How to Generate Buzz and Increase Attendance at Your Company Picnic

So you’ve booked your picnic!
You’ve selected your menu, we’ve hired the DJ and the entertainment, and now you’re ready to throw an awesome party. Just one thing is left…now you’ve just got to get your employees there.
So how do you get them to bring their families on their weekend off? Easy! Just follow the tips below for generating buzz for your picnic!
- Teaser E-mails
- As soon as you have a date set, be sure to send out a Save The Date e-mail or postcard. You don’t have to have any details planned. You just want to make sure that they mark that date on their calendar ASAP. Fun Idea: We recently had a client who sent out fun clues and pictures about where the picnic would be until their employees had guessed the location.
- Posters and Flyers E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E
- Plaster the breakrooms, cubicles, bathrooms, and any other place you can think of with colorful posters. Make them easy to read and make sure the date is clearly displayed. This is also a good place to include the next tip…
- Promote Your Prizes
- Reward RSVP’s
- Recently we had a company give away prizes to the first 35 people that RSVP’d to their company picnic. When they arrived at the picnic they received their “early bird” prize. This is a simple way to make sure that those rsvp’s don’t get put off til the end and start rolling in right away.
- Include the Families
- Get Your Guest Involved In Big Decisions
- The more involved your employees are in the picnic planning process, the greater a connection that they will have towards it. There are several easy ways that you can do this:
- Have employees vote on a picnic name or theme.
- Create a picnic t-shirt by having employees submit ideas and designs, and then voting on a winner. Shick Company always does a wonderful job with this.
- Have contests that employees can prepare for ahead of time. For example, are you having a Wild Western Theme? Then have a contest for the best dressed! This gets the fun going before they even walk in the door.
- Nominate people for certain activities at your event. For example, if you’re having a dunk tank have employees vote on who they want to be the dunkee.
- Take requests for music ahead of time. An easy way to do this is to ask guests to include a song request with their RSVP.
- The more involved your employees are in the picnic planning process, the greater a connection that they will have towards it. There are several easy ways that you can do this:
If you do these simple things things leading up to your event, you’ll be sure to have a huge turnout!
Ranch Games 101

One of the best things about Faulkner’s Ranch is the variety of activities for guests of all ages. And there are opportunities for EVERYONE to participate no matter what your skill level may be.
Every Picnic Package includes what we call Ranch Recreation. These traditional tailgate games are placed around the property for the enjoyment of all of our guests. Many of the games can be played either as individuals or as teams. We’ve seen some pretty competitive Corn Hole games and intense Jenga challenges here at the Ranch!
Enjoy these activities during your visit:
- Horseshoes
- Hillbilly Golf (Ladder ball)
- Washers
- Giant Jenga
- Duck Races (Don’t worry – the ducks aren’t real ☺)
- Connect Four
- Volleyball
- Corn Hole (Bean Bag toss)
There are also organized games and DJ Games that your company event coordinator may select for your picnic. You might find yourself involved in an epic pie eating contest, tug ‘o war or learn a new skill roping a calf. (Again, don’t worry. The calf won’t get hurt because it’s made of steel!)
Playing at Faulkner’s Ranch is definitely an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary with your friends and co-workers!
To learn about our four super-fun picnic packages and how you can throw an awesome company picnic for your employees, visit our website today!
Our 5 Favorite Wedding Planning Resources

