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You may have friends or family members – dubbed “COVID Couples’ – who have had to postpone or cancel their weddings because of the pandemic. For most couples, this is a difficult decision to make, and may bring up feelings of sadness, anger, or even loss. Here are some ways to support the special people in your life whose weddings have been affected by COVID – and some things to avoid. DO: 1. Send a surprise gift on their original wedding day. This is likely to be the most difficult day for the couple. Consider sending flowers, sweets, or a gift card for a takeout date night with a note saying you are thinking of them. If you’re on a budget, stick with a handwritten note dropped at their doorstep or surprise them with FaceTime or a phone call. Don’t forget about the groom!  2. Listen. Be a shoulder to cry on for your friends and family. Venting can be a therapeutic way to deal with negative emotions from having to postpone or cancel their wedding. Be open and understanding, but not dismissive or overly positive. 3. Contact vendors. A lot goes in to planning a wedding. If your couple has hired a wedding planner, they can help with reaching out to the vendors the couple has chosen. If not, consider the numerous contracts with the florist, photographer, caterer, cake decorator, venue, DJ, furniture rentals, day-of coordinator, and many more that may exist. Depending on the vendor and the wording of each contract, meetings with vendors may involve renegotiating the contract, maintaining it but postponing the date, or asking for a partial refund.  4. Give them resources. There are many couples in the same boat, and many community and support groups online. The Zola Facebook Community has almost 12,000 members in the throes of pandemic wedding planning. For more local advice, check out Colorado COVID-19 Wedding Support. 5. Deal with guests. Offer to help contact guests to notify them of changes to the event. This could involve a formal, mailed update, or an email or text if the wedding was scheduled for just a few weeks away. Be sure to introduce yourself to the couple’s family and friends if making calls or sending texts on their behalf. You can also help answer guests’ follow-up questions about reservations they had for the wedding or the timing of the rescheduled event (if there is one).  DON’T: 1. Give opinions or advice unless it is solicited by the couple. It is complicated and confusing trying to reschedule a large event with many moving parts, never mind with unwarranted opinions thrown into the mix. Give advice only if you are asked to by the couple. 2. Be overly positive or dismissive. Saying, “It’s going to be fine,” may not go over well. Things may not be okay for your friends or family members, and they don’t have to be. Try saying, “I’m sorry. I wish things were different,” or “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you.” 3. Expect to be able to fix it. As a friend or family member, the best you can do is listen and offer help or advice if it’s requested. Do not try to fix their feelings or the situation.  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken After months of planning and research, the Steering Committee for No DUI Larimer has launched their formal marketing campaign with the help of My Big Day Marketing & Events. The campaign titled, "Make the Call" urges community members of all demographics to make the call to do the right thing, in whatever scenario they find themselves in. Make the call to 9-1-1 if you see someone swerving on the road. Make the call for a ride share if you or a loved one has had too much to drink. Make the call to wait longer before you drive after consuming something that will alter your decision making.  Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, that’s one person every 50 minutes. In 2019 more than 8,500 people were arrested for driving under the influence in Colorado. A needs assessment completed in October 2018 found that DUI/DWAI offenses are a significant issue in Larimer County due to a number of factors on which the dedicated members of the steering committee will focus through education, outreach, and policy change.  According to a 2020 survey put out by MADD, 1 out of 8 adults admitted to having driven after they had used cannabis. The organization said that 76% of those surveyed believe more people will begin driving while high as marijuana continues to be legalized for recreational use by states. Based on recent reported data from Colorado liquor stores, sales are spiking at up to a 75% increase on average across the state. Some liquor stores are reporting up to a 300% increase in sales when comparing 2019 to 2020. Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Thank you for doing your part.  Please join us in sharing these important messages on social media. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noduilarimer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDUILarimer/ Want to receive information on No DUI Larimer? Please email Vanessa Lewis, Resource Development Director at [email protected]  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  The My Big Day Marketing & Events team was thrilled to help The Humphrey's host their private event for the Cattle Baron's Ball for The American Cancer Society. Here are some of our favorite photos from the night. It was such a pleasure to work with Food for Thought Catering, On The Rocks CO (mobile bar), Flexx Productions and the lovely team at ACS! 
Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  The Family Center/La Familia is celebrating 25 years serving our community. We are hosting a 25 day scavenger hunt! Participate using an easy app you can use on your phone, tablet or computer. Solve clues at home, or venture out into the community! Anyone can participate. Great for families, creative dates, and social distancing fun! Participate at any time during the 25 days. Earn points – win prizes! $$$ The $20 registration is a donation to The Family Center/La Familia.
