Then the Caterer Cancels

We found an amazing Caterer. Had our Aunt meet up, have a tasting, and talk numbers. He and I had a phone conversation followed by email correspondence. Then he left me a message yesterday "Your wedding venue is out of reach for my business model." OUCH! So back to the drawing board for a wedding caterer that's willing to drive 90 minutes to serve 150+ Montana. Rant of the day, google question of the day. Who will you be caterer?


Journal for our Journey

Rants and Reviews on Montana Wedding Places

Well some will be more rants and some will be more awe! I headed to Montana two weekends ago and found the place where my other and I will have our wedding reception and wedding at!

Remember this list?

Bridger Bowl

{beautiful modern lodge}

Gallatin River Lodge

{pristine}

The Ponds

(worth a shot?}

Rainbow Ranch

{Please let the group area work}

Rockin' TJ Ranch

(okay the lady that called was awesome!! probably won't get to tour this time)

320 Guest Ranch

(Dude ranch on steroids great package pricing)

Union Pacific Dining Lodge 

(Rustic on the cheap and DIY potential and umm cheap)

our search for the perfect venue

 

Let me edit it for you! 

Bridger Bowl

{beautiful modern lodge}

This place is amazing! It is a bit out of the way (main reason for us not picking it :(  but Jesus Lord Almighty... The views are stunning! the place is a lot classier than your average ski lodge and oh the surroundings perfection! We had an awesome visit to this place! The staff were amazing! 

Gallatin River Lodge

{pristine} Didn't get to see

The Ponds

(worth a shot?}Didn't get to see

Rainbow Ranch

{Please let the group area work} :( Did not work for our size of group spendy but worth every penny

Rockin' TJ Ranch

(okay the lady that called was awesome!! probably won't get to tour this time) Didn't get to see

and then...

The BAD!

a place that shall remain nameless so they do not kill me ;) email if you want to know journalforourjourney@gmail.com

 :'O Umm let's just say we have a lot of inside jokes because of this place. I honestly thought at one point I was getting kidnapped. They have great views but the website glorifies a lot more than they actually have. This is a great place if you need people to tell you what to do. I work the other way I like to plan and have my plans executed. I mentioned about how to make the space work for our group and giving them some of my wedding planning insight they shot me down and well I was done with the rude attitude of the day. Sorry but this is not the place for me and I honestly would not tell my worst enemy to try it for a wedding. Accommodations were beautiful a pro and I did add it to our wedding email list telling people about there wonderful packages just not for us.

It just got creeper and creeper we started out in the lodge... dead animals everywhere I know Montana =hunt = food= décor but I am a vegetarian and I had a strict wall to animal ratio and they were just under it. We arrived early and got a nasty vibe that she did not want us there... early that is. She took us to the itty bitty dining space that they pass off as the reception area. That can accommodate the appropriate number but I doubt they could move if you had that many people in there. It was dingy stained and gross. Our guests would be sectioned off a little with apparent different areas. The dance floor was in the middle of the itty bitty room making the space seem smaller and became Closter phobic.  We were taken to the outside where it was freezing to sit on metal rusty chairs. To go over details. She asked me my name already and more information about me I didn't feel comfortable by the way she asked them in a prosecuting manner. I was doubting myself and felt like a child. We then went into a van that she had a little step stool she insisted that we use without a hand up nor down which is really hard I rather use the oh crap bar in the car to help get up and down. but no. so I got out before everyone and helped them down nana included. We stopped at a makeshift picnic area with a portajohn. A place that costs around 2000 dollars that you could honestly find better in a run down park. it was by the water and had a sand pit. The problem I really had with this place is their terrible ideas for pricing. Want an outdoor wedding? that's great but if you do not have a back up plan ie the icky dinning area or a tent you're sol... but guess what they can call the rental place for that $3000 tent or rent the dining lodge to "hold it" for you. at the same fee as if you were to have it there. Unfortunately they require you to book two different spaces for ceremony and reception. So if you get married in a field $2000 and want your reception at the dining area $2000 but need a back up plan for the field $2000(which you are required to pay!!!! just in case) Backward thinking and terrible hostess made this place extremely creepy!!

