Friday, December 15, 2017

New Name for the New Year?

If you're getting married in 2018, let us be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS! We are so excited for you as you embark on this new journey, and we hope that it's filled with fun, growth, and family. Of course, it's also going to be filled with decisions, budgets, and probably a lot of glitter as you start planning the big day and making preparations to celebrate. One thing you ought to start thinking about, though, is also changing your name. While this custom is not required in this modern marriage age, it's still something that many brides choose to do. If you will be changing your name after your big day, here is a quick checklist to keep in mind so that you don't forget anything!


First

The very first thing you'll want to do is to get certified copies of your marriage certificate. This will come from your local clerk or county office that your marriage license was filed in. Keep in mind, that certified means it will have the official embossed stamp. Once you've sent your original license off to be filed, they will give you the option to purchase a temp with the raised embossment. If you are okay with waiting for a long while to get your name changed, you can wait for it to be mailed to you, otherwise, if you want to get everything signed, sealed, and delivered, buy the temp copy.

Second

Stop by your local Social Security Administration office to change your name. Be aware that a trip to the Social Security office can take a significant amount of time, and could be worse at certain times of the day. Don't plan to make this stop when you are short on time with many deadlines. You'll probably want to plan a whole afternoon around this task. The goal is to geta new Social Security card that reflects your new name.

Third

Now it's time to change your name at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But you can't do this until you receive a new social security card. You'll want your new Drivers License to reflect your new name, but while you're here, you should also remember to change the name on your voter card, as well as your vehicle title if it's already paid off, or if you won't be paying your vehicle off in a while. If you are close to paying off your car, you can wait to change the name on your title so you can update the lien and the name at the same time.

Fourth

Pay a visit to your bank to get your name changed. If you have multiple accounts you'll need to change with them all. This helps keep your identity intact, and the bank will want to see a copy of your marriage license to get the name change complete. Don't forget to also request new checkbooks, debit and credit cards as well.


Fifth

Change your name on your passport. Keep in mind, this step can take a while, and it can also affect your honeymoon. In fact, if you take your honeymoon immediately following your marriage, you'll actually want to book your plane tickets in your original maiden name, or the name that matches your driver's license and passport (should it be required). Pro tip: If you don't have a passport yet, but you're getting one for your honeymoon, you will have to get it with your maiden name, BUT, you can send it back to be edited with your NEW name within one year of getting your passport. Check the directions on the government website for submitting your passport and paying and necessary fees for the full details. You will most likely need your social security card, marriage license, and birth certificate to accomplish this.

Sixth

Change your name with your place of employment. They will need to adjust your W-2, W-4, and deductions in order to get your name updated. This allows you to get paid, so it's an important step.

Seventh

Finally, you'll want to change your name and address (if applicable) with the United States Postal Service. Then take a look at any other places that it would be necessary, such as online shopping sites, magazine subscriptions, etc. Keep in mind that PayPal does require a copy of your marriage license in order to update your name.


Congratulations, Mrs ...

 We can't wait to call you by your new name! It won't be long until your wedding date arrives and you get to update your last name. Until then, it's time to keep planning, booking your vendors, and making your day amazing. If you haven't selected a wedding venue in Colorado Springs yet, we would be honored if you would come tour the Historic Pinecrest. Our mountain chapel in Colorado Springs is breathtaking, and our Colorado Springs event center is spacious and perfect for your event. We look forward to working with you, and Happy New Year!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Questions to Ask When Looking for a Wedding Venue

You just got engaged and now it’s time to start looking for a wedding venue. For some, this can be an extremely daunting task. There are so many elements that go into choosing a venue and you want to make sure you cover them all. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we want to make sure you know what questions to ask when searching for the perfect wedding venue in Colorado. Before you make any final decisions, make sure you know the answers to the following questions. This list will hopefully save you a lot of stress and potential surprise charges when it’s all said and done.


The Date

  • Is the venue available around the time you want to have your wedding? Some wedding venues may be seasonal or closed on certain holidays.
  • Does the vendor do more than one event on the same day? If so, is it possible to rent the venue exclusively? It’s important to know if there are other events going on the same day and/or time as your wedding. If there are other events occurring, you need to guarantee yours will be private and you and your guests are receiving the service you paid for.
  • Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or Sunday-Friday?
  • Can the venue hold both your ceremony and the reception here? If so, how does the venue do the transition for guests? Are there separate areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception? 
  • How many hours are included in the rental? You need to make sure you have enough time for the setup and takedown of your wedding. 
Helpful Hint: The rental time is not just for the ceremony and reception. It includes the set up as well as the cleanup. You should budget about 2 hours for set up and 1 hour for the takedown. 


