MObride09

Quote: Originally Posted by joie1987 Ok so if you choose to not do a cocktail hour (which I am not) what exactly do your guests do during that time before dinner while you and the hubby are taking pictures?? do they still keep the guests entertained in some sort of way? does anyone know?? I'm sure some of our guests will return to their rooms to freshen up while others, I already know plan on going to the bar at the Palace. Drinks are "free" here..all inclusive.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lady_Di I searched for this thread and did not find. Mods, please delete this if there is a thread! I'm getting married on May 29, 2010 at The Royal Playa Del Carmen!! Hey date twin! Getting married May 29, 2010 at Barcelo Maya Palace!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by diamondpooch I, as well, will be printing off every quote and promise I received and bringing it with me. I think they have a policy of charging what they want because most people don't argue! I was complaining about the pricing of the cocktail hour being ridiculous in an email to another BDW poster and found out that she complained a little and her travel agent was able to negotiate a free cocktail hour with apps for free! Now, she had 60 ppl coming, but if she had never asked, she would have just paid! It's one thing to know about the price and then complain. It's a complete different story to have the pricing raised on us without us knowing. I hope that's not the case this time. I've decided against the cocktail hour, OOT bags and I'm making my own centerpieces. I think I'm going to make my own bouts too. I'm not going to spend a boatload of money on things most people will overlook. I know I will be glad I did in the end. Hey girl!! I hear ya! We decided against the cocktail hour too. Still planning on a welcome/rehearsal dinner, but I think we might just have that in the buffet. I've asked about pricing for lounge furniture and appetizers to have a welcome dinner on the beach but have not received any responses, despite asking for this info x 2. Oh, BTW I received an email from another gal having her wedding on our day! She's at the Gazebo too! I don't know what time, but I hope those WC's can turn around a site quickly with 3 brides all getting married at the Gazebo that day. I'm sure we all have different colors and ideas for our set up ya know

Quote: Originally Posted by Meyer2010 I will keep my fingers crossed for you! I hope everything works out! Keep your head up! ~ Erica Great News!!! My sister is coming!!! We finally sat down and talked things thru and she said she really wanted to go and in the end she would regret not being there for my wedding. So she's going to be there whether her husband goes or not....Yea!!! I have my MOH back

#1 looks fantastic!!!

Wow! Beautiful! Congratulations Mrs!!!

OMG! I just saw this dress on the Nordstrom website last night and was thinking about ordering!!! It will make an awesome reception dress!

I really like #2 on you!

Love #2!!!

MY FI had the same complaint. He hates pictures and was floored by the cost of professional photography! For me, the pictures were the most important expense. Our photographer offered a package deal which included an engagement session but since FI really, really hates pictures, we negotiated on having some casual pictures taken while in Mexico along with a TTD session and the wedding coverage. The photographer dropped the engagement pics from the package which dropped the price by $300.00 which made FI happy, and I get a variety of pics on location which made me happy...Being that your pics are free, I would take advantage, but for me it wasn't worth the bickering:)

Quote: Originally Posted by J&MWedding We got engaged after about a year and a half. will be 2 1/2 when we get married. We also got lucky and knew each other through my cousin so we really didn't need any time for the "getting to know each other" either. Have to make a comment thought, my friends got married last year and they had been together 13 years!!!!! through highschool and college, so I remember that wedding being so special everyone was like, "finally!" I can relate. I think I may really win for longest relationship. By the time the wedding rolls around in May, it will be 14 years!!!!!! Long story and lot of history but in a nutshell, met when I was 19 had some ups and downs but worked out the way it should, he really is my soul mate... We joke (sorta) that the first dance should be "AT LAST" by Etta James, I think our family and friends would get a kick out of that!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by diamondpooch Ladies: So, does anyone know anything about or have used the DJ you can get through the resort If you don't use that DJ, and you use a different one, they charge you a $50 per hour fee for electricity! Seems steep, but if the resident DJ stinks, I'm gonna spring for DJMannia. Also, anyone used the floral arrangments the hotel provides? Claudia sent me a PDF of images of some examples, but I'm not crazy about the style of the centerpeices. Anyone know if they are flexible if I sent her a pic of what I want, can she make it? Also, if anyone was wondering, Claudia told me that for the rehearsal dinner she can't accept reservations of more than 30 people. She will get a guest list three weeks before the wedding and will make the reservation for us. Also, I got with my travel agent today and they are working their magic on a deal and also on bulk air. I will let you know what they come back with. MObride.....if we end up with bulk air and most of your guest list is leaving from STL, that could work out for you, so let me know if you wanna jump on the plane. Hey there! Would you mind sending me the PDF on the flowers as well?? I think they are able to pretty much accomodate any wishes you would have on flowers and centerpieces as they have outside vendors they contract with from what I've been told. There would be an extra cost involved for these special arrangements though. How much extra I'm not sure If you have pictures of bouquets you have in mind it might be a good idea to email the WC's your inspirations to maybe get an estimate?? Here is my email for the PDF and thanks so much!!!! [email protected] Thanks for the offer on the bulk air.! Our flights have already been booked and we would have to pay fees to change our arrangements, but if your TA is looking at American Airlines, we are on the flight leaving STL at 8:30 AM and connecting in Dallas to arrive in Cancun at 1:30 pm. !