Planning a wedding isn’t necessarily an easy task. That’s why when you have your wedding at Faulkner’s Ranch we do everything we can to make sure that your planning goes as smooth as possible.
In order to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our Five Favorite Wedding Planning Resources.
Enjoy!
1.
Why We Love It: This website literally has tools for everything you need to plan your wedding and keep it organized. In addition to the thousands of inspiration photos, there is a customizable timeline to keep you on track. This is definitely a great starting place for any bride-to-be!
2.
Why We Love It: This website is another great source for inspiration from flowers to dresses to cakes. And best of all, everything is local! This is a must-bookmark-site for anyone having a wedding in the Kansas City area!
3.
Why We Love It: This blog is the wedding blog of choice for any brides planning a rustic or country wedding. In addition to beautiful inspiration photos, it features DIY projects, etiquette advice, and helpful articles. There is also it’s sister site, Rustic Wedding Guide, which helps connect couples to the best rustic wedding vendors.
4.
http://pinterest.com/faulknersranch/
Why We Love It: If you are looking for ideas and inspiration, Pinterest is the place to go! Just beware – you might get stuck on there for hours pinning your heart away! Another great advantage of Pinterest? It helps keep your inspiration ideas in one place. Just be sure to make a “secret board” if you want to keep them a surprise before your big day.
5.
There is a reason why we do this professionally. We love putting on top-knotch events. Our event coordinators can point you to the best of the best based for whatever you are looking for. We are connected with the Kansas City’s best DJ’s, florists, and entertainers in the business. Just ask and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction of our preferred vendors!
Are you interested in having your wedding at Faulkner’s Ranch? Just visit our website or give us a call today at (816) 761-5055.
We can’t wait to make your dream day come true!
5 Reasons Why January is the New December for Holiday Parties

If you’re like most people around this time of year, you’ve probably noticed that your December schedule is already becoming quite full. Between holiday parties, school concerts, shopping for presents, baking, traveling, and more, it can be hard to find a moment of free time during this busy season. That is why many employers are taking part in the popular trend of having their company holiday party AFTER the holidays!
It’s no wonder why they are choosing to do this either.
Here are 5 reasons why January is becoming the new December!
1. It is more convenient for the employees.
It is so much easier to find a free weekend in January than December. Because of this, your employees will appreciate not have to choose between events or other commitments. Plus, it is easier for employees to find babysitters after the busy holiday season when they are in high demand. All of this combined means a bigger turnout!
2. There are more dates to choose from.
There are only so many weekends in December before Christmas. January opens up a whole new slew of choices that don’t conflict with any holidays or travel times.
3. It boosts company morale!
After the bustle of the holidays, January can be a bit of a letdown. The festivities are done, the gifts are unwrapped, the hustle and bustle has come to a stop – now it’s back to the grindstone. Thankfully, a January event helps to add some excitement and fun to the schedule. January events allow your guests to laugh about the holiday stress without being in the middle of it. Everyone can trade stories and talk about their Christmas break without being worried about everything remaining on their to-do list.
4. January parties can easily be mixed with team-building activities.
Bouncing off of #4, January parties can be used to get the team motivated again. Incorporate some fun team-building activities into your event and encourage guests to participate with prizes. These team building activities, plus a chance to socialize outside of the office is a great way for employees to better their relationship with each other.
5. It’s a Great Way to Kick Off A New Quarter
Consider it a pep-rally of sorts! It may be gloomy and cold outside, but January events provide a fun night of motivation to get your team excited about what is in store and enthusiastic about goals for the new year! Plus, you can celebrate all of your accomplishments from the past year!
BONUS – It’s cheaper!
Many discounts are available in January. Plus, it gives you as the employer a chance to look at your year-end books to better decide how much you are able to budget.
It’s not too late to celebrate! January holiday parties are a great way to show your employees that you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. Give them a night of food, drinks, and fun to reward them for all of their hard work!
Visit our website to find out more details on our super fun holiday party packages or give us a call today to book your exciting January event!
5 Things to Know While Booking Your Fall Themed Wedding for 2017

