Your Wedding P lanner 2008
3 Your Wedding Planner
Table of
Contents . ............ . ........... .................. . ............ ......... ....................... ................ . .......... ...........
What Lovely Colors
page 4
Dance Away the Day
page 6
Tiers of Joy
page 7
Under the Big Top
page 9
Coosing an Officiant for your Wedding page 12 Centerpieces on a Budget
page 16
Chill
page 20
A New Chapter
page 21
Your Wedding Budget
page 24
Let’s Hear Some Music
page 27
published by the Ravalli Republic Newspaper
Your Wedding Planner Publisher Sharon Schroeder Project Sales Tyler Claxton, Kathy Kelleher, Carol Saylor, & Christina Wernikowski Production & Design Dara Saltzman & Christina Wernikowski Cover Photo B2 Photography
When every detail matters...
ML LTD.
Your Wedding Planner, 2008 is a publication of the Ravalli Republic, a divivsion of Lee Enterprises. Copyright 2008 by the Ravalli Republic. To be included in next year’s publication, call the Ravalli Republic at 363-3300 Dress provided by Simply Elegant for The Springs
EVENTS
Expert Attention to Every Detail
406-360-6997
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4
What Lovely
Colors
By Tresa Erickson
Photo By B2 Photography
Y
our fiancé popped the question and now the wedding planning is underway. First up is choosing a color palette. While some brides opt for two colors, others go for three, four and sometimes a whole myriad of colors. The choice is yours, and while the colors you select should flatter everyone within your wedding party, that should not be your only criteria. Color palettes can run the gambit. To determine yours, sit down and write out a list of colors that you like, with your favorites at the top. Perhaps you’re wild about red or mad about pink. With those in mind, look through some home décor magazines and paint swatch racks for complementary color schemes that appeal to you. Add these to your list of favorites and collect all pleasing photos and swatches in a folder.
“
weddings also call for lighter colors. Pale pinks, luscious lilacs and lemony yellows might all be on tap for a spring garden wedding. Consider the connotations of the colors as well. Red is vibrant and will bring energy to the occasion, while blue is soothing and will make for a peaceful event. Browse through several interior design books to get a feel for the kinds of moods various colors provoke. If you are having a Feng Shui wedding, you will definitely want to research the connotations colors carry in that tradition of thought. Availability might also factor in your decision. You might start out with a pink, lilac and yellow palette but change that when you fall in love with a rose-colored bridesmaid dress. Instead of pink, lilac and yellow, you might end up with rose, purple and gold.
Perhaps your wild about red or mad about pink.
With list and folder in hand, you can start narrowing down your choices. Think about the time and theme of your wedding. Are you having a spring wedding? Spring weddings often call for lighter colors than fall or winter weddings. However, if you are having an evening wedding, you may be able to get away with deeper tones. Are you having a garden-themed wedding? Garden
”
Once you have a color palette in mind, go for it! Select apparel, flowers and decorations that reflect that palette and look for other unique ways to incorporate the palette into your celebration. Use rose-colored ink on the invitations rather than the standard black and scatter some rose, purple and gold flower petals around place settings at the reception. Surround yourself and your wedding guests with the colors you adore!
I
f you’re looking for the
perfect place
to have your wedding,
Wildlife Adventures will assist you in creating the special event of your dreams. Our setting and mountain backdrop is perfect for any one of honeymoon or other special event, look no further. The Staff at
these events. Contact us for pricing and any assistance you might need.
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•
6
Dance Away the Day By Tresa Erickson
Y
ou’re getting married in a few months, and unlike some of your friends, you value convention and have planned a very traditional wedding. Everything is all set, including the music for the ceremony and reception. You can’t wait for that first dance. You even managed to convince your fiancé to enroll in a dance class so the two of you can glide across the floor with ease. Of course, you want to do the first dance the traditional way, so here is a reminder of who dances with whom during that event. During the first dance, the bride and groom traditionally take to the floor alone and dance to their favorite song. After a few bars of music, the father of the bride cuts in on the groom to dance with his daughter, while the groom asks the mother of the bride to dance. The number of couples on the dance floor now numbers two. The groom’s parents then join the couples on the dance floor, with the father of the groom cutting in on the father of the bride to dance with the bride and the groom asking his mother to dance after the father of the bride cuts in on him to dance with his wife. The number of couples on the dance floor now numbers three.
