My Big Day Events Blog: Weddings, Events, Deals, Ideas, Planning, Colorado in the Know!

Stay Safe This New Year! Don't Drink & Drive...

12/31/2013

My Big Day urges fellow partiers to stay safe this New Year's Eve.

If you don't have a designated driver, please print the list of local car services in Northern Colorado, so you can get a ride home!

My Big Day will provide this list at our annual New Year's Eve party. But if you are heading to another NYE party in Northern Colorado and don't have a DD, this list could be your best friend!

Northern Colorado Car Services

Trunk Drivers (970) 658-0806
Shamrock Yellow Cab (970) 224-2222
All American Limo & Taxi (970) 310-3727
Genesis Car Service (970) 599-9515
Central Car Service (970) 223-9933
Sapphire Car Service (970) 545-0919

* 3 Cheers for HeidiTown, who always parties safe! Their preferred car service: Sapphire Car Service!

The 2013/2014 New Years Eve Masquerade Ball is SOLD OUT!

12/29/2013

The Masquerade Ball hosted by My Big Day at the Embassy Suites in Loveland is SOLD OUT.
Thank you to all of our guests who RSVP'd early!
We'll see you soon!

-My Big Day Events

False Friends; How To Handle The Ones Who Disappoint You

12/28/2013

My Big Day follows a number of event sites and wedding blogs to keep up on the latest trends. One trend (or common theme) that just isn't going away is friend envy.

If you've ever had a BIG DAY or life event centered around you, perhaps you have experienced this sad phenomenon. It's said that those closest to you can hurt you the most. We see this time and time again... someone gets engaged, has a baby, gets a work promotion, etc... and all of the sudden ONE of your friends acts out. They are rude, try to one-up you, ruin a surprise, or just spoil something for you.

Who needs a friend like that?!? Not you.
The photo below is the best visual I've seen in a while of a friend showing her lack of support for her 3 close girlfriends who all got engaged. Funny, yes. But also hurtful.

So what can YOU do to protect yourself from a friend who turns foul?

Here are some tips:
1) Ask yourself, is it something I've done? Can I make the situation better?
2) Avoid assumptions or misinformation from others. Have a conversation, if you feel comfortable doing so. Try to fix what might be broken.

If that isn't the answer or doesn't fix things...
Consider where they might be coming from. They may have a reason for being jealous or raining on your parade. Either way, it's not acceptable. Protect yourself. So...

3) Don't invite them to any upcoming BIG events in your life. They will only disappoint you.
4) Surround yourself with positive, healthy people that will lift you up.
5) Don't be a gossip. Just smile and move on. Take the high road. It always feels better.
6) Restrict that friend on Facebook (and other social media) Block them from seeing your posts, without 'unfriending' them.
7) Read Oprah's article on Friendship Detox CLICK HERE
8) Realize that people change over time, and whether you changed or they changed, you'd rather have people in your life who are happy for you. If you have to try hard to get along, then something is wrong.

As an event planner for 16+ years, I've personally seen lots of bridesmaids gone bad, mothers who ruin surprises, family members who can't control themselves or set aside past issues for ONE day of celebrating their loved one/s, co-workers stealing thunder, exes showing up unannounced, the list goes on...
We even experience it as owners of a small business. There will always be people in your life who love and support you, and then there are the rare few who don't like to see you succeed.

When you hire My Big Day Events, you are hiring your own, personal advocate. Our #1 job is to make your BIG DAY the most memorable day of your life, and to help buffer those with friend envy from ruining your moment.

Cheers!
-Christine

What To Do For New Year's Eve in Northern Colorado 2013/2014

12/27/2013

A day or two after Christmas My Big Day starts to receive a flurry of phone calls, emails and website hits... folks are trying to figure out what to do for New Year's Eve.

My Big Day hosts an annual New Year's Eve Party that moves around, and has a different theme every year.

However, we are not the only party in town.
Find something to suit your NYE party style! We found fabulous parties in Loveland, Greeley, Johnstown, Fort Collins, and Estes Park!
Check out the list we compiled with the many ways to ring in the new year in Northern Colorado.

