7 Tips to Host an Amazing Quinceanera

Quinceanera celebrations mark the time that a Hispanic girl becomes a woman. This important event has many cultural and religious symbolisms included throughout the ceremony and reception. In recent years, it has been merged with American culture for some families, and instead of celebrating it on the fifteenth (quince) birthday, some combine it with a sweet sixteen party. There are a lot of details to be planned out for this large celebration, and we have a few tips to help make it easier.

Set the Date

If you're following tradition, the event will be held on the girl's 15th birthday, or the Saturday closest to it. One custom is to have a mariachi band serenade the birthday girl outside of her house the night before her 15th birthday. In many cases, this event is planned one year in advance to make sure you can secure all of the vendors for the big day.

Plan the Budget

Like any event, it's important to know how much you want to spend before you start looking for vendors and planning the details. Sometimes, family members will sponsor specific details of the event, like the quinceanera dress, flowers, food, etc. Here is a quick formula to give you an idea of how much to budget for each aspect of the event:

Reception/Catering - 52%
Invitations - 3%
Dress & Accessories - 5%
Flowers - 5%
Music, live band, DJ -5-18%
Miscellaneous 5-10%

Select Your Court of Honor

The court of honor are the people who the Quinceanera chooses to be by her side through the celebration. This can be made up of  cousins and other family members, or very close friends. The court is composed of men and women, and they will generally wear fancy dresses and tuxedos.

Reserve the Perfect Colorado Springs Venue

As you go through the planning process, one of the most important details is to secure a venue. At the Historic Pinecrest, we have a beautiful Colorado mountain chapel that would be the perfect location for your quinceanera ceremony. We also have an event center that would be ideal for the reception or a ceremony/reception combo. There is a stage at the front of the event center where the ceremony can be performed, and a large dance floor where you can arrange tables and chairs for dining. The floors are hardwood, and will be ideal for the special dance program that you'll find is common in many quinceanera celebrations.

Create a Guest List

Your guest list should be composed of people who have been by your side through your formative growing up years. It can include immediate and distant relatives, friends, neighbors, church family, teachers, etc. Be sure to get the invitations sent out a few weeks in advance to help ensure that they can keep the date open for your celebration.

Work Out the Details

There are many details to be arranged when planning your quinceanera. You'll need to talk with a priest and make sure that he has that date available. You'll also need to choose your dress and accessories. For the ceremony, many families choose to have the priest bless special gifts (generally a tiara, cross, bible, and scepter), and the mother places the tiara on her daughter's head. There can also be a shoe change ceremony, where the father will change the Quinceanera's flat shoes for high heels. These are all details that you'll want to plan in advance.

Plan the Reception

This is the fun part of the evening where everyone gets to celebrate this coming of age. Generally, the court will be presented, and then the Quinceanera. There are special dances that can be reserved as well. Many times a waltz is danced with the Quinceanera and her father, then the court of honor joins them on the dance floor, followed by the Godparents. Then the rest of the guests are welcome to dance as well, and many people may take turns dancing with the Quinceanera. Finally, the toast is given and the cake is served.

Events at the Historic Pinecrest

From quinceaneras to weddings, and family reunions to company meetings, there are many wonderful events held at Historic Pinecrest, and we're excited to see what 2016 will hold. From small gatherings of 50 people to large events with 225 guests, we have the facility and accommodations to provide a good time for all. Give us a call today at 719-357-8613 to book your Colorado Springs event!

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Tips on How to Approach Your Wedding Guest List

As a newly engaged couple, one of the first planning details you may tackle together will be the guest list. You both sit down and make your plans for a small, intimate wedding, with no children and only plus one's if they've been together over a year. Next thing you know, your mother says that it's absolutely crucial to invite your third cousin twice removed and her three kids under ten. How are you supposed to handle these situations, and what is appropriate? Here are a few ways you can consider approaching those taboo questions when you are planning your beautiful Colorado wedding.

Start at the Beginning

Look at your budget, and realistically plan for the number of people that you can invite. There can be many factors in the number you choose for your wedding, from the size of the venue to the cost of the reception. Either way, it's important to set the number in advance, otherwise, it will be easier to make exceptions later on.