 

THE GOOD

Union Pacific Dining Lodge 

(Rustic on the cheap and DIY potential and umm cheap) {{Winner}}
Okay so if you've lived in this area I am sure you've been to a billion functions that have taken place in this beautiful lodge. But luckily for us we are having a destination wedding where only a couple people have ever sat foot in the lodge. I like that it is in town walking distance to accommodations or as I wrote before to a friend within stumble distance ;) I can successfully be extremely liberated and walk the five minutes to my cabin in my dress. They are currently changing hands of who operates it so we may have gotten the deal of the century which I am so so thankful for. They include a whole bunch of things that you typically have to pay extra for and rent. I am in love that it includes a full catering kitchen and enough space for everyone. I am sure our event will be the best this place has ever seen since our budget has  been saved without an extreme mark up of the wedding factor. We are blessed to have been introduced to this marvelous place by my others aunt err uncle.  

Journal Journey 

Off to where?

my search continues

 

I am going on a plane tomorrow...

to where?

to find the perfect wedding location .   .   . again!
I will be flying solo. Ah two fears together. With the cherry on top of my lover saying propeller plane. Thanks, thanks babe.

I will be going to the beautiful state of Montana to see if I can plan a destination wedding that kicks major @$$.

We as in me and myself and future mother in law, nana, and my future father in law will get to a chance to see first hand how drop dead gorgeous these venues are (hopefully) in person.

To make the list:
Indoor possibilities for reception
Accommodations at the place or within walking distance (maybe a few skipped this requirement)
Close to an airport
Can hold our group of 110ish awesome VIPs


I fly into Bozeman airport tomorrow afternoon!!


Places I wouldn't mind checking out: This trip is centering on West Yellowstone and Bozeman area.

Bridger Bowl

{beautiful modern lodge}

 

Gallatin River Lodge

{pristine}

 

The Ponds

(worth a shot?}

 

Rainbow Ranch

{Please let the group area work}

 

Rockin' TJ Ranch

(okay the lady that called was awesome!! probably won't get to tour this time)

 

320 Guest Ranch

(Dude ranch on steroids great package pricing)

 

Union Pacific Dining Lodge 

(Rustic on the cheap and DIY potential and umm cheap)

Wedding Music Lists and Forms

 

Why do I love this form?

 

 Well because Joe from Joe's DJ located in beautiful Bozeman, Montana explains what the soon to be wedded couple need to hash out before the big day. Some people do not know the money dance from the processional ;) he gives great and quick detail about each item to consider and some items that did not even cross my mind.

Print this out and set down with your partner and spend some quality time realizing they do not love Taylor Swift as much as you do. But really...Get together and work this out early on so you can add that great song you totally love and forgot about.


I made an easy to use pdf version adapted from Joe's for you and your love to print and modify to fit your needs

View PDF version

Download PDF version

What other questions relate to your wedding music that aren't on here? Do you or your family have a special wedding tradition that involves music?

much love,

Nalfo Ur

 

 Check the links below for the original webpage as this is adapted modified added upon

Here it is guys:

Wedding DJ/Band/Music Form

mainly dj but edit to fit you and your wedding music needs

Wedding Date:

Bride's/ Groom's Name:  

Bride's/ Groom's Phone:   

Bride's/ Groom's Name:  

Bride's/ Groom's Phone:   

Bride's/ Groom's Email Address: 

Bride's/ Groom's Email Address:  

Approximately how many guests are you expecting?  

Location of the Ceremony:  

Time of the Ceremony:  

Would you like us to provide Music or a Sound System for your Ceremony?

Prelude: The song the Wedding Party walks down the aisle to.

 

Processional: The song the Bride walks down the aisle to.

 

Any Songs during the Ceremony: Sometimes people have us play a song if they are lighting a unity candle or doing a sand ceremony. Sometimes we play an instrumental version of a song while someone sings.

 

Recessional: The song the Bride and Groom walk back down the aisle to once the ceremony has concluded.

 

Location of the Reception:

 

What time do you expect your guests to start showing up at the Reception?

 

What type of Background would you like for cocktails/dinner? 

 

 

 

Other Background Music:

 

 

 

Would you like to be announced as you arrive at the Reception?

If so, How?  (Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Julie Johnson)

 

Will anyone be doing a blessing or a prayer for dinner? If so, Whom?

 

 

 

Will anyone be giving a toast? Will you open the floor for everyone to speak or a chosen few?

Will you be doing a "formal" cake cutting? By formal we mean: "Can we please get everyone's attention. The Bride and Groom are now going to cut the cake. If you'd like to participate or take pictures of this, please gather near the cake table at this time".