Your Wedding Planner
At some point, the groom’s parents will dance with each other and exchange partners with the bride’s parents, while the best man dances with the bride and the groom dances with the maid of honor. Finally, the entire wedding party will make their way onto the dance floor and the rest of the guests will be invited to join them. Traditionally, this is how the first and sometimes the second dances go. Keep in mind that you can switch it up. You can dance one song entirely with your groom, the next with your parents and the last with your wedding party. For guests itching to get onto the dance floor, you might want to limit the initial dances to one or two, and to ensure everyone knows where they should be during those dances, you might want to have the DJ announce the exchange of partners. Once everyone is on the dance floor, you can have various special dances. You can have a dollar dance, during which anyone who dances with you and the groom donates a dollar or more toward your honeymoon or some other purpose. You can also have an anniversary dance, where all married couples get out on the dance floor and leave as instructed until the couple that has been married the longest remains. The options for dancing at a wedding are limitless. Don’t be afraid to shake things up a bit after you have completed the traditional dances.
By Lee Svitak Dean
H
uyen Tranberg sat at the small table, plastic fork poised over the tableaux of thinly sliced cake layers. Her sister, Stephanie Waite, and niece, Amanda Waite, quietly nibbled away. This was the moment of decision for Tranberg’s July wedding reception. Not the raspberry filling; allergies were an issue. Nor the carrot cake; too sweet for their taste. But the chocolate ... now that was a winner. “We’re looking for something simple but nice,” explained Stephanie Waite as they pointed out their choice on a display wall: an elegant three-tiered square cake with a smooth frosting finish. David Mess knows the scenario. Since 1989, when he opened Buttercream Collection in St. Paul, Minn., he’s offered advice to nervous brides, excited mothers and the occasional (“What’s wrong with plain white cake?”) grandmother. These days, husbands-tobe are likely to be among the taste testers. Twenty years ago, a wedding cake was a wedding cake ... was a wedding cake. If you tasted one, you didn’t need to taste another. (Which was exactly the point those grandmothers were making.) Unfortunately, you probably didn’t want to taste one.
Photo by B2 Photography
That’s all changed. Fashion and flavor have hit the wedding cake circuit. continued on page 8
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Tiers of Joy
7
Your Wedding Planner
8
WEDDING CAKE TRENDS Recent cake trends include:
Your One Stop
Wedding Shop
Wedding & Shower Supplies Colored Tableware Themed Tableware Guest Books Decorations Balloons Candles Bride & Groom
And More
www.partywareplus.com Hamilton Creamery • 400 W. Main • 363-4272
Logan Photography www.loganphoto.com
406.531.0839
Clean lines, subtle elegance. Use of fabric ribbon draped over tiers or in bows; the over all effect is for the cake to look like a gift box or hatbox. No more Roman pillars between layers. Fresh flowers take the place or cake layers are atop each other. Fresh seasonal fruit. Floral decorations formed from gum paste; though edible, they are used for appearance. Groom’s cakes, which are small cakes, often decorated with a theme related to the husband-to-be, served at the re hearsal dinner or with the wedding cake. White chocolate shaped into seashell forms to decorate cakes for those who have had destination weddings in warm climates. Snowflakes made of white chocolate for winter holiday weddings. Different flavors for different tiers of the cake (though chocolate needs to be at the base, because it’s heavy). No more plastic bride and groom as a topper. Today it’s fresh flowers, an ornament, monogram or bow. Shapes other than round tiers for the cake; square is popular, as is the hexagon. Texture inspired by beadwork or lace on the wedding dress. Multiple tiers with different designs. Among those seen are Swiss dots, single rose petals and curving scrollwork. As for saving the top layer for the first anniversary,
David Mess of Buttercream has one recommendation: “Don’t.” It won’t freeze well, he says. For a small fee, he makes a new cake layer for anniversaries. DID YOU KNOW? Cakes are not preassembled. The tiers are shipped on separate floating beds “because there’s potholes, road rage and construction along the way,” says Mess. They are assembled at the site. Cakes on display at outdoor weddings may be fake. The real cake would be stored and cut inside. Cakes top out at five tiers. If it’s a really large crowd, additional cake is made in a traditional sheet form and cut out-of-sight. The guests don’t know the difference.
