Jenn

We have a very small wedding, so we went with some more expensive items and ours are costing about $35 each. We have a heavy canvas beach bag, personalized towels, a CD we made, Off wipes, Afterbite, Motrin, Rolaids, gum, flip flop cards and notepads, sunscreen and lip balm with spf.

Quote: Originally Posted by foxytv Wow, some of you ladies seem to be starting your fitting awfully early. I checked with the salon a few weeks ago and she said based on our wedding date (April 19) that my first fitting should be the first week in February. Am I waiting too long for fitting #1 You should be fine. I had my first fitting 2 days after Thanksgiving. Don't stress!

Quote: Originally Posted by carlymcmullen Let's see how WW works for me and then we'll see. You do not need to lose any weight Carly... seriously! I know we all think we need to lose weight for our weddings (yes, I am guilty of this), but our FI's love us the way we are - even when we don't see the beautiful woman in the mirror that they do!

Welcome to a fellow Jamaica bride! I don't have any info on the sunset grande, but I'm staying at Sunset at the Palms for part of my honeymoon I'm sure someone will have some info for you on the Grande!

We're just doing OOT bags also... no favors. Lots of girls have done kozies, so I'm sure they'll be able to help you with where to get them

I agree with the idea of trying to negotiate the alterations since you had to order a size up. That being said, they shouldn't have a problem making it fit properly, and $300 is really not awful for alterations. I bought my dress as a sample and paid about $350 flat fee for alterations, cups in the dress and bustle. I also lost 2 dress sizes, and they did a wonderful job making my dress fit perfectly. Don't stress, it will work out

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild Ditto! I would say "DWs are different than at home and there are strict deadlines, unfortunately you won't be able to attend the wedding or reception. Maybe we can meet for dinner one night while you're out there"...lol For this situation, I so wish we had booked at a big resort where that would be a possibility. Since our resort is small (total 12 rooms) it doesn't really work. Today is another day, so I guess we'll see if they book today. I was hoping airfare was super expensive and it wouldn't come to pass, but I just checked and the flights are cheaper than they've been in months (by about $100). Still almost $500pp, but better.

LOL - we got engaged in Vegas and that cake topper is in the bakery at Paris! We totally joked about getting it - too funny!

Carly you know I think you should do the BD pics... but for your question, I have no idea what Sam got me. I didn't actually think he had gotten me anything, but he mentioned it a few weeks ago, so I'm really curious. I'll let you know when I get back! I think most guys do jewelry, but I would think it would be something they think will be sentimental.

Congrats ladies!

Mo - I think you're being more than gracious, and certainly handling it better than I would... I remember your stories about that place and there is no way I would've gone back. Cheers to you for being a better person than I would've been.

They look awesome! Nothing could be more appropriate for a DW... you really did a fantastic job and they look amazing!

Quote: Originally Posted by stei0419 That being said, I would go on as if they weren't coming and if they show up, they can figure it out! It'd be kind of comical to see a few guys just standing in the back watching everyone else eat Love that! Totally made me laugh Galit you are so right that the worst part about this is that it is family. Family can make you feel wonderful, but they can also make you feel like complete shit! And I hate feeling guilty about being mad about this whole situation. We've had 4 months of being pissed at them for not booking, finally accepted it and were fine, and then they decide to come when they are really no longer wanted... I'm pretty sure my mom is going to essentially start a war with his dad, since she knows the whole situation. Should be interesting. Robin may capture some interesting photos - lol.

Mo I'm so sorry that your aunt is doing this. Its not fair and hopefully she will realize this soon. Know that you are in my thoughts

So I just got home from work, and it looks like at the very least FFIL and uncle are coming - though they still haven't booked. FI had it out with his dad today and told him to not come - just save his money and stay home. This was met with, "No, I'm going to come, because I COULD USE A VACATION IN JAMAICA!" How infuriating! He's not coming to see us get married, but because he decided he wants a vacation. Sooooo the wrong response. I know the real reason... his friend's dad didn't come to his wedding and told FFIL that he really resented it and has never forgiven him. I know that he convinced FFIL that it was important to come, but honestly, at this point, neither of us want him there. The definitely will not be getting OOT bags, and I almost hope that they won't be able to eat at our reception. I'm not going to talk to the resort or my WC until I know for sure that they booked. I'm also hoping they come later than other guests and leave earlier, that way they won't be involved in our other events. I'm not going to stress about this - I really just don't care anymore. Oh, and to top the whole shabang off... FI works for his dad and is not getting paid for this week because his dad doesn't have the money to pay him! Stay at home, pay my future husband, and skip your vacation! I hate people!