First Dance: Title of song/ artist (the Bride and Groom dance)

Father/Daughter Dance: Title of song/ artist

Father of the Bride's Name: Title of song/ artist

Mother/Son Dance: Title of song/ artist

Mother of the Groom's Name: Title of song/ artist

Will you be tossing the Garter?  Would you like a specific song: Title of song/ artist

Will you be tossing the Bouquet?   Would you like a specific song: Title of song/ artist

Will you be doing a Dollar/Money Dance?    Would you like a specific song: Title of song/ artist

This is a dance that we have the Bride and Groom start off. We then get 2 lines going (one to dance with the Bride, and one to dance with the Groom). It will cost at least a Dollar to dance with the Bride and Groom during the next several songs. We'll play as many songs as it takes to give everyone a chance to dance with the Bride and Groom.

 

Will you be doing an Anniversary Dance?  

This is a dance where we throw on a slow song, and ask all of the married couples (including the new bride and groom) to come out to the dance floor. We then start the song... and ask people to leave the dance floor based on how long they've been married (if you've been married for 5 hours, please step off the dance floor.... if you've been married 1 year and less.... 5 years and less... 10 years and less... Until we're down to the longest married couple.

 

We encourage the Bride and Groom to bring their Ipod / Mp3 Players with them. Will you be bringing yours?   We will be bringing about 30,000 songs with us, but there's still a lot more music than that out there. If you really like a song, chances are, it's on your Ipod, so bring it along. Just make sure it's charged up!

 

A list of songs/artists/genres that you would really like to hear at your reception

 

 

 

 

 

A list of songs/artists/genres that you prefer not to hear at your reception.

  

This guy is awesome and thank you so much for taking the typing out of all this for us.

 

 

Found this from machform original link do not submit it though since it is for an actual dj in MT Joe's DJ in Bozeman, MT

 

 

Well... still looking for the perfect venue

We concluded our tour of the beautiful girl scout camp almost a month ago now. I was so eager to see the beautiful lodge. It was beautiful it was quaint it was. . . too small :(

That is when max. occupancy does not equal reception space. The number was 200 My guess with a dance floor... a mere 90 maybe 100. You should've saw my future mother in laws face when we drove up to the place. It was a grated (ie bumpy) three mile drive going not over 10mph. Oh man. The pictures of the place are amazing and would recommend an early summer wedding yet they do not currently have the capacity in the sense of never doing it before at this time. Goodbye dream location.

Questions to ask a summer camp facility for hosting a wedding

Questions to ask during a Camp Wedding Tour

Now I know a lot of you brides have been dreaming of a camp wedding at your favorite summer camp. I recently discussed the idea with my sister while hashing out further details… We could not imagine getting married at our summer camp. Let’s just say the accommodations are a step above sleeping outdoors with nothing that being said I rather sleep in a tent than the open teepees they boast. My fiancé and I are planning a camp destination wedding near my fiancé’s family. So our first step was to find a camp.

Well while looking at venues in the beautiful __________ area I realized that my non-platinum wedding budget wouldn’t get me in the door of some of these places. They are gorgeous luxurious and expensive. The location we are currently looking at is none other than ___________! It has gorgeous grounds and enough to host around 200 creatively placed (meaning if some people are into the whole massive sleepover in the programs room then yes 200).

These are still camp facilities but it has a gorgeous lodge with stunning terraces over looking the lake. I cannot wait. But oh yes… the hitch before we can be hitched. They have never hosted a wedding. So not only do I need to ask sensitive questions about hanging décor but walk thinly to prove that yes we will take the utmost care of your facility while hosting the most magnificent wedding bash ever.

*Note some of these questions you will not have to ask or do since you probably live with in driving distance. I have never physically been to the site so disregard the crazy details.



the questions

 The Layout:

Map out where cabins are do they have numbers? Where in relation are the shower facilities, bathrooms, bathhouses, lake, lodge, craft rooms, picnic areas, and amphitheaters? Draw them in detail so you can make a user friendly map later on! Ask if they have a bird’s eye view of the camp to better render a drawing. (or do as I did before touring... look at google earth!) Note if there are any areas that would be friendlier for Grandparents. Do they have a map of the area? This will save a lot of hassle.

Bathhouses

            Do we need to bring our own towels? assuming yes but hey you never know

Toilet paper, paper towels, see if there are areas to set out readily available things like shampoo, bug wipes, sunscreen.

Do they have mirrors? Are there two or do we need to set hours or designate one as boys or girls.

How many toilets are there? In the camps _________ in the lodge ___________ have this number down to see if port-a-johns/potties are necessary

How many shower stalls? In the camps _________ in the lodge______________

Are there outlets in the bathrooms? Lights? Outdoors lights for night time visits?

Soap?

Path lights?

