twotees1218

I agree with all comments about the extra people EXCEPT that I truly feel single people should be allowed to bring a date. Yes, it's an extra amount, but let's remember when we were all single. It's an entire week of being the single girl at a wedding - not just an afternoon/evening. Further if good friends are willing to shell out big bucks to come to my wedding, I am prepared to buy their date dinner. You never know, it could work out for them and then they would have a need to be here too!

Ahhh you're about a month before me. I got reassigned Nancy as well (Fabio sucks) and she has been better. Mind you, I think my TA had a very nasty conversation with Fabio's boss - It had been over a month and we still had not heard from Fabio. Nancy emailed me that day. lovefreddy (above) has been very, very helpful and says not to worry. She went through the same thing and her wedding was beautiful. Carolina the onsite wedding coordinator is very good and they can arrange all details in about 2 hrs - so don't stress. It sounds as though it will all be looked after. Did you receive the spreadsheet from nancy? I had to ask because lovefreddy clued me in. Also, I have Nancy's phone number if you need it. PM me for details if you like.

We had a lot of complaining from FI's side and still do. Specifically his mother and sister....too expensive, too far blah, blah, blah. Well wouldn't you know that in-law's are now going for 2 weeks and flying first class!! F Sister-in-law actually told me that she could go to barbados for 2 weeks with what our wedding costs and that she already went to her brother's first wedding!! OMG filter! We actually get along and she hates FI's ex and this is what she says to me. We finally said to her that she shouldn't come if all she is going to do is complain. Of course she would never miss an event! She booked her spa appointments so that she looks her best for our big day months ago. I haven't even booked mine. I wonder if I'll walk in on her and she'll be wearing my dress?!? Anything is possible.

There are some great ideas on here. So far we have the following: > flip flops in navy - on sale online at Old Navy for $1.99 > giant beach bags - we got these onsale at Ikea for $1.50. They are HUGE and a tarp-like material which will be great for sand. I had wanted canvas, but the shipping to Canada was rediculous and I didn't have any real time to research. I am now happy - they are white with big navy blue circles all over them. They'll be great for the week and if people want to chuck them at the end, so be it at that price! > Hand snaitizer - on sale at bath & body works. Happens to be navy > burning personalized cd's with our favorite wedding songs and personalizing the cases > those woven looking hand fans with navy ribbon (many menopausal aged women attending - lol) - was my mom's suggestion for our 3pm ceremony in the sun. I'll keep checking for new ideas!!

My guy would respond the same way as he is non-confrontational. It drives me nuts as I am very direct. The reality is that when he perceives me as flying off the handle, then he is reluctant to come to me with future issues - worried that I'll lose it. And I am mostly a calm person, but he hates confrontation of any kind. You know about it, you know he'll do nothing about it, what your FIL says/does is out of your control no matter what you say or do and who you tell. I would would say and do nothing as it would appear to be a dead issue with your FI. Only concentrate on the things you can control to save your own sanity.

I understand your hurt. At the same time, we planned our DW wedding knowing that there was a big chance most people wouldn't be able to make it. The reality is that it is expensive for many and a strain on resources. We never knwo what goes on behind closed doors for some and the finaicial realities they deal with. I would not be shelling out this kind of cash with the exception for closest friends only and so can't expect the same of them. Believe me I get sick of my future sister in law to be go on and on about how she could go to Barbados for 2 weeks for the same amount. The next time I may tell her she should! We all know that it is the marriage that counts. The wedding will be fun no matter what. Hang in there.

My dress is a form fitting, dropped waist, with the option for either a full or flowing skirt. I like the skirt to be slightly full, but not too big - somewhere in the middle!! I have tried both a crinolin and hoop skirt and can't decide. The crinolin gives a better shape, but is soooo heavy and I'm worried about overheating under all those layers. I loved the built-in AC of the hoop skirt, but it gave a slight 'tulip' shape to the dress. And I seemed to trip over it a little while walking. The dress is a Maggie Sottero - Rhianna Royale: Rhianna Royale - by Maggie Sottero Any advice?

