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If it seems like we’re reminding you to plan your holiday party earlier than in previous years, you’re not wrong – but now is the time to book your 2022 corporate or private holiday party with MBD Marketing & Events. As the world opened up in 2021, demand for venues, hotel rooms, plane tickets, and event rentals skyrocketed. At the same time, economic difficulties and massive staff shortages have dominated the events industry. We’re already scouting venues for our holiday party clients so they can have the best of the best. If you want the best of the best too, the time to reserve your ideal venue is NOW. Check out our holiday party planning timeline and checklist if you need help getting started.  Here are 10 reasons to book your holiday party early: Get Your First Choice Date Whether your date has special meaning, employees have already voted on their availability, or you anticipate a lull between projects that would be the perfect time for your coworkers to let loose, the sooner you book, the more likely you are to secure your ideal date. You’ll want to avoid conflict with other major holiday events that are already booked, which could hamper attendance to your event. The sooner you secure your venue, the sooner you can claim that date as your own. Guest Attendance Between family obligations, spouse work functions, and personal holiday traditions, your potential guests are pulled in many different directions during the holiday season. Boost attendance numbers by planning early, so invitees will plan around your event. Venue Choice It’s not news that venues book early, and the best ones book up first. If you’re set on a particular venue – or, in this crazy year, want to find one at all – start making phone calls now. If you book with an event planner, like MBD Marketing & Events, we’ll do that heavy lifting for you and use our network of clients and partners to give you the best chance of securing your dream event space. Vendor Availability Just like venues, vendors book well in advance, and the best are in highest demand. If you have a favorite caterer, are eager to reserve that up-and-coming deejay, or want better quality photos than you got last year, now is your chance to reserve these vendors.  Staff Shortages Historic staff shortages in the event industry have affected almost every aspect of every event we’ve managed in 2022. By planning early, you can:
Venues, vendors, your event planner, and YOU will all appreciate the extra time to work through unexpected challenges that come with current conditions in the events industry. Avoid Holiday Rush Pricing As in any business, supply and demand affect consumer pricing. While venues may have holiday rates set well in advance, holiday travel and accommodation prices skyrocket as demand approaches its peak. Give yourself and your guests time to shop for the best deals by reserving your holiday party date now. Early Booking Discounts Not only does early booking mean you can avoid spending more than necessary, you may even be able to save. Some venues, vendors, and travel companies – though not all – offer discounts for early booking. Whether you’re able to secure these discounts or not, booking early gives your vendors the best chance at exceeding your expectations, which means you’re more likely to walk away satisfied.  Time to Think Outside the Box An epic holiday party requires a lot of planning. Even the most creative pros have trouble throwing together a legendary even last-minute. Securing your date and venue early gives you more time to explore the best entertainment options, and even come up with some unique event activities of your own. Our team meets months ahead of our clients’ events for brainstorming sessions to get our creative juices flowing and create something extra special just for you. Build Excitement The longer your guests know an event is coming, the more excited they’ll be! Anticipation gives everyone something to look forward to, which is a great boost to your friends’ moods or your employees’ morale and productivity. Give your guests the holiday gift of something fun in the forecast. Less Stress Before you know it, you’ll find your own calendar filling up with holiday family gatherings, work commitments, and nights out with friends. Give yourself space to breathe by starting the planning process early. By the time you start receiving phone calls and invites in the mail, you can give yourself a pat on the back knowing your event is ready to go and your VIPs have already RSVP’d. When you book with MBD Marketing & Events, we do all the heavy lifting. Our holidays are already filling up with contracts, so book ASAP with our team of creative, experienced event planners for an unforgettable company holiday party. For business and private event tips and ideas, follow My Big Day on Facebook and Instagram. Visit our Venues in Colorado & Wyoming Pinterest board for more location inspiration for your next gathering.  Small Business. Big Impact.