The Guest List

An easy way to create the guest list is by creating four lists: A, B, C, D. The A list will be the people you can't imagine getting married without - immediate family and your closest friends. The B list will be your aunts, uncles, cousins, high school friends you still stay in touch with, etc. Your "C" list is reserved for co-workers, your parents friends, and neighbors that you've known forever. Finally, the "D" list will be distant cousins, old friends you may have lost contact with, and your parents friends from church. As you start to hit the total number of guests, start removing the names from the "D" list.

Parental Requests

Many a bride has had her parents or future in-laws come to her asking if they could invite old friends or distant family. While it's always best to go with your gut, if you don't feel that they should be at the wedding there are several ways you can carefully say so. You can make it clear early on that you are going to be select about the people being invited to the wedding. Depending on who is funding the wedding, you may want to split the list in half or thirds - this can help your family see the total number they can invite for their side of the family. You can also reassure your mom that you'll invite her special bridge club friend after you've had a specific number of people RSVP that they can't attend.

"And Guest"

You are not required to put "and guest" on anyone's invitation, but in some cases, it's better to do so than not. If you know the couple has been together for a significant amount of time, it's appropriate to invite them both. If someone RSVP's to your wedding with a name that was not on your guest list, don't be afraid to let them know that you are trying to keep it small and cannot extend an invitation to their guest. In many cases, your guests may be relieved that they don't have to go find a "guest" to bring with them. If you have many single friends, it may be a good chance to seat them next to each other and see if one wedding really does bring on another!

Kid Friendly...or Not

While our Colorado wedding venue is great for weddings with or without kids, the decision is up to you. Whether you want absolutely no children, limited, or the whole family, be specific about your requests. If you do not want children at your wedding, don't list them on the invite. This should convey easily that it's kid free event. If you're okay with them coming you can either list their names or put "and family" on the invite so there will be no doubt that you're okay with it. Also, remember that adult children get their own invite, especially if they live on their own.

Friends from the Office

If you have a small office with only a few co-workers, it's best to invite them all and not choose 1 out of 5 to invite. If you work in a large corporation, you can probably get by with not inviting anyone or only the close co-workers that you work with on a daily basis. Use your best judgment and don't stress over it too much.

Best Wedding Venue in Colorado Springs

When in doubt about your guest list, err on the side of inclusion. Like they say - the more the merrier! Weddings at Historic Pinecrest are not only breathtaking but incredibly fun. We have three different venues for you to choose from, depending on your event and your needs. Whether you want to have a beautiful wedding in our mountain chapel, or you're planning a small weekend getaway with only your closest family and friends in our lodge - your wedding will be spectacular. Contact us today to see if your wedding date is available and get it on our calendar!

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Plan the PERFECT Wedding Menu

There are many details about your wedding that your guests will remember. From the beautiful colors and dresses to the fun music at the reception. One thing I think we can all agree on, though, is that guests will remember the food you serve. You can splurge and create a 5-course menu with steak and lobster, or you can make it more casual with your favorite finger foods. No matter what your menu preference, here are a few tips that will make your Colorado Springs wedding reception perfect!

Nail Down a Budget

While you may want to get to the exciting part first and start planning the menu, starting with the budget is pretty important. Every decision you make will impact the total cost of your wedding, from the style of serving, to the number of guests, appetizers, cocktail hour, and more. Determine ahead of time what you can afford, and work within the boundaries to create a delicious menu.

Consider Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

As the hostess of your wedding, it's important to consider any dietary needs of your guests. You don't need to plan your entire meal around the few people who may be allergic to shellfish or gluten. Yet you can make alterations to the menu and talk to your caterer about having a few plates that are compliant to their needs. You can ask your guests to RSVP with any dietary needs so that you know ahead of time and aren't surprised the day of.

Select a Style

By selecting a dining style, you can make the event more fun for everyone. If you choose a delicious dinner, and you want it to be the focus of the night, you may want to opt for a sit-down meal. If you know that your friends and family will be itching to hit the dance floor, and the DJ is your main focus at the event, you could choose appetizers and finger foods. By choosing the style of your reception, you can make the menu even easier to nail down.

