouse Inn of Hamilton

1:15pm – Workshop #2: “Designing Your Day”

This workshop will help you to bring your ideas to life. In our pinterest and dream wedding world it can be difficult understanding the value of a realistic budget, and getting the most out of it. I’ll help you make the most of the budget you have to work with.

Presented by: Aurora Sommers, Aurora Floral

1:30pm – Fashion Show #1: Serendipty Boutique, Hamilton, MT 1:45pm – Fashion Show #2: The Closet, Hamilton, MT Destination Weddings • Honeymoon • Gift Registry

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6 â&#x20AC;˘ Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

in the Bitterroot Valley By STACIE DUCE The Bitterroot Valley with its beautiful vistas, historic venues and temperate summer weather can be an accessible and affordable destination for weddings. Two families gathered last summer for amazing outdoor weddings and were willing to share tips and tricks for those planning a future event.

Chad Matson

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 7

Chad Matson

THE BOWCUTTS Brittany and T.C. Bowcutt met while living in Alaska and were married in September 2013 at the Daly Mansion. While T.C. grew up in Hamilton, Brittany had never been to the Bitterroot Valley until after they were engaged. They chose to be married here for many reasons, including the benefit of T.C.’s mother’s expertise and occupation. Alison Bowcutt is co-owner of Red Rooster Artisan Bakery in Hamilton and has years of experience in catering, baking and decorating wedding cakes and all things related to big events. But for the bride who was living in Alaska during all the wedding preparations, she had to trust much and be flexible. Here are some of their suggestions:

THE TRAVELING BRIDE 1. I LOVED the Daly Mansion It was the perfect venue for our wedding. It is so aesthetically pleasing that you really wouldn’t have to decorate if you didn’t want to. Our wedding invitations were actually a booklet that included information about the venue and opportunities for tours, as well as addresses, directions and hotel information which made it much easier for our guests to be informed – especially those who aren’t tech savvy. 2. Hire a florist. The best thing I did was hire a florist who could also do more. Aurora Sommers at Boho Salon in Hamilton did EVERYTHING in terms of

8 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Chad Matson

decorating. I didn’t even have to think about it. She visited the venue, told me her ideas, and went from there. 3. Accept help My new mother-in-law did practically everything for me. She made all my appointments. It took away so much stress. She was incredible. 4. Take care of your health Traveling isn’t easy on your body and different places have different allergens. So be sure to take really good care of yourself before, while traveling, and when you get to your destination. Eat well, drink a lot of water, and sleep as much as possible. If your allergies are aggravated easily, take medication

as soon as you arrive. Allergies and colds can make you sick. No fun. 5. Be patient with your family My mom wanted a lot of specific pictures with me after the wedding, but I was really tired of pictures so I was a little bratty about it. Now I feel guilty because she just wanted memories with me on my big day and I didn’t really allow her that. I will think about that for a long time. Seriously, weddings are stressful, but try to remain calm and reasonable. Don’t be bratty to your loved ones. They deserve to feel special, especially when they’ve sacrificed to be at your destination, so be sure and give them time and patience on your special day.

THE MOTHER OF THE GROOM 1. Plan to feed your guests many meals When family members and friends have traveled to be together, they will want to be together as much as possible. As a host, you must plan to feed them often. We provided brunch several days in addition to the rehearsal dinner and wedding dinner. This will add to the expense of the wedding tremendously, so plan ahead. 2. The bride and groom might regret spending so much after it’s over. My son and daughter-in-law wanted to make sure their guests were well taken care of, so for example, they rented a house for everyone to stay but were only partially reimbursed. I think if they had to do it over, they might not have spent so much. 3. The groom’s parents may pay more when hosting. Since they chose to be married where we live, it

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 9

took more planning, arranging and expense than is usually delegated to the groom’s family. But I decided that some of the necessary expenses would be my gift to them, so less negotiating with the bride’s family was needed. 4. If possible, have all parents meet at the venue prior to the wedding The bride’s parents weren’t able to come to Montana prior to the wedding, but we did meet in Salt Lake City to help Brittany pick out her wedding dress and discuss her plans. If possible, meet at the place where you’re going to have the wedding so that the traveling mother doesn’t feel disconnected. 5. Trust someone else In our case, Brittany was wonderful to trust me and my decisions. But in other situations where the bride is out-of-state, I would highly recommend a wedding planner or someone to be in charge of answering the constant barrage of questions and decisions that must be made in a timely way.