Have you said “yes” to planning a beautiful fall wedding next year? Before you get carried away with fall-themed decor and reception ideas, you’ll need to choose and book the perfect venue. Here are 5 factors to consider while planning your flawless fall wedding.
1. The Time To Book Is NOW!
Fall is an extremely popular time for weddings, which is why industry experts suggest booking your venue at least a year in advance. This timeline will give you a better chance to select one of the few, highly sought after Saturdays in the fall.
Booking early not only means you’ll have prime picking for dates, but you can also schedule a visit to your venue to see what it will be like during the exact time you plan to have your wedding! If you haven’t started the search yet, NOW is the prime time to secure your wedding venue in time for the perfect wedding next fall.
Related Read: 10 Ways to Perfectly Personalize Your Wedding Day
2. Celebrate The Season With The Right Venue
Autumn brings thoughts of crisp, beautiful weather and colorful Kansas City leaves. Booking a wedding during pumpkin season at Faulkner’s Ranch gives brides a leg up because during October, we feature lovely decorations that enhance fall-themed weddings beautifully.
Venues such as Faulkner’s Ranch offer the perfect location for a fall wedding with options for both our outdoor landscape and our rustic indoor option as well. This means that rain or shine, we’ve got your backup plan ready!
3. Choose The Colors Of Fall
Fall-themed weddings are a great opportunity to feature the rich colors of fall. Think burnt oranges, rich reds, deep yellows, and elegant purples. These colors can be used in your invitations, your bridesmaids dresses, floral arrangements and so much more.
Fall evenings can get chilly in Kansas City, so you may want to incorporate wraps in a beautiful fall color for you and your bridesmaids. Don’t want to worry about bundling up all night long? Choose a venue that you can move the party indoors after the outdoor ceremony.
4. Fall Decor & So Much More
Perfectly picked decorations and party favors for your guests should have a cozy, warm feeling for a fall-themed wedding. Send them home with yummy smelling candles, or provide warm apple cider for your guest at the reception!
Faulkner’s Ranch is completely decorated during the fall for pumpkin season, but you can also remove or add decor as desired. Think hay bales, whiskey barrels, and beautiful leaves for decorations. Whether you keep it simple or fabulously fall, you can worry less and enjoy more with a turn-key venue such as Faulkner’s Ranch.
Related Read: 7 Fall Guest Book Ideas The Creative Bride Will Love
5. Eat, Drink, & Be Merry!
Fall is all about warm and inviting flavors that will keep your guests happy and enjoying your special night. Faulkner’s Ranch provides full food and beverage service on-site for your rehearsal dinner or reception, which includes our delicious full buffet and the additional option of light hor d’oeuvres to start.
The ranch’s professional bartenders can also serve up your choice of beverages through a full host bar or cash bar. Your coordinator can help you choose the perfect fall drinks such as spiced cider, pumpkin ales or yummy pumpkin treats for dessert!
Dreaming about a fall wedding at Faulkner’s? Contact us today to make your wedding dream a reality. For more helpful wedding tips check out our blog today!
3 Reasons to Book Your Company’s Holiday Party NOW!

Summer is going by fast, then it’s back to school and before you know it, hello holidays! Waiting until December to stress out about your company’s holiday party can cost you. It may seem odd to think about booking a holiday party in this hot Kansas City heat, but NOW is the time. Want to know why? Find out from your party planning experts at Faulkner’s Ranch.
First, Why You NEED a Company Holiday Party
As if eggnog and Christmas cookies aren’t good enough reasons, having work parties are beneficial in boosting the entire office’s morale. Giving employees the opportunity to interact in a non-professional setting helps them connect as friends rather than co-workers.
Keeping the mood light and steering clear of work-related topics can recharge tired batteries and send the elves back to the workshop the next morning with a jolly attitude.
3 Reasons to Book Your Holiday Party NOW:
- The earlier you set the date the better turnout you’ll have. During the busiest time of year, it’s important to have your party details locked in early so guests can plan around it.
- Or try booking your Christmas party for January! This way everyone’s family parties and vacation time are over, and you can give them one last hurrah to kiss the holidays goodbye and kick off the New Year.
- Venues fill up, FAST. And the best ones go first. The early bird catches the worm, so make sure you have a reservation with your venue early or you’ll be stuck having your party out in the snow. (Not ideal.)
The Perfect Venue for Your Company Holiday Party
And speaking of venues, Faulkner’s Ranch is the ultimate place to rock around the Christmas tree at your company celebration. Our spacious banquet barn sits on the 25-acre ranch with plenty of space for parking. You can choose from a variety of holiday party packages ranging from traditional buffets and family friendly Santa photo ops, to casual cocktail holiday mixers.
With more than 60 years of event planning experience under our belt, Faulkner’s Ranch specializes in making your event unforgettable. Contact us today and see for yourself what makes Faulkner’s the best in the business.
10 Simple Ways to Perfectly Personalize Your Wedding Day