Add Your Personal Touch

Tell your love story through food! You can make this aspect memorable to everyone when you serve the latte that you ordered on your first date or the scones that he 'tried' to make for your birthday. If you and your fiancé always drink specific soft drinks, you can serve them or toast your marriage with them! Get creative and use the menu to show the unique side of your relationship.

Use Local and Seasonal Items

You can rely on your caterer to help you select items for your menu that are not only easy for to obtain during that time of year, but also the location of your event. While a bright garden salad may be delicious, it could be hard to find the freshest ingredients in the middle of winter. You could go an easier route for the season by choosing a pasta dish, or a savory soup.

Create a Presentation

Choose a caterer who is just as concerned about the taste as the appearance of the meal. If you are getting married in the fall, and will be serving a pumpkin soup, you can make tureens out of hollowed out pumpkins! If you'll be serving coconut shrimp, you can garnish it with a tropical flower. If your Colorado wedding is rustic, you can use small tree stumps to display platters of delicious desserts or appetizers.

Be Generous

If you've worked this hard on planning a delicious menu, don't skimp on the portions. Your guests have been generous in their giving gifts for your marriage, and they may have traveled a long way to share this day with you. Thank them by providing plenty of delicious food to enjoy.

Colorado Springs Reception Venue

While you are busy planning every detail of your reception, don't forget to book the best event venue in Colorado Springs! Our team is available to you throughout the entire planning process to answer your questions and help make your day amazing. Call or text 719-357-8613 today to get more information and find out if your wedding date is available!

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Wedding Colors for Spring 2016

Your wedding palette will be one of the first decisions you make about your big day. The colors you select will also set the stage for the style that you want to achieve at your wedding. Pastel pinks, greens, and yellows, give your wedding a romantic airy feel. Bright jewel tones can are bold and fun. Earthy tones are rustic and warm. While we want you choose the colors you love, sometimes it can be hard to decide what color pairs go well together. Patone® released their projected colors for Spring/Summer weddings, and we think any of them would look beautiful at Historic Pinecrest!

Rose Quartz

This shade is a beautiful combination of a pastel color that still has a bright pop of color. It is a beautiful focal color, but could also make a stunning accent color. Whether your bridesmaids wear it, or your bouquet has pops of Rose Quartz mixed in, it would make a beautiful addition to your wedding.

Peach Echo

Peach Echo is fun and exciting. It pairs beautifully with Limpet Shell if you're creating a rustic country themed wedding that still has a classic romance. This color would be beautiful on your bridesmaids while still looking handsome on the groomsmen.

Serenity

A calm blue/purple color is ideal when you are trying to achieve a romantic feel. There are many flowers you can use to incorporate this color into your wedding, and it pairs nicely with many other colors. Rose Quartz and Serenity are a beautiful combination, and look very similar to a beautiful sunset.

Snorkel Blue

The name may imply that this color is beachy, but it can be used in many different themes. It pairs well with Buttercup for an exciting palette, but would also be perfect for an early July wedding when paired with Fiesta red. It would be a nice base color that can pair many different colors, but also stands beautifully on its own.

Buttercup

This color is striking when alone or paired with other colors. It makes a fun accent to any Spring or Summer wedding with its bright appearance, yet demure shade. You can use this color in many different capacities and pair it with many different colors for an entirely different feel.

Limpet Shell

Limpet Shell is a great choice because it's bright and still calming. This color looks good on many skin tones, so it's a nice option for bridal party dresses. You can also include this color in your centerpieces and bouquets for a nice pop of color.

Lilac Gray

Romantic, mature, and even a bit royal are a few of the words that come to mind when you see this color. It's a beautiful color for Spring, and it is an eye-catching shade of purple. You can pair this color with Peach Echo if you want to add something bold to your color combo, or your can pair with Limpet Shell to still keep the colors low-key.

Fiesta

It's bold, exciting and exuberant, and is a fun touch to add to your color scheme. If you pair this color with a calmer shade like Snorkel Blue, the bridesmaids can wear blue dresses and Fiesta flowers in their hair for a fun accent. This shade may also be fun to combine with Buttercup. While both colors are bold, they complement each other well for an exciting event.