10 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Sepp Janotta

THE SAGERS David and Stacey Sager did not grow up in Montana, although collectively, they have called Montana home for close to 15 years now. Stacey is from Georgia and David relocated to the Bitterroot from Wisconsin. They were engaged on the top of St. Mary’s Peak in June 2012 and planned for their wedding a year later. “We decided to be married in the beautiful Bitterroot, a place we’ve spent countless hours hiking, camping, rafting and climbing while falling in love.” Stacey said. Their wedding party included guests traveling from Georgia, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, Maryland, Florida, Alaska and Tennessee. “For many of our guests, this was the first

time they would experience Big Sky Country. We wanted to make their experience as memorable as possible,” she said. In June 2013, David and Stacey were married at The Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis and made their home in Hamilton. Here are a few things they did to prepare their guests for their trip to the Bitterroot: THE BRIDE 1. Include a variety of activities. My husband and I provided information to our guests about things to do, sights to see and places to eat around the Bitterroot. Whether it was hiking up Blodgett Overlook, rafting down the river, taking a stroll through Hieronymus Park or grabbing a local microbrew, we tried to provide information, maps

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 11

Sepp Janotta

and reviews on some of our favorite things to do for variety of ages and outdoor experience levels.

2. Utilize your community’s resources. We made multiple trips to the Chamber of Commerce and picked up free copies of magazines, historical information and even “Get Lost” stickers to include in the welcome bags left at the hotel for all of our traveling guests. It gives them a souvenir, in-depth info that we may not have been able to include on the website or invites and light reading material for any down time. 3. Be aware of the weather … and inform your guests. We all know how Montana’s weather can be. We made sure to convey to all of our guests not familiar with this state’s meteorological conditions to pack accordingly. Sure it was the end of June but that could mean rain, snow flurries and evening temperatures significantly lower than what they were used to. Also, have a backup plan in case weather puts a damper on your outdoor ceremony.

Sepp Janotta

4. Arrange for travel. Not a lot of our friends and relatives were familiar with the area or the population of deer that regularly cross Eastside Highway. We invested in providing transportation to and from the venue so people could celebrate responsibly and not worry about getting home safely. 5. It’s Montana, so take advantage of the outdoors. With such a breathtaking backdrop as the Bitterroot Mountains, we decided to have both our ceremony and reception outside at Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis even though an indoor venue was available. We provided lawn games like horseshoes, washers, life-size Jenga and even hula hooping for guests as well as bubbles, chalk, and streamers for the kids. People loved watching the sun set behind the mountains and we took a break from reception activities for one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. You couldn’t ask for a better decoration than a picturesque sun setting behind the mountains.

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12 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

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THE TRAVELING MOTHER OF THE BRIDE 1. Advance Planning Even with a wedding planner, time needed to be spent on the phone with the businesses providing items for the event. This was especially useful when planning the bridal luncheon. We found that the local restaurants were all very friendly and helpful. You won’t have a lot of time to do this in the last few days before the event. Also, because this was an outdoor wedding, everything we needed had to be bought or rented, transported to the site, set up, and taken down so advanced planning was essential. 2. Careful Packing Begin accumulating items in a particular place in your home that must travel with you to the event as you think of them so they are not left behind in the last minute when packing for the trip, like a family heirloom or ring that may be needed for the ceremony. 3. Contact information Friends and family need to have your contact information so they can call if there’s a problem with travel, or last minute changes in their itinerary. This is also useful when coordinating activities when everyone is not staying in the same place. 4. Memorable menus We chose to use regional food items on the menu to give visitors a taste of the Bitterroot Valley. All the food at the reception was locally grown including the bison steaks. 5. Extend your stay Since many guests were coming long distances, we encouraged them to extend their stay either before or after the actual event. This means that you need to consider the time during which you will be hosting. It may be several days longer than it might have been for a nondestination wedding.

