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 With 15 years in the business, the My Big Day team has seen a lot of wedding venues. Over the years, we’ve developed rewarding working relationships with some of our favorite venues that brides and grooms rave about year after year. Don’t plan your Colorado wedding without checking out these venues: YMCA of Estes Park The YMCA of Estes Park in the picturesque Rocky Mountains is inclusive and affordable. Lodging and catering are available on-site, along with outdoor activities so you can choose to make a whole weekend out of your visit. Various locations on the property accommodate anywhere from 15-450 guests. Get married indoors or in the mountain air. The YMCA schedules weddings throughout the week. More information, including the wedding pricing guide, is available here. Contact the Special Events Coordinator at 970-586-3341 ext.1024 or weddingsepc@ymcarockies.org. Silverthorne Pavilion Weddings at the Silverthorne Pavilion include an outdoor ceremony space and industrial indoor reception space. This venue offers alcohol services, use of the grounds, setup of tables and chairs, access to a centerpiece materials closet, use of sound systems, bride and groom suites, and an on-site attendant. Kitchen use, A/V equipment and tech support, and fireplace use are available for a fee. Silverthorne is located near several Rocky Mountain attractions, making it ideal for destination weddings. For more details, email alydon@Silverthorne.org or call 970-262-7391. 2021 rates, fees, and floor plans are available online. Lone Tree Creek Event Center The Lone Tree Creek Event Center is a DIY venue with a beautiful, rustic backdrop. Get married in the grassy fields surrounding the venue and follow up with a reception inside the modern barn. To get a quote, reserve a date, or for any other questions, call 970-405-7057. Della Terra Mountain Chateau Della Terra is Mountain Luxury at its finest. Located in Estes Park, nestled up alongside Rocky Mountain National Park, guests can enjoy a true chateau, fresh mountain air, and the occaisional woodland guest during a ceremony. You can reach one of their planning experts at 970-586-2501 or weddings@dellaterramountainchateau.com To get started planning your wedding with My Big Day at one of these venues, contact us here or call 970-613-1455. Follow us on Facebook for wedding planning tips and to see our most recent work.
MBD was proud to plan this stunning summer wedding at the lovely Bonnie Blues Event Venue in Elizabeth, Colorado. Congratulations to Tony & Nicole! A gorgeous ranch style wedding East of Denver at Bonnie Blues Event Venue. Perfect weather for romance and a summer celebration! Event Planners: My Big Day Ceremony: Bonnie Blues Event Venue Reception: Bonnie Blues Event Venue Music: DJ Connection Event Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals Bar: Peak Beverage Photographer: Ashley Tiedgen Photography Catering: Buffalo Gals 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 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, 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:
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 allison@coloradocandlelight.com 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 The Loveland Drive-In only lasts two more weekends, but don’t fret, NoCo! There are plenty of other safe, outdoor events happening in July – for families, friends, and couples. Here are some of the events we at My Big Day are most excited about! Every Wednesday and Thursday – CopperMuse Happy Hour @ The Exchange Fort Collins: Enjoy happy hour at CopperMuse Distillery every Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The Exchange is an open air plaza surrounded by food, cocktails, and beer served out of shipping container cars and is open every day from 7:30 a.m.-12 a.m. July 3 – Glacier Ice Cream Fort Collins Grand Opening: Glacier Ice Cream, a beloved brand with roots in Boulder, CO, is opening a new franchise location on North College Avenue in Fort Collins. Since Glacier’s inception in 2001, over 1,000 fun and unique flavors of handmade ice cream and gelato have been enjoyed by Colorado friends and families. Outdoor seating available, or grab your ice cream to-go. More information HERE. July 4 – Larimer County Drive-In Fireworks Show @ The Ranch: In light of state and county public health orders, the City of Loveland is moving its Fourth of July fireworks display, a time-honored North Lake Park tradition, to The Ranch Events Complex for 2020. The fireworks show is the result of a partnership between the City of Loveland, City of Fort Collins, Larimer County Government, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, and The Ranch Events Complex. Click HERE for more info. July 11 – 7 O’clock Howl with Waido Experience @ The Lyric Fort Collins: Come see the live music you have been craving before an outdoor movie. Music