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a neutral shade, and is a perfect base color. It can be combined with many different colors to create unique styles. Pair it with Peach Echo and Limpet Shell to capture a rustic and romantic day, or pair it with Snorkel Blue to create a beachy theme.

Green Flash

Green Flash is very bold and fun, and will pair beautifully with our Colorado scenery. You can let this color stand on its own because it will contrast beautifully with your white dress, or pair it with another color to show it off.

Getting Married in Colorado Springs

No matter what colors you use for your wedding, our chapel and event center will complement them all. Spring and Summer weddings are naturally fresh and romantic, so no matter what colors you choose, you'll find that they blossom at our event center.Regardless of whether you're planning an elopement or an event for 225, Historic Pinecrest is an ideal location for intimate Colorado wedding ceremonies and receptions. There are so many reasons why Pinecrest is the perfect choice for your wedding. Give us a call today and book your Spring wedding in Colorado Springs!

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Event Packages at Historic Pinecrest

Every event should be a celebration of accomplishments, commitments, and people who are most important to you. From family reunions where you enjoy laughing  at jokes and playing games, to sweet sixteen parties where you celebrate a new stage in life - they are all a wonderful chance to get together and have fun. Historic Pinecrest is a great place to host your event, and our many amenities and venues can help create a memorable day.

Historic Pinecrest Packages

We can accommodate groups of 50 to 250, and our diverse packages make it easy for you to perfectly host your event at the best venue in Colorado Springs. All of our packages include unlimited phone, email, and texting support, as well as access to communicating directly with the owners. You can also schedule a private tour of all of our wonderful facilities throughout the week.

Chapel Inclusions

Our beautiful Colorado Chapel will make you want to say "I Do" again and again. It's nestled against the foothills and is a stunning location for a romantic mountain wedding. There is ample seating and a gorgeous aisle for your grand entrance.

It includes:

• One hour rehearsal, usually scheduled from 12:30 - 1:30 pm, the day prior to your wedding
• All standing décor, floral arrangements, and candelabras
• Parking attendant to greet your guests
• Bridal dressing room at Chapel with three (3) makeup stations
• 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 (if using a Pinecrest preferred DJ)

Reception Inclusions

Our breath-taking vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and space for up to 250 guests are just a few details that make our Colorado Event Center ideal. The stage at the front of the room is perfect for a head table, and will keep you the center of attention. The dance floor and reception amenities are a delightful way to keep your guests entertained.

It includes:

• All dining, head table and gift table setup
• Tables (seat 6-7 guests) and cushioned chairs
• Wide variety of colored table linens & napkins to select from
• Bone white china dinner plates and cake plates
• Silverware: knives, forks, and spoons
• Coffee cups and water goblets
• 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
• Use of fireplace, firewood and tending, if desired, in cold weather -fireplace is lit with candles during warm weather
• Hardwood dance floor
• Digital sound system with mixing board to provide the entertainment to MC your reception (if using a Pinecrest preferred DJ)
• Pinecrest staff will perform all clean-up and tear-down at the end of the event time

Pinecrest Chapel & Event Center - Wedding & Reception Package

The Starlight Package
Recommended for 50 - 250 guests

Afternoon/Evening wedding and reception for 100 guests
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)
Reception Only 5pm - 10pm
Available: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Pinecrest Chapel - Wedding Only

The Columbine

100 Guests included

(Based on availability 60 days out only!)
Morning or Evening 3 hrs. time slot depending on availability
Available: Tuesday - Sunday

The Best Event Venue in Colorado Springs

At Historic Pinecrest, it is our pleasure to help you create an event that will live on in the memories of you and your guests for years. From the little details to the large ones, we are here to help you. While we're commonly known for our beautiful wedding venue in Colorado, we are also a great place to host your meetings, parties, gatherings, and clubs. Give us a call today to schedule your event and make memories that can last a lifetime!

