The event industry is closer to “normal” than this time last year, and venues are responding to the pandemic in different ways. We know many of you have safety concerns but still want to give your child the birthday party they’ve been asking for, especially if they missed out last year. Of course, every family is different – we encourage you to make the best decision for your family’s safety.

One of our clients is The Family Center/La Familia.  They serve families and children in Northern Colorado. Our team has compiled a list of indoor Colorado kids’ birthday party venues still operating this winter (2021). Visit the links below for more information about each venue’s protocols and restrictions.
 
Happy planning!

Loveland
 
Wooden Mountain Bouldering Gym: https://www.woodenmountain.com
 
Jumpin’: https://jumpinfun.com
 
Premier Gymnastics: https://www.premiergymnastics.net/parties/birthday-parties/
 
Loveland Laser Tag: https://www.laserfuncenter.com/birthday-parties/
 
Build-a-Bear:
​https://www.buildabear.com/birthday?sc_cid=pslk:google:Birthday:20210825:US:co:acq:0:bb:birthday:birthday:energy:sl:null&gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46ujanNNrUenCZP4IKRhfZaJozFvPkaz6iz24TLkPVp0hDxFoOzIYYeRoCjP4QAvD_BwE
 
Chilson Center: https://www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation/chilson-recreation-center/-fsiteid-1
 
Fiona’s Fairy Garden: http://www.fionasfairygarden.com/parties
 
Artisan You: https://www.artisanyou.com
 
B Sweet Cupcakes: http://www.bsweetcupcakes.com/index.html
​

Fort Collins
 
Larimer County Garbage Garage: https://www.larimer.org/garbagegarage
 
Urban Air Trampoline Park: https://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com
 
Fly High Fort Collins: https://foco.flyhightrampolinepark.com
 
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park: https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/the-farm-lee-martinez-park
 
Chipper’s Lanes (two locations): https://www.chipperslanes.com
 
Foothills Activity Center: https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/foothills-activity-center
 
Fort Fun: https://www.fortfun.biz
 
Rollerland: https://rollerlandskatecenter.com
 
The Gardens on Spring Creek: https://www.fcgov.com/gardens/youth-birthday-parties
 
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery: https://fcmod.org
 
Mountain Kids: https://www.mountain-kids.com
 
Mulberry Pool: https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/mulberry-pool
 
City of Fort Collins Pottery Studio: https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/pottery-studio
 
Poudre Fire Authority:
https://www.poudre-fire.org/online-services/request-a-station-tour-firefighter-visit
 
Piano & Guitar Institute: https://pianoandguitarinstitute.com

Greeley
 
Greeley Recreation Center facilities: https://greeleyrec.com/about/parties-and-rentals/
 

Windsor
 
The Summit: https://playatthesummit.com/windsor/
 
Windsor Gymnastics Academy: https://windsorgymnasticsacademy.com
 
Piano & Guitar Institute: https://pianoandguitarinstitute.com
 
AmericInn Hotel pool party:
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/americinn/windsor-colorado/americinn-lodge-and-suites-windsor-ft-collins/overview
 
Windsor Community Recreation Center:
​https://www.recreationliveshere.com/167/Community-Recreation-Center

Lafayette
 
WOW! Children’s Museum: https://wowchildrensmuseum.org
 

Westminster
 
The Butterfly Pavilion: https://butterflies.org/event/birthday-parties/
 

Broomfield
 
Warrior Challenge Arena: https://www.warriorchallengearena.com/kids-parties
 

Denver
 
Challenge Island:
https://challenge-island.com/denver/programs/birthday-parties/
​

MBD was proud to plan this stunning summer wedding at the lovely Bonnie Blues Event Venue in Elizabeth, Colorado. Congratulations to Tony & Nicole!

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: 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: 

• Seating guests 6 feet apart
• Staff use of PPE
• Sanitation using professional, hospital-grade products
• Electrostatic sprayers apply antimicrobial coating to high-touch surfaces and fabrics
• Paramedic/in-house doctor
• Sanitation of all rooms after use
• Employee training
• Hand sanitizing stations for guests and employees

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:

• Event planner/organizer who signed the contract must provide a spreadsheet of all attendees’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails for potential contract tracing
• Client must station a greeter at front door to ensure only planned attendees enter the venue and to symptom check all guests
• 6-foot social distancing guidelines will be followed
• Only one door will be open for venue entry, one for exit
• Face coverings are required except for the bride and groom during ceremony only
• Directional arrows will be placed to control foot traffic flow
• Stringent disinfecting and sanitation by venue staff
• Reduced restroom capacity
• Disposable linens recommended 

Contact: Leah Dunn, 970-420-3692, leah@encompass8.com
Website http://www.rentblockone.com/events

​

Where: The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins

Number of guests: Up to 50 people for private events

Precautions:

