dana

Jenna-If you pay for the private reception which is sounds like you intend to do you automatically get the time of 7-11pm. You have to pay add'l for the DJ which is $1200. We aren't doing the appetizers b/c the only package I liked was about $15/person and if people are hungry they can run into the buffet and grab a snack after all we are at an all inclusive. I didn't get an option for a buffet at chili's,just the sit down meal. SCarp-Thanks! I know I'm over it now, but I'm cleansing myself of selfish friends once this wedding is over. As for your situation, don't feel obligated to pay for people. If people really want to come to your wedding they will come and you can't worry about it. I am really fortunate that most of my friends and family are coming, but my FI is the opposite and only a few of his are. We aren't doing the boat anymore, but I don't know what we are doing b/c my sister says I'm being a pain in the butt and won't tell me. I don't know exactly how much it cost b/c she wouldn't tell me that either, but I think it was $600 b/c I think it was around $50 a person. It depends alot on how many people you have going. I had my final dress fitting yesterday and I swear this dress is going to get the best of me. So we get there and my mom, sister and I were all having our final fittings done. Well the shop is closed and the ladies at the dress store across the way said she just left. So they call her and she comes back, she apologizes and says, "I had you in the book but I had a really bad day and so I just left." Okay, she has broken english so I don't know if she had a bad day and forgot I was coming or knew I was coming and just left??? So then it turns out that my dress is done, but she hadn't even started my moms or sisters. Then I put the dress on and I guess b/c she steamed it the bottom of the dress lays different. I sent my sister pictures in california and she didn't notice the difference so I'm just going to let it be. Maybe it's just the nerves?? I keep telling myself to breathe!

Virginia-OMG you don't even know. The sad part is she really didn't try to get me to buy anything special. I did buy some make-up brushes so they are expensive. I use Bobby Brown make-up everyday, but alot of the colors I use were wrong so I had to buy new ones. Jen-I would email her, she emailed me exactly 2 months before my wedding. I just emailed her last night and she already replied to me this morning so she probably won't mind.

Jen-I wouldn't worry about it too much. If people are hungry they could grab a snack at the buffet. Did you already talk to the coordinator and she wouldn't budge on the earlier seating?

Celestial-I can't wait to hear about your experience dress shopping, I hope you find your dress. I know the Wayne area b/c my friend lives in Wayne.

I went today to get my second attempt at a make-up trial done. I went to Bobby Brown and I nearly had a heart attack when I got the counter and they announced my total was $621.00, I was so embarrased but had to say there was no way I could pay that. I had to elimate things, but hopefully it won't make that big of a difference. The good news is what she did looked awesome. Afterwards my mom came over and we packed up all my welcome bag stuff and the good news is we got it all into 2 bags and we weighed them and they are both under 50 pounds. We used old luggage and just going to leave it down there. It's crazy I leave in a week, but I feel like I'm pretty ready now! Nic-Congrats she is adorable! I love that we are having alot of people, but it is alot more work too!

Yup, 54 people! I was suprised myself. I have a big family and I'm the first niece/grandaughter/child to get married so everyone is excited.

Jrb-We don't have quite 70 people, but we are having 54 people and there was no question about that. Chili's is a big restaurant so you could fit probably up to 100 in there. I do know that you will have to pay at least $20 a person for each guest if you want the private dinner and I maybe more b/c the Caprice Package is only good for so many guests. Celestial-Where are you going in NJ?

Thanks girls! Jen-Can your sister do a trial on your hair before you leave and see if you like it? I'm def getting mine done, I hope it turns out okay. I know if you take the picture of exactly what you want they are really good at replicating it. Your sister did a great job before though! So I have a small rant! I have a friend that I have been friends with for about 15 years, she is very selfish person. Her and her husband live in Ohio and have no children b/c she doesn't want to get fat and they make really good money. When she got married 3 years ago she asked me to be in the wedding and then took it back b/c she had decided on no wedding party...no big deal b/c it saved me loads of money. She didn't have anyone to plan her bachelorette party so I did it. I spent loads of time and money planning it and it was a great night for everyone. That's the background so anyway, she came on to visit NJ at the end of July. My shower (a surprise) was in August and she didn't come. I got not explanation for 3 weeks and then she emailed me to tell me she had jsut been home and didn't want to come home again and it would have been expensive. I was pissed for a few weeks, but I realize she is selfish so I got over it. Well, I decided to do my bachelorette party in Mexico b/c most of my good friends don't live in NJ and figured it would be easier to have it in Mexico since most are going. So my sister calls me last night to say she may have to cancel it b/c of numbers. She precedes to tell me this friend sent a long email saying that she is spending a lot of money to come to the wedding and she wants to get the most out of her "all-inclusive." She said that she is sure that everyone else feels this way too so she doesn't want to go. Keep in mind my sister already has 13 people committed to going and they are all so excited (we are doing a catamaran ride for only 3 or 4 hours). My sister won't let me see the email b/c I guess it was that bad! I am so hurt that I planned her WHOLE party but she can't even show up for mine! Oh and to top it off she hasn't called me since before my shower in August and calls me last week b/c she said she had a dream about me that I hated her guts and wanted to make sure it wasn't true. At the time I didn't know about this whole thing, but can we say guilty conscience. Sigh, okay that was a long rant I guess, but I'm trying not to tell her off so I had to tell someone.

