Karen

Having some doubt is totally normal. Before I got married to my husband Jay, I was a wreck. My doubts had nothing to do with Jay. I was married before and the divorce was devastating so taking the plunge again was scary. But I knew Jay was worth facing my fears. My gut told me so. Immediately after we married, I felt so much peace and happiness. Marrying Jay was the best decision ever. We will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary on 7/4/07. Just listen to your gut and try not to obsess.

My husband bought his tan linen suit on Ebay for about $100 and bought his shirt from the gap. J Crew and Target may also be a great place to look for bridal dresses as well, believe it or not.

And thanks for the compliments. Jay is pretty great and we had so much planning our wedding. Just wanted to add that a couple's massage or a private catamaran cruise with champagne can be nice for an eloping couple to do on wedding day.

My dress was from the Dessy Sandals Destination Wedding Collection. It was lightweight and easy to get into by myself. You may want to buy off the rack too. I got my wedding dinner dress from Macy's for $16! I saw some great dresses in BCBG as well.

There's nothing you have to do. Your marriage is legal and recognized in the US. Just start changing your name if that's what you want to do. I was legally married in Mexico and had very few problems with name change on documents/ accounts and my license was not translated.

Hey Everyone! My husband Jay and I got married just the two of us on 7/4/07 at Dreams Tulum. Here are our reviews. Thought they might be helpful.

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t6896

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t6886

I second everything Mummergirl said. I think posting your registries on your website and including registry cards in your shower invites are the best way to go about it.

Daina, I wish you the best of luck. It's not easy but it sounds like it's for the best. I went through with a similar situation with my ex-husband and it really was for the best. I wish you much strength and peace while you go through this tough time.

So lets see...I've gained about 16 pounds in the 14 months I've been married. ugh. I really do think that with the pressure and stress of an upcoming wedding gone, you tend to relax a bit more. All I know is that I have to get back to watching what I eat and get back to the gym.

It seems to me that for the most part formal invites are sent out more for sentimental/ traditional/ keepsake reasons moreso than practical reasons when it comes to DWs. Most guests have commited to coming (or not) well before the time that invites go out (6-8 weeks).

The wedding police aren't going to come and drag you away if you don't do them. But personally, I would do them. I can't explain it but there is this giddy happy "this is really happening" feeling that you get when you send them out. Plus relatives/ friends who can't make it can still have a keepsake of your day.

Online Printers like Vista Print can print up invites inexpensively and might not cost you more than DIY invites. Plus it would save you the headache of one more thing to do. We eloped but did our announcements, AHR invites, and thank you cards for around $100. Personally, I'll throw money at a situation to save me headaches.

My husband had both rings in his pocket. When it was time for the ring exchange, Our officient asked for the rings, placed them on the Bible he was holding, and blessed them.

I would consult with the bride about this and how she wants things to go. If there is a DJ or band leader, he or she will most likely be the MC and announce you when it's time for your speech. This was the case when I was the MOH for one of my friends who had a large traditional wedding. Last year i was MOH for another friend at her small DW of 15. I just waited until everyone was seated and had their drinks. I then hit my fork on my champange glas and asked for everyone's attention for my toast.

I agree with Harty. It's best to base your budget on what the two of you can afford. Then whatever anyone else contributes is extra.

OMG! That's friggin awsome!

I was questioning my morals as I was watching this with Jay last night. Actually I question Jay's morals as he was cracking up nonstop during the show. I was sitting there thinking...I don't know if i can watch future episodes. lol. But then again Family Guy makes me cringe some times.

We got legally married in Tulum and had the blood test done. It was quick, professional, and painless. I didn't even bruise. For some reason I wasn't really too freaked out. It's really not that big of a deal.

Welcome! You can't get much more tinier than my wedding. It was just my husband and I. You'll find that there are a lot of wonderful ideas on here for small weddings. Our resort's basic wedding package suited our needs (simple and beautiful) and it was free! Good Luck and happy planning.

OMG! So cool! Screw pictures! I need videotape! lol.

family trip ---> chaos

Happy Birthday Edna!

Awesome idea! The only grandmother I had growing up was my maternal grandmother. My Dad's mother died long before I was born. I was very close to Grandma and loved her very much. She was all of 5 foot tall and was a firecracker. She spent her last few years in a nursing home and suffered from dementia amongst other problems. It was incredibly sad to see the Grandma I knew slip away in those years. Most times she didn't know who I was when I came to visit her. She passed away 9 years ago and I miss her very much. I get teary thinking about her. I wish she could have met Jay. She would have loved him and flirted with him every chance she got. A few months after dating Jay, I met his Grandma and loved her right away. She also insisted right away that I call her Grandma and not Mrs. Blahblahblah (not her real last name). It's so nice to have a Grandma again. She has those great "grandma arms" that were made for hugging. Anyhow, she loves to hear about things I cook for Jay and loves that I'min a cooking club. She cans fruits and makes jellies and jams. Tonight I'm canning peaches (for the first time..i'm scared...lol) and will bring her some tomorrow. I know she'll love it.

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!!!