As a connected collective of experts, My Big Day specializes in the creative touches so many marketing campaigns & events these days are lacking. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! Allow us to WOW you and your guests! As purveyors of fun with My Big Day, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Contact MBD 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 Marketing & Events has worked with many wedding venues in our 15+ years in business. We have a record number of weddings on the books for 2022, and one question we keep getting from our couples is: What Colorado venues allow me to bring my own alcohol? With mobile bars and micro weddings still trending for the coming year, more and more couples are exploring wedding venues that allow them to bring in their own alcohol, with or without the requirement of a licensed bartender to serve it. In all cases – based on years of experience and hundreds of weddings – we strongly recommend that you have a TIPS-certified bartender serve your guests. TIPS-certified bartenders are trained to prevent underage drinking; limit that guest who has already had plenty; prevent attendees from driving impaired; and properly report any incidents that do arise for insurance and law enforcement purposes – which benefits you and your venue. Our own My Big Day team is TIPS-certified and provides bartending by the hour through On the Rocks, northern Colorado’s own luxury mobile bar and tap service. Contact us now, and let My Big Day and On the Rocks keep the drinks and the big day flowing smoothly. Still researching wedding venues? Here’s our list of Colorado wedding venues where you can bring your own alcohol. LOVELAND The Garden Room | Loveland, CO 697 North Denver Avenue Loveland, CO 80537 Contact: events@gardenroomloveland.com, (970) 556-5766 Alcohol: Bring-your-own  The McCreery House | Loveland, CO 746 North Washington Avenue Loveland, CO 80537 Contact: (970) 310-7383, Contact Form Alcohol: bring-your-own FORT COLLINS AREA The Hillside Vineyard | Fort Collins, CO 3924 Bingham Hill Road Fort Collins, CO 80521 Contact: (970) 520-2617, hello@thehillsidevineyard.com Alcohol: bring-your-own Aspen Grove at Sundance Trail | Red Feather Lakes, CO 17931 West County Road 74e Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545 Contact: (970) 556-5053, Contact Form Alcohol: In-house or bring-your-own *For BYO, a Liquor Liability Insurance Policy and certified bartender are required. ESTES PARK  Fall River Village | Estes Park, CO 200 Filbey Court Estes Park, CO 80517 Contact: (970) 325-6864, contact@fallrivervillage.com Alcohol: bring-your-own The Landing at Estes Park | Estes Park, CO 1774 CO-66 Estes Park, CO 80517 Contact: (970) 820-0118, info@thelandingestespark.com Alcohol: bring-your-own LONGMONT AREA  The St Vrain | Longmont, CO 635 3rd Avenue Longmont, CO 80501 Contact: (720) 534-2635 or Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Bartenders, barware, and mixers are supplied through the preferred catering partner. Boulder Flower Farm | Longmont, CO 4114 Oxford Road Longmont, CO 80503 Contact: Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own The Lyons Farmette | Lyons, CO 4121 Ute Hwy Lyons, CO 80540 Contact: Tracey@LyonsFarmette.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own Stone Mountain Lodge and Cabins | Lyons, CO 18055 North St Vrain Drive Lyons, Colorado 80540 Contact: (303) 823-6091, info@stonemountainlodge.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own BOULDER  The Studio (Boulder) | Boulder, CO 3550 Frontier Avenue, Suite A2 Boulder, CO 80301 Contact: (720) 378-8015, info@thestudioboulder.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own (preferred vendor list available) Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center | Boulder, CO 1301 Spruce Street Boulder, Colorado 80302 Contact: (303) 301-2972, events@rembrandtyard.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own Koenig Alumni Center at CU Boulder | Boulder, CO 1202 University Avenue Boulder, Colorado 80309 Contact: (303) 492-2279, Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own *A licensed server is required DENVER AREA  Walker Fine Art | Denver, CO 300 West 11th Avenue #A Denver, Colorado 80204 Contact: (303) 355-8955, sames@walkerfineart.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Must be served by licensed/certified bartenders; no corkage fee; recommended vendor list available Space Gallery | Denver, CO 400 Sante Fe Drive Denver, Colorado 80204 Contact: (303) 993-3321, events@spaceannex.org Alcohol: Bring-your-own University of Denver Conference and Event Services | Denver, CO 1745 S. Hight Street Denver, Colorado 80210 Contact: (303) 871-4333, events@du.edu Alcohol: Bring-your-own Balistreri Vineyards | Denver, CO 1946 East 66th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80229 Contact: (303) 287-5156, info@balistreriwine.