Beautiful Bride

Quote: Originally Posted by echo2_62 Jenna, I have two different quotes from WJ now, so if you'd like to get an idea of what prices they are offering I could email them to you PM?? The first quote took nearly two weeks, but this new one took them about three days?!?! So now I'm considering another call to Jacy about getting the actual date we want. I just want to get something booked and in stone!!!!!!! As for my dress, I had earlier thought that I might wait until September to even start looking but then realized that if I had a six month window I wouldn' thave much time. I think I'd heard about the bridal fair in september but no details really. I'll keep shopping in the meantime and if I haven't completely fallen in love with one by then, I'll for sure check it out! Have you heard about any trunk sales coming up at all? I wasn't sure if those are only posted by individual locations... more homework I guess! Hi Ladies, I'm leaving for my wedding 1 week from today and am getting pretty stressed abut the last minute stuff. However, when I ordered my dress they said up to 6 months too, but it was ready in about 3-4. I think like everything else in life they need to cover their butts. Every store is different though and I wouldn't wait too long as you'll also need to make appts for alterations etc. I picked mine up last week and....it's still perfect!!!!. Just make sure you don't continue trying on dresses after you buy yours....that way no regrets. Hope it all goes well for you (and me too!) I haven't been on much cuz I'm crazy busy, but will try and post a review when I get back!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jenna20 One more thing - Not sure if anyone is hiring a DJ...but i offered an idea on another thread regarding an ipod dock to play music. Apparently the hotel was going to charge $150 to use it. I own a bose ipod docking station and it is very portable and I know a girlfriend of mine has an even more compact device...it seems that the speakers on the bose may output more sound which might be nice all depending. However...what my point is, sorry for babbling, is that if a resort is going to charge, why not just buy a ipod docking device? You would then at least have something tangible at the end of the day. I might just do this myself. Def saves on a DJ...just make play lists or have it set to shuffle and your set! Hi All, I have been off for awhile and super busy with a new job, wedding planning, car accidents (yes plural) and life in general. But my wedding is now 8 weeks away and I'm trying not to FREAK out during all this last minute stuff. I bought an IPOD and a Harmon Kardon docking system that pounds out the tunes. I was debating on the Bose too and this one has way more wattage so that's why I got it. I'm sure either one is going to be fine because they're quality systems. The savings is huge when you think about it, so go for the best. The only downfall is that my system is a bit heavy and bulky so hubby will be bringing it as his carry-on item and I will have THE DRESS! Speaking of the dress, I go for my first fitting in about a week and then have my bridal shower a couple of weeks after that. I still feel really unprepared though. I am almost finished with the OOT bags and just need to assemble them, and I finally have the wedding party coming with clothes on. Up until a few weeks ago they were all naked. i do feel a little better now that final payments have been made and I have 20 people confirmed. I'm so happy for you Jamie. Congrats. I'm glad everything went well for you. I was wondering if the head table is round or rectangle. Jacy hasn't responded yet so maybe you can help me out by letting me know. Thanks, and thanks to everyone on this site that has helped me out with their insight and reviews. You are awesome!

QUOTE=2010wedding;742538]Hiya Jen- Thanks for the info...I think I will wait and see also. Is this the El patio or something like that Jacy means? Janna I think it's just out by the pool and they set up tables etc right there. I had a look at the map and the El Patio is near the ocean not too far from the wedding gazebo. It's really hard to figure out what you want when you haven't been there to see. I think I could easily lose my mind trying to get it all set, so if it becomes too much hassle, I will just figure it out when I get there...which is saying a lot cuz I'm a control freak. Let me know if u decide on anything or get any new ideas!

Quote: Originally Posted by 2010wedding Hi all- I am wanting to have our reception on the beach but I was asked today if it would be windy/cool? Thoughts? The other choice we have at DPA is where outside? Help!!! Janna in snowy Calgary!! Hey Janna, I have heard it is quite windy on the beach and I have read that some girls are talking about having their reception by the adults only pool which is protected by the main building so it's not so windy. Jacy has said it's possible to have it there but can't confirm it's availability until 3 weeks before the wedding so I'm just going to wait and see. Hope this helps. Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride2009 Hello fellow Canadian brides! I thought our own post would be a good start for us in finding some great deals on OOT bag contents. I am tired of being jealous of all the great shops our fellow brides south of the border get, like Target and the the Dollar Tree. Let's share with our own great shops from Coast to Coast! I was recently at the big Dollar store on Douglas St in Victoria and picked up $1 crossword and sudoku books, plus I noticed they also had the $1 first aid kits and some other great stuff in the pharmacy aisle. I'm currently looking for Spanish for Dummies, playing cards, bubble bath or bath salts, and individual packets of alka-slezer immodium or pepto. If anyone has any ideas on where to get this stuff I'd be greatly appreciative. Also, I have yet to buy my actual bags...I've been looking on some American based websites and found some great tote bags, but with the exchange rate, etc the cost is slowly creeping up and I was hoping to spend only around $5 per bag. Thanks in advance and I look forward to sharing! Hey Beach Bride, I have a very cool family doctor who I get a long with great. I asked him if he had any sample packets of immodium, tylenol etc. He said he'd hook me up with what he had, whenever I'm ready. Also, for the things he didn't have, he suggested asking at thte pharmacy that's in the same parking lot. They know who he is so, I might try to name drop and see if they'll help out. If these aren't an option, you could try asking at the pharmacy if you can buy induvidual packets or boxes of them. Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by RoryS Are you having a rehearsal dinner? If so, then the gifts are usually given out them. If not, and you are planning on getting together for hair and make-up; you can always give them out then. The groom can also give his gifts out to the GM at the rehearsal dinner or when they are getting dressed for the wedding. Thanks Rory, I don't think we'll be doing a rehearsal dinner, and I can give them their gifts while we're getting ready, I'm just concerned that they'll buy shoes and jewellery before we go which will then be extra $$ spent. Thanks for the info though. Do you think that I can give it to them before we leave home to alleviate the problem? Or maybe I should just tell them I'm paying for those things while we're shopping, and then save a little something to give when we're down there. What do you think? Jen

