Rachelle E.

I have to say, of the ones you tried on I think #2 with the sash is my fave on you! It's so pretty, love how the sash adds some color and the fabric seems like it would feel light and "beachy". Love it! The others all look great...but if I had to pick a fave...#2 it is! That being said, the last Casablanca you showed is really pretty and I love the skirt on it as well. I think you're right that they can be customized pretty easily...I would definitely try it on before you make any decisions, that way you know for sure what you want.

As far as I know, it's not necessary to pay for all the BM's hair etc. Some brides like to take care of it as either part of the gift or as a nice gesture. But I definitely don't think it's bad if you don't/can't pay for everyone. That's a pretty big expense...esp w/ a larger bridal party. But it may be a good idea to at least reccomend local salons/stylists if your girls don't already have someone they use regularly.

I had my hair done and so did my bridal party...none of them wanted to do it themselves. Can't say I blame them! Although since my wedding was "at home" and all my BM's live in the area, they just went to their own stylists that they already knew...so that was extra simple for me. I think if I had BM's from out of town, I would have helped by making reccomendations/appointments if needed. My MOH and I went on a shopping spree at Sephora a couple months before the wedding. She did my makeup. This worked great for us because I could do as many practice sessions as I wanted (which ended up being about 4) and we changed it up a little each time until we really liked it. It was a little funny, 'cause we would take pictures each time we did it. Partly to remember exactly what we did and partly to see how well it photographed. It was kinda' like the movie Clueless!! lol! All the BM's sort of did their own/helped each other with makeup. We all got ready together so there was lots of sharing and stuff.

I'm definitely in the "Bride's dress first" camp! Even if you don't want the BM dresses to look like yours - it's true that you want the styles to at least compliment each other. If they're TOO different then I think it can be distracting. And you definitely want the degree of formality to be the same. Besides, isn't the wedding supposed to be centered around the bride anyway?! lol!

Well, I'm still fairly new-ish...so there's lots you guys don't know yet. Although none of it is probably that interesting! Ummm, well, I curse like a sailor around people I'm comfortable with. I try to tone it down in most social situations and at work. But really, I've got quite a mouth sometimes! Just one shot of Patron Silver (tequila) is enough to knock me on my a$$. And more seriously, I am actually a little afraid of getting old. Not just older in general but really old. Because I'm vain, I'm freaked out about wrinkles, going totally grey, losing the shape I have and having "old lady body". And even worse than that stuff, I'm so concerned about what I will be like when I'm old - will I be forgetful, sick, weak, deaf etc. And I realize that might sound awful but it's just a part of life that I'm really nervous about. Does that make sense??

Quote: BTW I love how you tell me a little something about each dress.. lol you would be a great personal shopper.. :-) Lol! Yeah...I tend to over-explain sometimes! But I feel like I just have to give it an introduction!! lol!

Here's some Arden B for ya! Ooh! And it's on sale! Arden B. - Women's Clothing and Apparel, Dresses, Tops, Shoes, Bottoms, and more Cute...not sure how "clubby" though... Arden B. - Women's Clothing and Apparel, Dresses, Tops, Shoes, Bottoms, and more Thought this was cute too. Arden B. - Women's Clothing and Apparel, Dresses, Tops, Shoes, Bottoms, and more

Yeah, BCBG is awesome...It can be pretty pricey sometimes, but you can find some good stuff too. Particualrly the BCBG Girls line. Dont worry, it's not like the clothes aren't extra small or anything like that, the style is just more wearable for "regular" people I think. Some of the other stuff can be a little pretentious and even more exspensive! Another store I really like a lot is Arden B. I'll go check it out and see what i can find. And you should totally try on the blue dress you mentioned. What if you end up really thinking it looks good - that would be cool! Like finding extra $ in your pocket! ;-)

Lol! Ann's Nordstrom #7 is the exact same/opposite of the 3rd one I posted from White House Black Market!

Ok, here are some options to start with: These first ones are from White House Black Market Freakin' adorable IMO. Would look GREAT w/ your Mexico tan for sure! Make sure to check out the detailing by clicking on the "alternate views" button. White House | Black Market - - Springtime Halter Dress I like this one from White House Black Market, sexy v-neck, versatile, just waiting for some cute shoes and great earrings! White House | Black Market - - Finale Ruched Dress I've acutally tried this one on before - it's really super cute on. White House | Black Market - - Applause Halter Dress And from BCBG: It's more laid back and "beachy"...if you happen to have a BCBG outlet in your area, check it out, they sometimes have great sales, esp. on their dresses. BCBGirls - SPRING 2007

Awww, thanks Tammy! I'm sure I'll feel better soon. I've just got this ridiculous cold that won't quit so I took the afternoon to dope up a bit and try to get some rest. . .and hopefully keep my co-workers from catching whatever it is I've got!! And I'm glad I've got a little info...now I can get down to business!! Ann's right, this IS fun! I LOVE spending your money Tammy!