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 13

12 MONTHS TO GO Announce engagement Arrange for your families to meet, if they haven’t already Set a budget and determine who will be paying for what Decide what type of wedding you want: style, size, location, time of day, etc. Draft preliminary guest lists: Bride’s, Groom’s, Bride’s family, Groom’s family Register for engagement gifts Gather ideas for your ceremony and reception Order thank-you notes for engagement gifts Subscribe to wedding magazines 11 MONTHS TO GO Interview wedding planners and hire one, if desired Plan engagement party Begin dress research Set a wedding date Start your ceremony and reception location search Create a wedding Web site 10 MONTHS TO GO Determine your wedding’s color palette and theme Reserve a ceremony and reception site Research marriage license and residency requirements if you’re getting married abroad Select the members of your bridal party Reserve a block of rooms for out of town guests 9 MONTHS TO GO Make bridal salon appointments to try on wedding gowns If wearing an heirloom gown, clean and schedule alterations Gather vendor referrals from friends and relatives Interview officiants Order and mail save-the-date cards Start meeting with vendors – photographers, caterers, bakers, videographers, florists, bands and DJs 8 MONTHS TO GO Start a fitness/workout regime Contact lighting and tent rental companies for athome weddings Delegate agreed responsibilities to your groom

7 MONTHS TO GO Finalize wedding theme and palette Research wedding customs and traditions If you’re getting married at-home, talk to your gardener about landscapeing 6 MONTHS TO GO Book baker and decideon cake flavor, design and style Discuss groom’s cake ideas, if having Book caterer Book florist and determine overall style for personal flowers, ceremony and reception décor Book ceremony musicians and reception band or DJ Book photographer and videographer Finalize guest list and mailing addresses Research invitation designs Select an officiant and discuss ceremony service Order your wedding dress and accessories Book day of transportation for the bride, groom and bridal party Reserve a hotel room for your wedding night If necessary, update passports 5 MONTHS TO GO Select bridesmaids’ attire and confirm that each bridesmaid has ordered her dress Select attire for your flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) Provide bridal shower guest list to maid-of-honor Update registry lists for bridal shower Research honeymoon destinations Finalize invitation design and order wedding invitations, and don’t forget to order extra outer-envelopes Check invitation proof Test drive directions before printing direction cards Reserve rental items 4 MONTHS TO GO Book honeymoon Provide guest address list to calligrapher Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas Create song play and do not playlists Select first dance and other special dance songs Schedule dance lessons, if desired Order wedding rings Reserve tuxedos for groom, dads and groomsmen Draft wedding program information Schedule your wedding rehearsal with officiant and bridal party

14 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

3 MONTHS TO GO Attend first dress fitting Plan rehearsal dinner: book space and order invitations Order or make wedding favors Purchase guest book/vessel for guest notes Research signature drink options Attend pre-marriage counseling or classes, if required Request time off from work for your honeymoon Finalize flower arrangements for ceremony, reception and personal flowers Order wedding programs 2 MONTHS TO GO Mail wedding invitations Keep a record of RSVP cards you receive Schedule a makeup and hair trial Select gifts for attendants and parents Attend bridal shower Write and mail shower thank-you notes Start drafting your wedding vows, if writing your own Schedule a tasting with your caterer and confirm reception menu Send wedding announcement to local newspaper, if desired 1 MONTH TO GO Draft seating chart Review ceremony details with your officiant Distribute copies of selected readings and songs to ceremony participants Apply for a marriage license Send photo shot list to photographer and do/do not play list to band/DJ Attend bachelor/bachelorette parties Write your wedding speech/toast Prepare bride and groom emergency kits Assemble guest room gifts for out-of-town guests Start breaking in your wedding day shoes Attend a hair and makeup trial and remember to take pictures of yourself Schedule a haircut appointment for the groom for the week or two before the wedding Find something old, new, borrowed and blue Attend final dress fitting Pick up your wedding rings Send seating and place cards to calligrapher, or begin to write/print them yourself 1 WEEK TO GO Pick-up wedding dress from bridal salon Have groom and groomsmen pick-up their tuxedos Give the caterer your final head count Send reception location manager final seating chart and drop off seating cards Distribute wedding day timeline and contact list to vendors and bridal party

