marak

Per the Dreams website info, only the wedding couple would have to arrive on Monday for a Saturday wedding. This would allow for 4 business days (not including day of arrival) in country previous to the legal wedding ceremony. Is this correct?

My only advice.. Keep her as far from your office as possible! She sounds like a stalkerific nutty-buddy that will only get crazier as your wedding gets closer.

IMPO, his sister should be there. But, you can't inconvenience everyone else (not to mention yourselves) to appease her. Can you guys plan the wedding for a Saturday in November? It would be inconvenient for her, but she would not have to take days off, or maybe just 1 or 2. She could catch the Red-Eye on Friday night and fly back on Sunday. If you and your FI helped to get her there,...you give a little, she gives a little...everyone's happy. At least maybe put it on the table as an option. If she refuses outright, she's simply being unreasonable and the show must go on without her.

OK. I've skimmed through the posts, but seems his family might be getting defensive b/c they cannot afford to make the trip (or can't fathom to save that amt of money for one event). Ummmm, I'm not good at PC...is his fam PWT?? Now don't get me wrong, dirt floors are low maintenance, PBR sculptures are art and couches on the porch do make for comfy conversation spots, but..one has to wonder here..going to hell for what? Mexico is one of the most Christian countries in the world, if that's the concern? Just sayin'. Hang in there. My heart goes out to your guy, cause his spot is not an easy one. Sounds like you might be from two very different worlds, (if FBIL is saying you rushed into things after 8 years & you're going to hell). Give your guy some support and be patient with his family. Your fiance seems like a peacekeeper and that may be one of the things you love about him. Pick your battles wisely and concede when necessary for his peace of mind. It's your wedding, but what is a wedding w/o the people that mean the most to both of you? Whether they are right or wrong, they are important, and that means, unfortunately...to both of you. I like this gremlin...he has a helmet. Wear yours, and foshizzle.

Quote: Originally Posted by trophywife YAAAAAAAAY!! Well our wedding got pushed back sooo many times because dang, when will we be done with school?? Oh well. I chose a date and I'm going to try to stick to it. Done with school or not!! Prices just keep going up!! Haha!! We can keep each other sane and plan together!! What have you gotten done so far?? OK #1 I am naming your hubbie to be "Trophyteeth" b/c I have bad teeth and his look perfect! Got that out of the way Mr. Crest commercial, j/k you are both adorable! Congrats to you both and my best with school! Hang in there, it will all be worth it, right?!!! I gave up my paying job with benefits to go back to school long term for vet med...errrr...damn those furry faces... When will I be done with school, not any time soon, we were all gung ho in 2009 and now we are 2011...WooWoo!!! Goooo 2011!!! (By the by, when did I become a Woo Girl, need to check myself there...anyhoo, I've digressed) I hate to say, but we are moving further and further from the DW I dreamed of. But we have found a nice Jersey location I'm not appalled by and actually do like so....we'll see. We have checked out a low-key but fittiing location we both dig...in Jersey too...so that's a big deal. Not a wedding factory, but a cool spot that will certainly be different. I'm a LI horse-girl, so an upscale horse stable is right up my alley and low-key summer BBQ at the stables is right up his, sooooo...it might work. Can I still hang with you DW girls though? I don't like the other wedding sites/forums... Bonus...if we wed in Jersey, we honeymoon in AFRICA!!!

Love, love...seriously, I've been a lurker for some time...being that me and hubby to be have put off the wedding for a wee bit. ...And since we may not be doing a DW anymore and I have been trying to find a resource like this for dirty Jersey wedding and CAN'T!!! Seriously this is the best forum going. Thank you Tammy and thank all you gals that make this a great place to call home base.

Postpartum?? Yo no se...sounds a little cuckoo to me but...??

Pink elephant in the room..Sorry have to ask..why did you feel obligated to invite her again?? I know, I know..the crew..everyone hangs together, no drama wanted. Trust, I am trying to cut down our list now and firing off fiance's friends I don't like or have not met..what?? in how long?? Anyhoo.. She is coming cause she would have been missing something had she not come. She's "that girl". No worries..it's your time, get her "naked drunk" like Tamra and Gretchen on Housewives and it's allllll gooooooood. Hehehheheheh. (Is there no evil smile gremlin??)

Ahhhh gee...ya'll just HAVE to remind me. Just got a Facebook update the other day from a highschool friend about her grandkids! Granted she married her daddy (metaphorically speaking) and they are her step-grandkids. But still, that was a shocker and ewww. I'm 31, gave up my comfy job to go back to school...as if the teens aren't enough? First day of class I swore off Uggs and send my fiance a pic of the coooooool kids that wear only black and laugh so maturely...huh-huh-huh-puff-puff as they hold their ciggie in the air....they're deep. Like "Deep Thoughts" from old enough SNL that I WOULD remember. Ahhh gee Mr. Wilson...my arse is OLD!!! Heh-heh-heh...but so are yoooouuuuuuu!