• Employees are temperature screened daily
• All guests, employees, and vendors must wear face coverings
• Sanitizing all surfaces and equipment every 1-2 hours using electrostatic sprayer
• Traffic flow patterns in venue and event spaces
• Social distancing guidelines observed

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:

• Face coverings required for all guests and employees
• Electrostatic sprayers to sanitize frequently used and fabric surfaces
• Use of hospital-grade disinfectants on hard surfaces
• Stringent food safety standards; no traditional buffets allowed
• Observation of social distancing

Contact: Submit proposal request here 
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:

• Elevated procedures for cleanliness and sanitation
• EventReady checklist provided to planners
• CleanStay event room seal is applied once room is properly cleaned, set, and EventReady
• Flexible pricing, space options, and contract terms
• Respecting social distancing guidelines
• Food and beverage carefully served in a timely manner

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:

• Face coverings must be worn by employees and guests, including outdoor areas
• Staff required to wash hands more frequently
• Surfaces in rooms disinfected after each use
• Common rooms disinfected daily
• 
  

Contact: 970-493-9191

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:

• Elevated procedures for cleanliness and sanitation
• EventReady checklist provided to planners
• CleanStay event room seal is applied once room is properly cleaned, set, and EventReady
• Flexible pricing, space options, and contract terms
• Respecting social distancing guidelines
• Food and beverage carefully served in a timely manner

Contact: 720-889-4880, info@thecurtis.com

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:

• Elevated procedures for cleanliness and sanitation
• Completely modified event space for significant distancing
• Respecting social distancing guidelines
• Food and beverage safety standards

​Contact:  Allison Clark(970) 744-3748 or allison@coloradocandlelight.com

Website: http://www.coloradocandlelight.com/

Many couples – including some of our My Big Day couples – are opting to elope rather than postpone or cancel weddings due to Covid-19. We did the work and searched lists of unique elopement locations in Colorado and Wyoming – here are our top 5 picks for each state. 

​

1. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) – This unique landscape makes a stunning ceremony backdrop. What to know: There are no permits, which means no fees, but you also can’t reserve a spot. Scope out the park for locations before you go – the possibilities are endless. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. No décor is allowed (not that you need any!), and you must follow the park’s “Leave No Trace” rules. 

2.  Maroon Bells (Aspen) – These incredible mountains are Colorado’s most photographed spot. What to know: You must reserve the amphitheater for a $200 fee to have your ceremony at the Bells. Slots are released a year in advance, and regular Bells guests are still allowed to visit the site, so weekdays are your best bet. Plan for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. If you want fall colors, aim for September. Consider going early for stunning sunrise ceremony photos and no tourists photobombing your wedding. If you have urgent questions about your wedding or conditions at the Bells, you’ll need to call the ranger station.

​3.  Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (Denver) – The gardens offer a wide range of backdrops, from water and rose gardens to greenhouses. Another perk: The downtown Denver location makes this a convenient site for couples. What to know: Fees vary by location in the gardens, and it can be pricey, but you will save on travel fees from your florist, photographer, and officiant. You can bring your own alcohol for an intimate couples’ champagne toast. Click HERE  to submit an inquiry.

4.  Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) – This scenic mountaintop offers a view all the way to Kansas on clear days. What to know: No need to hike – weather permitting, you can drive to the top of Pikes Peak. No permits and no fees, but keep in mind that tourists can come and go throughout your ceremony and no décor is allowed. 

5.  Guanella Pass (Georgetown) – A valley with breathtaking blue-green hills and water features. This is a fantastic backdrop for moody photos that are even more stunning during cloudy summer afternoons. What to know: No permits, no fees, no reservations. 


Wyoming

1.  St. Alban’s Chapel (Centennial) – Historic, open-air chapel surrounded by beautiful scenery, including a lake. What to know: The chapel is usually accessible only in the late summer. It must be reserved for a small fee through St. Matthew’s Cathedral.  Despite being called a chapel, the structure is very old and not quite a building, so there are no restrooms. You will not be allowed to decorate the structure because of its age, but you won’t need to! 

2.  Lake Marie (Medicine Bow National Forest) – A beautiful, green-blue lake with a snowy mountain backdrop. What to know: This location is drive-up friendly, but only accessible during the late summer when Highway 130 is open. Click HERE to see whether the area is currently open. No permits, no fees, no guaranteed reservations.

3.  Schwabacher Landing (Grand Teton National Park) – A spectacular viewpoint on Snake River with easy access to the water and reflections of the majestic Teton Mountains. What to know: Snowy spring and winter weather can make the gravel road impassable, so plan for a summer or fall ceremony. Bring your camera for wildlife sightings. No permits, no fees, no guaranteed reservations and no decorations allowed. Note that the area is popular with fishermen and tourists snapping photos. 

