Rhonda

Quote: Originally Posted by JUSTUSTWO Basically I had everyone's email address so I just sent out 1 email to everyone asking for their size in t-shirts & flip flops. I mean it may have taken the surprise out of what they would be getting but I really wanted to make sure that I had the correct sizes. It worked very well but then I only had 30 guests to do this for, not 70! But I don't think you'll have a problem. If you do go this route, just make sure that the store that you are buying them from uses sizes in numbers as opposed to Small, Medium, Large. You don't want to ask your guest for sizes in #'s only to find that the store has them in S,M,L! I had to learn this the hard way! LOL And also ask that they respond by a certain date so that you're prepared & only have to make 1 trip. I also made sure to do this when the flip flops were on sale for 2 for $5 and the store manager gave me an extra discount since I bought so many. THANKS!!! Great advice!!! I think that is what I'll try to do..hopefully everyone will cooperate! Someone on here posted a site for THE CUTEST personalized flip flops...I really want to put them in the OOT bag!!! Now, I think I might!

Quote: Originally Posted by JUSTUSTWO My big hits: The deck of cards First aid kit which had packets of Tylenol, Motrin, & Immodium, Purell hand wipes, & chapstick Flip flops for both men & women The mini-wallet used as a key card holder or for money The pashminas-the women loved them, especially for late nights in the lobby, on the beach & in restaurants for dinner. And yes, the travel mug was the biggest hit by far! Everywhere we went on the resort, my guests had their mugs. It was very convienent and well used at the bar! This is a GREAT thread! I'm working on my OOT bag stuff now. Just wondering, JUSTUSTWO, since you did the flip flops...how did you know what size to get everyone I really want to do the flip flops, but, we're having over 70 people and I can't figure out what sizes to get everyone! Any suggestions?

Quote: Originally Posted by JUSTUSTWO You may want to check this thread out as well: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t34354 Thanks! I guess I missed that one!

I'm trying to decide whether or not to have me, my FI and our bridal party wear shoes (flip flops or sandals) or go barefoot for our ceremony. Our ceremony will be in the sand. I kinda like the idea of going barefoot, but, I'm concerned if the sand would be too hot. Our ceremony is at 5pm. I'm wondering what others have done or are doing, any pros/cons, or any other thoughts... Thanks, Ladies!

Love your dresses! My BM chose the last one for my wedding, but, in a different color. They are great dresses and the price was just right too!

K, thanks ladies! I wasn't sure if it was traditional for the guys to buy the wedding rings...but, I guess anything goes! we've basically decided to split the total cost of both rings, but, in the end it probably won't matter since we do live together already, but just havent joined our $$$

Quote: Originally Posted by pryzeless I just hope when people are doing their reseach they look at all the information but not just the "sticky"s. Every other week there is a new resort being complained about regarding a new outside vender policy or new fees those resorts are charging. Perhaps there should be a sticky of all those resorts or a call to boycott them. This is just my opinion and I am clearly biased but it really should be changed. I loved EDR and I hope people will look at ALL the happy brides who got married there. Pryzeless, Thanks for posting this...I'm getting married in May at EDR despite what is written in this thread. I am SO happy with my decision because my wedding coordinator is great and I know so many other brides have been happy there. Plus, I've visited the resort before and it is gorgeous...I can't wait! I think you are right a lot of other resorts have similar issues.

Not sure...but I just went to their website and "The Big Sale" is still going on and there's even more stuff on sale than I realized in the store!

My FI and I are going shopping for wedding rings tomorrow and he asked me if he was supposed to buy the rings....I didn't know the answer...but, figured someone here would! Is it customary for the man to buy rings or do most people buy them together? I would love to hear what some of you did/are doing. Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by beebumble27 Hello Rhonda!! Do you mind sending me the pic as well.....I'm currently pocket challenged NO problem! Let me know your email address and I'll send you my proofs. You can PM if you'd like.