Photo by Spotlight Photo
9
By Ronda Addy
Y
ou want to have your reception outdoors in someplace a little different. The someplace different isn’t hard to find; it’s the outdoor part that’s the problem, with uninvited guests like bugs and the sun or darkness. There is a way you can have your reception outdoors without actually being outdoors and still satisfy your need for a unique setting-have it in a tent. Sound intriguing? Read on to learn more. Tents provide indoor comfort with an outdoor feeling and come in all sizes, shapes and colors. The tent size you select will be determined by the number of people you are inviting and the activities you have planned. If you are going to invite a lot of people and
Top
offer dancing, a buffet and a bar, you will need a large enough tent to accommodate everything. It is also your responsibility to see what local regulations are in place regarding tent usage and get any necessary permits. Before shopping for a tent, there are some things you should be aware of. Most tents require a minimum of 10 feet around the outside for setup. The site where you plan to have the tent should be fairly large and free of hanging branches and power lines. If you will be renting a larger tent, you will also need drive-up access for the trucks delivering the tent. continued on page 9
Photo by Logan Photography
YO U R W E D D I N G CA K E
406-363-0080 215 Marcus Street, Hamilton, MT M-Sat 6-4 aplacetoponder@gmail.com
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Under the Big
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10 You will have to decide what type of tent you would like to rent. Do you want one with sidewalls? Do you want one with plain white or French windows, which are arched and allow people to see out of them, unlike plain white ones? Various companies rent tents. Whatever company you choose, make sure you find out about its deposit policy, which could be up to onethird of the tent rental fee. Ask about its policy regarding cancellations as well. If you cancel too close to the date, you may lose your deposit. Check on the down payment - six months is the norm. If you are having your wedding in the winter, ask about any additional charges for setting up the tent in the winter. When talking to the rental company, find out exactly what is included in the total cost of the tent. In most cases, delivery, installation and setup of the floor, space heaters and lighting are included as well as disassembling, removing and cleaning the tent. The sidewalls should also be included in the cost. Rental cost should cover one day for delivery and setup, one day for usage and one day for disassembling and cleaning. You should be aware of the fact that while setting up the floor and lighting is included in the cost, renting the floor and lighting is not. Depending upon the type and size of floor and lighting you choose, you could wind up spending thousands of dollars. Check with the rental company to see if they offer any type of discount if you rent a certain dollar amount. Carefully read over any rental agreement for hidden charges before signing it.
Photo by B2 Photography
After you have chosen a reception site and a tent vendor, it is a good idea to visit the site where the tent will be set up well ahead of time. Depending upon the location, a representative of the site should be present. Be sure to ask them about the stability of the ground and if there are any underground concerns such as a sprinkler system or septic tanks. It is also a good idea to confirm with the site representative that any sprinklers and the like are on timers and will be turned off that day. Because the tent will not have any restrooms, you need to make sure there are restrooms at the site you have chosen and there are enough of them to handle your guests. Check out parking and lighting as well. If lighting is going to be an issue, you may want to provide flashlights as favors. Don’t forget to ask about electricity. Is electricity available? If not, can you bring in a generator to provide enough power for the lighting, catering needs and the band? Whenever you deal with the outdoors, you are taking a chance with the weather so it is a good idea to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Have plenty of umbrellas handy for guests and an indoor location as backup.
Commercial, Portraits and Weddings
After the tent is set up, it will need to be transformed from a plain white canvas into a reception location fit for a wedding. An easy way to do this is to have a tent decorating party with the bridal party and both families. Provide some food and drink, turn on some music and let everyone go. This is a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, have some fun and blow off some steam before the wedding. It’s amazing what you can find at the dollar stores nowadays, so you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg on the decorations. Take care not to overdo it because anything you put up will also have to come down.
1064 Eastside Highway, Corvallis, MT 59828 (406) 961-3440 • www.spotlightphoto.net
A tent reception can only be surpassed by a tent wedding (that’s another story). For someone wanting an outdoor reception but doesn’t like the thought of what could come with it, it’s the perfect alternative.
11 Your Wedding Planner
rebecca stumpf photography wedding photojournalism candid • classic • elegant
406.546.7526
becca81881@homtail.com
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12
Choosing an Officiant for your Wedding By David Gerig, pastor, Life Through the Cross Fellowship, Corvallis
Y
our wedding day may be the single biggest day of your life. You want it to be beautiful and memorable! You want the best look for your bridal party, the right choice for floral, the perfect music for the mood... Heck, you even want well behaved ring-bearers and flower girls! But most of all, you want everyone to walk away from your very special day with one word on their lips: “Wow. That was a beautiful wedding!”