4.  The Wedding Tree (Jackson Hole) – Aptly named, the tree provides a natural arch to get married under with a view of the Grand Tetons in the background. What to know: You will need to take a trail from the parking lot (about 5 minutes), and then get off the trail to access the tree, so carry your heels and put them on at the tree. Camping is no longer allowed. A permit is required; contact the Bridger-Teton National Forest Office at (307) 739-5500. Aim for a fall or summer event so the roads aren’t snowed out. 

5.  Albany County Courthouse (Laramie) – If the wilderness isn’t your style, consider getting married at the Albany County Courthouse in Laramie and taking photos in front of the picturesque building. What to know: You will need to make your own arrangements for an officiant. If you would like to get married in the courthouse, there are several judges who perform marriage ceremonies, or you may bring your own ordained minister; contact information can be found HERE. As with any wedding in Wyoming, a marriage license is required prior to the ceremony. Ceremony fees vary by officiant. Same-sex marriages are allowed under Wyoming law. 
​
You don’t have to cancel your wedding if you were planning to get married this year. We believe the only ingredients required for a wedding are two people who want to spend their lives together.
 
Contact us at mybigdayevents@outlook.com for help planning your elopement or micro-wedding! 

​Contact My Big Day

Marketing & Events

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068

Email Us

As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range;  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

Contact My Big Day

Have Fun.  Be Young.  Let us know how we can help.
Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner.

~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~

My Big Day llc

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
Email Us

Located in Loveland, CO

As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range;  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

by Randi Juric, My Big Day

Being a good hostess doesn’t take a lot of skill. Being a good hostess is all about the timing and the come one come all attitude. All you need to remember is smiles, full drinks, full plates, great atmosphere. Here are a few structure points to being the best hostess you can be. As a hostess you are the greeter, server, entertainer, problem solver, and cleanup crew unless of course you hire someone for any of these jobs. Even if you hire someone a super hostess still eyeballs the help to make sure it’s getting done right. A great hostess can super charge the room just by their smile and presentation as you greet a guest. Be infectious and make the crowd happy and go lucky with a smile! We call that a Super Hospi Hostess, hospi stands for hospitality.

1.       Set a clear start and end:
When you send out an invite be sure you list time, place, start and end dates. This will allow people to plan for the event accordingly. This will also ensure your party loving friends don’t overstay their welcome. Be sure to add an RSVP due date for a better had count for your event.

2.       Confirmations:
Be prepared to make confirmation calls to those who haven’t RSVP yet. Always be sure to ask if you think you may need to make special accommodations for some one.

3.       Comfort:
When guests start to arrive be sure to make the rules clear “take your shoes off and head on in” or “There is/is not a smoking area out back”. Be sure you keep the environment comfortable for all guests and you too! Welcome them in and shoe them the layout. Everyone loves snacks and drinks, it’s the best part of the party!! Remember as your walking around mingling and welcoming new guests it’s OK to eyeball everyone’s plates and drinks. Be sure to ask in passing if they need a refill on any food or drink or if you can take their plate. Remember to SMILE SMILE SMILE!

4.       Mingle, Mingle, Mingle:
It is very important to mingle and mix things up. Walk around and talk with your guests, catch up and maybe get people who may not know each other to start a conversation. Keep your background music in mind should you decide to play some.

Always put together a playlist that fits your crowd and don’t play it too loud. We want the music to entertain but not blast away!

5.       Clean up:
Clean as you go! It makes things so much easier as you go to pick up and clean as your walking around mingling. Offer to take some ones trash for them. A hostess never leaves their guest with their hands full.

6.       The wind down and long good bye:
Read your crowd! Timing is everything on the wind down. About an hour to thirty minutes before your scheduled end time take the time to look around and see if your guests seem to be winding down or going strong. If they are winding down you can turn your music down in the background more and start cleaning up a little more heavily as you mingle and say your goodbyes to those leaving. You can also thank people for coming as you’re cleaning up in their area before you move on, this will give the guest the impression the party is coming to an end politely. On the other hand if your guests seem to still be going strong and you don’t have to be out by a specific time start asking for refills again or if you can get them anything else. You can also turn the music up just a smidge. Mingle and ask your guests if they have met so and so yet and see if you can make some new connections.

7.       The morning after:
Give some of your guests’ calls over the next week and thank them for coming again and see if they have any feedback for you good or bad, just listen to what they have to say there is always room for improvement. This helps you refine your hosting skills and see what works and doesn’t so well. This also gives you an opportunity to give more invites if you have other events you want to have some guests to join. Your guests will love the follow up and the time you took to say thank you again. It leaves a great impression that you cared to call them and ask if they had a good time.

These hostess tips have  been brought to you by My Big Day Events!
Serving the Front Range, Mountains and S. Wyoming.
Parties - Planning - Weddings & More!