Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page. On this page you will learn more about Better To Gather Events, hear some helpful tips, and get the inside scoop on important wedding topics.
What We Do Vs. What People Think We Do
In this audio file, we’re sitting down with our co-founder Cassie to talk about what Better To Gather really does (and doesn’t do) for your special event. Often times, people assume we are planners, but this is not the case. We are event decorators and designers, but we are problem solvers and planners by nature because we care about cohesiveness. We discuss what we provide as event decorators and the importance of booking an event planner for day-of coordination. We are not just a rental company, because it is our job to anticipate the unforeseeable issues that comes with implementing design and decor. We bring to light all of the important details that are often overlooked such as dimension of spaces, floor planning in relation to electrical outlets, weight of decor, etc. In order to make aesthetic details happen and do our job best, we need to have clear communication with other vendors. When we say yes to an event, we want to give our BEST yes, which often involves us becoming the glue between vendors. Our job is to anticipate the moving parts, and become the “fairy god mother” of your wedding.
Our Process
We know that starting the process of wedding planning can be the most intimidating part. In this audio file you will learn what working with Better To Gather really looks like from start to finish. Our process can be summarized as follows:
Complementary initial consultation where we get to know and understand you.
Following this meeting, a customizable visual guide will be made for you and your wedding. This can also include pricing, linen quotes and a basic floor plan.
Grade it! Tell us what you love, what you would like to see go, what you would like to add, etc. Once we have made the changes and you are absolutely in love, you will put 50% down to secure your date.
Leading up to your day, you will be able to stay in touch with us via our online portal called Basecamp. Through Basecamp you will be able to track to-do’s, communicate with other vendors, and watch us marry your vision with your venue.
We arrive the day of your wedding and bring your vision to life!
Preparing For Your Initial Consultation
We’re sitting down with one of our designers, Christina, to talk about what you need to have prepared as a future B2G client. Christina walks us through the initial consultation form that you fill out on our website, and points out some key details that would be helpful for us to know. What’s most important on this form is your date and venue. If you don’t know your venue we can make recommendations based on your head count. So much of your design and decor will be based around what your venue is capable of and what what we’re able to do in that specific space. Secondly, knowing your expectations and budget are important to discuss right away. This will help avoid any future disappointment and it also gives your designer a clear foundation to start your design.
Another huge aspect of your design is based on how well your designer knows you and your story. We take the time during this initial consultation to really get to know you as an individual, as well as your story as a couple. Towards the end of our meeting, we’ll discuss what comes next in the design and booking process. Package options will be given to you so that good idea of what we can provide for you within your budget. This initial consultation is your first real investment into the design of your big day, and we want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible with us on your team!
Preparing For Your 30 Day Meeting
Christina breaks down how to prepare for your final meeting with Better To Gather. There’s a lot of excitement and details to process during this time, but we are here to help! About 2-3 months from your wedding date, we will reach out to schedule your 30 day meeting. We will also send you a smaller version of your 30 day notes that you will fill out to start consolidating details. These details include things such as final vendors, rough headcount, timeline for the day, etc.
At this meeting we will go over your final design package, discuss potential weather contingency floor plans, and make any changes necessary for your wedding day. We will also connect with your key helpers for the day so that from this point on, we can contact them directly and let you enjoy being the bride! We always say, the more communication and information you can give us, the better.
Christina’s Journey With BTG
It all started in 2014 when Christina met Cassie in the back of a little boutique shop on Grand Avenue. She was new to the area and was interested in event design. After her first set up with the team she was hooked. She watched the business blow up throughout 2016-2017 and was eager to be more involved in transforming spaces as well as the design process. So she started small with designing the more basic weddings while still on the set-up and tear-down crew. Now, after much learning experience, her full-time position is a designer for Better To Gather Events. Her favorite part of the business is learning and developing the personality behind each event.
To learn more about Christina, click here.
Floral Stereotypes
We sat down with Katie from Mac’s Floral to learn about floral stereotypes she would like to bust.
“You’re too expensive”. Reality, there usually is a minimum but if you can meet that we can make your budget work. Some things that aren’t considered from a client’s perspective are installation cost, time and labor for the florist, and importation of product from places like Alaska, Holland and California. Because we are in Montana, our growing seasons are short and we are required to meet minimums with our wholesalers from these areas. The price of your package will include all of this!
“Greens are cheap!”. When the demand is high, the value of the product increases, therefore the cost increases. Nowadays, a bundle of roses can cost the same as a bundle of greens. And from a florist’s perspective, seasonal floral has more value because it creates dimension, color and a variety of texture in your space.
“You only work with specific vendors”. We work with anyone who is willing to play! We have built good relationships with vendors over time because our habits and styles align. But even those relationships started from somewhere. We will recommend the vendors we have built these relationships with, because we want you to have the best experience possible.
Real 2020 Bride: Tylee
Witty, strong, beautiful, and effortlessly herself. We had the chance to sit down with one of our recent brides, Tylee, who was married this past August in the midst of the Covid19 crisis. You will not only hear some insight on what it was like to be a 2020 bride and what it took to pull off a safe and intimate celebration, but so much more. Learn first-hand insight from Tylee’s parents (Sammy & Bill), stereotypes about the wedding industry, and just how important it is to have a team on your side when life throws a *mega* wrench in the works. Below is an outline of the topics we touched throughout the interview, but get ready to giggle, smile, and possibly get a little choked up as we hear about Tylee’s wedding journey.
What has being a 2020 bride taught you the most?
You started the process with a small elopement in mind and ended up gravitating towards an intimate gathering instead, what made you change your vision (especially during a time when elopements are the "go-to")?
What were some of the steps you took in order to keep all of your guests safe, healthy, and happy throughout your celebration?
What were some of the most memorable aspects of your day?
What was your inspiration for your design and how did Anna help bring that to life for you?
Did you feel you could let go of the stress of Covid once your day finally arrived?
We know that your budget was pretty set in stone for your wedding, do you feel that all of your expectations were still met without feeling limited?
Do you have any advice for any current/future brides who may be affected by this national health crisis?