Maybe you know someone who recently wed or perhaps someone knows a local minister that they would recommend. Put together a list, get some phone numbers, and give each one a call. When you get talk to the potential officiant, ask if they have a minute or two to talk about officiating your wedding. If they respond in the positive, ask if there is a time for an appointment to meet the officiant personally.
What must a bride and groom do to make this exceptional day truly one to remember? They must take the time to pay attention to the details, surround yourself with people you love and trust, and find a good officiant.
Before the scheduled appointment, write down some of the questions you’d like to ask him or her. It is a good idea to take a trusted friend, family member or your finance with you to the appointment to make sure all questions are answered to your satisfaction.
I have officiated more weddings than I can remember and the one thing that soon-to-be-wed couples seldom think about is this: “Who is going to handle the actual marriage part of the service?” If you and your intended are not regular worship service attendees, yet still desire a pastor/minister to officiate their wedding, then choosing the right person to fill the position is just as important a detail as all the others. So how can you find the right one for your special day? Try to remember some of the recent weddings you’ve attended. (If you haven’t been to one lately, ask some of your girlfriends or family members.) Do any of the officiants stand out in your mind?
Here are some good sample questions: Talk to the “potential officiant” about your vision for the wedding. Take the time to get a feel for the officiant. A likeable and on task personality is key to a smooth wedding service. If he or she get’s your nod of approval, then let them know that you’ll contact them in a few days while you interview other officiants. This simple process will put you on the right track a very memorable wedding day! And when it’s done, everyone will walk away from your very special day with one word on their lips: “Wow” Editorial note: you can contact Pastor Dave at 961-4710.
13 Your Wedding Planner
Questions to ask your Church’s Officient
Will
you officiate a wedding for those who don’t attend your church? (Ask this first! Some do and some don’t)
Are
you available for my wedding day?
About
how long is your wedding ceremony?
Can
my wedding photographer take pictures during the ceremony?
Do
you object to secular music in a wedding ceremony?
May
I have a copy of the vows you normally use?
May
I slightly alter any of these vows?
May
we write our own vows?
Will
you attend the wedding rehearsal?
Photo by Julie Lopez Photography
Do
you ever “wander off” and “freestyle” during the ceremony?
If
_________ happened at our wedding, what would you do?
Is
there anyone you’ve done a wedding for that I can contact?
Danella Miller’s Studio FINE PORTRAITURE
REASONABLE PRICES - HIGH QUALITY
(406) 882-4975
djmiller@interbel.net www.danellamillerstudio.com
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14
Allowe Me to Extend you an
Invitation By Ronda Addy
Photo by B2 Photography
T
he type of wedding invitation you choose goes a long waytoward setting the overall theme and feel of your wedding. If you are having a casual wedding, you don’t want invitations with a lot of frills. You do, however, want your invitations to look more professional than those for a kid’s birthday party. The number of guests you are inviting to your wedding may determine whether you make your own invitations or purchase them. If you are having a small to medium-sized wedding, creating your own invitations won’t be that hard. If you are planning a large wedding, creating your own invitations will take a lot of time and effort you probably don’t have. Regardless which way you go, make sure you proofread your invitations for errors and create or purchase just the right amount. There really is no right or wrong design for wedding invitations. It is your wedding and the invitations should reflect that. If you are having a themed wedding, your invitations should illustrate that theme, of course, but ultimately, the choice is yours.
15
Buying your invitations will offer you less of a selection than if you make them yourself. Do-it-yourselfers need to remember that thicker paper works better for invitations that will not be folded and medium-weight paper for invitations that will be folded. Depending upon your calligraphy skills, you could also use parchment paper for your invitations. Along with the invitations, you will need RSVP cards and stamped return envelopes. You can make your own RSVPs and envelopes to match your invitations or buy them from a stationery store. RSVP cards and envelopes are available for most invitations.
“
The type of wedding invitation goes a long way toward setting the overall theme and feel of your wedding.
