JPMO

Welcome to the board. You will find a wealth of information to help your process along

Christine thanks for sharing since Amy forgot to snap pics

Amy- They turned out wonderfully!!! I can't wait to see how the remainder of the wedding details turn out

Just like Ann said, I am so excited to see the Chicago gals getting together. I would be totally in if I weren't preggo!

It seems like yesterday when the first group gathered together over dinner and drinks. You all have fun and make sure to incl. a couple of pics to recap the night!!!

I used Tomas, but it's actually his brother. The quality of my video is fine. I wish it were edited slightly differently however he used all of the music that I requested.

Bringing linens can get really costly for two reasons: weight (for airline purposes) and potential charges for extra days.

I was in the same situation and still feel like the linens and chairs set the tone of my event. So I am definately for the splurge in this area but it must be reasonable. While I don't know where Molokai is, is there another Hawaiian Island closer that you can rent from. Pacific Isle Weddings magazine may have some sources that you can use without having to bring with you directly.

I also wouldn't worry about the rehearsal dinner so much either. Save yourself the additional cost if you can or just choose a cheap square overlay for some color. You'll be glad you did!

Dreams does do bonfires however you must be very specific about what you'd like. Plus the fire pit used is just in front of the putting green. We had one lit adjacent to the welcome dinner and it didn't really get used.

It's still a great idea though. If you could manage to buy your own Smores supplies at the grocery store I'd recommend that instead of the $8pp charge.

Secondly, just past the lobby bar is a huge pit in which your guests can sit around. My family always ended up in this area and it became an impromptu party for all. Even guests were happy to be a part of the atmosphere since dreams is a bit quite at times.

WOW Kelly! I just had the chance to look at all of your components of your wedding. They look great!!!

If I were a guest I would be quite impressed

Kelly those look really good. i am planning a baby shower and would like to use a similar, elegant design. Is that a particular paper or did you creat the border in a program?

I purchased one from Bravissimo (I think). They should be based out of London. It was indeed a great bra but be careful because the boning hurt me a bit.

If that's not it PM me and I'll search online for the vendor

Congrats on a great wedding! I can't wait to see pics. Sounds like the service was great which really makes a huge difference.

I second the weaved ribbon! It's a great way to add color especially over plain white linens.

Honestly, I have noooooo idea about Dreams Tulum but as a general rule:

DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING UP TO CHANCE! Request exactly what you want. Send as many pics as you can. If you have to, buy ribbon just in case. I bought a specific orange ribbon for my BM corsages so it matched perfectly. Unfortunately, you have to be a little anal to ensure your happiness when your wedding is so far away.

Jessica I really like your taste! The red and white orchids will really pop on that table. The fabric is scrumptous!

Are you making or renting linen? Are pillow boxes Papersource?

So here's the reply to all of the questions:

Placecard table box ($20-$25): The WC actually brought with her and I am so glad she did. Prior to seeing the set-up I couldn't justify paying for this but I am glad she brought it with her anyway free of charge. In this area Sunset Weddings excelled!

Linens: I rented through WC but I could've ordered through Fun and Motiviation in Cabo as well. I investigated renting and bringing with but it would've been more money since we had approx. 8 tables

Orchid tree: I was so inspired by what event planners have been doing here with real manzanite(sp) branches and orchids that I decided to recreate. The branches were from Pier One last holiday season, I actually picked up for a BDW bride whose theme was coral but she didn't want. The orchids featured are silk and plastic (the real looking ones) from Hobby Lobby. I originally brought floral foam and fabric to wrap that with. Instead the WC filled a flower pot with sand, covered with my fabric and stuck it in there. I LOVED how it turned out.

MORE PICS: all the pics you could ever want to see are on Find the Perfect Wedding and Portrait Photographer on Pictage.com event polk/cousin wedding. Gina DeContii of Imaginative Studios was my photogrpher and she captured everything I could've ever wanted.

Gosh, I am gone for one day... not even that and I miss out. I haven't gotten a chance to read all posts but I hope it works out that you guys can get the pic for Tammy and Cain.

P.S. You guys are GRRRRRRREAT!

Very last resort try Hobby Lobby,Lillian Vernon, or JC Penney. All stores had them on sale for a while... I would've purchased since the clearance price was cheaper than the rental but couldn't bare packing yet another item.

The tables were the one area that I didn't budge on ... Thanks I loved them too

Below are my tables: I did a mix of round and rectangular for the guests. Linens, wicker chargers, and cylinder centerpieces were rented from Sunset Weddings

All items with the exception of the chargers can also be rented through Fun and Motivation, although slightly different

Wow Susan You have done an excellent job!!!!!!!!!! You must be so excited and I must compliment you on being finished with the majority of your DIY projects.

You can actually rest for a couple of days... most brides can't say that. Good luck and have a great time in Cancun!!

Thanks for sharing your review! I can't wait to see your pics.

RE: elena damy yeah she's expensive but the quality is second to none. Your bouquet and arch photographed beautifully. From the few pictures shared you were also a beautiful bride.

Take care and don't forget to share those pics!

While I wasn't a Hilton bride I must say that $55. is not bad at all for a hotel wedding. When I was estimating costs before selecting an AI resort even a modified bar (i.e. beer, wine, margarita only) was just as expensive.

For peace of mind sake, I'd opt for the open bar. I've never been keen on the tab or by consumption bar... you'll never keep track of it nor will you want to. For the water alone it's a must although most people will drink 3/4 bottled waters and then soda if non drinkers that day.

Hope my opinion helps

Looks good Anny! Also seems quick or maybe I have just been procrastinating ... great turnaround.

Ditto Sarah! It was awesome how it all came together.

Tammy, I hope Jackson enjoys reading care of his BDW aunts!

Welcome Katie! I've heard such great things about your destination, Costa Rica. Can't wait to hear about the details and eventually read your review.

Good luck!