Quote: Originally Posted by Heidi Sorry to continue the hijack... BUT WTF?!?!?! Surprise you What Who?? Huh?? I just don't get it! I feel so frustrated for you!!! Started another thread... didn't mean to steal Jen's

Quote: Originally Posted by lauren c. btw jen - you are OBSESSED!!! LOL!!! I think we may have to hold a Cheesecake Factory intervention j/k

Quote: Originally Posted by TammyDez Thank you for the suggestions. My mom has a tanning salon and I think she has those whiting kits and I didn’t even think of that. I definitely can see the difference, so if you have easy access, give it a try!

I didn't do the white strips, but I've been doing tooth whitening with my tanning... they sell something called Britey White'Z which works during a tanning session. Its supposed to be dental grade peroxide that is UV/heat activated. I've used it 4 times and can definitely see a difference! I think by the time I leave (5-6 more tanning sessions) it will be really noticeable I have really sensitive teeth and it hasn't bothered me, which I had with the tray whiteners. Oh, and I smoke, drink red wine, and coffee, so something that actually works is nice.

Thanks for all the support ladies... I feel awful about being pissed about it since it is his family. That being said, I don't think I'll know for sure what their plans are until everyone either comes or doesn't. I know that sounds strange, but that's the way they are. We don't have a TA, and I know they know there are rooms because the resort keeps an updated availability list online. The resort told us today that noone else has booked as of yet, so for now, not going to stress. I'm definitely not going to bring stuff for OOT bags for them. That much I've decided. The food and stuff will be what it will be... if they show, hopefully the resort can accomodate. I love your thought process though Lauren! As for if they will give us good gifts, I won't hold my breath. I think if his dad shows he'll have a hero's attitude, which will piss us off... something along the lines of, "I don't know why you were stressed for the last 6 months over whether I was coming... I said I was going to come, and here I am! Aren't you guys the fools now..." People suck. Unfortunately this is my new family, and I've grown to really dislike them. Not for being unreliable and screwy, but mostly for making my FH feel like he isn't important to them. It wasn't a priority for them to save money to come, so now we're in this situation. Thanks for listening girls

Ok... instead of hijacking NYJen's thread, I will start my own... So I leave for Jamaica in 1 week... and today we find out that FI's family and friends are considering 'surprising' us in Jamaica by finally booking their travel! Who does that?!?!?! We've made our final payments based on our guestlist... do they expect there to be enough food? We're at a small resort - not someplace this might not be an issue. Our cake is based on the number of guests. Our champagne is based on a certain number of people... not to even get into our OOT bags! You can't just crash a destination wedding! It may not happen, but we're looking at 2-6 people just randomly showing up! If it was different people we'd just tell them they were no longer invited, but its my FI's dad, uncle and good friends - all of whom could not be bothered to book their travel and suddenly decided they MAY (not even definitely but may) be coming! I doubt anyone will book, but even the thought of it is making me mad!

Quote: Originally Posted by Heidi no way... really?!?! Not to hijack, but yeah... they haven't booked yet, but supposedly they wanted to 'surprise' us by showing. Who does that? Do you actually expect us to have food and cake and everything for you? Not to mention I won't have OOT bags for them if we find out 2 days before we leave... we aren't sure whether to tell them they just aren't invited anymore or what... Again - sorry to hijack.

I'm using red flowers as well, and to keep costs down I went with roses. Red anemones and sunflowers are beautiful, but generally expensive. My florist (in Jamaica) said they could get them, but we would've needed to order 40 dozen - which was WAY more than we needed. Good luck with your quest for red flowers though! Have you considered using silk if you want an expensive flower?

Glad you love it! I was thinking about ordering from them, but couldn't justify it to myself... but I'm glad to see that someone got to splurge! Yeah for pampering yourself!

I totally hear you Jen! I'm so sorry that people SUCK! I leave for Jamaica in 7 days and we have just been informed that a few no shows may "crash" our wedding! Ridiculous! I don't understand people at all... months to plan for something and they leave everything to the last minute!