Cabin Sites

            Do they have outlets?

            Do they have mattresses?

            Can the beds be moved for couples wanting to sleep next to each other?

            Do they have windows for ventilation?

            How many per cabin?

            Total:

            Count of fire pits/picnic tables

           

Tent Cabins Sites

            Do they have mattresses?

            Can the beds be moved for couples wanting to sleep next to each other?

            Do they have windows for ventilation?

            How many per cabin?

            Total:

            Count of fire pits/picnic tables

Bring you own tent Sites

            How many campers per site?

            How big is the site?

            Do they have mattresses?

            Count of fire pits/picnic tables

            Total

            Do they allow rvs or is there room for rv parking

Parking lot & Outdoor areas

            How many cars can fit?

            Is it lighted?

How do we use the gate for the wedding day? Would it be all right to leave it unlocked until the reception starts?

Signs to getting here and going how many would we need how many left how many right arrows? Where is a good spot for the you’ve gone to far marker?

Are they marked parking spots? Would you like us to chalk them before people arrive?

Is there a place to put ice chests? Do you have wagons for transporting items that we could rent?

Are there bike trails near by? Do you allow biking on hiking trails?

Fire permits needed? What are the current regulations for fire nights etc.

Where is the closest hotel?

Where is the closest church?

What do the grounds look like in late/early summer?

Outdoor area for sports?

Would canoeing be an option to rent during our preferred time?

Are there any areas that we do not have access to? Should we put signs up to remind guest?

Do you have a sample-cooking menu of what is fixed for the campers for food? We would love to give nod to the summer camp style and maybe incorporate that into our menu.

What kind of cooking equipment do we have access to? How many pans/pots/bowls etc.? Do you have cutlery and plates? Dishwasher or do you prefer us to use

compostable products during the rest of the week?

Where do we keep the trash? Recycling? Compost?

Dish soap? Towels?

Lodge:

How many can sleep here?

Restrooms?

Sign in area/ check in area?

How many tables? Dimensions? Extra tables for food, place cards, cake table etc? 

Room measurements

Chairs and couch able to be dressed up? Or removed?

Cocktail hour on the deck?

Dance floor location measurements?

Ceiling height?

Décor?

Lounge area?

Doors that can open for more room? /flow? For more intimate lounge area etc?

Insurance company for event insurance?

3- 24 hour time chunks Thursday at 3PM-Sunday at 3PM Can we add hours last minute if need be?

Craft room capacity for crafts?

Area for a board game room?

Book exchange bookcase?

Guess What! Reading the fine print helps! The camp we are looking at demonstrates before hand to show them how to work everything!! Double dance! 

Remember: The hitch at least in at this location is that we will be possibly renting a lot of extra things that some venues included. Make sure that your killer deal won't mean your pockets are empty because of rental fees.  

This is my list thus far. We have confirmed our tour at 10AM on Friday June 5th 2013! So I will add the questions we also asked and omit the ones that were silly to even ask, 

Camp Wedding?

Now, I know a lot of you brides have been dreaming of a camp wedding at your favorite summer camp. I recently discussed the idea with my sister while hashing out further details… We could not imagine getting married at our summer camp. Let’s just say the accommodations are a step above sleeping outdoors with nothing that being said I rather sleep in a tent then the open teepees they boast. My fiancé and I are planning a camp destination wedding near my fiancé’s family. So our first step was one find a camp.

One of our camping trips in Northern California

Well while looking at venues in the beautiful __________ area I realized that my non-platinum wedding budget wouldn’t get me in the door of some of these places. They are gorgeous luxurious and expensive. I am so fortunate that my future in laws have graciously decided to give us our wedding. That means extra bargain hunting for me so I do not feel indebted to them. The location we are currently looking at is none other than ___________! It has gorgeous grounds and enough to host around 200 creatively placed (meaning if some people are into the whole massive sleepover in the programs room then yes 200).

These are still camp facilities but it has a gorgeous lodge with stunning terraces over looking the lake. I cannot wait. But oh yes… the hitch before we can be hitched. They have never hosted a wedding. So not only do I need to ask sensitive questions about hanging décor but walk thinly to prove that yes we will take the utmost care of your facility while hosting the most magnificent wedding bash ever. 

Hey what's up with the _______ blanks? Well I do not want you to steal my perfect location! ;) Once we have it for sure dates and everything... I'd love to share it with you but until then wonder away! 

Next Entry: about all the ridiculous questions you need to ask... for Wedding Locations!

Need more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest Board> Camp Wedding