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own  Event Room at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center | Wheat Ridge, CO 4005 Kipling Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Contact: (303) 231-1315, kwaters@ci.wheatridge.co.us Alcohol: Bring-your-own Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park | Lakewood, CO 801 South Yarrow Street Lakewood, CO 80226 Contact: (303) 987-7806, Weddings@Lakewood.org Alcohol: Bring-your-own Pines at Genesee | Golden, CO 633 Park Point Drive Golden, Colorado 80401 Contact: (303) 526-7939 x221, Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own Calvary Church | Golden, CO 1320 Arapahoe Street Golden, CO 80401 Contact: (303) 279-2188, office@calvarygolden.net Alcohol: Bring-your-own  Boettcher Mansion | Golden, CO 900 Colorow Road Golden, Colorado 80401 Contact: (720) 497-7630, boettchermansion@jeffco.us Alcohol: Bring-your-own *A certified bartender is required; no cash or tips allowed. Evergreen Lake House | Evergreen, CO 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road Evergreen, CO 80439 Contact: (720) 880-1016, kemrich@eprd.co Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Must be served by a Colorado Approved Responsible vendor The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park | Evergreen, CO 26624 North Turkey Creek Road Evergreen, Colorado 80439 Contact: (720) 340-8574, TheBarn@evergreenmemorialpark.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own *All alcoholic beverages must be served by a licensed and insured bartender CENTRAL COLORADO (NON-DENVER AREA) Main Street Station | Breckenridge, CO 505 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424 Contact: (888) 387-0151, Contact Form Alcohol: In-house or bring-your-own  Lodge by the Blue | Breckenridge, CO 4192 Highway 9 Breckenridge, CO 80424 Contact: (970) 453-2144, manager@lodgebytheblue.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own The Cabin at 9000 Feet | Wolcott, CO Specific address withheld Wolcott, CO 81655 Contact: Thecabin9000@gmail.com, (717) 575-6704 Alcohol: Bring-your-own Guyton Ranch | Jefferson, CO 35293 US Highway 285 Jefferson, CO 80456 Contact: (507) 202-6565, Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own  Bearcat Stables | Edwards, CO 2701 Squaw Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 Contact: (970) 376-4647, Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own Aspen Historical Society | Aspen, CO 620 West Bleeker Street Aspen, CO 81611 Contact: (970) 925-3721 x107, travis@aspenhistory.org Alcohol: Bring-your-own WESTERN COLORADO Black Canyon Stables | Ridgway, CO 362 Golden Eagle Trail Ridgway, CO 81432 Contact: (520) 360-0218, pdunn@blackcanyonstables.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own  Sopris House | Crested Butte, CO 200 Sopris Avenue Crested Butte, CO 81224 Contact: (800) 903-7761, reservations@elevenexperience.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own Sage View Ranch | Paonia, CO 40881 Highway 133 Paonia, CO 81428 Contact: (303) 522-2210, Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own Lock Stock & Barrel | Olathe, CO 5328 CO-348 Olathe, CO 81425 Contact: Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Only beer and wine allowed; no hard liquor  Flying Diamond Ranch Weddings and Events | Oak Creek, CO 30110 Highway 131 Oak Creek, Colorado 80487 Contact: (970) 846-9229, Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own Once Upon a Time Events | Kiowa, CO 31242 Wedemeyer Road Kiowa, CO 80117 Contact: (720) 838-7608, onceuponatimeeventsllc@gmail.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own *An event insurance policy must be purchased SOUTHERN COLORADO  ProRodeo Hall of Fame | Colorado Springs, CO 101 Pro Rodeo Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919 Contact: (719) 528-4732, stadken@prorodeo.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Alcohol must be served by a hired bartender (not a guest); cash bars are not permitted unless a special events liquor license is purchased by the City of Colorado Springs. La Foret Conference and Retreat Center | Colorado Springs, CO 6145 Shoup Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Contact: (719) 495-2743, mail@laforet.org Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Wine, beer, and champagne only; no cash allowed Lodge at Cathedral Pines | Colorado Springs, CO 13977 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Contact: (719) 886-4044, thecplodge@gmail.com Alcohol: In-house or bring-your-own *BYO alcohol must be served by TIPS-certified bartenders. The Loft Music Venue | Colorado Springs, CO 2506 West Colorado Avenue Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904 Contact: (719) 445-9278, info@loftmusicvenue.