”
There is some etiquette involved in the wording and addressing of invitations. This includes: Spell out all dates and times. Don’t use 5:00 or October 16. Instead, state “five o’clock in the evening on the sixteenth of October.” Abbreviate Mr., Mrs. and Jr. but spell out titles like “doctor.” Only use punctuation between the city and state and after abbreviations. Spell out all states on envelopes. Don’t include an RSVP for invitations to the wedding ceremony only. Indicate on the inner envelope of invitations to single guests that they can bring a guest. Don’t include “and guest” on the inner envelope of invitations to single guests who are bringing someone you know personally. Send only one invitation to unmarried couples who live together. List their names alphabetically and on separate lines. Send guests who are living together but are not a couple their own separate invitations. Send children over 18 their own invitation, whether they live at home or not. List children under 18 who live at home on the inner envelope; do not use the term “and family.” There is nothing set in stone that says everyone has to observe the same rules when it comes to selecting and sending their wedding invitations. It’s only natural for you to want to put your own personal stamp on your wedding invitations. After all, it is your special day.
Honeymead Wine A LONG STANDING TRADITION
T
he word “honeymoon” comes from the ancient tradition of the newly married couple being supplied with enough mead (honeywine) for one lunar (moon) cycle.
406.363. M E A D (6323) www.TrapperCreekWinery.com
Custom Labels
available for your special occasion produced & bottled by Trapper Creek Winery Hamilton, Montana 59840
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Selecting a favorite font or lettering style is one way to personalize your special day. There are various styles of invitations to choose from: accordion style, tri- or bi-fold, or a single sheet of paper. Remember, formal, lavish weddings require a formal style, while simpler, casual weddings require an informal style. There are also hundreds of styles of paper to choose from in various thicknesses.
Centerpieces on a Budget Photo by B2 Photography
17
Y
A search through bridal magazines, shops and online will provide you with hundreds of ideas for wedding centerpieces, some traditional and some not so traditional. Here are some ideas: î ‹ Balloons î ‹ Baskets of artificial flowers î ‹ Birdcages î ‹ Bowls of fruit î ‹ Board games and puzzles (these work especially well for children’s tables) î ‹ Candles with artificial greenery î ‹ Cards received prior to the wedding î ‹ Champagne buckets î ‹ Dishes of personalized chocolates or other candies î ‹ Fish bowls î ‹ Glass bowls with floating candles î ‹ Hurricane globes with sand and seashells î ‹ Old books and maps î ‹ Pens and journals for guests to write their good wishes î ‹ Picture frames with various photos of the couple î ‹ Placemats featuring artwork from the couple î ‹ Potted plants î ‹ Scrapbooks of the couple’s childhoods î ‹ Straw hats î ‹ Wooden hearts and love poems To save even more money, you might want to consider having centerpieces that will serve a double purpose. For example, the personalized chocolates could serve as wedding favors, while strawberries dipped in chocolate could work as a pre- or post-dinner treat. Another trend is to have cakes on every table as centerpieces, which the guests can then eat at their leisure. The wedding cake can be smaller, and with various flavored cakes at each table, you’re sure to offer something that will suit every tongue. Guests will enjoy comparing and sharing cake flavors. The sky is the limit when it comes to inexpensive wedding centerpieces. Depending upon what you decide, you may even be able to create them yourself and save yourself even more money. î Ś
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ou’ve been working on your wedding for months now and it is finally getting down to the wire. You can’t put off selecting the centerpieces for the tables at the reception any longer. Your budget is tight, so live floral arrangements are simply out of the question. Lucky for you, there are hundreds of ideas for inexpensive reception table centerpieces.
Marriage Changes lots of things...including your insurance needs & financial goals. I can help you with your life insurance too. When you’re ready, give me a call.
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Your Wedding Planner
18
Wedded Glitz By Sharon Thompson
Photo by B2 Photography
B
rides and grooms are looking for ways to make their
extremes: awe-inspiring flowers (towering cylinder vases filled with
weddings completely unforgettable.
orchids submerged in water); special entertainment (jazz bands, steel-drum players and mariachi bands); and an insane spread of
“They’re crazy for signature colors, surprises at the reception
munchies, from full-on raw bars to live sushi chefs and crepe sta-
like entertainers, after-parties, and wild cakes _ and they’re
tions,” she said.
all about showing off their sense of style,” said Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot, a wedding resource that reaches engaged couples through the Web, newsstands and bookstores.
