Wedding Planner February 2019 by Billings Gazette

WEDDING PLANNER | FEBRUARY 2019

One of the most important factors in a wedding hairstyle is finding a stylist who understands you and can exercise your vision.

Bad Hair Day? A wedding is a tough time to experience a bad hair day. Clothing styles, time of day and weather all can dictate a wedding hairstyle, but ultimately one of the most important factors in a wedding hairstyle is finding a stylist who understands you and can exercise your vision.

FEBRUARY 2019 | WEDDING PLANNER

A patient, understanding stylist who is open to viewing different photographs and drawing inspiration from various places, as well as running through a few trial styles, can help brides (and grooms) look their best. In fact, trials are a must to ensure that a chosen style will work

with your hair texture. If you plan to get your hair colored, professionals recommend doing so about three weeks in advance of the big day so it looks natural and any potential snafus can be remedied beforehand. Your stylist may suggest a light trim prior to the wedding so

that the ends are fresh and healthy. And since youâ€™re putting your faith in a qualified stylist, trust their expertise and vision. Keep an open mind to their suggestions. You may fall in love with one of the options you hadnâ€™t considered.

Photography by Jana Graham

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WEDDING PLANNER | February 2019

Out with the

Doughnuts

Michelle WILLIAMS Executive Director, Billings Depot

1. Where’s Your Planner?

With an abundance of online resources, our brides are getting more sophisticated and organized every day. They come to us with lists and books, questions and ideas and even examples of timelines and vendors. You can find a ton of examples of questions and to-do lists online and talk to friends and relatives who have recently gotten married. First-hand information is always a great resource for planning an event. Organization and honest communication with your vendors and venues will benefit everyone in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

2. From Rustic to Classic Although we still see mason jars and burlap settings, we’re noticing more brides opting for clean, simple and classic decor. Think modern, bold colors paired with simple greenery and elegant elements your grandmother would be proud of: silver candlesticks, lace, velvet

FEBRUARY 2019 | WEDDING PLANNER

and sophisticated updos. Tables are being decorated simply with natural materials and we’ve even noticed more weddings incorporating scents as part of their décor. During the month of December, many weddings were decorated with freshly cut trees, filling the entire space with the scent of pine. Others incorporated scented candles and have even spritzed a scent on their table linens. Smell is the sense most closely linked to memory so it’s a natural element to incorporate into your day.

3. In or Out? Why Choose? Living in Montana, it’s fantastic to be able to host a celebration outdoors. It’s even better when your venue has both indoor and outdoor spaces. This allows your guests to be more fluid in the space, protects you in case of bad weather and also enables you to be a little playful in your décor, bringing the outdoors inside. We’ve seen more weddings making trees, grasses and foliage a focal point in their floral designs. This includes living greenery walls, chandeliers and entire archways.

Regardless of the venue you choose, be sure to find out when you can arrive to set up and communicate this to your vendors. Also, if your décor incorporates greenery, ask about refrigerated storage to keep your floral and greens fresh.

4. Play with Your Food We’re always interested to see the many ways food is served at weddings. Some brides and grooms have family members prepare the food while others hire caterers. Some are very simple with grocery store snacks and others attempt a more creative and artistic approach. There were a few weddings, however, which stood out from the rest this last year. These weddings incorporated charcuterie platters on the tables with meats, cheeses and breads. One wedding hosted a popcorn station and another brought in an ice cream cart for dessert. According to The Knot, cinnamon rolls are replacing doughnuts as the trendiest wedding sweet for 2019. Whatever you choose for your wedding, be sure it makes you happy. Have fun, and congratulations on your journey ahead!

Put More You into Your Wedding Day Family Features A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their personality and love. Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine. The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without

a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans – a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all. Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music. Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a

little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up. Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart. Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own. Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com.

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How to handle rain on your

WEDDING DAY

Brides and grooms fear the prospects of rainy wedding days. But even couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be. Have a rainy day game plan. Rain affects outdoor weddings more than any other type of ceremony or reception. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo. However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors. Invest in golf umbrellas. Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transitions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible. Wear waterproof cosmetics. Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable, waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should some drops begin to fall. Know vendors’ rain policies. Some live musicians will not play in damp weather. Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind. Couples need to understand

How couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be.

what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations. Move past it quickly. It is okay to get upset if the weather

February 2019 | WEDDING PLANNER

turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it. Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking it through despite a little adversity - which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well. Embrace the rain. While a

couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies, say the wedding professionals at Brides magazine. Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions. In the absence of bright sunlight, outdoor photographs can really

AS Photo

pop. Rain is romantic and may compel couples and their guests to cuddle close. Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag. With preparation and perspective, couples can handle rainy wedding days.

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Wedding registry tips Building a wedding registry is a task unlike any other couples may encounter during their lifetimes. Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries. Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. The following tips can help couples build adequate registries that benefit them without asking too much of their guests.  Register with more than one store. It’s important to register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests and increases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with. Unless your guest list is predominantly local, try to register with at least one national chain so guests who live in different regions can shop for gifts in-person if they prefer to do so.  Make a large list. Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options to choose from. Many industry insiders advise registering for two to three gifts per guest. That might seem like a lot, but guests will appreciate

FEBRUARY 2019 | WEDDING PLANNER

having all of those options.  Don’t hesitate to include expensive items on your registry. Couples also may be hesitant to include especially expensive items on their wedding registries. However, the couples’ parents and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists. It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased. So even if no one purchases the more expensive items, including them on a registry may significantly reduce their cost for couples who want to buy such items themselves after tying the knot.  Vary the prices of items on the list. In addition to including more expensive items on the registry, make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items. This gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without digging too much deeper into their pockets.  Periodically update the registries. Periodically update your registries to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. This also makes things more convenient for guests. Building a wedding registry is a unique task that couples can embrace as their wedding day draws near.