Looks like we're having 70-80 people for our wedding at El Dorado Royale...I actually can't believe i! We have 56 people booked as of last week and we're expecting 15-20 more between now and May. Our RSVP is Feb 1st...so we'll see... I am also waiting for someone to bail at the last minute...but, hopefully NOT!

Thank you SO much for sharing this!!! I am getting married at EDR in May and will find this very useful! You don't know how much time you have saved me trying to put something together!!! Thank you!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by yamille Good find! They have good deals lately. I'm holding off on buying stuff still cause I don't know how much to buy but I'm tempted. I was like you until recently....I still don't have all of my RSVP's in yet, but, I have a general idea of how many bags I will need. I figure if I need a few more, I'll just pick some up later...they may be full price though.

Just wanted to share my excitement for the day....I bought my first items for my OOT bags...bath & body works shower gels...for only $1! They're really cute because they have "beachy" and "islandy" scents. It's great when the littlest thing makes me so happy!

Your pictures are amazing! I love the color contrast!! Gorgeous!

Did you get them embroidered? If so, what was the cost? Also, were you able to order a sample or do you have to order by case? I really love the towel idea! Thanks!

Hey Casey, As a Registered Dietitian, I have to put my two cents in Most of what the other ladies have said is true...carbs are an important part of a healthy diet. It is not healthy to eliminate entire food groups (starch, fruit, vegetables, dairy- ALL have carbs) Of course, some are better than others like the whole grain/high fiber stuff and fruits and vegetables. Eliminating simple carbs (things that turn to glucose quickly) is probably a good idea since most of those foods contain very little nutritional value. Keep in mind, without carbs in your diet..you will not only affect your digestive system (as someone else mentioned), but, also your brain!! Glucose is the main fuel for your brain...without you might start getting really moody and irritated often..probably not the best time for that since you're probably gonna be under a lot of stress as it is (at least I know I will! ) Anyway, that's it for all my rambling! Good Luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by natalie ann Hi I just switched to Eldorado Royal, have a few questions. We are rushing to get everything decided! I'm worried about a beach reception being too cool after dark. Ours is a Jan 31 wedding date. We have 55 of us so we are told either in a hall that could be a MI wedding hall or on the beach. Did any of you have your reception on the beach at night? Was it too windy and cold? Are there other options we are not being offered. We are the only wedding that day. I really wanted something outside. Also where is there jetskiing during the day, I read on one post someone was jetsking? Oh and if we are bringing votives and sea shells for our tables (all extras are so expensive) will they put them out for us or do we have to pay extra!! We are painting names on sand dollars for our seating chart and they want to charge $40 to rent a box with sand to put them in. Any advise would be helpful. Natalie Ann Quote: Originally Posted by brigopens I think the reason you are having a problem is the extra 5 people. Several of the facilities that other people have mentioned (Health Bar, Tucanes) seem to have a 50 person max in their minds... You can talk to them about it, or just tell them that you are down to 50 and pick your place, then add a few extra people the day before... We had exactly 50 at Tucanes. You can see plenty of those pics on our slideshow: Amy and Brian We've been to EDR twice now, both times in late November/early December. Once the weather every evening would have been great for a beach reception. The second time, it was cooler and very breezy, and we wouldn't have been happy with it! There are no JET SKIS at all from what I saw in Mexico. Maybe you meant wave runners? Not trying to be technical, just wanting to make sure I answer your question... There is a hut on the beach near the beach bar and also up in the Casitas near Gaviotas. You can rent wave runners to take out right at the resort. I believe the price was approx $55/hour. We did it from the beach the first time. Last visit we booked thru the lobby to go on a catamaran/snorkeling/waverunner trip which was a great time and very reasonable!!! We went to Walmart in Playa when we got there and bought glass votive holders and candles, large vases for table centerpieces, and maracas for all fo our guests! We didn't mention it to EDR because we were told they might charge us. We just had our mothers head there while we were taking pictures after the ceremony and everyone else was at the bars. They were helpful in putting things out with our moms and nobody gave them a problem. It also gave us a little piece of mind to know it would be done exactly like we wanted... :-) I am very curious about the Walmart in Playa...did they have everything you needed? I am planning on buying a bunch of stuff for my OOT bags at Walmart or Costco (I think they have one in Cancun) once I'm down there. Did anyone else here do that?