Quote: Originally Posted by svetayasofiya Wow..... sounds like we are all experiencing the same disappointments. I am lucky all our family is booked, but last night (the day before final payment was due) my fiancee's two groom men backed out. I was shocked to say the least because they committed months ago and even paid deposits. They've known for a year about our plans and now all of a sudden... one can't afford it so the other is backing out too because he doesn't want to go alone. I couldn't believe it. I was working hard last night trying to get him a good rate for single occupancy and he says "if I knew ____ wasn't going to come I wouldn't have booked because I don't want to go alone". I was so hurt by that comment, I started to cry and said you'd miss your best friends wedding because you don't want to go alone? I was so upset I had to hang up. The worst is my fiancee is really upset and extremely hurt, but he tells them it's ok. NO IT'S NOT!! He even said to me last night that in the beginning he didn't think anyone would come, then when they all put down their deposits he got all excited... backing out like this is such a blow. He has one friend coming now. I have three bridesmaids and he has a best man. We are all going to be lopsided, lol But seriously.... how do you get past the selfishness of others? We are really starting to see who our true friends are. I dunno... if it was me I would have been saving for months and without question would be there. So sorry to hear this. That really just sucks, and to wait to the very last minute to "man up" about it to. If they had said something months ago, maybe there would have been time to find "replacements" ! You really find out who your friends are and who really cares about you! A similar situation happened with one of the girls I was planning on having for a BM. I flew from missouri to montanna to be in her wedding, stood outside in 40 degree weather for her wedding and reception in a strapless dress, braved the wilderness (I'm not an outdoorsy type of girl), took time off of work, and paid for all expenses associated with such myself. (Nothing against Montana, it was beautiful country, but it was COLD, didn't want to offend any MT brides out there!) However, when the time came for her to come to Mexico for me, she refused stating it was "too dangerous" IF I had "chosen Jamaica or Puerto Rico" then she would have gone!!!! I couldn't believe it, I guess in the end you realize that maybe you have more heart and loyalty than others... I'm sure you will have a wonderful ceremony regardless and eventually, I'm sure your FI"s friends will regret their decisions...

So does the limit of 30 people only apply to a la carte restaurants for the welcome dinner or to the buffet too. From what I understood, they could also section off an area of the buffet dining room for a welcome/rehearsal dinner for your group and I wasn't told anything about a limit on the guest number. I wouldn't think there would be any extra charge for this since guests have unlimited use of the buffet. Just curious?