Alexey Erchov - stock.adobe.com

ALTERNATIVES TO ENGAGEMENT RINGS Engagement rings are often sizable investments. Money magazine reports the average engagement ring costs around $5,800. An engagement ring symbolizes the start of a lifelong commitment and may even set the tone for a couple’s wedding day. Jewelry styles are personal, and grooms-to-be should carefully research their significant others’ preferences in terms of precious metals, colors and gemstones. Even though tradition holds that a diamond gemstone is classic for engagement rings, these precious stones are not the

only options. In fact, before World War II, just 10 percent of proposals involved diamond engagement rings. That number jumped to 80 percent by 1990. However, many modern couples now lean toward other offerings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the potential cost savings. Those seeking something unique can embrace these engagement ring options. Amethyst: This vibrant, lavender-hued stone can be breathtaking when cut the correct way. Purple shades have long been associated with royalty,

making an amethyst fitting for such an occasion as special as an engagement. Because amethysts, which are less expensive than diamonds, are a seven on the Mohs scale for gemstone hardness, they can be very durable. Knot rings: These rings do not have a center stone. Rather, they’re designed to be a tied knot or infinity symbol. These rings can be particularly sentimental as they represent true, unbroken love. Opal: Gemstones, like flowers, have been assigned certain meanings. Tying the engage-

Celebrate

ment ring to one of them can infuse more symbolism into the relationship. Opal, for example, represents love, passion, creativity, spontaneity, and inspiration. Those traits seem tailor-made for surprise proposals. Sapphire: While sapphire stones often are blue, they can also be yellow, green, pink, and white. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral. A white sapphire can be the perfect diamond replacement. Garnet or ruby: Red is the definitive color of love. A Valentine’s Day proposal can be made

even more special by presenting an engagement ring with a red gemstone. Moissanite: The jewelry source Brilliant Earth says moissanite is a gemstone first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite that fell to earth. It is remarkably similar to a diamond in appearance and strength. Moissanite also has heightened brilliance, with a refractive index higher than that of a diamond. Couples have many beautiful alternatives to diamonds that they can explore when shopping for engagement rings.

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Wedding dress

YakobchukOlena - stock.adobe.com

ecause fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store. Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

fitting guide Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how bridesto-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.  Try on sample gowns. The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again, this can be shock-

FEBRUARY 2019 | WEDDING PLANNER

ing, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.  Schedule the first fitting. The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations,

which may or may not be included in the price of the dress.  Bring shoes and undergarments. Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/ corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings.  Speak up. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts,

but only if they understand the desires of the bride.  Check the details. The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures. Open communication with a seamstress and bridal shop can ensure brides-to-be get a dress that fits like a glove.

VENDOR LISTINGS Mariposa Salon

2105 Central Ave, Suite 200, Billings 406-969-1257 www.mariposamt.com Your wedding day will be the one day that you will always remember. At Mariposa we want to make sure we give you the best possible start to your big day. We have everything you and your bridal party will need to look and feel amazing on your big day.

Rockin TJ Ranch

651 Lynx Lane, Bozeman 406-585-0595 www.rockintjranch.com An exquisite Montana wedding venue with unobstructed views of the Bridger Mountains, lush lawns, a winding creek and more. We offer the perfect location to host your Montana wedding. Our experienced team will help ensure your special day is a beautiful celebration.

Funny wedding couple dancing on a stairs.

whitenoise3 - stock.adobe.com

Mario Beauregard

The Gathering Place

24 S. 29th St., Billings (Located in the CLDI Building) (406)256-3002 www.cldibillings.org The Gathering Place invites you to take advantage of 2,600 SF of simple elegance complete with a catering kitchen. An 11-foot ceiling, original beams, large windows, and blank walls with a gallery hanging system will bring your vision to life. The Gathering Place welcomes you and your guests with open arms!

EdNurg - stock.adobe.com

A & E Floral

will be captured in photos for a lifetime. A & E Floral is happy 919 Grand Ave., Billings to make your special day and 406-894-2304 details come to life with breathaandefloral.com taking flowers. From rustic wildSpecializing in affordable flowers, modern contemporary, and elegant wedding flowers. or classic design, A & E Floral Family-owned and operated, is sure to make your wedding Sheri and her dynamic team cre- flowers memorable! Call for a free consultation today. ate stunning works of art that

WEDDING STYLING HAIR • LASHES • MAKEUP • NAILS

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Photo Credit: Amber Renee Photography

c a l l F o r F r e e c o n S u ltat i o n t o day 4 0 6 - 8 9 4 - 2 3 0 4 919 Grand Ave., Billings aandefloral.com

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WEDDING PLANNER | February 2019

PHOTO CREDIT: ERIN KAYE

PHOTO CREDIT: NOTARIUS PHOTOGRAPHY

An exquisite Montana wedding venue with unobstructed views of the Bridger Mountains.

PHOTO CREDIT: NOTARIUS PHOTOGRAPHY

With lush lawns, wide open spaces, a winding creek, bridal salon, grooms quarters and indoor, outdoor ceremony sites, The Rockinâ€™ TJ Ranch offers the perfect location to host your Montana wedding. Our experienced team is available to help with every detail to ensure your special day is a first-class and stress free celebration.

Call or visit our website today, to schedule your on-site or virtual tour! PHOTO CREDIT: ERIN KAYE

PHOTO CREDIT: NOTARIUS PHOTOGRAPHY

February 2019 | WEDDING PLANNER

www.rockintjranch.com 406-585-0595 651 Lynx Lane Bozeman, MT 59718

PHOTO CREDIT: NOTARIUS PHOTOGRAPHY