How did the BD pics go??

Help!! Our wedding coordinator Fabio at Azul has never responded to any emails. Our TA is not much better. I am left feeling in the dark about the details - with only three months to go. What are the reception options at Azul Beach Hotel? We were planning a private beach reception - but are unsure or weather. karisma policy online is to move poor weather outdoor events into one of the all inclusive restaurants along with other hotel guests, with NO refund. Is this true? What options are available at the resort for a private reception. I have read that wave lounge is an option - is it nice? Anything else I should know? What is the extra cost of this? What about a DJ? The cost is $1300 and he gets a 15 minute break for every hour worked. Is it worth it or should we stick to the ipod and speakers? What are availble options for speakers - do they provide? At what cost? Sincerely yours, in the dark azul bride to be!

My TA does specialize in weddings/honeymoons and hasn't been very helpful so far. The only thing she has done is tell me my wedding coordinator at Azul is Fabio - who has never gotten back to me. I would use a regular TA if they can get you a better deal or group discount. Using a Wedding TA we have been charged full price for everything, no discounts, no deals, and have had very little help. We just found out that booking online through the vendor is about $300/person cheaper. I did my research and she had come very highly recommended - so I don't know what has happened. We even had to ask her to send our guests reminders that full payment was due less than a week prior. Didn't think this should be our job. I guess it comes down to hiring a competent TA - wedding specialty or not. Good Luck!!!

They are fantastic!! I am envious as we were very time and cost sensitive regarding invitations. Would have loved something like that. Great job!!

10 months - but we're older and have family making in mind!

We just did that last weekend. We had success at Banana Republic and the bonus was that it was really marked down. They were also able to search other stores for sizes and have items shipped provided that you pay up front. After we bought it, we also found quite a lot at Macy's - also on sale. Good Luck.

Hi Everyone, Karisma wedding coordinators are almost impossible to get in touch with. I am left feeling in the dark about the details - with only three months to go. Looking for any advice as to available options for wedding/reception at Azul Beach Hotel. I appreciate any help based on personal experience - the most reliable kind! We were planning a private beach reception - I love the photos of the dance floor in the sand. My concern is wind (guests may be chilly) and Karisma policy - in bad weather you are forced into one of the all inclusive restaurants along with other hotel guests, with NO refund. Is this true? What options are available at the resort for a private reception. I have read that wave lounge is an option - is it nice? What is the extra cost of this? What about a DJ? The cost is $1300 and he gets a 15 minute break for every hour worked. Is it worth it or should we stick to the ipod and speakers? What are availble options for speakers - do they provide? At what cost? Any other issues I should know about? Thanks everyone - looking very forward to some much needed advice!

Love these pics!! I am also wearing this dress and can't get enough of seeing other brides and photos!

Beautiful pics!! I greatly appreciate your review as we will marry there in December. So far our local destination wedding planner has been unorganized and not very helpful. Like you, we had to remind our guests the date final payments are due etc. We only just found out through guests that 'double occupancy" at Azul means 1 king bed and the fee for two beds is an extra $280?? What about friends/family sharing a room who do not want to share a bed?! Has anyone else heard this? Did you have a private reception or use one of the all inclusive restaurants?

Poor you - I feel your frustration as Fabio is also our WC. I am still waiting for a response to an email I sent him 2 weeks ago. From what I hear, he is not the WC that actually works at the resort. I have read other threads that say Fabio is difficult, but the onsite WC's are better. I am trying to change my wedding package from Gold to Silver (not impressed with caribe photo so far), but am not holding my breathe.

Claudia told me that I would not be charged the $500 fee as she is a preferred vendor with Karisma. I will be curious to see the quote - will let you know if it differs from the original price list I was emailed.

Hi Everyone - I'm a to-be Azul Beach Hotel Bride in just over three months! I have found a wealth of information this far and appreciate the open and honest communication so far. Looking forward to sharing some more. angie