1. Marry Your Monograms:
Show off you and your hubby’s new combined name with a simple wooden hanging monogram. You can buy these custom monograms several places online including on Etsy!
Display your monogram at your ceremony, reception, or on an entryway door to the venue. This pop of personality adds a sweet touch to your wedding and can be hung in your home to cherish for years to come!
2. Childhood Photos As Table Numbers
This unique idea for table numbers will have you, and your guests, taking a walk down memory lane. Make each table number correspond with that same age number, and feature adorable side-by-side pictures of you and your husband for each year!
This is the ultimate personal touch, and a fun way to reminisce through the years. Also, these fun table numbers are a great conversation starter for guests that may not know each other at each table!
3. Beat the Heat with Personalized Fans
Planning an outdoor wedding? If there’s a chance things could get toasty, make sure your guests stay cool and comfortable by providing them with personalized fans. This is a simple, affordable way to carry out the theme of your wedding, while also showing your individualized style.
Have these at the entrance before guests are seated, along with refreshments to enjoy while they wait for your ceremony to begin. Another clever idea is to have your wedding program printed on the fan for a fun, yet practical way to combine the two.
Related Read: Bad Weather Blues: How to Avoid a Wedding Disaster
4. Customized Koozies
Koozies are all the rage to have at weddings because they’re affordable, functional, customizable, and your guests get to take them home to remember your big day! Pick a color to match your color scheme, decide how many you need, and personalize them as you please. You could go with a simple monogram, or maybe a fun phrase to remember the day! Here are a few of our favorites:
“To have and to hold and to keep your drink cold!”
“Cheers to many years and plenty of cold beers.”
“The vows are done. Let’s have some fun!”
“To love, laughter, and happily ever after”
“Sip, Sip, Hooray!”
Click here for more fun ideas just like these!
5. Welcome Chalkboard
Find a fun chalkboard and add your personal twist! Use it as a welcome sign as your guests arrive, to direct them to their seats, or to point them in the direction of the reception.
This is another simple way to personalize your wedding. Not much of a Picasso? There are plenty of sites online that will customize your sign, and they can even make it permanent by using chalk paint.
7. Upgrade Your Wedding Guest Book
Traditional guest books can be great, but with so many new and creative ideas for wedding guest books, it’s fun to explore other options. For instance, set up a polaroid station for your guests to take a picture and make their mark in your guest book like the one to the right.
Want more fun guest book ideas? Check out these 7 Guest Book Ideas The Creative Bride Will Love
8. Honoring Lost Loved Ones
Weddings are a celebration of the people we love, which is why it’s important to also remember those we have loved and lost. Honoring these special people adds a personal touch and allows guests to honor their remembrance along with you.
There are so many beautiful ways to share your day with those you wish could be there, like lighting a candle for them or reserving a seat in their memory. Setting up a table with pictures and a sign is a great way to simply say that someone you love is dearly missed on your wedding day.
9. Send Them Off in Style
What better way to end the night than with a stylish send-off. Make sure to tell your guests when it will happen so they won’t miss the goobye!
Whether you do a simple, yet beautiful tossing of flower petals, or you light up the night sky with a sparkler send off, there are so many unique and personalized ways end the night on a high note. Click here for more creative send-off ideas for your wedding!
10. Did You Say Party Favors?!
I mean, who doesn’t love party favors? It doesn’t have to be much, but these are a great last way to say thanks to your guests for coming. This is also your last chance for personalized perfection. Share a family-favorite treat to-go such as cookies, jams and jellies, or any others that can be easily packaged and are affordable.
Other great gifts include homemade soaps, bath salts, candy, CDs with your wedding songs, or even cute little plants that guests can take home and watch love grow!
Click here for more unique party favor ideas for your wedding!
One Last Thing …
Before you go crazy with these awesome ideas, the most important thing to remember is: don’t bite off more than you can chew! Choose one or two of your favorite ideas and make them great!
Also, leave the hot glue gun at home! Some of these cute ideas require assembling, and it is crucial that you don’t leave this until the day of the wedding at the venue. Whatever personalized touches you choose to bring to your wedding venue, we suggest you have these projects done at least 3 weeks ahead of time so you worry less and focus on getting married instead!
Related Read: The Top 8 Do-It-Yourself Mistakes Brides Make
Looking for the perfect wedding venue? Look no further than Faulkner’s Ranch. For more on what we have to offer, check out our wedding packages or contact us online today!
5 Reasons to Host Your Company Party This Fall at Faulkner’s