Give ceremony and reception location managers a vendor contact sheet Confirm wedding day beauty appointments Confirm wedding day details with all vendors Pack for honeymoon Deliver guest room gifts to hotel Assign day-of responsibilities to attendants Arrange for someone to send your wedding dress to a preservationist and return your groom’s tuxedo to the rental store DAY BEFORE Organize tipping envelopes Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Drop off ceremony accessories at ceremony site – programs, yarmulkes, unity candle, etc. Give attendants and parents thank you gifts Get a manicure and pedicure DAY OF Don’t forget these important items: Wedding dress, veil and headpiece Shoes, hosiery and undergarments Jewelry Something old, new, borrowed and blue Gloves, if wearing Emergency Kits, for the bride, groom and bridesmaids (see separate template) Copies of vendor and bridal party contact list and timeline for the day Wedding programs, if you haven’t already delivered them to the ceremony site Wedding favors, if you haven’t already delivered them to the reception site Marriage license Wedding bands and ring bearer pillow Suitcase, airline tickets and passports if you’re leaving for your honeymoon from the reception Copy of your wedding vows, if you’re writing your own Copy of your wedding toast, if you are planning to make a speech Envelopes with tips for vendors AFTER THE WEDDING Mail thank you cards to guests within 8 weeks of returning from your honeymoon Send thank you notes to your vendors Send change-of-address form to post office, if necessary Change your last name on necessary forms

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 15

By STACIE DUCE

A wedding is no time to be having a bad hair day, but with current trends tossing the veil aside, brides have been putting more stock in curly locks and hair accessories. Local hair stylists each offer five tips for looking your best on your wedding day:

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16 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Elke Olbricht of Studio 21 in Hamilton offered the following: Tip 1: Start with next-day hair. Tip 2: When looking for styles, find photos that are similar to your own hair type, texture, and thickness. Tip 3: For fine hair, Aveda’s pure abundance hair potion is great for creating volume on dry hair. Apply at the base of any area you want volume and massage into hair. Now you are ready for some backcombing and up styles that will last throughout the evening. Tip 4: If the thought of an up-style is giving you a headache because your hair is too heavy and bobby pins are just torture, try sewing in your style. Needle and thread do the trick. If

trying this on your own, it will take a little practice. Using thread that matches your hair, and a needle at least 3 to 4 inches long, you can stabilize a braid or textured look so that bobby pins are not the only source that will hold your style in place. Tip 5: Remember that practicing styles is fun but very difficult to replicate exactly. Don’t over-think your hair! Visit your stylist for a consult and narrow down ideas to two or three. If you feel good about the communication between you and the stylist, then you will have the perfect style on your perfect day. Kris Rupp of Aurora’s in Corvallis said: Tip 1: First of all, hire a professional and com-

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municate with him/her on what you want. Make sure you don’t get talked into something you don’t normally wear, for instance if you never wear your hair up then don’t do it on your wedding day. Tip 2: Book an appointment with your stylist at least six months in advance if you are going to color your hair so your stylist can achieve

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the look you want in time for the wedding. Tip 3: Use a deep conditioner once a week for about 3 months before your big day to get rid of split ends and get the most shine you can. Tip 4: Do at least two trial runs with you’re stylist and bring your veil if you are wearing one Tip 5: The day of the wedding, your hair

