ny-bze

Hello, We are finalizing our wedding details and recently found out that the resort is charging a 20% tax/service charge on all items that we purchase through them, including vendor fees, decor, set-ups, etc. We expected to pay a tax and service charge on food and beverage, but were a little surprised that the tax/svc charge is applied to everything (since this bumps up our music, florist and photography fees that are from outside vendors). Especially since they require that we book vendors through them. Is this tax normal? When we asked they said this is customary for all resorts, so I wanted to get some perspectives from other brides. Note, we are not at an AI, so all of our costs are essentially a la carte. Thanks for any info on this! Cheers, jamie

Hello, We are finalizing our wedding details and recently found out that the resort is charging a 20% tax/service charge on all items that we purchase through them, including vendor fees, decor, food, etc. We expected to pay a tax and service charge on food and beverage, but were a little surprised that the tax/svc charge is applied to everything (since this bumps up our music, florist and photography fees that are from outside vendors). Particularly since they require that we book vendors through them. Is this tax normal? When we asked they said this is customary for all resorts, so I wanted to get some perspectives from other brides. Note, we are not at an AI, so all of our costs are essentially a la carte. Thanks for any info on this! Cheers, jamie

Hi all, I'm getting married on Ambergris Caye May 22nd. We selected Las Terrazas which is a new condo property on the north side of the island. I've only visited Belize once, but absolutely fell in love with it. It's a very special place - very rustic, charming and adventurous. Planning is not the easiest as it's not as built up as some other destinations, but I haven't minded that so much as we want something more laid back. We'll have about 50 guests - mostly family and close friends, so it should be a relaxing and fun event. Let me know if you have any other questions about Belize. So looking forward to being there in two months! ~jamie

hi there. where did you get your cosmetic bags? those are super cute, but unfortunately not my colors. thanks for any info!! Congrats on your wedding. cheers, jamie

Looking forward to meeting everyone! Hoping to get there between 6:00 and 6:30 if i can escape from the office on time. ~jamie

Hi Kathy, A co-worker of mine just got back from Belize. She stayed at all three of the Coppola resorts (Turtle Inn in Placencia, Blancaneaux in the jungle as well as the one in Guatemala). She loved all of them! And especially raved about Blancaneux. Depending how long you're going to be there - you could split your trip between Ambergris and a place on the mainland perhaps (get a bit of both the beach and the jungle)? Our wedding will be at Las Terrazas in the north (the week before you'll be there). It's really nice, but new, so there aren't really any reviews yet. I'm planning to come by the NY happy hour tomorrow, so would be happy to chat more about Belize. ~Jamie

great examples. thanks for sharing!

Great news! I was sad to miss it since I'll be out of town this weekend. Will definitely plan on joining next Friday!

what a great attitude. things do often work out for a reason. best of luck!!

sounds delicious. my little sister is in the process of planning a shower for me, so these are really great ideas. thanks.

super cute. your bridesmaid's will love them!

your robes sound super cute. love the store. thanks for the recco. The matching cosmetic bags would be great as well.

love the invite language! so personalized.

Wow, your invitations look great! I think i'm going with a similar colored pocket fold - just debating between the metallic and matte. Love the starfish!! Where did you end up getting the starfish? We're planning to put them on the tables with thank you notes for each guests. So, I'm trying to find large white ones. Congrats on the great invites! ~jamie

Hi ladies, I'm a new member and so wish I could join so I could meet everyone, but unfortunately I will be traveling. Would love to do brunch one weekend, though, Kathy (I know you mentioned a fun brunch spot in the west village). Or, if there are any gatherings on other days, I'll definitely try to be there. ~jamie

Amazing pics of your honeymoon! I'm getting married on Ambergris for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned. I love the authenticity of the island - it does have a gritty, real quality to it (in a good way). While it is more touristy than other areas of Belize, it still feels very quaint and isn't super built up. Gorgeous settings and lovely people. And the snorkeling is fantastic. Seeing your pictures made me excited to again this May for the wedding. Thanks for posting!

Hi there, I just joined the forum after reading a few posts and seeing all the amazing wedding advice posted by soon to be brides. My name is Jamie and I'm getting married on Ambergris Caye in Belize this May (2009). Any brides who've had experience in this area, would love your advice! Cheers, Jamie