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MARRY and Bright - The Benefits of Winter Weddings

Imagine getting married in the majestic mountains of Colorado with soft snow romantically drifting from the sky. Winter weddings are a wonderful way to captivate the beauty, allure, and romance that your wedding day will hold. Here are a few benefits of planning your wedding in the winter.

Less Competition

June, August, and September are the most popular months to get married. By marrying in a less popular month, you are giving yourself a better chance of securing the best Colorado wedding venue, and other vendors you've always dreamt of. In addition, when your vendors aren't stressed because you're their third wedding that day, they can have more time and creativity to dedicate to your special day.

Beautiful Photos

If you've ever looked for winter wedding photos on Pinterest, you'll find magical moments that reflect the beauty of the season. From fun photos of snowball fights to cozy images of you and your sweetheart cuddled into a warm blanket - the ideas are endless! Because winter weddings are unique, your photos will stand out, making them memorable and special to anyone who views them.

Fun Accessories

Winter weddings offer you the chance to be creative and use your imagination with your accessories. You can make your day special by featuring the details that make you and your husband unique. From wearing your grandma's white kid gloves to keep warm, to the groomsmen wearing flannel shirts because that's what your fiancé was wearing when you first met him, incorporate your story to make the accessories special.

Lower Prices

One benefit to planning a winter wedding is that the cost can be more affordable. Many vendors offer better prices through the "off-season" since they aren't as busy. For a budget conscience bride, this is an excellent reason to plan your wedding in the winter months.

Fun Themes and Beautiful Decorations

Having a winter wedding doesn't mean you have to stick with red and green color schemes. You can use bold jewel tones to convey extravagance, or throw in pops of color to brighten a cold winter evening. Whether you decide to decorate traditionally with festive Christmas trees or do something fun and out of the ordinary - we know your day will be special.

Best Winter Wedding Venue in Colorado

The Historic Pinecrest is a wonderful venue in any season, but when you see it in the Winter, we're sure you will fall in love with it. From our rustic Colorado chapel with dressing rooms to our large event center where you can dance the night away. The team at Historic Pinecrest would love to help you make memories that will last a lifetime. Give us a call at (719) 357-8613 today to book your winter wedding!

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Celebrate at the Historic Pinecrest Lodge

When you host your Colorado Event at Historic Pinecrest, you have our whole team to help with the event, but you also have access to The Lodge! This cozy building is great for family reunions, birthday parties, out of town guests, the wedding party and more! Here are a few different events you can celebrate at Historic Pinecrest and why our magnificent Colorado lodge would be ideal!

Family Reunions

With nine bedrooms, the lodge can comfortably sleep 20 people, making our beautiful facility perfect for family reunions. There are two levels to this building, allowing for your family to spread out. A majority of the rooms have their own closet, and there are six bathrooms between both levels. Our venue is located in the breathtaking Colorado mountains, and will be a wonderful spot for your reunion in any season. Contact us today to learn more about hosting your Colorado family reunion with us!

Weddings

The lodge would be a wonderful place for you and your family to stay before the wedding. This venue is perfectly suited for your out of town wedding party, family or guests. The open design allows for plenty of space to prepare for the event and the full-service kitchen and high-speed WIFI access will make the accommodations more comfortable than surrounding hotels. The Lodge is booked separately from the chapel and event center, so if you're interested in adding this to your package, be sure to ask about it when you book your event.

Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations

The Historic Pinecrest Lodge can be a wonderful location for birthdays and anniversaries. You can gather your loved ones together and enjoy our cozy lodge with fireplaces on each floor, or the great outdoors where the Colorado mountains surround us. No matter how you choose to enjoy your event, we know that the Lodge will be a perfect fit for you. The living room/dining room can seat up to fifty people, allowing for plenty of space for people to celebrate with dining and dancing. This is a great option for smaller gatherings and events.

A Beautiful Colorado Lodge

The Historic Pinecrest is and an ideal choice for any of your entertaining needs. From small crowds to large we have three stunning Colorado venues for you to choose from. Our team is ready to meet with you and learn what would make your event amazing. Give us a call or text us at 719-357-8613 to learn more about our facility and book your dates at our beautiful Colorado lodge!

A Beautiful Colorado Event Awaits...

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