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14 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

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should not be clean as the style will last longer if it is a bit dirty. Most importantly, stay in touch with your stylist so he/she knows exactly what you want. Your hair is the last thing you need to stress over on this day and a little preparation helps the entire process. Good luck and have the most fabulous day ever! Mark Trotter from Markus Salon in Hamilton offered his tips: Tip 1: Pull it up Your hairstyle will last so much longer if it’s up – especially if you have an outside wedding

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where the elements, like wind and moisture, will affect your hair. Tip 2: Keep it simple, classic Whether you backcomb the crown for a 60s look or do easy finger waves, having a period influence will keep your wedding classic and classy. A simple French roll in the hair gives brides a timeless look. Tip 3: Personalize your look I like to look at the shape of the person’s face and neck as well as the theme of the wedding when suggesting a bride’s style. Sometimes you want some strands coming down

or not all of it up. Every bride is different and deserves a professional opinion on what will look best for her individually. Tip 4: Subtle color changes When a bride is wearing white, then contrasting hair color is great, but coloring a bride’s hair too far from natural might look wonderful on the wedding weekend but won’t be easy to maintain. If a bride wants a temporary change, I have recommended extensions, that way she can take out the hair pieces the next day and not sacrifice the health of her hair. I’m really not into ruining the hair for one night. Tip 5: Keep the bride in the spotlight. I don’t recommend matching the bridesmaids’ hairstyles with the bride. After thousands of weddings, a few negative memories stand out to me when bridesmaids looked in competition with the bride. I like the bride to be a star. I want there to be absolutely no question about who is getting married. If the bride’s hair is up, then downplay everyone else with simpler styles or have their hair down. This is the bride’s day, and there should be no question about who is in the spotlight.

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 19

Post Wedding Checklist

s Send thank you note d preserved Get dress cleaned an al documents Update name on leg Social security card Drivers license Vehicle registration rd Voter registration ca Passport accounts Credit union & bank Credit cards Insurance policies Wills Work Change beneﬁciary Insurance policies Retirement accounts ntact Update emergency co

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20 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

By STACIE DUCE

“To tent or not to tent” is a question Mike Gray is asked almost daily. He and his wife, Debbie, are owners of Hamilton Party Rentals and provide tents, chairs, tables, place settings and décor for special events throughout the Bitterroot Valley.

Chad Matson

“People ask me all the time if they should do a tent or not for their wedding,” he said. “It’s really the choice of the bride and what she wants to do.” He said people tent for several reasons, “to guard against inclement weather or to provide relief from the scorching hot days. But the third reason is because people want the overall effect and intimacy of a tent. I’m constantly amazed at the ideas brides have to transform a tent into exactly what they want to create for their wedding. It’s incredible.” His large tents have optional features when it comes to side walls – either solid, with windows or wide open. He said people should consider several factors when choosing to have a solid wall or not. He especially recommends them to face a prevailing wind or hide unsightly objects that might be in the view of the guests – like a tractor on the neighbor’s property for example. “We also tend to put solid walls on the west sides of the tent because by 7 p.m. in the

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Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 21

summer, the setting sun can be brutal in the valley,” he said. With all our experience, we can usually help people avoid problems associated with the elements,” he said. “Some think that I can provide some guarantee of the weather on their special day but it just doesn’t happen that way, especially in the Bitterroot.” Another advantage to tenting a wedding is that it extends the calendar options for events and allows weddings to be planned a little earlier in the spring and a little later into the fall. “You can actually tent all year round, but the price is a little higher in the winter because staking can be a challenge with the frozen ground,” he said. “But nothing is impossible. We’ve come up with other ways to secure the tent with sandbags or weights. If it’s close to a permanent structure, we can it tie off to that. Winter staking might be a challenge, but it sure can be done.” He does warn all parties of safety precau-

22 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

tions, however. “Everyone has to remember that tents are temporary structures, and come inclement weather, lightning or high winds, then evacuation is always recommended.” The biggest benefit of tents are the multitude of decorating options that a bride can choose from, he said. “From tent liners to lighting, every bride can make her event unique. I’ve seen them use Chinese lanterns, café lights, chandeliers, and multitude of fabric draping including gossamer. That’s how you can get your color and transform the stark white tent into something beautiful. And beyond tables and chairs, we’ve seen brides bring in lounge furniture and major decorations to create vignettes according to their theme. We have so many options for every idea.