In addition to the elaborate wedding cake, many brides are asking for a huge dessert buffet, traditionally known as the Viennese table. Tables filled with goodies are rolled onto the dance floor, or
Roney said the cocktail hour has become one of the night’s
sometimes the dessert table takes up a whole reception room on
major events, and couples are abandoning the not-seeing-
its own, Roney said. Popular items are chocolate buffet stations
each-other tradition to take pre-ceremony pictures so they can
featuring all types of cocoa creations: mousses, truffles, chocolate
be there to enjoy it. “Design and foodwise, they’re taking this pre-reception party to
“
Design and foodwise, they’re taking this pre-reception party to extremes.
unique invitations
AS UNIQUE AS YOU
weddings & special occasions create them order them or have us do them.
”
fondue and pots du chocolat; cheesecake sampling stations with flavors from Key lime to snickerdoodle; and candy buf-
fets overflowing with sweet surprises, from gourmet pretzels to sweet and sour jelly beans. Eco-conscious couples, Roney said, are spending a lot of time and money planning weddings that reflect their environmentally friendly lifestyles. They’re using recycled paper and minimizing the amount of paper used for invitations, place cards and programs;
Occasion accesories and attendant gifts
401 S. ORANGE STREET
406.549.0506
creating centerpieces with pesticide-free flowers and potted plants (which can be planted in the yard after the wedding); and serving organic and vegetarian menus.
19 Your Wedding Planner Photo by Logan Photography
J E W E L R Y
Free Lifetime Guarantee • On Site Service & Repair Diamond Certification • Laser Inscription • Latest Custom Technology Southgate Mall • Missoula • www.riddlesjewelry.com
Chill
Y
ou have so many things to do before your wedding day that you can’t imagine getting everything done. Everyone has their own stories, good and bad, of what they did and maybe you should consider doing this, that or the other for your wedding. You are getting stressed out, which doesn’t make you happy in what should be a happy time. You need to realize that planning a wedding can be stressful and be prepared to deal with that fact. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that everything will go perfectly. This will only add to your stress when things don’t. Focus on what you have to work with, not on what you don’t have. Everyone will have their own ideas about your wedding, but keep in mind you can’t please everyone. You and your spouse-to-be are the only ones you need to please because it is your wedding. In order to deal with stress, you need to recognize it. Symptoms include headaches, moodiness, poor concentration, stomachaches, problems sleeping, racing thoughts and irritability. Should these symptoms persist or get worse, they could indicate a more serious condition, so pay attention to what your body is telling you. After you have acknowledged you are feeling stressed, there are a few things you can do to cope with it. These include: Space out deadlines and set them far enough ahead to allow for problems. Don’t let everything go until the last minute. Delegate responsibilities to people you trust. Check in with them occasionally but let them handle things.
By Ronda Addy Photo by Spotlight Photo Set boundaries and be assertive. If others are interfering too much or taking up too much of your time, let them know how you feel without being too aggressive. Don’t take everything so seriously. Try to laugh when things go wrong. Spend time with your spouse-to-be. Discuss everything and make sure the wedding plans are going the way you both want them to. Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat right and exercise. Avoid outside stimulators like alcohol, drugs, caffeine, nicotine and sugar. Take a breather when necessary. When feeling stressed, practice some relaxation or meditation exercises or go for a walk. Don’t be afraid to talk to others about how you are feeling. Pamper yourself. Go to the movies, read a book, take a bubble bath or spend a day at the spa. Keep your activities in check. It’s only natural for others to be excited for you and want to get together to celebrate but don’t overextend yourself with too many social obligations. If you don’t have time to get together, let others know that. Your friends will understand that you are busy. With so much emphasis put on the wedding, it can be easy to forget that the event is just the beginning of your marriage. Your wedding will be over within a matter of hours and then the real work will begin on creating a long, successful marriage. If your wedding isn’t perfect, it’s not the end of the world. In fact it, might make it more memorable, so go with the flow, as they say. Don’t let things get to you and keep your stress under control.
21 Your Wedding Planner
A New
Chapter
ByTresa Erickson
A
s young girls, many of us filled notebooks with scribbles of our school crushes. While some of us penned secret notes to the apples of our eye, others of us daydreamed of marriage and becoming Mrs. So and So. Some of us even wrote down what our new names and initials would be. While most of us did not marry our childhood crush, we did get new initials, and for many brides to be, these initials present the perfect opportunity for personalizing the wedding. Monogram-themed weddings are not new. For centuries,
brides have included monograms in various aspects of their weddings as a symbol of their commitment and the new chapter in life they are about to start. If you are interested in having a monogram-themed wedding, you must first decide how you are going to use the monograms of both you and the groom. Will you use them in combination, separately or both ways? To answer this question, you might want to consider the items you plan to monogram. On smaller continued on page 22
Photo by B2 Photography
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22 pieces like champagne flutes and napkins, space is limited and a combination of monograms may not fit. In this case, it might be best to place your monogram on half the flutes and napkins and the groom’s monogram on the other half.