Quote: Originally Posted by yanettg my parents liked the first dress. and i actually liked the last one. You go...I think it's perty too. Although I must give the first one props, every girl loves a dress that makes the tata's look "fancy"...oh heck, bigger! Anyhoo, you'll look beautiful in both, so...when you can't go wrong, it really makes the decision easy, no? There are worse decisions in life...like his tie, cause lord knows he's not allowed to pick it out himself! J/K!

I like them both, but IMHO I like the second better. Here's the thing girlie, you are well endowed in the boobage department and Dress 1 really brings the focus there. Dress 2 compliments your figure very nicely AND brings the focus to your face. Go with whichever one you feel more elegant in! Good luck, I am sooooo right there with you on being indecisive.

Ladies, ladies, ladies....this is what an open bar cocktail hour is for! Get em' liquored up, play some good music and have a good laugh as the photographer catches them acting the fool!

Quote: Originally Posted by bride2b10 Marak - where did you hear about that vendor policy at Barcelo?? I'm only asking because I was told that as long as they are a guest at the hotel, no # of minimum nights. Most people that our bringing in outside vendors are just booking 1 night and then there is no additional cost. My mistake, you're right about Barcelo, no 3 night stay required.

Take photos of yourself in both dresses. Post em' here. We'll tell ya what we think! Really though, I find a photograph is a great deciding factor. It's like hearing yourself on the answering machine. Yes, that IS what you really sound like and Yes, that IS what you really look like! Some dresses look great in person, but do not photograph well and some ermmm....look great in the store and that's about it. If you still like your initial favorite after seeing the photos, go with it.

I could SOOO be BFF w/ your Mom!

Oh hon...mental illness is never pretty. Her actions are selfish and just once can't she hold it together when it's important?? I truly believe she would, if she could. Better she be in treatment than the alternatives. Tighten up, hold back the unleashing of stress you'd love to let rip and tell her she'll be missed and that you and she will catch the video when you get back. There's a time and a place for everything and I doubt she planned a breakdown this way...even if so, no need to drama your festivities for it. Hold tight and hang in there. {{{hugs}}}

Bahhh, little lamb, bahhhh... Just be happy that you are not one of the "avg. americans" that buy into this marketing ploy...Let me digress by saying I've yet to meet someone that DOES buy into this particular ploy, but apparently there are those.... Regardless...fad diets have been around since the advertising gurus told us we were fat...which made us want to be thin, take up an eating disorder and use heroin...apparently heroin and eating disorders are now bad so Taco Bell is good. Haven't you heard I must give TB credit where it is due though...compared to the other fast food chains (and who was this evil person that made them post the calories p/burger in Manhattan...bastards, ruined me on FF, sushi spots love u!)...they are pretty good. While their competitors are fattening us up, I would compare their nutritional value to the girl that is feasting on TP to quench the hunger. Zero. That said, TP/TB works for some gals and pre-wedding, fad diets seem to be the trend................all that and secretly, I LOOOOOVE Taco Bell.

Girlfriend, you are too nice. You must learn the fine art of manipulation. Mistake: Asking her "can't you just run down and grab the bag and go back to bed?" Here's how it should have gone... Her: "I'd really like to sleep in until 9 tomorrow" You: "OK, he'll swing by at 9:30 then, no worries." (evil grin...heheheh) Actual scenario...fiance shows up at 8:30 (already prepped to repeatedly press the buzzer until she felt her skin crawl). She opens the door all bent and crazy-haired hooting "You were supposed to be here at 9:30, you woke me up!" His response (already prepped and half giggling): "Oooooohhhhhhh...sorry. I must have misunderstood. And to think, I could have slept in another hour. What a bummer. So sorry." All a big misunderstanding, no one to blame. Done. Sold. That's it. Hehehehe...Hell, I'd rather be described as smart than nice. Hindsight is 20/20 eh?

Ah gee....thanks ladies. Maybe I will if Tammy tells me how to make a blog happen. I'm not all that ept with these electronic boxes. I'm not all that consistent either...but I'll give it a go. I have these outbursts from time to time, never considered documenting them. But come to think of it, I suppose I'm at the beginning of this yellow brick road, I'll have at least one spaz a day once the real planning starts. $20 for 1 flower!!! On the freekin' equator EVEN! I'd sooner steal the tulips off my neighbors lawn and wax preserve them. The nerve. And yes, the "special gift"...let me guess, a bottle of your cheapest swill and 2 pieces of fruit from the local market. ...And way to steal the thunder Kittenheart! I feel bad for the poor girl, but that is pretty darn funny. ...amygirl, my fiance well knows negotiating is not one of my finer points. I'd go berserkers on a builder. I picked a hubby that negotiates for a living, so he'd handle that end.