Sure, company parties in the summer are great, but if you missed your summer window there’s still time to book a wonderful event this fall! Whether business is doing great, or employee morale needs a boost, hosting a company picnic or party is a great way to show your employees that you appreciate them.
But did you know that fall at Faulkner’s is one of the best seasons to host corporate events? That’s right! Check out these five reasons why.
Ready to book your company event? Take a look at our brand new Pumpkin Season packages!
1. Pumpkin Season at Faulkner’s Ranch
What could be more festive than a month-long event that provides daily seasonal activities, food and entertainment? Faulkner’s Ranch celebrates Pumpkin Season for the entire month of October, which makes it the perfect venue for your fall company party!
Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and the pumpkin festivities all October long at Faulkner’s. Contact us today to schedule your next corporate event and make sure it will be a hit!
2. Weather
Kansas City fall weather alone is enough reason to plan a party! Between the changing leaves and the perfect temperature, what more could a party planner ask for? Nature provides a beautiful atmosphere without anyone lifting a finger, and it also provides a fun theme for your party without much effort at all.
3. Fall Food
Whether it is pumpkin spice everything or flavors reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast, the pure joy that comes from fall-themed foods is unbelievable. Pay special attention to your menu, and guests will never want a party any other time of year!
Faulkner’s offers mouth-watering barbecue, fresh baked pumpkin spice donuts, hot apple cider, and even gourmet s’mores! We also have bar options for those who want to kick up the fun. Just a few more reasons why choosing Faulkner’s makes for a fun and festive fall venue.
4. Availability
Fall is the perfect time for a company party – children are back in school, the holidays haven’t hit yet, and aside from the week of Thanksgiving, families rarely go out of town.
Faulkner’s has tons of opportunities for booking company parties because we allow your party to enjoy the ranch while it’s open to the public! This allows for large groups and is a great way to get your company’s name in the public eye. We offer three unique packages and an on-site manager to ensure your experience is top notch.
Related Read: 5 Quick Tips for Increasing Company Picnic Attendance
5. Fun For Everyone
Fall is great for company parties if for no other reason than it being Human Resources approved! Hosting a harvest party is all-inclusive, no matter a person’s background or beliefs. Also, hosting a company party at Faulkner’s is great for including families. With our wide range of fun activities, we have something for everyone, which makes us the perfect venue for celebrating everyone at your company!
Related Read: 4 Reasons Your Company Needs an Annual Picnic
But wait — It doesn’t stop there. Faulkner’s Ranch also hosts holiday parties! Visit our website today and check out the fun your company could have at Faulkner’s Ranch!
Bad Weather Blues: How to Avoid a Wedding Disaster

Some say that rain is good luck on your wedding day, but let’s get real! No one wants or expects rain on their wedding day, and unfortunately, the weather is out of our control. However, one thing that you can control is having a backup plan so that your wedding day is the day of your dreams, no matter what the weather. Here are some tips for how to be prepared for the possibility of bad weather on your special day.
Most Importantly: Choose a Venue with Options
Flexibility at your venue is key. Choosing a venue with an indoor and an outdoor space will allow you to put bad weather worries on the back burner and focus on more important things.
Faulkner’s Ranch is a great choice for your wedding because we offer both beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. We are always checking the weather and if wee see a storm is coming, we can postpone your ceremony and entertain your guests inside with cocktails and appetizers while they wait out the bad weather. Of course, if the bad weather is here to stay, we can move your entire ceremony and party inside as well.
Looking for a venue that has it all? Look no further than Faulkner’s Ranch.
Keep Your Guests Dry
If your venue doesn’t have the luxury of an indoor and outdoor space, be prepared with umbrellas for your guests. They will need umbrellas as they are coming and going, along with a space for guests to stay dry during the wedding. If your guests are dry and comfortable they are much more likely to stay longer and participate in the festivities.
Keep Your Eye on the Sky, or at Least the Forecast
While most forecasts don’t predict weather months ahead of time, knowing the chances of rain as your event gets closer will help you be better prepared to put your backup plan into action. On the other hand, forecasts also change very quickly, so stay up to date with the latest information daily and even on the day of.
Helpful Tip: Stay prepared by downloading the Weather Channel App for real-time weather updates throughout your wedding day!
Protect Your Dress… and Yourself!
You spend a lot of time and money looking your best on your wedding day, which is why planning ahead will pay off. Don’t forget an umbrella for the bride, groom, and other members of the wedding party. Is your dress too big to fit under a regular umbrella? Try a patio umbrella instead! This way, your dress and your loved one walking you down the aisle will be protected.
Also, a sheet for under your wedding dress and some laundry wipes can help keep your dress dry and looking great the whole day even with bad weather.
Don’t Get Stuck in the Mud!
Prevent your heels from sinking into the grass with these nifty heel covers. These reusable covers come in different sizes, and slide right over your heels to protect you from all the elements including cobblestones, bricks, grates, wooden decks, mud, soft grass and more. These also prevent damage to antique floors and woven carpets, making them useful for any venue.
Make the Most of Your Photos
You only get one day to document your wedding, so make the most of your pictures, rain or shine! Props such as fancy umbrellas, or rain boots in your wedding colors can add some fun to your photos. If the weather makes it impossible to take outdoor photos, be sure to choose a photographer who can also take excellent indoor photos.
Stay Positive & Flexible
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, embrace it! This is a special day you will remember for years to come, no matter the weather. While you may have envisioned your day a little differently, it will be best to stay dry and happy.
Related Read: Sneak Peek: Weddings at Faulkner’s Ranch
For more information on how you can plan your dream wedding at Faulkner’s Ranch visit our website or contact us today!
7 Fall Guest Book Ideas The Creative Bride Will Love