New Year's Eve To Do's in N. Colorado 2013/2014:

KRFC's 29th Annual Resolution Run
5K Run/Race/Walk
Colorado State University, Fort Collins
5pm
Cost: $25-$30 pp

First Night Fort Collins
Non-alcoholic, Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration
Downtown Fort Collins
5pm-10:45pm
Cost: $12 pp

My Big Day's Masquerade Ball
Formal ball with Apps, Prizes, Champagne Toast, DJ, Dancing & more - a traditional NYE Party!
Embassy Suites, Loveland
7pm- just past midnight
Cost: $45 - $50 pp

The Boot Grill's New Year's Eve Extravaganza
Dinner, drinks, prizes, late night aps, champagne toast
The Boot Grill, Loveland
7pm- close
Cost: $69 pp

Noon Year's Eve in Johnstown
Crafts, games, and refreshments.
Glen A Jones MD Memorial Library
The fun starts at 11:30 a.m. and ball drops at noon.

Artisan Hall NYE Party
Wine, Beer, Champagne, Live Music
Artisan Hall, Downtown Loveland
9pm - close
Cost: $40 - $50 pp

New Year's Eve Party at the Ice Rink
Ice Skating/Fireworks
Promenade Shops at Centerra, Loveland
6pm-9pm
Cost: $6 - $12 pp

Next Door’s New Year’s Eve
4-course dinner, concert with the Wendy Woo Band
Next Door Food & Drink, Downtown Loveland
Cost: $25 - $135

New Year's Eve Crystal Ball
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Dinner/Wine/Dessert Bar/Champagne/Live Music
6:30pm - Midnight
Cost: $69 - $459 pp

More NYE Parties in Estes Park:
CLICK HERE

Cactus Canyon NYE
Greeley, CO
Details coming soon...

NYE at the Kress Cinema & Lounge
Kress Cinema, Downtown Greeley
Call for more info

NYE - A Formal Affair
The crvsh Room, Greely
Contact for Details...

New Year's Eve Events in Denver
Fireworks, Parties & More
CLICK HERE
Comedy Show at Comedy works
CLICK HERE

Questions to Ask Your Potential Caterer

12/26/2013

Hiring a great caterer can help eliminate so much unnecessary event stress. The best team will help with some of the small, yet very important details.

Often when considering a variety of caterers, people base their decision on one of two things: a sample tasting, or the price. Of course, there is so much more to consider outside of those two things.

Ensure you get the best of the best by asking your potential caterer the following questions in your interview process.

Questions:

1. What is your approach to food recommendations and preparation?

2. How many events have you catered?

3. What is the typical size of events you cater?

4. How many events will you be working on the day of our event?

5. Have you ever done an event at this particular location?

6. If having a buffet, do you decorate the buffet stations? If so, will I have input in the decorations?

7. How many wait staff will you bring?

8. Do you carry liquor liability insurance? If so, how much liquor liability do you carry?

9. Do you provide linens, napkins, china, flatware or glassware? If so, can I see a sample? What colors of linens are available? Is this an additional fee?

10. Will I be charged for broken items?

11. What will the wait staff and bartenders wear?

12. How much time do you need for set-up and tear down? Will these times be included in my quote?

13. Will you light the candles on my guest tables?

14. Do you offer any additional services?

15. Will the tax and service fees (gratuity) be included in my quote?

16. How much is the deposit to hold our date?

17. When is the balance due?

18. What is your cancellation policy?

*For more tips and event assistance, CONTACT My Big Day Events!

See Holiday Lights in Loveland with NoCo Short Bus!

12/20/2013

Nothing says 'Merry Christmas' like seeing houses lit up around your neighborhood, and on the streets in the city you live in.

Loveland has the holiday spirit and with our luke-warm start to winter, many homes spent extra effort putting up extravagant lights this year!

If you would like to go on your own, self-guided tour, visit the I Love Loveland website to learn more about the great lights around Loveland. Or... go to the Reporter Herald website to find an interactive map with address listings.

However, if you REALLY want to do a light show tour right, take a tour with our new local company, NoCo Short Bus Tours!

NoCo Short Bus Tours is offering a few different tours to suit your taste! Make it a family event with hot chocolate, or more of an adult tour with stops at local Loveland breweries! Check out the Light/Brewery tours with NoCo Short Bus by CLICKING HERE!

My Big Day has personally taken a tour with the NoCo Short Bus, and they are MY BIG DAY approved!

$89 Deal at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park!

12/19/2013

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is arguably one of the most beautiful hotels in Colorado. Set against a scenic backdrop, every photo of this historic hotel is simply stunning.

And now you can stay at the Stanley for just $89 a night! This special offer from the Stanley is only available for 2 days!

My Big Day just purchased our room! We can't wait to take the scenic drive up the canyon to Estes Park and spend some money at the local businesses in Estes.