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own  Black Forest Meadows | Colorado Springs, CO 17104 Goshawk Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Contact: (303) 590-8939, info@blackforestmeadows.com Alcohol: Bring-your-own The Barn at Howard Creek Farm | Howard, CO 356 County Road 4 Howard, CO 81233 Contact: aly@howardcreekfarm.com, (720) 937-1475 Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Alcohol must be served by a TIPS-certified bartender Cedar Ridge Ranch | Carbondale, CO 3059 Co Road 103 Carbondale, CO 81623 Contact: Info@CedarRidgeRanch.com, (970) 963-3507 Alcohol: Bring-your-own  Hatchet Ranch | Pueblo, CO 7600 Hatchet Ranch Road Pueblo, Colorado 81004 Contact: (719) 501-3396 or Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own *A licensed bartender is preferred I Bar Ranch | Gunnison, CO 850 County Road 49 Gunnison, CO 81230 Contact: (970) 209-9796, Contact Form Alcohol: In-house or bring-your-own  LePlatt’s Pond | Bayfield, CO 311 County Road 501 Bayfield, CO 81122 Contact: (970) 759-0748 or Contact Form Alcohol: Bring-your-own *Event liability insurance is required for all events. The Black Diamond Lodge | Durango, CO 48475 US Highway 550 Durango, CO 81301 Contact: (281) 751-3147, hello@theblackdiamondlodge.com Alcohol: In-house or bring-your-own Let the My Big Day team plan your big day and our TIPS-certified bartenders service your wedding at one of these Colorado venues! We are booking now for 2022 and 2023, so contact us to reserve your date. For more Colorado wedding planning tips and ideas, follow My Big Day on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our Pinterest boards for wedding planning advice, wedding decor ideas, wedding themes, and more!  Contact MBD 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 Almost a third of brides-to-be get engaged over the holidays, which means some of you will be stocking up on wedding magazines and poring over wedding checklists in the coming weeks (or maybe you already are, while you wait for that ring – we won’t judge). Weddings are part of our business at MBD Marketing & Events --- and for our client, On the Rocks, so we like to keep up with the latest trends, including this list of nine wedding bar trends for 2022. Did you know 2.6 million weddings are forecast to happen in the U.S. in 2022? That’s the most since almost 40 years ago, in 1984. If you’re one of these millions getting married in the new year, read on for what’s “in” in 2022.  Mobile Bars Hey, that’s us! Mobile bars are still big for 2022, especially those that are serviced. Portable or permanent bars are traditional at wedding venues, but traditional can get a bit boring. Opt for a unique, whimsical mobile bar like our Pearl instead. You’ll stand out from the rest and get tailored service from our TIPS-certified bartenders. Mocktails and Low-ABV Cocktails Having guests at your wedding who don’t drink alcohol is nothing new. But more and more brides and grooms are deciding they’d rather avoid drunken family drama and other inappropriate guest behavior by offering alcohol-free mocktails or “low-alcohol by volume” cocktails. Non-alcoholic beer has been around for decades, but alcohol-free spirits mimicking the taste of tequila, vodka, and flavored liqueurs are increasingly popular. Low-ABV cocktails still contain alcohol, but in percentages similar to those of beer and wine, rather than hard liquor.  Customization and Personalization We love the trend of couples wanting to infuse every part of their big day with their personalities and interests, and this includes cocktails. The signature cocktail came about as a way for couples to create their own drinks, rather than follow recipes from a bar book. Consider a signature cocktail for each newlywed, or one that celebrates the couple. Special touches like monogrammed drink stirrers or personalized napkins are another way to make a statement. Creative Presentations The signature cocktail movement has translated into seemingly endless cocktail presentation possibilities. Couples with a carnival theme may serve drinks in striped cups rimmed with frosting and sprinkles, movie buffs might skewer popcorn for a garnish, and dessert fanatics can serve boozy milkshakes in cookie cups or ice cream cones. Fresh Floral Bar Decor Fresh flowers and greenery aren’t only for bouquets and boutonnieres. Bars are becoming a decor focal point at weddings, incorporating the style of the wedding ceremony and reception. Whether your budget allows for some sprigs of greenery or elaborate bar arrangements, fresh florals make your bar an inviting focal point instead of an afterthought.  