Date: October 1 - 25 Location: Online and around town Website: https://thefamilycenterfc.org/fiesta FAQs: Coming soon Prizes: 1st $200 Visa GC 2nd $100 Visa GC 3rd $50 Costco GC 4th $25 King Soopers GC 5th $25 King Soopers GC plus, all players are entered in a chance to win our Grand Prize!     
 Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Now that stay-at-home orders have been lifted, some venues are reopening for socially-distanced gatherings. The My Big Day team has put together a list of ten Colorado venues going above and beyond in COVID-19 safety to consider for your upcoming wedding, corporate or private holiday party, or company meeting. Drumroll please...  Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, Greeley at Lincoln Park Number of guests: Per Weld County regulations, DoubleTree is hosting events of up to 100 people in their over-12,000-square-foot ballroom. Precautions:
Contact: Lora Hassen, 303-941-4816 Website:https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dengcdt-doubletree-greeley-at-lincoln-park/meetings-events/  Where: The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs and mountain properties Number of guests: Options are almost unlimited. The Broadmoor has a 5,000-acre property that includes indoor and outdoor spaces at their Colorado Springs location and at mountain wilderness retreats. Indoor spaces include 90 meeting rooms and a large, 125,000-square-foot Exhibit Center. The Broadmoor is also happy to cater to events as small as 40 guests. Precautions:
Contact: Submit proposal request here Website:https://www.broadmoor.com/meetings-events/meeting-at-the-broadmoor/?utm_source=destinationcolorado&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=meetings  Where: Block One, Old Town Fort Collins Number of guests: 50 attendees for public events or 95 attendees for Life-Rite gatherings (gatherings that bring members of a household or family together, such as funerals, memorials, or wedding ceremonies) in 4.102 square feet. “Attendees” includes, DJs, caterers, venue staff, etc. Precautions:
Contact: Leah Dunn, 970-420-3692, [email protected] Website http://www.rentblockone.com/events  Where: The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins Number of guests: Up to 50 people for private events Precautions:
Contact: Event booking, 970-221-6733 Website https://www.lctix.com/rent-our-spaces  Where: The Cleveland Room at desk chair, Loveland Number of guests: Up to 50 Precautions: · Guests must sign in upon entry for potential contact tracing · Masks must be worn when entering or exiting the event space · Indoor and outdoor capacity will be limited to 40% to allow for social distancing · Sanitation stations throughout event space · Staff will wear masks when interacting with guests and serving food or drink Contact: 970-462-9464 Website https://www.theclevelandroom.com  Where: The Elizabeth Hotel, Fort Collins Number of guests: Contact for more information Precautions:
Website https://www.theelizabethcolorado.com/meetings-events  Where: Embassy Suites, Loveland Number of guests: Contact for more information; largest available single space is the 28,800-square-foot Front Range Ballroom Precautions:
Contact: 970-593-6200 Website https://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/colorado/embassy-suites-by-hilton-loveland-hotel-conference-center-and-spa-FNLESES/event/index.html  Where: Edwards House, Fort Collins Number of guests: Up to 30 for meetings, up to 50 for weddings Precautions:
Website https://edwardshouse.com/conferences-and-events  Where: The Curtis, downtown Denver Number of guests: Currently offering steeply discounted meeting and event prices for 20 or fewer guests; click here to view the “Mini-Mony” wedding package starting at $1500 for 20 attendees. Contact for info about larger events. Precautions:
Website https://www.thecurtis.com/events/meetings-events-offers/   Where: The Candlelight Dinner Theater Playhouse Number of guests: Social distancing at it's finest! Guest count varies depending on event space. There are a number of available event spaces for rent/private parties. Precautions:
Contact: Allison Clark(970) 744-3748 or [email protected] Website: http://www.coloradocandlelight.com/  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken There might be a global pandemic wreaking havoc on economies world wide, but that isn’t stopping the growth and progress in Old Town Fort Collins. As restaurants and bars start the reopening process, there are four new establishments ready to jump into the mix. We’ve pooled together a list of the new Old Town bars and restaurants that you are going to want to make plans to check out once the pandemic is a thing of the past! The Bar District Located in what was once local favorite, The Drunken Monkey, The Bar District is a new entertainment concept that brings together four bars under one roof. Three of the bars are open concept - one a sports bar, another for cocktails and frozen drinks, and the third specializes in liquor infusions. A fourth bar is available to be rented out for private parties. The newly renovated facility boasts of a stage, a dance floor, and an extensive patio - great for smaller covid-capacity numbers!  Photo courtesy of The Coloradoan Brothers Bar & Grill A Midwest chain that has taken over the former Old Chicago’s building, Brothers Bar & Grill serves tasty casual American cuisine in a party atmosphere! After acquiring the building, chain owners got to work completely gutting and remodeling it into a space of their own. They added handmade woodworking elements to give the facility a new bar and English pub feel. This neighborhood bar concept hosts daily drink specials, complete with personal pitchers of alcoholic concoctions.They also serve their famous $2 cheeseburger special on Tuesdays. Brothers Bar & Grill offers Covid-Safe dining options with two patios - front and back of the house. Make plans to join your bros for drinks and eats here soon!  Photo courtesy of The Coloradoan Rove & Element This dual concept entertainment venue consists of an “elevated lunch and dinner restaurant” and an upscale nightclub and dance floor. Located in what was formerly The Mainline, Rove & Element offer entertaining options for multiple fancies. The lower floor hosts Rove - a restaurant offering American style cuisine and drinks. Element is located upstairs. Element seeks to attract a more mature and sophisticated crowd, by offering VIP areas and bottle service. This new venue will allow guests to make an evening of it, with both dinner and dancing!  Photo courtesy of Rove restaurant Penrose Taphouse & Eatery The newest business to open at The Exchange in Old Town is Penrose Taphouse & Eatery. Owned by the same group as DC Oakes, a brewery in south Fort Collins, Penrose Taphouse & Eatery sits on the south side of The Exchange. They offer a Colorado-inspired menu, DC Oakes brews, and a rotation of other local breweries. Penrose Taphouse & Eatery is named after one of Colorado’s most well-known entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and historical figures - Spencer Penrose. The owners have tried to capture his spirit, work ethic, and sense of community in their facility. Their location at The Exchange is perfect for patio Covid-Safe dining. They offer two patio options, and many family-friendly dining options and specials. This makes Penrose the perfect spot for a date night dinner or fun family outing!  Photo courtesy of Penrose Taphouse & Eatery Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken   My Big Day was honored to be responsible that this special day went off without a hitch during a time when everything is uncertain! Bryan & Cynthia had a beautiful COVID friendly backyard reception! With a private mountain ceremony at Sprauge Lake, and a carefully crafted socially distant reception plan, they were able to celebrate just as they wanted - with close family & friends and with all of the important traditions couples dream of.... plus sanitizer and face masks! Wedding Professionals: Event Planners: My Big Day Officiant: Todd Harding Ceremony: Spraug Lake, Estes Park Reception: Backyard reception in Loveland DJ: Suit & Tie DJs Event Rentals: Flexx Productions Cake: Colorado Rose Florals: Finishing Touches Photographer: Visual Poetry by Meghan Catering: Catering to You by James Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken   My Big Day was priveledged to be the planning partner for Boulder County's Overdose Awareness Event. As with all events in 2020, there is uncertainty for non-profits and for all entities trying to plan mass gatherings. How do you plan things safely? How to you still get your message out effectively? If you offer and online or in person event, will people actually show up? We took on a last minute request to host a drive-in style event to feature an important movie that highlights addiction and overdose. My Big Day managed all of the event marketing and messaging, as well as, event logistics. In a time like this, we are keenly aware of those who are silently struggling. We feel blessed to be the company who Boulder County reached out to for help when spreading the word on this important topic.