After the devastating floods, all Estes Park businesses could really use some visitors!
Come join us up in Estes Park for some winter fun!

Details of the deal:

-- 48 Hour Sale at The Stanley Hotel –
For the next 48 hours book your stay at The Stanley Hotel starting at $89 per night for midweek (Sunday-Thursday) and just $129 per night for weekends. This offer must be fully prepaid and is non-refundable.

Hurry! This rate must be booked by December 21st 2013 at 12:00am and is only available for stays through March 31st, 2014. Please book your reservation at the link below or go to The Stanley Hotel website and use the promotional code PAST to get your discounted rate.

Restrictions: Blackout dates include December 28, 31, 2013; January 17-19, 31, 2014 and February 1,27-28, 2014. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 100% deposit is required and rate is non-refundable. Rate does not apply to groups of 10 rooms or more.

Book This Deal!

Tuxedo Rentals, Ball Gowns and Masks!

12/18/2013

We have received a number of questions about attire for this year's New Year's Eve party.

If you haven't found your tux or dress yet, it's time to go shopping! You have 13 days to find that perfect mask or outfit... and a mask!

Here is some helpful info for our guests:

Tuxedo Rentals:
My Big Day has an agreement with Wed Wisely in Loveland, CO for tuxedo rental discounts.
Please schedule a time to get your measurements taken, and to pick out your tux ASAP.
Tux rentals with our discount will range from $50 - $100. To receive YOUR discount, contact My Big Day!

Ball Gowns:
Wed Wisely also offers a beautiful variety of ball gowns!
You may also want to check out Serenity in Loveland, Encore Bridal in Fort Collins, Dora Grace in Fort Collins, and the Blushing Bride in Windsor.

Masks:
Masks are required for entry. Should you be looking for a unique mask, or if you are in to DIY... here are some options: Life of the Party in Fort Collins, Party City in Fort Collins, JoAnn Fabric in Loveland, Michaels in Fort Collins, or EBAY!

Cheers!
-My Big Day

New Year's Eve Masquerade Party Tickets Are ON FIRE!

12/17/2013

If you haven't heard about this year's HOTTEST New Year's Eve party in Northern Colorado, where have you been?

We have attendees coming from all over the state! (Windsor, Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, Denver, etc...) Our 2012 party (Festivus) made quite an impression.
But we're ready to RING IN the New Year in 2013 and party in style with a Masquerade Ball!

Make your 2014 resolution a first... resolve to celebrate with My Big Day Events in formal attire. You'll thank us on January 1st!

Tickets are 50% sold out as of 12/17/13. Knowing that 75% of New Year's Eve plans are made within the week prior to the event, we are pacing ahead.... which means THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!
Contact My Big Day today, to purchase your tickets!

Christine Kovacs Forster, Owner/ Party Planner
My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068
Email: MyBigDayEvents@gmail.com
Located in Loveland, CO

Holiday Party Games - Fun for the Office or the Family!

12/11/2013

Are you hosting a party over the holidays, or have you been put in charge at the office of 'company fun' at the Christmas party? Then this is for you!

My Big Day has put together a long list of fun games that you can play with friends, family or co-workers.

You can view the long list of games below, or download the PDF and print the games for yourself!

Enjoy!
-My Big Day Events

holiday_party_games_from_my_big_day_events.pdf
File Size:	209 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Gift Wrapping Game
Divide groups into pairs. Each pair of people stand around a table in front of a piece of wrapping paper, a roll of tape, scissors, ribbon, and shirt gift boxes. Each pair of players stands with one arm around the other person.
Say "Go!' and the players must race to wrap their box with one person using only their right hand and the other person using only their left hand. (Keep the other hand wrapped around the partner's waist.) The first pair to wrap their gift box wins!

Ornament Guess
A great way to start of your Christmas party is to have guests guess how many ornaments are on your tree when they walk into the party. The person with the closet guess wins!

Toothpick Tower Marshmallow Game
Supplies: Toothpicks, mini-marshmallows
Who can build the tallest marshmallow tower? It may sound simple, but you have to be super fast and some what creative to win. Suggested for ages 10 and up.

Shaving Cream Santas
Supplies: Shaving Cream, plastic spoons, and paper towels.
Divide into pairs. Each pair decides who will play Santa. The Santa covers his face with shaving cream. The other player is Santa's barber. Jingle a bell to start! The teams race to "shave" their Santas. The winning team is the first to have a clean shaven Santa and sit their spoon onto the table. To signify they are done, Santa lets out a loud "Ho ho ho"! Tip: Make this an edible game for kids with Non-dairy whipped cream.