Canned Beers, Wines, and Cocktails Canned drinks are ideal for small, intimate weddings or at venues with a strict no-glass rule. They’re also convenient, with less spilling and easier cleanup. You’ll save money on drinkware rentals and washing. Plus, there are so many canned alcoholic beverages available these days, you can find can designs to suit your wedding colors or theme. It’s still good practice to let an experienced bartender (like our TIPS-certified ones) be in charge of canned drinks, to prevent incidents due to guests being over-served. In Colorado, for example, you could even be held liable for an over-served guest who drinks and drives after your event. Vintage Drinks Traditional cocktails are back in style, most notably the aptly-named Old Fashioned. Vintage touches lend elegance to modern weddings. Even the champagne tower, where champagne is poured over a tower of old-fashioned champagne coupes, is making a comeback that doubles as both refreshment and eye-catching decoration.  re-Ceremony Refreshment Bar Another growing trend is the pre-ceremony refreshment bar, which offers guests non-alcoholic options like fruit-infused waters in summer or a hot chocolate station in the winter. It’s not a bad idea to provide some light snacks too, especially for guests who traveled a long way the day of the ceremony and to prevent fainting at a hot summer wedding. Themed Bar and Drinks Your bar and drinks can emulate the overall style of your wedding, or you can get creative with themed cocktails and bar decorations that mean something to you as a couple. One popular option is a travel-themed bar, with cocktails from countries or regions you’ve traveled to as a couple. A cocktail hour bar can also be decorated to suit a theme different from your ceremony and reception style, such as a favorite hobby of the groom or the couple. Drinks themselves can be customized to suit that theme, with creative names and garnishes. Need a wedding planning team? Look no further than the gals at MBD Marketing & Events! You can learn more about our Colorado and Wyoming wedding packages HERE. Ready to book mobile bar services for your 2022 wedding? Contact ON THE ROCKS now. Choose from one of their ready-made packages, or they can create a custom package for you.  * A blog dedicated to our non-profit client, Thompson Education Foundation COVID-19 has forced schools to do what’s being referred to “remote” or “distance” learning this year, and some say it could continue into 2021 as well. This has been a difficult process for parents, students and teachers to adjust to. Just know, you are not alone! Many parents and teachers have been experimenting with what works best for their students during this time. I have gathered the top 5 most helpful tips on how to be successful with remote learning! 1. Make a schedule. Having a consistent daily schedule can allow everyone to feel prepared and ready for their day. Organizing their schedule around your schedule as a parent can ease some stress of working at home and having your kids schooling at home. Consistency is key! For example, if you have math first one day, math should be first every day. Visualize your schedule by printing it out, writing it on a dry erase or chalk board, or making a clickable schedule on their laptop. Set alarms for zoom classes to keep everyone on schedule without having to have it all memorized.  2. Take a typing class. Younger kids who have not had a lot of school experience are feeling overwhelmed. Not only do they have to sit in front of a computer all day, they also must know how to use one! Getting your student typing classes can help teach kids the basics of typing properly with exercises on what all of the keys mean and how to use them. Typing Club offers free classes and exercises to help get your child prepped for remote learning! https://www.typingclub.com  3. Give lots of Breaks. Breaking up the schedule can help your student focus better and be ready to learn. Everyone need breaks throughout their day, whether it’s for snacks, exercise or just to rest their eyes from the screen breaks can help kids feel more independent in remote learning as long as there is consistency. Students thrive on consistency! One tip from a parent was to have activity kits ready for when your child is in between classes and you do not have the time to get them started on something. If the child has activities at their workspace it can help keep them focused and entertained until you can get around to helping them.  4. Give kids an outlet to discuss emotions. One of things to not lose sight on is that you are still their parent, not just their new teacher, or helper with school assignments. By having kids write in a journal they can process their feelings in this uncertain time. A nice addition to your daily schedule is to set aside time to talk as a family about how everyone is feeling and coping with everything.  