While the traditional guest book will always be the classic standard, there are so many new and creative guest book ideas that go above and beyond simply signing your name in a book. Faulkner’s Ranch is showing you our favorite guest book ideas, just in time for your fall wedding. Which will you choose?
Looking for a wedding venue that will ‘WOW’? Find out what sets Faulkner’s Ranch apart from the rest.
1. Fall Leaves & Thumbprint Trees
Add to your fall wedding with a personalized touch. Provide ink pads for guests, ask them to leave their thumbprint, and then sign it.
You can buy the base for this whimsical guestbook on sites like Etsy, but there are also plenty of options besides trees for brides to choose from. After the wedding, you can frame this beautiful guestbook and hang it in your home to remember your special day forever.
Helpful Tip: Make sure to buy washable ink so your guests can wash the ink off their fingers once they are done!
2. Anniversary Wine

Pick out your favorite bottle of wine, and have four of them for guests to sign. These bottles will be for your first, fifth, tenth, and twentieth anniversaries. Guests can choose which bottle to sign, and will feel lucky to be a part of your lives for years to come.
If you want to go the extra mile, have the bottles customized to have your initials, the date of your wedding, and the anniversary for each bottle. This is a gift that keeps on giving and will remind you of your special day for years to come!
3. Wishing Tree
This guest book idea is completely customizable and great for adding to the décor of your wedding. Guests can write their best wishes for the couple and add them on the tree with the others. When the wedding is over, collect the cards for another lovely way to remember your day.
4. Advice Coasters
A little martial advice can go a long way for newlyweds! These customized coasters are a great way to keep guests occupied at their tables, while also receiving a little token of love from each person who came to your wedding.
Helpful Hint: Have somewhere to put the coasters at each table when guests are done, to avoid mistaking them as useable coasters and smearing the ink.
5. Date Night Jar
You can never have enough date night ideas as a married couple, and these nights are one more thing to look forward to on your journey together. Have a jar, paper or popsicle sticks, and pens ready for your guests, and ask them to write their favorite date night spots and ideas. Next time you’re needing a night out on the town, pick a date night idea out of the jar and enjoy!
6. Lifetime Bucket List
For the more adventurous couple, ask guests to leave a recommendation to add to your bucket list. This can include great trips to take, restaurants to try, things to see, and more. You’ll have a lifetime of new adventures to plan together before the night is even over!
7. Classic With a Twist
If you want to go the traditional route, but want a way to spice things up, use polaroids! This adds a personalized touch, and doubles as a safe place to keep fun pictures from your wedding day in one place
Related Read: Sneak Peek: Wedding’s at Faulkner’s Ranch
Faulkner’s Ranch wants you to have it your way on your wedding day. Click here for more information on packages and pricing for your special day.
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