Fees and Payment

  • What is the rental fee and what is included? You’re entitled to know the full cost of renting a venue before signing a contract. 
  • Are there any hidden costs? Some venues tack on hidden costs after you’ve signed the contract. These could include gratuity, cleaning fees, overtime fees, service charges, etc.
  • Do they have a payment schedule or payment plan? What deposits are required?
  • What is the cancellation/postponement policy? Some venues give you up until a certain date to make any changes without completely losing your deposit. 

Logistics

  • Is the venue large enough to accommodate your entire guest list along with all the activities you are planning? 
  • Does the venue work with specific vendors, do they provide catering, or does the wedding party need to provide their own vendors? Some venues don’t allow you to bring outside vendors in. You should always double check with the venue before securing your own vendors.
  • Is there a weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces? Knowing that there is a backup plan incase the weather does not permit an outside ceremony, will help give you peace of mind when it comes to your big day. 
  • How are people getting to your wedding? Is the venue accessible by public transportation and what are the parking options? Is there overflow parking or large areas for a bus/limo drop off? 
  • What will the venue look like around the time of your wedding? Are you allowed to use your own decorations? If your wedding is near a holiday, there might be seasonal décor up and there could be restrictions as to decorations that you can and can’t use. 


If you know the right questions to ask, finding the right wedding venue doesn’t have to be a daunting task. After reading this list, hopefully you are prepared to ask the right questions. If you haven't found the perfect wedding venue for your big day, The Historic Pinecrest can help! Our beautiful wedding venue in Colorado offers an indoor and outdoor space to cater to your specific wedding needs. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Choosing Perfect Wedding Favors

Wedding favors, while maybe cliche, are a great way to thank your guests for joining in your celebrations. Of course, whatever you choose to give your guests, you want to select something that is both meaningful and still useful. If you're are on the quest for the PERFECT wedding favor, your Colorado Springs wedding venue has a few ideas to give you a headstart.


Find Things They'll Keep

Food is always a great option! Whether it's something they can munch on while they are waiting for the wedding to start, chocolate covered spoons to stir their coffee, or trail mix to represent your trail of love - you can't go wrong with edible items! If you don't want to do something edible, there are still plenty of options! Think of items that they'll either want to take with them everywhere because it's useful (chapstick, pens to "write a love story" or "mint to be" mints). Or you can choose something that can be displayed in their home like custom magnets. 

Consider Your Venue

If you aren't sure what item would be best to give to your guests, using an item that reflects your venue is always an easy choice. The Historic Pinecrest is nestled in the beautiful Colorado mountains, surrounded by wildlife, beautiful sunsets, snowy afternoons, and anything you can dream of for a mountain wedding in Colorado Springs. Cozy packets of hot chocolate, pinecone bonfire starters, rice packets to keep pockets warm, and more. If it's warm, cozy, and rustic, you are on the right path!

Use Your Wedding Theme For Inspiration

Whether your theme is afternoon tea or a day on the slopes, you can use that as inspiration for your wedding favors! Cute teacup candles or bags of your favorite tea signifying that you and your spouse are "steeped in love" or stocking caps to keep your guests toasty warm, the ideas are endless.

Go DIY

If you have the time and energy, DIY your wedding favors! This can be a sweet and special way to show your guests some love. From custom-made coasters to hand quilted soup bowl holders, and even mini jars of jelly, DIY can be incredibly sentimental. Of course, if you don't have time, you can recruit your bridal party to help crank them out, or maybe even look on Etsy.com for some attractive options!


Favor Your Guests

No matter what you choose, your guests are going to love the thought and the sentiment behind your wedding favors. Your big day will be here before you know it, and we cannot WAIT to celebrate with you! If you're still at the beginning of your wedding planning stages, don't forget that sealing down your Colorado Springs venue is extremely important. Visit our website to learn more about our venue, and even schedule a free tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Friday, December 8, 2017

Tips for Planning Your Winter Wedding

There is something magical and romantic about a winter wedding. A winter wonderland, romantic fireplaces and candlelight, and holiday décor are a few reasons why winter weddings are popular. While there may be some obstacles to overcome, the end result is worth it for most brides. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we wanted to provide you with some tips to keep in mind if you’re planning a winter wedding.


You can save money

Winter months can mean it’s off season for most vendors. Some venues offer discounts in the offseason to bring in extra business. Photographers and DJs usually offer discounts during the offseason as well. However, one thing you won’t save money on is flowers.

Helpful hint: Some types of flowers are extremely hard to find in the winter months. Check ahead of time to see what flowers are in season and which ones will work for your wedding. This will help keep your floral budget from skyrocketing.

Prepare for potential weather

Being winter time, you could end up with some treacherous winter weather or hazardous conditions. While nothing is guaranteed, it’s best to be prepared for all types of weather. Check with the venue and see if they offer free rescheduling due to unforeseen weather conditions.