“We’ve rented tents for family reunions, high school class reunions, birthday parties, fundraisers, garden parties and special events,” he said. “I’ve put up a tent for a garlic club where people came with different dishes of garlic and had a festive occasions under a tent. But by far, my wife has the most fun decorating for weddings and we do what we can to make every bride very happy.” For more information on tent rentals and other party necessities, call Mike and Debbie Gray at Hamilton Party Rentals at 406.363.4482. They also have displays and information at 305 West Main Street in Hamilton in the back of Me and Mom.

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

J Willis Photography

Melinda Bingham

Spotlight Photo

24 â&#x20AC;˘ Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Story and photos by STACIE DUCE

In 2014, gift cards might be the wedding gift of choice over heirloom quilts, but not for everyone.

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 25

Claudia Williams, owner of Patchwork Quilts in Hamilton, said many quilters are still creating stitched masterpieces for special brides and it’s a tradition that she would love to perpetuate. “They mean a lot and the value grows over time,” she said. “Every year, a wedding quilt becomes more precious.” Thirty-five years ago, when she was a bride, her mother’s neighbors all got together, tied her a quilt and threw her a bridal shower when they were finished. “So my wedding quilt is nothing fancy, but every stitch was made with love,” she said. “Over the years, it’s had a lot of use on cold winter nights. It’s the first thing you wrap up in when you’re feeling sick. It’s there for you when you have your first fight as newlyweds and someone ends up sleeping on the couch. Those quilts can carry so many memories and be such a comfort.” Williams recently received a wedding quilt

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that her grandmother had made for her sister back in the 1930s. Her second cousin called one day and asked if she would like it, “and of course I said yes.” While many quilts were made from old shirts or feed bags back then, this two-colored wedding quilt was made with yellow and blue satine. “At a time when my grandmother had no money and had four kids to feed, she somehow saved enough money to buy nice fabric for her sister’s wedding quilt,” she said. “It really was quite a feat and means that much more because of the sacrifice. She must have really loved her sister.” One of Williams’ customers, Suzie Erickson, recently finished a wedding quilt for her granddaughter and was recognized with first place prizes by the quilt guild as well as the Ravalli County Fair for her handwork. “I’ve made quite a few quilts for my granddaughter over the years and she has always appreciated them, so I knew she would trea-

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26 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

sure a wedding quilt as well,” Erickson said. Originally, she was going to make the quilt from vintage handkerchiefs that she had been collecting, but her granddaughter requested a light-colored quilt with very little color. So Erickson transformed her original idea and decided to use table linens instead. “I wanted it to be about the quilting, not the piecing of fabrics, so the construction

was very simple and even the borders are made with large strips of fabric,” she said. She started with a tablecloth as a medallion in the center and quilted the initial of her granddaughter’s new last name. Then she added cloth napkins in various shades of eggshell and beige to keep the colors subtle.” With the initial in the middle, Erickson said the quilt became more of a memorial, but it

