pvinnov

No, I had my ceremony and reception at Dreams. My mom got used to the the AI real quickly and tried to get me to switch to using one of the restaurants at Dreams because she enjoyed her dinner there so much. This was 10 minutes before we were all getting into cabs to go to Mestizo! Lol! It would've been cheaper for sure since most of our guests were staying at the hotel, so it would've been free food/drinks, but I wanted to get "off-campus."

I just held a welcome dinner at Mestizos in PV a couple weeks ago (Friday, 11/21/0. I haven't done a full on review of our wedding (we just got back!), but the restaurant was totally willing to work with our budget, about $2300. When I thought we were going to have 50+ guests, I was able to select 8-9 appetizers that would be served all evening. I was going to set the drink tab to $600. When I got the final headcount of 40, I decided to do an appetizer, dinner, dessert (options from the regular menu) and keep the $600 drink tab. We did end up going over on the drink tab a little, but that's because the waiters brought out tequila shots at the end. (They did ask for approval on whether to go over the tab or not as I requested.) Food was fantastic, service was wonderful, and communication was so easy. Plus the space was really a perfect size for us, not too big or small. I have pictures and will try to post soon!

Ah, I am accustomed to N. Cal weather, but I'm usually freezing, so maybe it'll be perfect! Thanks!

Mishka, I was looking at the weather forecast and it still looks hot! Well to me, at least. Here's to hoping that the weather gets a little cooler on Saturday when I am out getting married!

Kathy, I'm sure you got this email earlier this week too, but for everyone else who like looking at pictures, DD has a few more updates! Check out this link The Dazzling Details

i'll have pictures after november!

i think your dress is breath-taking. i really love it. it looks wonderful on you and it's definitely an "impact" dress.

Pisces, I'm on the fence about OOT bags. I do tend to think about it more generally as a gift from the bride & groom. I think it's great that you are doing a luau as your gift. After our welcome reception and our wedding day, we can't afford something that nice. (Wish we could though!) I think it will come down to whether we can come up with a meaningful/thoughtful gift that all of our guests would enjoy.

For more decorative starfish, coral, and shells, try Pottery Barn. They are selling summer decor for 50% off online and in-stores. These are larger, not really for favors though. I could definitely see them being used as part of center pieces or other decor. And of course, they are nice enough to decorate your home with too! They are available in the resin material and metal. (I saw the metal ones in store and other assorted shells too).

I was freaking out about airline prices from California (SFO, SJC) to Puerto Vallarta because they spiked up to over $700 a couple weeks ago. I thought a few relatives who hadn't purchased (but were intending to) would be priced out, but GOOD NEWS!!! I found November tickets tonight and booked for 2 of my cousins. The tickets were $420 on American Airlines. That's not as low as what some guests got who were on the ball in March, but it's pretty damn good after that $700 scare. So, for anyone with guests w/o a ticket yet, go check TODAY! Plus don't forget to search for Orbitz and Cheapticket coupon codes for air+hotel packages. I have all my guests use the $75 off coupon if they book on those sites. (Btw, I was booking around 10:30pm tonight and a few times when I was searching I noticed the prices go down so maybe systems were updating prices?? Maybe the falling oil prices are finally having an impact...)

I totally spent an entire evening googling silk flowers a few weeks ago. I was thinking of using it them with a ribbon a la j. crew on bridesmaid dresses as an accent color and a little extra detail. If you want to try a DIY project, you can order pretty silk flowers from Silk Flowers Greenery & Garlands or Silk Wedding Flower Stems A couple random sites with cute hair accessories: Torrid.com - Plus sizes - Product Details Page - Large White Peony Hair Clip Dahlia Pins and of course, there are lots of good options on etsy.com A simple instruction on how to make your own pin for the crafty impaired like me... DIY - Silk Flower Brooch | Wise Bread I also like a variation on a flower pin using feathers!

It's true - not all Macy's sell Laura Mercier, but you can check Laura Mercier - Find Stores & Events - Store Locator - www.lauramercier.com. I haven't tried Laura Mercier in a looong time. After all of the positive posts, I definitely want to try it again and also Bobbi Brown. I am currently using the Armani foundation and love it. I actually have the foundation in two shades for my winter coloring and summer coloring. I think it's fabulous but am always open to trying new products! Bloomingdales also sells Armani makeup. For quick touch-ups or when I don't have time for the liquid foundation, I love using the Shiseido dual wet/dry compact. I use it dry though. I tried MAC and agree w/Christine - it made me look like a ghost! I was probably using the wrong shade, but it also looked very make-up-y and dry. Ick. Does anyone have an opinion on foundation primer?

holy moly! I've never been one to count down the days, but are we seriously down to 4 months? That is so crazy. My FI and I have just started going to the gym on a regular basis. My goal is to get some strong arms and back for those pictures! I still have to do invitations too. At least the STDs went out months ago!