4. Optimizing the Learning Space. Having a learning space free of distractions, noise, tv and other forms of entertainment can optimize the student’s learning process. Having access to all supplies at their space, within reach that is well organized can also help kids with becoming distracted from needing to leave their learning space to go elsewhere in the home. For even more tips and ideas on how to deal with remote learning visit our Pinterest board. https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/education-k-12/ In response to COVID-19 and Thompson School District’s decision to continue remote learning in schools, Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) and the Literacy Committee of Loveland Rotary Club each committed $10,000 ($20,000 total) to support remote learning for students in 2020. The first purchase was for 5,000 books for students who are participating in TSD’s emergency food distribution program. The books were purchased for all grade levels, PreK-12. In addition, Thompson Education Foundation supplied 500 school supply kits to supplement at-home learning for elementary and secondary students without access to supply resources at home. Donate to TEF and their efforts to help families during these times here. https://www.thompsontef.org/donate  Christmas isn’t just for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season - it’s also a beautiful time to plan a winter wedding! A December/Christmas inspired wedding is the perfect opportunity to not only celebrate your love, but to also throw the best holiday party ever! We’ve curated a list of some holiday inspired wedding tips and ideas that will surely get you and your guests into the seasonal spirit, and elevate your event beyond the typical holiday celebration!
When you create your invitation suite, make sure you include the following: Invitation for event, directions, response cards & envelopes, inner envelope, mailing envelope, and plenty of postage. You might also consider adding a special reception card, local highlights information, and suggestions for accommodations for out of town guests.  Ceremony & Reception Decor Greenery and red poinsettias are natural choices for Christmas wedding decor (hello, every Hallmark Christmas movie!). You can certainly get creative with how you use these elements. Use greenery garlands to outline reception areas, set up vignettes around white-lighted Christmas trees, include layers of red and white poinsettias as a backdrop for your ceremony. The possibilities are endless. You don’t have to settle for a red and green color palette, either. How about deep navy and silver? White twinkle lights and gold? All of these options are holiday inspired! Bouquets & Boutonnieres There are so many extra touches that you can add to a holiday bridal bouquet and boutonniere! Pinecones are a fun and wintry addition to any Christmas-inspired bouquet. Berries and pine sprigs are also easy festive elements to incorporate. Did you know, according to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection? Definitely consider adding some holly to your floral arrangements for good luck!  Jingle Bells! With a holiday wedding you can capitalize on both Jingle Bells and Wedding Bells! Hand out small bells for guests to ring after the ceremony instead of birdseed or bubbles. Guests can also ring their bells when they want a kiss from the bride and groom during the reception, instead of using their silverware on china to call for this tradition. Serve festive cocktails. You can expand the typical bar with holiday flavors including eggnog, peppermint, and cranberry. Holiday drinks often look fancy with extra flourishes and flair - perfect for a fancy wedding reception! Incorporate holiday inspired guest favors. Guests will be excited to receive a memento that they will actually want to keep! Engraved holiday ornaments with your wedding date, or their names carved or written on a themed ornament will remind your guests of your special day for years to come! You can also send your guests home with tasty treats too! Holiday cookies, gold wrapped chocolates, or even packaged homemade eggnog will surely be hits!  