People may say no

While no one likes the hear the word, no, especially when it comes to your wedding, you may receive a few no’s from guests you have invited. It’s nothing personal, some people just don’t like to travel during winter months. This is something you should be aware of when planning a winter wedding.

Invest in winter accessories

Having winter accessories will make all the difference in keeping you warm on your special day. You don’t have to wear a scarf and gloves. A long sleeve wedding dress, a cape or veil, or a matching cardigan are all great options.


Stay on top of your beauty prep

Dry skin and chapped lips are very common in the colder winter months. As a bride, this is something you should prepare for ahead of time. Chapped lips and dry skin do not look great in wedding photos.

Extra travel time

Bad weather can cause a lot of traffic and it doesn’t matter how close or far you are from the venue. Traffic is still traffic and it can cause you unnecessary stress. Plan accordingly and make sure you give yourself and your guests plenty of extra travel time.


Have your ceremony and reception at the same venue

Keeping both the ceremony and reception at the same venue reduces the amount of travel that will take place. This will reduce the chance of people getting stuck in traffic or not be able to travel due to a change in weather.

Winter décor

Using candles can create a very romantic atmosphere. Just make sure that your venue allows you to use real candles. Glitter is also a very festive option. You don’t have to overload your wedding with glitter, but it does make a great accent. It’s also a great idea to check the décor of your venue. They might have holiday décor that does not match your wedding decorations.


Coat Check

This is a great option to have. Have a coat check set up and make sure the coats will be stored in a safe place. The last thing a guest wants to worry about is having to hold onto or watch their coat during the ceremony and reception.

If you have your heart set on a winter wonderland wedding, keep these tips in mind during the planning process to help ease the stress and avoid any disasters. The Historic Pinecrest would be a wonderful place to host a winter wedding in Colorado Springs. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Friday, December 1, 2017

Our Wedding Package Options

When you think about all of the little details that go into planning a wedding, it can start to become overwhelming. Making sure you have everything for the wedding, from the wedding venue to the table linens, can cause a lot of stress. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we wanted to help alleviate some of that stress. We offer different types of packages to accommodate a variety of weddings.

We can accommodate groups of 50 to a maximum of 225 guests with our diverse selection of packages. Whether you’re looking to have a smaller more intimate wedding or a large wedding, we have packages to accommodate your individual needs.



Here’s a look at the packages we offer:

The Starlight Package: this package is for an afternoon or evening wedding and reception for 100 guests.

Available Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Times: Tues/Thurs: 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm (4:00 pm or 5:00 pm ceremony)
Fri - Sun: 2:30 pm - 10:00 pm (4:00 pm or 5:00 pm ceremony)
Winter hours (Nov. 1st - March 31st) 1:30 pm - 9 pm for all days of the week

Helpful Hint: Recommended for 50 - 225 guests

The Ponderosa Package: the package is for the reception only.

Dates available: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Winter hours (Nov. 1st - March 31st) 1:30 pm - 9 pm for all days of the week

Helpful Hint: Recommended for 50 - 225 guests

Chapel Inclusions:
  • One-hour rehearsal (usually scheduled from 12:30-1:30pm, the day prior to your wedding) 
  • All standing décor, floral arrangements, and candelabras 
  • Bridal dressing room at Chapel with mirror, table, chairs, and couches 
  • Groomsmen dressing room at Chapel with mirror, table, chairs, and couches 
  • Elegant entrance table for guest sign-in book or picture matting 
  • Digital sound system with mixing board – along with wireless microphones and instrumental inputs 



Reception Inclusions: 
  • All dining, head table and gift table setup 
  • Tables (seats 6-7 guests) and cushioned chairs 
  • Wide variety of colored table linens and napkins to select from 
  • Use of outdoor decks and porches with views of surrounding mountains, creek, and occasional wildlife: deer, bear, coyote and fox 
  • Cake table with lit décor 
  • Event manager to assist your caterer to cut wedding cake 
  • Beautiful large stone fireplace 
  • Hardwood dance floor 
  • Digital sound system with mixing board to provide the entertainment to MC your reception 
  • Pinecrest staff will perform all clean-up and tear-down at the end of the event time 
All of our packages include unlimited phone, email, and texting support, access to communicating directly with the owners, and private tours of our facilities that can be scheduled throughout the week.

When planning your wedding, it’s always a great idea to see if your potential wedding venue offers any type of packages. At our wedding venue near Colorado Springs, we proudly offer a variety of packages to fit almost everyone’s wedding needs. If you haven’t found your ideal wedding venue yet, The Historic Pinecrest would love to host your wedding. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue or get more information about the packages we offer, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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