also sparked many inquiries of what she’ll do if her granddaughter’s marriage doesn’t last. “I can always change the letter in the middle if I have to and that way it will always be special to her and stay in the family, no matter what happens in life,” she said laughingly. “I have a lot of heirloom things including my dad’s engagement gift to my mom,” she said. “Heritage means a lot to me and I have a passion for passing things on to others in the family so they can treasure them as much as I do. My granddaughter is quite a bit like me in that way. And so her wedding quilt is special enough for her to pass down to her kids someday. Unfortunately in today’s world, those things aren’t valued or prioritized anymore but for special occasions, like weddings, hopefully it means more.” Williams said she is seeing more grandmothers than mothers creating wedding quilts for new brides. “In this day and age, mothers have a lot on their plates when it comes to weddings and grandmothers seem to have more time to make it happen. However, some ladies do amaze me and they pull it off in time for the wedding. I’m always so impressed with people who will create quilts for such special times.” She said that there are not particular patterns for wedding quilts like wedding ring patterns of the past. “These days, quilts are made according to the bride and her styles and her colors. There are so many wonderful patterns and creative options. The quilt can be whatever will be special for the bride.” For more information on quilting, stop and see Claudia Williams at Patchwork Quilts in Hamilton at 1720 N. First St. Suzie Erickson can also provide guidance, help with design and long-arm quilting through her home business, Whisper Creek Quilts in Corvallis. Call 406.370.2131 or email her at whispercreekquilts@q. com<mailto:whispercreekquilts@q.com>.

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 27

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28 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Don’t let newlywed bliss turn into financial nightmare ARA content For better or worse, richer or poorer - that’s the promise most couples make when they face one-another at the altar. When it comes to finances and young love, it can be easy to fall into some common pitfalls that can haunt couples long after the wedding day.

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“Communication is a key part of a strong marriage, and it’s also the basis for a strong financial partnership,” says Barrett Burns, president and CEO of VantageScore Solutions. “Being proactive before and planning ahead of the wedding while sticking to a financial plan will help guard against common financial mistakes that can occur early in a couple’s life together.” To start your new life together with a strong financial foundation, check off a few important money to-dos before you say “I do!” 1. Have the debt talk All couples must have the debt talk. It may not be romantic, but it is necessary in order to plan a bright future together. Be open and honest about debt, savings and spending habits, even if they are less than perfect. Financial turmoil is one of the top reasons cited for divorce, so understanding each oth-

er’s finances today and what goals you have for the future will help reduce stress on your partnership. With the average college student graduating with $26,600 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt, young couples need to create a plan for managing debt and saving for the future. 2. Control wedding spending The “big day” is a defining moment in life, but it’s important for couples to remember it’s just one day of many that they will spend together. Weddings and related events cost a whopping $28,427 on average, according to theknot.com, and that doesn’t even include the honeymoon. “When it comes to young couples planning a dream wedding, the plastic tends to be relied upon,” says Burns. “It’s important to be realistic about how much you can spend. Becoming over extended on credit cards is a

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30 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

J Willis Photography

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common mistake, and this type of high-interest debt is not the wisest way to begin your lives together.” The best course of action when it comes to wedding planning is to create a budget and stick to it. It’s not necessarily bad to use credit, especially if you can take advantage of a credit card rewards program, but Burns advises only charging or borrowing what you know you can pay back in a reasonable amount

of time as keeping high balances and missing payments can have significantly negative impacts on your credit score, which in turn leads to stress. 3. Work together to build a positive credit profile Married couples do not have joint credit files or credit scores. Each individual has their

Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014 • 31

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credit files with the credit reporting companies and their own credit scores, but in some cases like when joint accounts and co-signed loans are created, the actions of one can impact the other. “It’s common for younger people who are just beginning their financial independence to not have much, if any, credit history. It’s important to be proactive and take steps to build a positive credit profile and score so you

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can demonstrate to lenders that you are a good manager of credit,” says Burns. Get a copy of your credit report and resolve any issue you may have with the information presented in it. If you have a limited credit history, carefully consider the benefits of joint accounts, but keep in mind that the positive financial actions like paying bills on-time and keeping balances low, as well as actions that can have negative impacts like missing pay-

ments will influence the couples’ individual credit scores. “The importance of paying bills on time cannot be understated,” says Burns. “A single missed payment can drop each person’s credit score 80 to 100 points. This can affect a couple’s ability to get the best interest rates and terms for a loan.” Another important step in building credit after a marriage is to make sure that all financial lenders are aware of name changes. “If you