starts at 7 p.m., movie at 8 p.m. Please wear a mask! If you don’t have one, The Lyric will unfortunately not be able to serve you – they must be kept on at all times unless consuming food or drinks. The Lyric will be showcasing multiple bands and showing outdoor movies all summer. Click HERE for more info. July 13 – City of Loveland Outdoor Yoga @ Marianna Butte Golf Course: Mondays 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. July 13 – August 3. Yoga is a great way to build strength, balance, focus, and flexibility - as well as improve your golf game. While this class is geared toward golfers, anyone who signs up will benefit. Spots are limited. Click HERE to register. July 24 – 2020 Food & Flick Fridays: Drive-In Edition: Shazam! @ Firestone Regional Sports Complex: Not quite NoCo, but there is great family fun to be had at Firestone’s annual Food & Flick Fridays. Food trucks will be onsite, offering dinner and dessert options, with a movie on the big screen. All you’ll need to do is tune-in on your radio! The parking lot will open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Parking will be limited; visitors are encouraged to come early! Click HERE for details. July 25 – My Big Day’s annual Easter Keg Hunt (it’s Easter in July!): Newly modified to strictly follow government regulations around COVID-19, the Easter Keg Hunt is an annual event that keeps adults young! A wild and crazy scavenger hunt takes place in Old Town, Fort Collins Colorado. It is the perfect marriage between a road rally and a bar crawl! Per county regulations, event will take place outdoors with small teams. For more info, click HERE. 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 Our blog has been neglected for a little while as we are still in the thick of wedding season (along with some corporate events and regular party planning)! We have been blessed with amazing couples with such loving families -and couples from all over the country this year! Below are a few weddings we took some photos of. Thank you to all the wonderful families who invited us to be part of their Big Day! Ethan & Callie
Joel & SallyWedding Professionals: Event Planners: My Big Day Ceremony/Reception: Private Residence DJ: DJ Connection Photographer: Manzanita Caterer: CDXX Event Rentals: RC Events Bartenders: Cocktail Caravan Shuttles: NoCo Party Bus Flowers: Wild Posies Tyler & LindsayWedding Professionals:
Event Planners: My Big Day Ceremony/Reception: YMCA of the Rockies Photographer: Ashley Tiedgen Caterer: Baldoriabaldoriaevents.com/ Linen Rentals: Colorado Tablecloth Shuttles: Denver Limo It’s no secret that planning a wedding can be stressful and trying at times. However, it can be even more complicated for the eco-conscious couple who want to host an earth friendly wedding. Suddenly, the happy bride and groom are faced with a variety of choices and, more often than not, will discover it isn’t alway easy being green. Suddenly, we are forced with the dilemma of choosing convenience over more sustainable items due to cost or time. Thankfully, all is not lost. Couples can still enjoy the wedding of their dreams with a little creative thinking. Yes, it’s possible to organize an eco-friendly wedding that gives you all the “feels” without breaking the bank or your principles. Afterall, we want our relationship to be the item that lasts for years down the road, not the trash leftover from the wedding. 12 tips on how to organize an eco-friendly wedding: Start planning early. Depending on where you live, it isn’t always possible to walk into a store and purchase green products. Don’t wait to the last minute if you want to organize an eco-friendly wedding and buy items in bulk to cut down on costs and unneeded packaging. You need to start now and allow plenty of time to locate or order items you want. Locate the perfect venue. Not all venues are created equal and this is especially true when it comes to being eco-friendly. Before booking or putting down deposits, look for a location that can host the ceremony and reception in one place to reduce driving. Also, consider the natural lighting and how much input you will be able to have over the food and products used. Purchase recycled paper invitations. When choosing invites, look for eco-friendly versions made from recycled materials. You can buy a variety of high-quality products that feature handmade paper, paper with seeds inside that can be planted, and so much more! Go digital. Ditch paper invites altogether and use digital options for inviting people to the wedding, reception, and even for RSVP’s. Buy local. Reduce your carbon footprint by hiring local vendors to buy local products and services. Also, purchase in-season produce and foods to add regional flare. For flowers, pick organic or upcycle your own. There are a variety of eco-friendly options available. If you can’t find organically grown or sustainable flowers that are in-season, make your own from vintage fabrics or old books. You can also throw the bouquet and choose potted plants! Embrace reusable table coverings. While it’s tempting to get plastic tablecloths that can be rolled up and thrown into the trash, keep things classy and eco-friendly with cloth or reusable table coverings. Many venues may already provide this option, but you can always buy your own or borrow from friends and family. Find something borrowed. Rent or borrow reusable centerpieces, decorations, and other big ticket items. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for each wedding and it makes financial sense while being better for the environment. Go vintage and buy used. Instead of buying all new items that come with packaging, hit garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and online resellers first. You can also repurpose items your family already owns for the wedding for one-of-a-kind items. Look for ways incorporate old doors, Mason jars, containers, bicycles, feeders, wedding dresses, lace, fabrics, and more on your big day! This will keep items out of the landfill and give your wedding personality for pennies on the dollar. Ditch the disposable silverware and table settings. Go old school and pump up the glam by using real plates, glasses, and silverware complete with cloth napkins. By saying no to the plastics, styrofoam, or paper products you will be eliminating these one time use items from heading to the landfill. If you don’t want to hassle with dishes, but want the convenience of disposable items, you can find disposables made from rice, wood, and potato products. These, unlike plastic, can be composted or dissolve naturally over a short period of time. Get lit. Many couples love the ambience white light provides at their reception, but this trend often involves a multitude of string lights and numerous outlets which require a lot of energy. Instead of buying any old strings of lights, look for LED options featuring Energy Star ratings to save power and prevent unneeded energy use. Donate leftover items. Many of us overplan and find ourselves with extra decorations, flowers, food, and more. Others would love to enjoy or use this surplus! Instead of trashing extras, consider donating your extra resellable items to a charity thrift store, giving flowers to a hospital or church, or ask about donating leftover nibbles to a mission or food kitchen. What tips can you share for organizing an eco-friendly wedding? Authored by contributing writer, Shannon Lochwood.
Shannon Lochwood currently lives in Southern California. She has a passion for weddings and loves to write about anything related to special "I do" moments. In her free time she loves to hike and spend time with her family and her two lovely dogs @shannonlochwood http://shannonlochwood.weebly.com/ If you are not familiar with the expansive complex that is The Ranch at the Larimer County Fairgrounds, you’ll want to make sure to read this blog from start to finish! My Big Day Events is proud to have this premier Northern Colorado event venue as one of its 2018 Supporting Sponsors! The Ranch at the Larimer County Fairgrounds has a space for every kind of event imaginable – from the obvious county fair, to Trade Shows, conferences, business meetings, concerts, corporate parties, and weddings! We love the fact that we can recommend this spot to a variety of our clients! Located in the heart of Northern Colorado’s Tri-City area (Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley), this 244 acre complex boasts expansive grounds, state of the art facilities – 5 separate dedicated building event spaces and arenas, plenty of parking and high end amenities, and of course, plenty of outdoor event space with coveted mountain views! With 5 specific venue spaces to choose from, The Ranch pretty much has every event option covered! My Big Day Events has been lucky to work with the friendly staff and event sales team of multiple occasions. We’ve hosted and executed large scale corporate parties in the First National Bank Building, and The Ranch, in turn, has sponsored some of our signature events that we offer throughout the year. We love this partnership and look forward to future events with this Northern Colorado gem!
Choosing the right wedding venue is all about finding the destination that strikes the right note. Your ceremony location should speak to your story, personality and even your passions. If the two of you love the outdoors, consider hosting your nuptials at a park or on the beach. Some museums and historic sites also may be open for wedding events. Know your budget before exploring sites, and always read reviews of venues before committing. No matter where you plan your big day, just remember that the vows matter most…not the location.
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May 2022
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