That really good to know that David's Bridal has shorter lead times And ordering a larger dress is a great idea! Thanks for the helpful advice!!

I am overjoyed that my very good friend is pregnant. And I am happy for another friend who is trying to get pregnant. And both are bridesmaids! Has anyone had to fit friends for maternity dresses? And how would we do that when we don't know what their size will be in 5 months?

Has anyone tried Mestizo or heard anything about it? Mexican Food Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta Mestizo It looks cute and the menu sounds interesting but I haven't found any reviews on it! Thanks for any help!

Quote: Originally Posted by nde062010 loeloe92 Did you ever hear back about how many will fit at the gazebo ceremony? I also emailed her but haven't gotten a reply... There's some good information here capacity numbers for the gazebo and other places at Dreams PV. Dreams Puerto Vallarta Hotel wedding packages - Our Dreams Puerto Vallarta Hotel wedding coordinators can plan your beach wedding at Dreams Puerto Vallarta PLACE'S OPTION # 5: “Wedding Gazebo†Description: Gorgeous area for getting married just in a top beach and near of a small terrace for cocktails afterwards ( Las Palmas), located in the middle of the property with an excellent view. Capacity: 5 to 6 persons (the couple, the judge or minister and two witnesses). 20 persons in terrace. It doesn't fit too many people, does it?! It'd be great for an intimate ceremony though.

Well, this bankruptcy did get me! My FI and I were planning to meet some friends in Maui for a vacation in May. As luck would have it, we booked on Aloha! I called United about rebooking, but they were only taking care of customers who booked through them. I had booked through Aloha's website. The United agent advised me to contact my credit card for a refund and rebook on any other airline. (That was also one of the instructions on the Aloha site.) Coincidentally, I booked on my United miles credit card. The customer service person logged my claim and said she would send me a dispute letter that I'd have to fill out and return within 10 days. Then my request will be processed within 30 days. It SOUNDS like I will get a refund, but I'm not 100% sure. I would get new tickets if I had the refund in hand. Without it though, I'm a little wary. I don't want to spend twice the amount. By the time I get the refund, it may be too late and way too expensive. What to do! Any advice?? At least this wasn't for our wedding!

Quote: Originally Posted by loeloe92 I'm thinking of Dreams too! May 2009. I was considering Dreams in Cancun but all the dates I wanted are booked already! I've noticed there is not much here for Dreams PV, there is so many pages for the one in Cancun! So what are the details? How many guests etc? I am wondering how many people will fit at the gazebo. I e-mailed the coordinator last week and am still waiting to hear back, hope my dates at THIS dreams is available! Good luck on getting your date!! Let us know what happens. I don't have too many details yet. However, I do have 32 people who have booked their tickets!! Most of the family and friends that have booked are on my side though! My FI isn't nearly as good at reminding his side! I guess that's okay. We've only sent out STDs, but I figure we're really using the invitation to communicate details and settle any dinner selections. Of the 32 booked, 25 are staying at Dreams. That's nice because it REALLY cuts down of the per person cost. Although, I'm trying to not push guests into staying just for our benefit. And btw, I'm not dealing directly with the on-site coordinator. Are you planning on using one if you get the date? It's just the lazy factor for me. I have bad luck and would probably freak out too much if I had an unresponsive coordinator!

I'm getting married at Dreams. Where locations are you thinking about?

My wedding will be in November. I thought about doing it in October since many hotels and airlines consider November 1 the beginning of high season in PV. I decided against October mainly because I didn't want to risk weather conditions. I really didn't want to be perspiring on my wedding day and I didn't want anyone else to either! Everyone is shelling out a decent amount to come, so I figure a little more for a better experience is worth it?? I hope! Anyway, if you can get your guests to book airline tickets WAY in advance, costs should be okay. In my case, when tickets went on sale at Alaska Airlines (they fly non-stop from SFO), prices were $388 RT. On Mexicana (red-eye with one stop), they were $288 RT. This is for the weekend before Thanksgiving. Prices have been steadily going up since then though. And since my date is before a holiday, I think there's less chance of an airline sale before then. Therefore, the early bird really gets the best price. Others probably have a different experience with dates not around holidays.

imagine what these ladies could do with real fabric! WOW! i hope they make their own real dresses!

I've only been to Belize once (Ambergris Caye), but it was a fantastic vacation. You and your guests will have a terrific time there!!

I'm using the DD team too! I'm just at the beginning of planning, but so far so good.

thanks, this helps for PV too!