32 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

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choose to change your name after you are married, make sure all your accounts have your current information, otherwise positive actions may not get reported correctly or in a timely manner,” Burns says. 4. Shop around for rates “Whether you’re taking out a personal loan or selecting a credit card, you absolutely must shop around for rates,” advises Burns. “Don’t just take the easiest or first option. You want to get the best deal available with low interest rates and reasonable terms.” When shopping for rates, Burns notes to do

so within a two week period of time. Credit inquiries from auto and mortgage lenders and credit cards issued from banks and credit unions are only counted once if done in a two week period causing just a slight decrease to credit scores. Finally, couples soon to be married or those that recently were married can also test their knowledge about credit scores at www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, a website created by VantageScore Solutions and its partner, Consumer Federation of America, one of the largest consumer advocates in the country.

34 â&#x20AC;˘ Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Modern wedding trends from stock-the-bar parties to social networking sites ARA content

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October is the new June. More and more, weddings are taking place in the height of fall foliage, heart of winter and prime holiday season, including the ever-popular New Year’s Eve ceremony to ring in the new year. But it’s not just the wedding season that has drastically evolved over the past decade, it’s everything from roles and responsibilities to gift-giving. As you gear up to celebrate the union of your beloved family or friends - or even your own - know what to expect from the changing tides of weddings. Lizzie Post, co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition” and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, helps couples navigate the new traditions of weddings. The Post name has been synonymous with proper etiquette and manners for the past 80 years. As decades pass, so will traditions, but proper etiquette is timeless. Be prepared for the next wedding you attend and know what to expect from changes in the wedding landscape with these important pieces of advice:

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36 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Pay it forward Finding the right gift for the newlyweds can be difficult. While registries help to point guests in the right direction, many couples are getting married later in life and already have all the household items that are common wedding gifts. To provide the couple with a small nest egg to use however they wish, a check is always a great and safe gift idea. Several financial institutions, like Bank of America, offer mobile check deposit through their banking app, allowing the couple the flexibility to deposit checks on-the-go to help cover outstanding vendor payments or use on their honeymoon. Another new-age trend is contributing to a couple’s honeymoon fund. Temper tech use Even weddings are going hi-tech. There are numerous websites available that can help

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the couple to organize the process, communicate with guests and share photos after the ceremony. But a few things - like a handwritten “thank you” note - should steer clear of the hi-tech lure. In a gadget-driven society, everyone is carrying a smartphone. Couples can post a tasteful notice at the entrance of the ceremony location or in the program to remind guests to turn off their cell phone ringers and refrain from use during the ceremony. Some couples may actually encourage guests to take photos and share images via social media, but guests should respect their wishes and use phones only as a camera and upload images after the ceremony.

Respect personalization Couples want their special day to reflect who they are and what is important to them. While previous generations traditionally wed in places of worship, many modern couples choose to tie the knot at a sentimental location, like where they had their first date. The decor, music and even the food and drink served at a wedding may have a personal story behind it. No matter how nontraditional the element may be, guests should eagerly partake in the festivities, acknowledging and respecting the couple’s individualization.

38 • Ravalli Republic Wedding & Event Planner, January 2014

Be all-inclusive In the past, bridal showers were strictly for the bride and bachelor parties were a men-only affair. Nowadays, these festivities are no longer gender-specific. Showers can be thrown for the couple in unison and include creative themes like “stock the bar” or “time of day.” Bachelor and bachelorette parties can also be conjoined to involve the entire bridal party in a destination event. And while these events are a celebration of joy, expenses can add up quickly. If you use a rewards card, like the BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card, you can earn points on purchases to pay for all or part of your trip. This is great for both the bride and groom and guests traveling to the wedding. As trends and expectations shift, so will the way major life milestones are celebrated. It is important to celebrate these moments in life with grace and support for the happy couple - after all, it’s their day - and it should be as unique as they are. For further etiquette advice on navigating 21st century weddings, visit www.emilypost.com.

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