Quote: Originally Posted by natalie ann Hi I just switched to Eldorado Royal, have a few questions. We are rushing to get everything decided! I'm worried about a beach reception being too cool after dark. Ours is a Jan 31 wedding date. We have 55 of us so we are told either in a hall that could be a MI wedding hall or on the beach. Did any of you have your reception on the beach at night? Was it too windy and cold? Are there other options we are not being offered. We are the only wedding that day. I really wanted something outside. Also where is there jetskiing during the day, I read on one post someone was jetsking? Oh and if we are bringing votives and sea shells for our tables (all extras are so expensive) will they put them out for us or do we have to pay extra!! We are painting names on sand dollars for our seating chart and they want to charge $40 to rent a box with sand to put them in. Any advise would be helpful. Natalie Ann I didn't want our reception in the sand (personal preference) and we are having 70-80 guests. Valeria offered me an outside venue called Marina Maroma, where the reception takes place in a restaurant. It looks amazing! Anyway, I think the minimum number for that venue is 60 or more, but, I'm not sure....don't know if that's an option for you.

The SAME thing happened to me today!!! My mom has been neurotically watching airfares since the middle of last year. She called me today to let me know that the airfair from NYC to Cancun went down $125! She booked right away and also got the word out to everyone else...I think they paid $325..which is a great deal! As I know 10 more people booked their flights today! Yay! SO exciting!

Wow! I guess I'm not alone in this situation! I think you all bring up good points. I agree that it's a huge expense and trip for people to make and they are entitled to travel with whom ever they want. We DO have to pay for each person at our wedding + welcome party, even though it's an AI. But, so far, this is the only random person that I'm aware of that might be coming. Also, it looks like we'll be having 70-80 guests, so, I'm kind of thinking...whats one more, right? It's not like we're having 10 people. In the end, I probably won't even care that she's there. I guess my friend really wants to come to the wedding, which I guess I should feel happy about. I just think it's a little odd to ask to bring a friend...I don't think I would ever do that..but, that's just me. Now, let me try to explain this to the FI.....

Quote: Originally Posted by K&Rwedding Katrina- I love your review. I just PM'd you. We are going to do Belize also. Deciding between Victoria House Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) Victoria House Or going south to Turtle Inn (Placencia) Blancaneaux Lodge | Turtle Inn | La Lancha If anyone who reads this has been to either one, I would love your feedback and additional information. We are also open to other small resorts if anyone has a suggestion. Best Kathy Hi Kathy, We are also going to Belize for our honeymoon (booking it tomorrow!) I don't know that much about the resorts that you mentioned, but, I did read about them on Trip Advisor and they both sound very nice. We have decided to stay at Matatchica, which is in Ambergris Caye. I am very excited...it sounds awesome! We are booking the honeymoon package (lots of perks!) I'm not sure how many rooms there are since you are looking for a small resort. I could ask my TA about it tomorrow. Rhonda

A coworker that I invited to the wedding asked me today if it would be ok for her to bring a random girlfriend (that i don't know) to the wedding instead of her boyfriend since he couldn't go. I told her it was fine, but then, thought about it a bit more and now I'm not sure. I told my FI about it when I got home and he seemed really annoyed that she would have the nerve to invite a random person to our wedding. What do you ladies think

Congrats, Kirsten! I'm so happy to hear that the day went perfectly for you! Sorry that you guys got sick! I can't wait for your review!

Welcome to the forum! We share the same wedding date and I also live in LA! You'll find tons of stuff here! Have fun!