On the Rocks Catering wine and spirits
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Almost anything can be monogrammed. Many brides choose to have their invitations, envelope seals and postage stamps monogrammed, while others focus specifically on items in their reception, like table linens, placecards and napkins. The majority of wedding decorations from aisle runners to ringbearer’s pillows to centerpieces can be monogrammed Wedding favors are another personal monogrammed favorite. As you are selecting items to monogram, keep in mind that some of your more conservative guests may disapprove of your new initials appearing on anything dealing with events prior to your actual wedding ceremony. If you have a lot of conservative guests on your list, you might want to stick to using monograms at your reception only. Be creative but conservative in the use of your monograms. Hire a designer to etch them in your wedding colors and incorporate them throughout the room. Don’t pile them one upon another. Monogrammed table linens, centerpieces, placecards, champagne flutes and napkins can all be a bit too much. When used correctly, monograms can make a big impact and add flair to any wedding. Mark the union of your love and the start of your new life with a monogram-themed wedding.
Everything for your Wedding... • • • •
Banquet Supplies Candles Serveware Shower & Wedding Supplies
• Decorations • Centerpieces • Wedding Favors • Food Service Supplies
All at the area’s Best Prices!
25%
tion Off InEvvietray Day! Orders
PARTY AMERICA
Missoula, Northgate Plaza 2230 N. Reserve • 327-0502
23 Your Wedding Planner
CATERING BY MONIQUE
Weddings Holiday Gatherings Dinner Parties Special Events
406-363-4462 406-381-0139 Photo by Lopez Photographhy
Hamilton, Montana • winewmn@msn.com
Your Wedding Budget According to costofwedding.com, the average cost for a wedding in Montana is $21,782. The worksheet below can be used to help you with your budget for your big day. Traditionally paid for by:
Bride or Her Family
Groom or His Family
Wedding Attire
average $1,870 Bridal dress $ Headpiece $ Shoes/Accessories $ Jewelry $ Hosiery/Garter $ Groom’s Formal Wear
$
Ceremony
average $1,812 Site Fee $ Marriage License Officiant’s Fee Ceremony Music $ Guest Book & Pen $ Ring Bearer Pillow $ Flower Girl Basket $
$ $
Favors & Gifts
average $805 Bridesmaids Gifts $ Grooms-men’s Gifts Guest Favors $
$ $
Flowers
average $1,413 Ceremony Site $ Reception Site $ Bride’s Flowers Bridesmaids’ Bouquets $ Mens’ Boutonnieres Mothers’ & Grandmothers’
$ $ $
Jewelry
average $1,482 Bride’s Wedding Ring Groom’s Wedding Ring $
$
Deposit
Balance Due
25 Bride or Her Family
Groom or His Family
Deposit
Balance Due
Music
average $684 Ceremony Music Reception Music
$ $
average $2,647 Formal Photos Parents Albums Videography
$ $ $
P hotography & Video
Reception
average $10,167 Site Caterer Liquor/Beverages Bartending Toasting Glasses Cake Cake Knife & Server
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Stationary
average $608 Invitations Reception Cards Response Card Thank You Notes Stamps
$ $ $ $ $
Transportation
average $294 Limousines Valet Parking $
$
Rehearsal Dinner
$
Honeymoon
$
Photos by Julie Lopez
Your Wedding Planner
Traditionally paid for by:
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The only card you’ll need
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P I C T U R E YO U R PE R F E C T WE DD I N G
L
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OST HORS
available OAC with minimum deposit no annual fee • 9.9% APR
Creek Lodge
RAVALLI COUNTY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 303 North 3rd Street, Hamilton • 363-4631
406•363•1460
1000 Lost Horse Creek Road, Hamilton, MT • www.losthorsecreeklodge.com
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25
By Ronda Addy
T
he to-do list for your wedding is slowly shrinking. You’ve bought your dress, you’ve booked the florist and the caterer, and you’ve selected the invitations. You still need to decide what music to use during the ceremony and at the reception. Here are some suggestions to help you with this task. The location of your wedding ceremony may affect the type of music you can have. If you are not having your ceremony in a religious setting, you can probably have whatever type of music you want, as long as it is tasteful. If you are having your ceremony in a religious setting, you may encounter some restrictions regarding the type of music you can have. Secular music may be allowed before the ceremony while the guests are being seated but not during it. It is a good idea to check with the church for guidelines regarding the type of music you can and cannot use. The length of your wedding ceremony will determine the number of music selections you need. On average, you will need one to four. There is a good chance the church may not allow recorded music, so you may need to hire an instrumentalist or a vocalist. If