Hot Cocoa and Cookies - Santa’s favorite! Why not consider offering a hot cocoa bar in addition to the spirits you serve? Perhaps include a wide offering of Christmas and Holiday cookies for dessert instead of the traditional wedding cake or cupcakes? You’re guests will enjoy making their own hot cocoa concoctions and dunking their favorite holiday cookies in them for fun! Think Texture. There are so many different textures that you can incorporate into your clothing, decor, and venue to inspire holiday magic. Velvet dresses and accessories for brides and bridesmaids, plaids and cording for grooms and groomsmen, gold and silver accents, wood and greenery, snow and ice…...all special holiday touches. Create a cozy atmosphere. Cozy fires, twinkle lights, candles, and scents of the season, will be an inviting touch for your guests. Create intimacy by utilizing non traditional seating arrangements for dinner - family style serving, seating in groups, long tables, couches and overstuffed chairs by fireplaces.  Contact MBD 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 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  Keep it small. Obviously, large gatherings are off the table right now. But birthdays can be just as special with immediate family members. Research shows kids find these birthdays just as meaningful and memorable as a big, expensive party. Create anticipation. Build up to the big day - present your child with seven envelopes, each containing a small privilege (15 minutes of extra screen time, 30 min. later bedtime, etc.) He can open one each day in the week leading up to his birthday. Celebrate the night before, too. This is a great way to help your child reflect on and feel proud of another year of life, minus the distraction of presents. Take this time to give them some special attention instead of material things. Surprise decorating. Decorate with balloons, streamers, and signs while your little one is sleeping. It will be a fun surprise and a great photo op in the morning! Entertainment via Zoom. Parents can book a virtual professional magic show or a video chat with Elsa. Check out Send In the Clowns .  Go for a birthday cruise. Deck out your family car with decorations and special messages written on the windows and drive around town! Your child is sure to get lots of honks and happy birthdays from passerby. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt. Divide into teams with one adult and one or more kids each, and set out with a list of items and some phones or digital cameras. Have each team snap photos of a purple flower, someone with a stroller, a house number with the birthday child’s age. Give them a “Yes Day.” Let the birthday child choose all the day’s meals and activities (within reason of course). Let them create their own cake. The birthday child chooses the cake flavor, fillings or frosting, and decorations. It will be all the more special because it was their creation. Big-kid smash cake. If you don’t mind some clean-up, put a twist on the traditional toddler smash cake and let the entire family eat cake sans utensils. Laughs guaranteed!  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   By Carrie Stadtmueller, My Big Day Lead Event Planner & Marketing Manager Does the idea of accepting one more virtual happy hour invite with your co-workers and socially distanced friends fill you with a sense of loathing and dread? You might be suffering from the Zoom Blues! It’s been hard to watch the hopeful Summer of 2020 turn into the Summer that Wasn’t. People all over the world, country, and internet have been looking for ways to stay engaged and entertained - all while socially distancing and looking towards the slow process of reopening. We’ve pulled together an extensive list of activities for your summer at home - some just as fun and special as your traditional summer plans - check it out: Water Day Even though your public pool might not be open, that doesn’t mean you have to forego any water fun! Why not bust out your swimsuits and set up a sprinkler or slip-n-slide in the backyard? Cool off with some time in a refreshing kiddie pool - with a cocktail of course! If you have a small group of friends who you feel safe socializing distantly with, invite them over for a backyard game of Water Balloon Volleyball. You can spread out across the court - although we recommend that you find a facemask that matches your bathing suit ensemble.
Start a Virtual Book Club Use the encouragement of your friends to get excited about reading again! Take turns suggesting books, pick a regular date and time, and chat up your favorite characters and chapters! Bonus - have the person who suggests the book also come up with a special cocktail, beer, or wine for the evening, too!
Online Workouts If you’re like us, you may have noticed that quarantine hasn’t been your waistline’s best friend. How about gathering an online bestie for some Zoom/FaceTime at home workouts? There are thousands of fitness gurus who are offering exercise routines and advice on Instagram and Pinterest. Find your favorite and start sweating! Encourage your quarantine workout partner, and check in each week to keep each other accountable!
