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.
Recently the My Big Day team went on an all day site visit with our friends at the Boulder CVB to get caught up on all the new, exciting venues in Boulder, Colorado. We traveled around town in style in their Volkswagon bus! While the day offered some weather surprises, our hosts, Angela and Fig made for great company!!!! We started our day with a visit at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder & Hilton Garden Inn Boulder. We loved both of these spaces - very fresh, clean and contemporary. Our team noticed all the natural light they offered, and amazing art! Groups large and small will love the variety of meeting and conference space now available - and at multiple properties so close to each other! Our favorite features:
![]() After our tour of the Hilton properties, we headed over to the Boulder JCC. What an outstanding building! There were so many thoughtful touches and state of the art features. Our entire team was really impressed! Our favorite features:
![]() Our next stop was in Downtown Boulder, the amazing Rembrandt Yard. Not only is the Rembrandt Yard an art gallery, but it is an event space that offers so many unique features. With 2 levels, wood floors and windows that look out on downtown Boulder, this space can be anything you dream it to be. Our favorite features:
We cannot thank our Boulder CVB hosts enough for spending an entire day with the My Big Day team, arranging so many tours, and for driving us around in their bus! Should your event lead you to Boulder, Colorado, we encourage you to reach out to us and the Boulder CVB for event help and resources! 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 At My Big Day we are known for our Signature Events, celebrating holidays, scavenger hunts, goofy sports, galas and balls - and now, celebrating MOM. We have partnered with our friends at DIY Creations to host a creative way to spend time with your mom, other mom friends, or even spouse this Mother's Day weekend. Concept: We've packaged together everything you enjoy when celebrating the mom in your life: Arts & Crafts project + Mimosas + Yummy food + Time together! Date: Saturday, May 12th, 2018 Times: 2 options available - 10am-12:30pm and 1pm-3:30pm Ages: The projects available are recommended for ages 10+ Location: DIY Creations, Loveland Outlets, 5625 McWhinney Blvd Loveland, CO 80538 Package: 1 craft (normally $45+), 1 mimosa, delightful finger foods, cash bar, time with Mom - Just $45 per person Q&A Q: Can only 2 people register, or can a group of us go? A: You can register as many people as you'd like! Q: Can I do this with my other mom friends, rather than little kids? A: Of course! However you want to celebrate Mother's Day is up to you! Q: Would my husband enjoy this? A: Sure! We have tons of couples craft together at DIY Creations. Bonus: They have a full bar! Q: Is the menu a full sit-down meal? A: No, we designed the food to be easy to eat while you craft and visit. It is not a full lunch, but there is plenty of variety! Menu listed below. Q: Can I purchase tickets through DIY Creations? A: No, tickets are only available here, on the My Big Day website Menu provided by Fresh Plate Catering:
Cash bar and free mimosa (alcohol for adults only) provided by DIY Creations! 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 As Event Planners, we look forward to exploring new venues, envisioning what event we could plan there and sharing photos with YOU of our visit! We have been anticipating the opening of the new Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins for quite some time. We were delighted to be granted an early peek and tour for our entire team of this new gem in Northern Colorado!
Enjoy a slideshow from our tour The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection 111 Chestnut Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Phone: 1-970-490-2600 website: https://www.theelizabethcolorado.com/ 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 |
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March 2021
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