Tilly in the Sun

I think Josie is right...you should tell her that texting may not have been the best way to communicate the information to you, but that you understand where she is coming from, and that if she could afford to be there for you she would. Unless you have someone you can ask to stand in for her, I would still offer the gifts to her. I had one of my best friends back out because she moved to South Africa and didn't want to commit herself to something that she wasn't sure she would be able to afford in a year. There were no hard feelings on either end (although she did 'avoid' me for two weeks b/c she didn't know how to tell me), and I know that she has tons of love and support for us, just like I am sure your cousin has for you.

Thank you guys for all your great advice and comments...I am still new to this forum, but can already see how awesome and helpful everyone is on here!! It is definitely a hard time for us, and cdnv I 100% agree that things have a way of working themselves out. I guess it is just an uncomfortable feeling to ask your guests for a gift in the first place, when most of them are already spending so much to come to the wedding. I am going to do some more research on photographers and see if I can get a gift card for one that I like. We are going to Cuba, but haven't picked the resort yet (next month we make the big decision!! ) so when we do that I can hopefully look at some of the resorts on-site photogs. Thanks so much again...I am feeling better about it already...you guys are amazing!!

Quote: Originally Posted by cantwait2718 People register for their honeymoon Y not your photographer u could put a card in the shower thing that says : Help our day be picture perfect we r registered with ..... for photogaphy. or something. My wedding coodinator sent me a website called the wishingwell.com. U should check it out it 's another way,. That is such a good idea to say it like that!!

Hi all! I was hoping that I could get some advice/opinions on a touchy subject. My FI got laid off earlier this year, and last week my full time position was cut to 2 days a month. (yay recession lol) Needless to say we are pretty stressed out about our DW next May and our AHR in June. Fortunately we were able to save enough to cover the trip, but won't have enough to pay for a photographer. After looking at some amazing pictures and videos on here, it is something that I really want to be included in our day. The dilemma is this....would it be extremely rude and inappropriate for me to ask that my shower gifts be a donation to get a photographer? I have never been keen on the idea of even having a shower in the first place, but it something that my aunts/friends have basically convinced me to have, and I just don't really know the etiquette on how to ask for gifts, and if that is something that is way out of line to even ask for. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

wow this video was amazing!!

I think that giving the chips out is definitely a fair way to make sure everyone gets their drink(s), and as mentioned before if someone doesn't want theirs they can just give them away.

I don't think you are being selfish at all, and I think people who know and care about you would understand that you have a lot going on and won't expect anything. It is so nice that they can come visit you at your house for a drink and maybe see some pics, but anything more than that would be too much stress/time/$.

your pictures are gorgeous! You looked like such a stunning bride, and your colors/flowers were beautiful. Did you get the flowers from the hotel or did you bring them with you? Congrats!! :-)

What a great find...the totes are adorable!!

oh wow sorry to hear about your tough times, but at least you found out sooner than later!! I have heard so many amazing things about the RIU's. Congrats :-)

It really is so helpful to know that I am not the only one 'freaking out' about the whole process. The only thing we know we want is Punta Cana, and would prefer the first week of May. I have emailed a few resorts that I like (Majestic Colonial, Gran Bahia and Malia...but the Gran Palladium and PPD resorts also look amazing. We are going to talk to a TA today who can hopefully shed some more light on this. For the STD's, has anyone put potential prices for guests on them?

would anyone be able to send me the WC's contact info as well? This is a beautiful resort, but I sent the resort an email a few weeks ago, and haven't heard anything back...maybe I sent to the wrong one?

Hi we are thinking of going to that resort in May 2010....I don't know if it's just me, but prices seem really high right now....do you think it would be better to wait for things to settle down with the swine flu, or do you think it's smarter to hurry up and book now before it's too late?? Ahhhh so confused lol

We are going through the same thing right now....I am just doing as much research as I can. Get a few travel books, visit the hotels website, read other brides/travelers reviews (I love doing this). Once you have it narrowed down to a few, email each one and ask for quotes. You could even go to a travel agent, and get them to help you. Do you have a certain date/time of day you are hoping for? DO you want a resort that is large, with many pools, restaurants, bars etc or would you prefer a smaller more intimate hotel. This site is amazing for information, and everyone is so helpful so I'm sure if you have questions/concerns they could be answered here. Good luck planning!! :-)

omg that show is amazing! Since the engagement I have fallen in love with wedding dresses. I found my dress after searching a few stores, but I kiiinda still want to go try some more on because I just love the way they look and feel! lol (it's terrible, I know) I think if I was unable to do my current job, I would work at a bridal store

ooh I think they are soo adorable. I am looking into doing a postcard STD as well, but I am not really artsy on the computer so we'll see how they turn out. I just can't see spending a lot of money on paper so the DIY way will have to work one way or another for us. And I think you will 100% be okay in 7 months for this swine flu....the media has done a great job at scaring the heck out of people though lol ;-)

I am also looking into the GBP for our wedding in May 2010...I didn't realize it was so much per person for the reception though. I think that would add up the $$ very quickly. It is a gorgeous looking resort, but it seems steep to have to pay so much per head, when they have already paid for the week. I am so new to all of this though, so I don't know...is that normal for most resorts in DR?

I was wondering this also....would anyone say there dress was wearable for the reception after dry cleaning it?

This is such a great review...I am a 'newbie' and this hotel has always caught my eye, even more so now after reading this. You looked so gorgeous as well!! I love your dress :-)

Thanks so much everyone :-) All of those hotels are on a looong list of 'maybe's. I feel like I have done so much researching on my own, and now that it is getting closer that I should start actually making choices (which is really tough for me lol). This may sound like a silly question, but how would I go about seeing what each hotel has to offer? I see that most have phone numbers and email...is one way better/more efficient than the other? Thanks again!! Chantelle

I 100% agree that it is soo hard to pick one....we haven't traveled much and they all look so nice. We only have it narrowed down to Punta Cana...the rest is research, research research...then get evem more confused lol.

Hello. My name is Chantelle and my fiance and I are planning on getting married next May in Punta Cana....currently searching for a nice hotel....any suggestions? I am totally clueless about the whole planning process so I have a feeling I will be on here a lot lol.