Balloon Stomping Game
Grab a bag of Dollar Store balloons and give one to each player with some curling ribbon. The players blow up their balloon and tie them to their ankles. Now blow a horn or ring a holiday bell to start the stomping! Each party guest has to stomp the other players balloons. The more you stomp, the better your chances of winning the game. The last person to have a balloon wins! Use masking or painter's tape to mark a circle of play area on the floor.

Drunk Treasure Hunt
Hide two chests with gifts in them in two different location and keep clues leading to the treasure hidden around the property. This sounds like a normal treasure hunt game but this treasure hunt is better, with every clue a team finds in this game, a bottle of whiskey is awarded. Each member of the team will have a shot of whiskey before continuing on their quest of finding the treasure. With every clue they find it will be difficult for the teams to find the treasure as their judgment will be clouded with alcohol. The best part is both teams will get presents and every participant will enjoy, especially the ones who appreciate a drink or two.

Name those Logos
Go through several magazines and cut out advertisement symbols (ie. the VW logo dot, but not the word Volkswagon). Paste each on the white side of a 3×5 card and have everyone go around the room with an answer sheet and try to identify as many of the symbols as possible.

Dressing Up Santa
With Dress Up Santa, you'll need plenty of space to play this game - preferably a large room, where there won't be much furniture in the way.
Break everyone into 2-3 equal teams, assigning each one to its own little work area in the room. In each work area is a large cardboard box housing a Santa Claus outfit (costume, boots, hat, beard 'n all)
On 'Go', all the groups compete to be the first to dress up one of their team in the full Santa gear. Set the round for 3-5 minutes To win, teams need to use up all the items in their box and produce the best dressed Santa.

What’s in your Stocking
Divide the group in to teams of 3-5 people per team. Give each team a Christmas stocking full of holiday items that has been tied shut with ribbon. (Get the Christmas stockings ready ahead of time by filling them loosely with small non-fragile objects- candy canes, plastic holly/mistletoe, plastic non-breakable tree ornaments, etc.) Set a timer and give each team 3 minutes to feel the stocking and write down all the objects that they can identify by feeling them through the stocking. The team with the most correct items wins.

The Amazing Maze Game
This is a fun party idea for a child's party. Choose a variety of Christmas curling ribbon colors in a single roll or ball. One for each player. Tie a prize or party favor to one end of each ribbon. Hide the end with the gift on it somewhere in the house. Now, unwind the ribbon and wrap it all over the room, all around furniture, over tables, under doors, anywhere it will be a fun challenge. Tie a candy cane to the other end of the ribbon. Repeat for each player, tangling the ribbons if necessary. When the guests arrive, give each one a candy cane and have them follow the ribbon to untangle it (wrapping it around their candy cane as they go). Let them know it leads to a surprise! Then, let the fun begin!

Christmas Wrapping Pin the Bow
Wrap three large boxes. Line players up single file behind each box. Give each player a giant sticky bow, spin them around and jingle a bell to start. They must walk around the box and then pin the bow on top, return to the opposite end and sit down before the next team member goes. The first team sitting down wins.

Find Santa's Reindeer
Buy some cute Dollar Store holiday stocking stuffers. Reindeer, Angels, Santas, etc. Hide them around the house. The reindeers must be found to drive Santa's sleigh. Attach a clue to each stuffer of where the next one can be found. When they find a reindeer, they line it up next to the Santa. There are 9 reindeer to be found. When all reindeer are placed next to Santa you announce the winner. The winner is the one who found Rudolph and/or placed him in the lead position next to Santa. They win the prize of their choice!

Celebrities
This is a great game for mingling at a party. Write the names of celebrities, famous people or characters on pieces of paper and stick them to the forehead or on the back of all the players (use tape or office Post-It notes). Make sure players don’t see the name. Everyone else can see your forehead or back. The objective is to figure out who you are. Others can make sounds, give clues, or act out who you are. Very fun and interactive indeed!

Christmas Pinata:
Finding group Christmas party games that everybody is sure to enjoy can be tough, but this idea will certainly bring back fond childhood memories for all of your guests. Pinatas aren’t limited to kids’ birthday parties any longer! It is now easy to find one in the shape of an ornament or reindeer. Fill yours with holiday candy and small toys and let your guests swing away (just be careful not to knock over the Christmas tree!)

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