thanks so myuch for the review Lyales! I'm so happy for you. Too bad about the videography. I think I might get one of the guests to film for me and get my 15 year old step daughter to help edit to music.(kids are great at that stuff!) A few questions...Did you pay extra to have the reception on the beach? I read that it costs $80 extra/pp to have it there. Also, how were the pics from the resort photographer, and would you recommend using him/her? Do you think it would work if we just brought an ipod docking station with good speakers instead of renting for an arm and a leg from the resort? Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by aug0208 Great idea---I love the leather capri sandals in Metallic Ice from J.Crew...maybe I'll do this as a gift to my girls. Obviously something they can wear later!! THANK YOU! I have no idea why I didn't think to look there! Hi Guys, What is the best time to give your attendants their gifts? I have never been a bridesmaid or a bride so I don't have a clue....especially if you arre giving them jewellery or shoes to wear for the day? Thanks, Jen

Thanks LP. I'll look into it. Is it costing you more to change resorts? Jacy told me the same thing about the availability of the pool area too. The only thing with there that I'm concerned about is if people not there for the wedding will still be milling around and if the setting will feel intimateor not. Jen

Thanks Ladies, If you find out anything concrete let me know. I asked Jacy about having the reception by the adults only pool and she replied with yes and it would have a small dance floor but....she conveniently forgot to mention if there was an extra cost. It's so hard to communicate by email cuz she takes so long to respond and doesn't always answer questions fully, hence....more questions. I'm so glad I found this forum. It's great to be able to get answers within a day or 2 from others who are in the know. BTW, is anyone staying a second week somewhere else and if so, where and what made you decide on that resort? We are thinking about maybe an adults only for the second week for a little more romantic atmosphere and maybe just in case our friends want to stay on afterwards. Thx, Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by Reluctant Beach Bride I am thinking of using lanterns because I may opt for a beach ceremony and then dinner in the gazebo so I thought the lanterns would be pretty. The lanterns that I have found are LED battery operated and it states the batteries last for 36 hours, so depending on your time frame, I don't see why they couldn't be turned on at the time they are hung since they last that long. RBB, Do you have to pay extra for having the dinner in the gazebo? Jen

Congrats Lyales! I'm so glad everything went smoothly. Did you do the decoration or did the resort? Also, I can't remember what package you got. I've been trying to catch up on all the posts so my brain is fried! The bouquet was beautiful! Did it come with your package, did you pay extra for it and if you purchased off the resort where and how much? I was also wondering if you paid the $80 per person extra to have your reception on the beach?

Hey Patsah, Those are all good questions and some I'd like the answers to also. PLEASE let me know what her response is. I just sent her one today. She seems to be getting back to me within 3-4 days. Jen

I have spoken with many and I think I'll be going with Flight Centre. The group agents are fery helpful and have got back to me quite quickly. I tried Expedia, but they don't do group bookings.

Quote: Originally Posted by AlliMay Glad that you got a response (FINALLY) Bianca! Plus how fun that you picked up your bags and other goodies for the wedding...What kind of bags did you go with? Rainfall --Welcome! I am not sure how US prices and procedures differ from Canada. There have been a couple Canadian brides that have posted on this thread, so hopefully they will chime in! Hey Rainfall, I haven't booked yet but am getting tentative quotes from my TA at approx. $1850 out of Vancouver, so you may get a bit less than that. They haven't actually come out with the tour operators packages yet and won't until April or so. If I book now at those prices and they actually come out lower, then I have been told I will get the lower price. Also, there may be early booking bonuses avail. but again....you won't know till the packages come out. Talk to a few travel agents and get some quotes. GOOD LUCK!

Hi Everyone, and congrats to all of u! I just joined and I'm a forum Newbie for sure. I still haven't figured out my way around but I am a DPA bride and thought I should reply to this thread. If anyone has advice on how to navigate the forum, has a good DW checklist, or any advice on marrying at the resort I would appreciate it. I will be wed on November 26, 2009. Any other DPA brides around that time?

I have a similar situation, but kind of the opposite. My Fiance has a 15 yr old daughter that we want to incoporate into the ceremony but, we aren't sure how either. We have discussed having her walk him down the aisle to "give him away" or possibly being a BM.....I'm not sure on that one either. Maybe you could do something like that. Also, if she's not a BM or Jr BM, where will she sit for the reception? I'm having trouble with that one. Jen

I feel your pain Ayita! This about u guys. If people can't get their ducks in a row then that's too bad, and if some people have their priorites screwed up u can't help it. Take a deep Breath and enjoy your day in the sun! I'm just getting started, and I think I'm going to alleviate one of my maids of her duties and our friendship because she's making it all about her. I have an identical twin sister who is my MOH and my friend is mad that she wasn't chosen. I shared a womb with my sis for 9 months...HELLOOOOO!!!! Good Luck with everything!

I've never joined a forum before and have no idea what I'm doing, but I found some of the info I saw very helpful in planning my wedding at Dreams Puerto Aventuras in the Mayan Riviera for Nov.26 2009. So I thought I'd join and see if I can get some more help and offer advice from my own experiences. If there is anyone else getting married at the same resort or was recently married there, I would love to hear you thoughts on the place. Jen