Quote: Originally Posted by diamondpooch So, has anyone stayed in the Beach/Caribe and/or the Tropical/Colonial at Barcelo Maya Are the low grade rooms in the beach/caribe any good? I don't want to put any of my budget guests up in these if they are poor quality. Thanks! Hey there! We stayed at the Tropical/Colonial in 2006 and my FI's family stayed at the Beach/Caribe at that same time. The Tropical and Colonial rooms were very , very nice and the a la carte restaurants were very good. The Beach/Caribe rooms at that time were noticeably older, and the restaurants at the Beach /Caribe were not air conditioned at that time, which was their major complaint. However, we thought the best stretch of beach was in front of the Beach/Caribe and we spent all of our beach time at this end of the resort. If i recall, the Beach and Caribe are currently closed and undergoing major renovations so by the time our weddings roll around, they should be nice and new!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Meyer2010 I really feel for you because I went through the same thing! It's really hard to enjoy your engagement and wedding planning when a wrench has been thrown into the situation. She is your only sister! Wow, what do you think her husband has an issue with? Staying in a room by herself? Why wouldn't he come too? Even if they just came for a few days? We have some guests only staying for 3-4 days. The most important day is our wedding day so as long as our family/guests are there for that we are okay with that. Sisterly love is very deep. I think she will have a change of heart but it may take some time. It sounds like she is really bitter right now. How long has she known you were having a DW? Have you thought about writing her a letter telling her how much it would mean to have you there. I did the same thing for my little sister b/c she is my MOH too. It made a world of difference!!! Stay focused on the exciting parts of wedding planning and please keep us posted... we will be your support system for sure!!! Take Care!! ~ Erica Thanks for the support Erica! She has known for a year that this would be a DW! We originally had the date for Oct 17th of this year, but switched for my FI's family to make it easier for them to travel. They are all teachers and coaches so leaving in the height of football season wasn't a good idea! That's part of the reason I'm so surprised with her sudden change of heart. For the past year, she has stated she would be there not matter what, even if her husband didn't want to go! So, I'm trying to just give her some space. It's been about 3 weeks since I've talked to her. I've thought I will be the "bigger" person and give her a call this week. I need to know for sure if she isn't going.. I'm still holding out that she will change her mind?

Beautiful! It makes your waist look so teeny tiny!

I plan on wearing my dress the whole time. When will we ever get the chance to put it on again except for maybe an AHR. I'll probably look into getting a different one for TTD photos because I think mine would be way too heavy one it gets wet and I can't imagine getting into the ocean or on the rocks with all the English net and lace in the skirt and train. I think it would rip too easily.

Very Pretty t&k! It's so exciting when you have found "the one"! (The Dress and the Man!!!)

I like 3 and 4.

How funny! That's at least 3 Missouri weddings that week and ours is on the same day!!! We'll have to meet up for a drink for sure!

Thank God everyone is OK and no passengers were hurt. But boy, now does my family have even more ammunition against Mexico. All I have been hearing for weeks is how much they disapprove of our decision to go to Mexico with all the drug cartels and kidnappings while I have been doing my best to convince it is still safe in the Riveria Maya area. Oh the timing!!! I tried to bring up that a hijacking also occurred in Jamaica this year, but that didn't seem to get as much of their attention!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Meyer2010 OMG... that really sucks. Your wedding is not for 8 months! You even asked her to be your MOH! How old is she? Is she older than you? Weird question but what was her wedding like? Maybe she is jealous you are getting married in a tropical place. That is terrible! If your mom and dad can't go, your sister should be there! No if's, and's or but's! You are paying for her way, what more can she ask for? I'm sorry this is happening to you at such a exciting time in your life! Keep your chin up and try and stay positive. Maybe she'll turn around. ~ Erica Thanks for the kind words Erica. I've been trying to stay positive, but it's been really difficult. She's my only sister, younger by 3 years. She married 5 years ago and had a nice ceremony at home. I really think it has to do more with a "controlling" husband than her not really wanting to be there. But tonight she texted me again and pretty much let me have it for having a wedding away from home where more of my family would not be able to attend. Pretty much called me selfish for having a destination wedding and forcing her to choose between me and her husband!!!!! I didn't want this to come between us, but I'm not the one forcing her to choose! I simply want her there and am willing to pay for her to be there !!! I feel like if it was so important for her, as she told me it was originally, then she would accept the offer, no questions asked!!!! So,I guess I'll just keep planning... and try to not let it get me down... and like you said, maybe she'll turn around.

these "I DO" stickers are also available on the "Classy Bride" website for ~$5.00. Not sure if they ship to Canada...

The last time I was there was in 2006, but I know that Playa Del Carmen is a short trip from the resort. There are many shops and markets there, particulary on their "5th Avenue" but whether or not you would be able to find parasols, I'm not sure...