"We wanted to thank you sincerely, for all of the incredible work you did for our event. You pulled together a class act in 2 weeks, and made something happen that we couldn’t have dreamed possible through your amazing skills, organizational attributes and contacts. We know that we were unable to market and advertise as we should have due to the fact the grant took so long to be approved, and then a venue site had to be acquired. But, you pulled everything together without a hitch, in record time! Our appreciation is without measure. Some of the feedback I have received about the event is as follows: “Flawless and with fluidity and professionalism” “Beautifully done and so meaningful to us and our family. Thank you” “Thank you and thank you for all you do! I’m so glad to have been there” None of this would have been possible without MY Big Day and all your efforts. Until we work together again!" -Trina and Arielle, Boulder County Community Services  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken While the physical toll of this pandemic has been highly publicized and studied, we are just beginning to understand the social and emotional effects of this pandemic. Isolation and social distancing, while proven to help limit the spread of the virus, can also have long-term effects on individuals and society alike. One of the most visible social effects of this pandemic is the cancellation of many important milestone celebrations. This has been an issue that is at the forefront of our industry, but it has been felt far beyond. Milestones and events like weddings, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, and funerals have all been impacted.  Why celebrating and acknowledging milestones is important: Celebrating milestones is how we as a society commemorate the progression of life. These celebrations serve as a connection - with family and friends and beyond. Missing these events can prove to be more than disappointing - they can affect emotional and social development milestones as well, especially in children and youth. While one benefit of social distancing is more dedicated time with family, we miss out on the connections with others that contribute to our development and emotional well-being. Important milestones are visual and experiential representations of growth. Without them, we miss opportunities for growth. Practical solutions: Cancelling important events and milestones can be hard to process - not just for children and youth, but for everyone involved. Milestones are typically “once-in-a-lifetime” events. Processing the disappointment of losing these moments is extremely difficult. Some strategies that might help ease the pain of these missed milestones are:
Ideas and recommendations for celebrating during Covid: As experts in the event planning industry, we have been tasked with coming up with creative solutions for celebrating milestones during these unprecedented times. We have developed and discovered ways in which our clients can safely celebrate life’s most important events. Here are just a few examples of alternative celebration opportunities: Birthdays We’ve already highlighted a variety of ways in which you can help someone feel special on their covid birthday. Our blog “10 COVID-Safe Ways to Make Your Child’s Birthday Special” is full of great ideas that can be adapted to celebrate someone at any age! Graduations Graduations bring a feeling of pride for both graduates and their families. Cancelled graduation ceremonies are difficult to replace, but there are some alternative options that will still allow you to celebrate these great accomplishments!
 Weddings If Covid has forced you to postpone your dream wedding and reception, why not consider the following as an alternative?
 Anniversaries While anniversaries tend to be celebrated by just the couple alone, COVID restrictions can still make planning a fitting celebration difficult. There are a ton of special date night options that can be planned to mark this milestone, but here are a few ideas that go beyond ordering in dinner and a movie:
Funerals Funerals might just be the most difficult event to miss. Families and friends often need the closure and social support that a funeral provides. Social distancing guidelines and the nature of a funeral make it even more difficult to plan. While postponing may be a viable option, some families might not want to delay or prolong this part of the grieving process.
Social Entertainment Just because you can’t frequent your favorite bar or restaurant together, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun together while keeping safely apart!
When it comes to celebrating missed milestones, creativity provides limitless possibility. While we know that nothing will ever bring back the actual missed opportunities of these special moments, planning to intentionally acknowledge them is a good practice to adopt. Everyone deserves to celebrate these special times. If you would like help in planning a virtual milestone celebration, please reach out to our talented team of event planners and memory makers. We can help you plan an event that you and your family and friends will remember forever.  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  One of our many passions is supporting local non-profits in our community. The Family Center/La Familia is an agency that is a vital resource in our community. We are proud to be their trusted partner in 3 core areas: Events, Marketing and Development. As part of our development focus, we launched their "GROW" campaign, which is an effort to grow their monthly, continuous donors. This is the best way for a non-profit to predict what resources they can offer based on projected donations. With the help of a couple strong community partners, our campaign has received $30,000 in just the first month as a way to kick-start our lofty $100,000 goal. Below is the public statement made about this initiative. Over the course of three months, Fort Collins Foothills Rotary helped raise $93,000 to benefit six local organizations who are directly serving families impacted by the pandemic: Food Bank, Rescue Mission, Neighbor to Neighbor, La Familia/The Family Center, Teaching Tree, and Putnam Elementary. This was in cooperation with each organization's fundraising efforts and partnering with Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. We are SO thankful for the heart Foothills Rotary Club of Fort Collins has for Early Childhood Education. Their 10k donation was a great kick-off to our GROW campaign, and a 20k donation from the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado is such a blessing. We are filled with gratitude! "With the generous contribution made by the Foothills Rotary Club of Fort Collins and the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado we will make the required concrete leveling of the preschool playground and install a long lasting and secure fence around it. This work has been desired for a long time and thanks to this funding it will be possible!" -Gloria Kat, Executive Director & Family Support Services Director
If you are able to give a little extra, we encourage you to support The Family Center/La Familia. Their GROW Campaign can be found HERE. Thank you for supporting us and the community we serve. -My Big Day
Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken |
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970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 EMAIL US
We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
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