Music
Photo by B2 Photogrpahy you decide to go with an instrumentalist, check with the church to see if you are restricted to using their organist or pianist or can bring in someone from the outside. If you decide to go with a vocalist, keep in mind that there may be restrictions as to when they can sing. Again, you will need to check with the church for guidelines regarding recorded and live music. When choosing songs, you should look for ones that mean something to you. Ask your instrumentalist or vocalist for suggestions and page through their sheet music. If you find some songs you like, have them play or sing the selections. If they don’t have anything that works for you, go to a store that sells sheet music and browse through their selections. If you positively can’t find anything, you may want to hire a songwriter/composer to create something just for you (just make sure you give them plenty of time). Once you have your ceremony music under control, you can concentrate on your reception music. You will probably have a diverse group at your reception, so you want music that will appeal to ev-
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Let’s Hear Some
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28
•Large Canopies •Chairs & Tables •Specialty Linens •China, Glassware & Flatware •Dance Floors •Wedding Decor
Montana Party Time 1345 Clark Fork Lane Missoula, MT 59808 406.542.0701 www.montanapartytime.com
Photo by Logan Photogrpahy
29 Your Wedding Planner
eryone and guarantee they have fun. There are two major choices for musical entertainment: a DJ or a band. Which one should you choose? In order to make your choice, talk with various DJs and bands. Find out about their music choices, schedules and fees. DJs are generally less expensive than bands. See if you can drop by a wedding they are working at. That way, you can see them in action and find out how the crowd reacts to them. Ask for references and follow up on them. The location and length of your wedding reception may affect your choice. The area may not be large enough for a band and a dance floor. There may also be some restrictions on the type of music allowed. The average reception lasts about four hours. Can you imagine having to play an instrument longer than that? Having a DJ would be the wiser choice if you are planning a long reception. You want a DJ or band that is flexible and willing to work with you on your music selections. You want a performer that can keep the fun going and the audience motivated. You want a performer that can adapt to changes in the crowd’s mood and keep the reception classy and memorable. When booking musical entertainment for your wedding ceremony and reception, you should do it early. It is not unusual for musicians to be booked a year in advance. The really good ones could be booked farther ahead than that. Happy hunting!
Photo by Logan Photography
Eat, drink, dance, celebrate...
and then relax.
• Outdoor wedding & reception site Beautiful park-like setting with Bitterroot Mountains as a backdrop. • 4000 square foot ballroom • 65 western log decor sleeping rooms • Group rates • Deluxe honeymoon suite with garden whirlpool tub & fireplace • Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast
139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive Hamilton, MT 59840 (406)375-2525 • 877-274-8274 toll free Fax: (406) 363-9700
www.bitterrootriverinn.com • brinn@cybernet1.com
Hohanna Rose Photography Contemporary wedding photography for Western Montana 406.544.2864 • hohannarose.com
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!4 ,/34 42!), 0!33 Situated just 42 miles south of Hamilton in the Beautiful Bitterroot Mountains, The Natural Hot Springs at Lost Trail is the ideal place for your . With accommodations for up to 150 people and room for 400 during your wedding, we can make it an experience worthy of your special day. We can organize and plan everything, from flowers to an exquisite menu; leave everything to us. We also feature a pool open year round for your guests to relax in before the big event. Don’t forget our elegant restaurant and Full Bar making it your perfect place for your event. The Bride and Groom’s can choose from one of our two . Make your special day at The Natural Hot Springs at Lost Trail Pass.
(406) 821-3574 • 1-800-825-3574 • www.losttrailhotsprings.com
Kick up your heels at the Mansion. (406) 363-6004 www.dalymansion.org