Hey Tammy, I like the red one you posted from bebe...I also like a few of the ones Ann posted. Since I'm home sick today, I've got nothin' but time to find some dresses for you! 1. What colors are you interested in? 2. Is this dress for a specific event or just 'cause you're a cute bride?! 3. What price range are you looking in? Let me know, I'm holed up in bed w/ all my germs looking for some fun!

Great idea! Both the corner punch and the photo corner idea are great! Very creative. Ann, I've been thinking...(that could be dangerous! lol!) and if you were still thinking about rearranging the clip art on your invites, I thought the palm tree would look great where you have it now. And then maybe use the starfish in the upper left corner. . .so the designs are diagonal from each other. Not sure if it's possible, but the starfish design reversed to fit in that corner might look cool. Kind of framing the text. I'm not sure how much sense that made all written out...just an idea though!!

Quote: We won't be signing anything...which would again, look fishy Just had a quick comment on this part...when I got married (in the states last year) we DID, of course, sign the marriage license. But it totally wasn't a big deal. We have to sign in front of the person that issues the license (at the office) so the only person that signs it the day of the wedding is the officiant. So we left it with him, he signed it and turned it in for us. simple as that. nobody in or at our wedding ever saw either of us sign it. SO, not sure how it works down in Mexico, but is it possible it could be the same case there?? Or even if it's not, could you just pretend it is...sort of make the license a "non-issue"? You know? Not sure that actually helped at all...just thought I'd throw it out there! :-)

Yeah, for sure don't wear a thong...unless you're feeling extra proud of your @$$!! lol! I just wore some basic (light colored) seamless panties and regular bra. Unless you have a strapless that you really like, I wouldn't mess with it. They'll offer you a backless/strapless one when you get there and that's good so that you don't have a big 'ol strap across your back when you're trying to see which dresses you like!

That was amazingly unanimous!! I say evening too! Good call!!

I haven't read this thread for awhile and I've missed so much!! Kash- LOVE your invites!! My friend Monica is thinking of using White Aisle for hers as well, they have gorgeous designs. Karla-what an impressive DIY job you did! At first I thought they were from White Aisle like Kash's...beautiful design. And those colors are amazing together! Ann - I particularly liked both option 2 & 4 of the ones you posted. #2 (the palm trees, right? ) was very pretty and may win my vote since it goes so well w/ the destination. Fotini- Those invitations are great!! Your guests are going to love them!! Great design. Also, as far as the wording/info goes, I would probably say that activites listed on an insert would be my vote. I like the idea of the invitation being about the wedding and having the other info separate. But I'm also kind of type A. . . soo....

omg! That's ridiculous!! Do you photographers have a secret way to "blacklist" her or something?! lol! j/k! But it is really stupid that she wasted your time and was so rude/immature about it. I wouldn't want to work w/ her either! I'd totally put her @$$ on hold or something irritating like that next time she calls! But maybe that's just 'cause I'm hungry and grumpy?!!

Yeah, congrats on picking your site!! That's one biggie to cross off your list! And I agree w/ Ann...great date! That's my sister's b-day too!

I bascially agree w/ TammyM & Ann. . .I work in a company of about 200 people. I know pretty much everyone and really like most of them. However, I only invited the people I worked closely with and knew best - which turned out to be about 5 people (not including their spouses/so's) They all ended up coming and it was great to see them there. I would not have wanted a bunch of people I don't know as well or really care about that much at my wedding....the fun of the whole thing was seeing the people that truly cared enough about my FI and I to be there; people that are actively involved in our lives, you know?

Awww...That's so cool that you guys are so close! I'm glad you asked her...I don't think they'll be embarassed or offended at all. I'm sure they'll understand where you're coming from on the situation. They may just have to take some time to think about it, you know?

Cute and funny . . .and only slightly depressing - I'm OLD!!!

Congratulations!! You must be SO excited! Have fun planning. . .everyone here is great and TONS of help. . .I'm sure you'll be able to find any info you need.

Too funny! Ok, it's a deal then!

That's going to be so fun! Quote: the wineries are about an hour away, so if we leave at 9:30 we won't get there until 10:30 or 11. So you're saying I should wait until 10:30-11:00 to start drinking then? I guess that's alright... lol!