These are just a few fun ideas to pass your days away. While this time of social distancing is often boring, and thinking about how long it might last can be depressing, we hope you take the time to enjoy the little things. Adjusting to this time at home and social separations involves adjusting expectations. You can still feel like you have had a fun, productive and entertaining day with the right expectations. And at the end of the day, you can rest easy knowing that you have done your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.  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  Many of our favorite summertime activities have been sidelined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are still multiple ways to safely entertain in the great outdoors. Planning ahead, preparing for time with your personal small social networks, and adjusting plans to fit recommended guidelines will ensure a fun and safe time for all! Getting outside can be a great cure for the quarantine blues. With that in mind, we have come up with a list of socially safe, outdoor entertaining tips to help you enjoy this summer with your family and close friends. Use this list as a checklist in your planning, to help pull off a seamless gathering for fun. (As always, when planning, please follow all local and state Covid-19 guidelines.) Carefully craft your guest list Current guidelines allow for groups of up to 10 with plenty of extra space. Make sure you invite guests who have been following guidelines and are comfortable wearing a mask when not eating or drinking. Plan to have plenty of extra masks and hand sanitizer on site for extra safety precautions. Mobb Mountain Distillers have locally crafted hand sanitizer available for pick up on Wednesdays from 3-8PM and Saturdays 2-8PM. They also have cocktails for pick up too! https://www.mobbmountain.com/
We hope that this list helps to inspire your planning. And if there is a certain theme you’re looking for, our Pinterest board has a ton of fun and creative ideas for you to consider! https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/summer-theme-parties/  Contact My Big Day "Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!" 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  Your wedding day is likely something you have looked forward to most of your life. You’ve been dreaming of it for years, and now that you are engaged, you cannot wait for the big day to get here. Be sure to prepare yourself for the road between your engagement and the main event. Wedding planning can be extremely stressful and exhausting, not to mention the strain it can put on relationships. With these tips, you can help alleviate some of that stress so you can focus on the fun. 1. Know yourself, know what you want. Of course, you want to take your parents, your grandparents, and your friends’ opinions into account, but remember this is your wedding (meaning yours and your partners). Be sure to gauge your emotions and how those weigh on what is important to you in planning your day. Take care to nurture your feelings while also taking others’ into account and handling any disagreements with them tactfully and gracefully. This will prevent conflict and controversy and keep everyone on the same page.  2. Choose your wedding party carefully. Number 1 brings us to Number 2. Be selective in who you choose to surround yourself with while planning and carrying out your wedding. Your bridal party should be comprised of family and friends who know you well, have seen you at your best and worst, and can handle all those ups and downs right along with you. Having people whose opinions you value and you know you can lean on can help you manage tough decisions and the emotional roller-coaster that can accompany planning a wedding 3. Plan ahead. Most wedding planners will recommend starting the planning process 12-16 months ahead of time and to create an all-encompassing checklist. This allows you plenty of time to secure your venue, book your service vendors (think florist, caterer, DJ or band, photographer, etc., etc.), find the perfect dress for you and your bridesmaids and have them altered, order your invitations, and still allow time to make changes or rectify any mistakes that pop up along the way. Waiting until the last minute to plan can lead to difficulty finding availability for everything from a pastor to flights for the honeymoon. You want your big day to go off without a hitch and be magical, not a chaotic hodgepodge, so plan far in advance. 4. Use referrals. Piggybacking off of number 3, use referrals when booking your vendors and service providers. Ask your friends who they used, research local resource guides, and ask for references. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure you know exactly what you are paying for, and they have no question as to what your expectations are. Done in conjunction with plenty of time and planning, this will allow time for any wrinkles to be ironed out.  5. Sweat it out. Be sure to exercise regularly during your wedding planning. Not only will this keep you in shape and prevent stress eating from packing on pounds, exercising will help you work out the stress, clear your mind, and keep you focused. Whether you prefer yoga, hitting the trails, or cross training, maintaining a regular exercise routine is key in counterbalancing stress. Not only will you look fabulous in your dress, you will be relaxed and on top of your game for your big day. 6. Eat healthy. As mentioned above, this can be a very stressful time. Eating a healthy diet packed with all your essential vitamins and minerals will help your body combat stress and stay healthy. You don’t want to be run down or have a weakened immune system and end up sick. Balance this with plenty of water and enough sleep so you will be looking and feeling your best on the big day. 7. Remember to have fun. So often brides get so caught up in the planning that they forget to actually enjoy the experience of planning their wedding and walking down the aisle. This is likely the biggest decision you have ever made and the beginning of a new life together. Embrace all that comes with it and know that even if things don’t go exactly perfect, the most important aspect of it all is enjoying this time with your partner. Take it all in and make the day yours to remember together for a lifetime. Planning a wedding is a huge task, but with planning and care, it can be an exciting, enjoyable journey. Using the tips above can help you manage the stress and keep your focus on sharing this experience and starting your life together on a happy note. ***And don't forget -- Hiring a Wedding Planner will give you peace of mind and can even help SAVE you money!
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My Big Day Company LLC 2006-2022 www.MyBigDayCompany.com
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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