Get her a pedi for the sandy dogs and tell her to... J/K!!! I don't envy you gals with FMIL issues. Mine initially did not share our excitement about a destination wedding, but she came around...ummm is coming around. She's a sweety, so I am thankful for the little things in life. Really, I think a lot of bitching and moaning occurs pre-wedding, but 99% of it fades away when the sound of the waves lapping on the shore calms the beasts. I mean really, no....ick, shutter to even type it...bleh...."gold chandelier" is even in the same ball'room' with a beach sunset. Maybe a quick reminder to her that very fancy lobsters live in the sand will help.

I'm positive that you are Nermal, World's Cutest Kitten! Love your ideas, definitely stealing some. I adore the fact that you worked outside the box. Well done. Kudos to you!

Apologies ahead of time. Please pass the object around the sharing circle. I think I am close to the magical place called meltdown that I have been reading about. Apparently, if the bloggers are correct, I need to hit meltdown and then the epiphany will come. Maybe then I will find "the place." Here's the thing of it. The resorts I like are well, dreamy. And yes, that means in the sense of unrealistic and fantastical all at once. The ones I could like I abhore instead. Pretty yes, elegant even, but do they think I am unaware that they are gauging the hell out of my day with their assorted fees and regulations!!! Did I say my? I mean our day. Actually my fiance's day...heaven's to mergatroid I have 10 guests of our 75+ (narrowed down to 60+ for the DW of course). Oh heck, he's adorable and people do adore him, me too, and I get to keep him. Suppose that's the bright side. Anyhoo, back to my rant, errrm...I mean vent. The whole point of doing a DW was to get away from the NJ wedding factories...you know the ones (I should be careful here as not to tread on anyone that utilized the factory hardware). Oh well, here goes diarrhea of the keyboard...you know the ones, the ball rooms with carpet that is hideously patterned as to hide vomit and cheap wine stains, maybe a spillage of the "special", ie. putrid sauce that moistens the dry flap of meat they call a dinner, a $100 dinner at that. The ones where you meet the pre, post or ballroom C bride in the bathroom...ugh. And for all of that glory you have the honor of dishing out 40K. Lucky you who dared to mention the word "wedding" and show up in a white dress. Maybe I'll start calling places and telling them I'm planning a rather extravagent party for my 90 year old grandma. Maybe in my wildest of dreams I could pull that fast one one them. (Don't worry if I ever did it, I'd keep the price difference to myself as not to horrify anyone what we pay for the "W" word). But I've digressed. Is it me or is the DW turning into the new factory? The packages...let me talk about the packages for just a moment here. Anyone else notice that 90% of your wedding package at a resort is crap you would get with your regular stay?? Turndown service, what? Welcome cool towel..Ooooo. Photo package that no one wants and an astronomical fee to bring your own vendors. Airport transfers that are inclusive normally and the best (woohoo Zoetry) the privilege to taste my wedding menu. Huh What do the menu cards really cost them. 10-15 cents each. Gee thanks. Unpacking service...I don't want much less need that. And the topper...complimentary anniversary night (when you pay for 4 nights at regular price...meaning off the website, small print...not to be used with any other discounted rates or specials, in other words will NEVER get used. OK, I'm feeling slightly better now. A big thanks for anyone who had the wherewithall to read through this mess of frustration. Woh is me to have ovaries and be responsible to plan the "W" word. Carefully steps off soapbox as not to scuff the most fabulous wedding heels and promises not to be such a gloomy guss in future posts. Just think, one day when we're old and in our diapies we will look back on our Del Sol or Elizabeth Medina pictures and smile. Not just b/c they are FABULOUS! Hello!, but b/c our grandkids can see how hot we were pre-wrinklage and gravity! (I swear when I get old and short I will have nudies of myself post-wedding bootcamp/starvation on the wall.) On that note...tootaloo.

The outside vendor fees of some resorts were a HUGE turnoff for me on principle alone. Too bad, as the listed resorts were my favorites before I found out their policies. I know a few, if anyone else would like to expand or correct... 1. All of the El Dorado ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 2. Azul resorts ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 3. The Royal PDC (not sure how much, they just hopped on this bandwagon) 4. Barcelo Maya ($500 and 3 night stay of vendor) 5. Palace Resorts - do not allow outside vendors I think the other girls are right though, it is a personal thing what will be prioritized. Some common things I hear as priorities are: Price in general Price for guests Geographic location - travel effort for guests or simply the vibe of the area, think Cancun v/Tulum...totally different. Adults-only or family-friendly Level of privacy for ceremony/reception How many weddings are performed p/day "High Heel" friendly &/or appearance of gazebo % of guests that MUST stay at the resort Quality of the beach (seaweed heavy, rocky or the other end...Maroma-style) Activities in the area That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck hunting for a location! I'm right there with ya

Thanks all. Where there's a will, there's a way...and I think I have a plan, heheheheeeee

Any insight would be helpful. I love this location, just the idea of putting it all together on a reasonable budget when flights alone are 700+. I think our friends and family might disown us for cost AND lack of beach (completely failing to realize the taste and culture aspect!). But really, location shock and sticker shock...ugh, I can here to hoo-ha now. This city looks beautiful. Has anyone done a wedding here? Planning one? Completely unrealistic or possible...