Yup I'm next, two weeks from tomorrow! I leave in 1 week and 3 days, YEAH! I have alot of last minute things to accomplish this weekend and next week after work. As of last night I am legally a Mrs. We had a small, private ceremony at the courthouse and our family friend that is a judge performed the ceremony. It was nice, but trying not to make a big deal out of it since I want Mexico to be the real thing. Nicyx-I really like your starfish, now I kind of wish I had ordered one for my bouquet.

Celesial- Those are really cute. Where are you using them at?

Virginia- I'm glad you found the shirts, they are really nice and a good price. I don't think the outfit would be offensive, but curious what everyone else thinks. So we finalized our legal day. We are getting married next Wednesday at the courthouse. My mom still insists on being there so we had to invite FI mom so it's going to be more then I want, but I'll deal.

Lynn- We aren't doing the videographer, I'm just not really into it and trying to save some dollars. We are using the photog from the resort though. As far as bringing one from off the resort it seems the best idea is to tell them you have a friend doing the wedding and then you don't get charged the vendor fee. I know alot of girls get the photog a room for the night and that can be cheaper then the vendor cost and that way they have a bracelet to get on the resort with no questions asked. I just got back the pictures of my custom cake topper, it's too cute not to share.... http://www.etsy.com/listing/58743984/reserved-for-dmaurer

Celestia-If you PM me your email address I can forward it on to you. The Kiosk is right outside the restaurants and theatre in the courtyard. It is on pavement.

Jrb-If you PM me your email address I can forward it to you.

Jen-The Gazebo may be easier for her to walk on b/c it is more even surface with grass. Keep in mind if you do the beach ceremony and want the huppa you have to rent it and I think it is about $700 so that can add to your costs. I am also having a 3pm ceremony, I think that will be good b/c it gets dark by 5pm so if you want to take pictures after it will give you some time. I'm doing the ceremony at 3pm and then cocktail hour starting at 5:30pm and then dinner at 7pm (paying the extra for private ceremony w/dj). Here is the info she sent me. I have to have the Caprice package though b/c I have 54 people so it may vary a little?? IMPORTANT NOTICE - The RIU Palace Mexico is just 10 minute walking distance from your hotel. If our security staff shall approach you in the entrance, advise them that you are visiting the MICE Department It's extremely important that you show up at your appointment on time to finalize all your wedding details.Thank you for your kind comprehension and do not hesitate to contact us if you shall require further assistance. To finalize your wedding details before your arrival, please be so kind to provide us with the following information: GUEST LIST We will need a list with your guest's full names, arrival dates and Hotel booked. (please fill the attached document and send it back) Have in mind that at least 80% of your guests should be staying at the Hotel. If someone of your guests are not staying in RIU Palace Riviera Maya I would need the people`s names who will purchase a wedding pass so I can advise the hotel security to let them access. CEREMONYI also need this info: # Bridesmaids _____ # Groomsmen _____ #Flower girls ______ # Pageboys ______ During the ceremony will they be standing up next to you or sitting down??? _________________ # Chairs = ____________ The ceremony takes around 15 or 20 min. I need you to advise me if you will need chairs for all your guests or may be you will have some bridesmaids/groomsmen who might stand up. Please select the Wedding Spot of your choice: At the RIU Palace Riviera Maya the options are: (attached pictures) Gazebo: From 2 to 100 guests, near beach area w/ocean view but not private. Kiosk: From 2 to 30 guests, elegant, near lobby area, good for high heels. Beach: From 2 to 60 guests, not secluded and not recommended for disabled customers. Please note that the decoration included in your package consists of 4 Fresh Flower Medallions for Caprice Package which will be set on the ceremony and after we could use them for the dinner or the cocktail hour. If you wish to upgrade your decoration we have plenty of options for you that are available at an additional cost (price list 2010) For the bridal bouquet included I am sending you some pictures. The flowers included are tropical flowers. Please if you have some special request for flowers send me some pictures and we could try to do it similar (special requests have extra charge) Be informed that the chairs for the ceremony are set with white covers only. If you would like to get some ribbons in any color that matches with the rest of your decoration, please advise me if you are interested and what color you rather. Each ribbon has a fee of 4 USD. MUSICThe music included in your package is a recorded music in a CD but we have several options for life music for extra charge (Price list 2010) Cannon in D Here comes the bride Wedding march Somewhere over the rainbow When you say nothing at all Every breath you take World in heaven Better together I got you babe She Just the way you are A moment like this From this moment ion The wedding song I can only imagine Beautiful day Iris The most common songs and moments for the music during the ceremony: 1.- Entrance of bridesmaids and groomsmen : CANON IN D 2.- Entrance of Bride: Here comes the Bride 3.- Signing of symbolic certificate: Somewhere over the rainbow 4.- Ending: Wedding March If you want to bring your CD or IPOD for the ceremony , we also can use your own music. COCKTAIL We could arrange a semiprivate cocktail hour after the ceremony for you (with no charge), while you are waiting for the dinner. This could be in La Habana (inside) Bar or Lyrico Bar (outside), let me know if this sounds fine for you. What location you rather: ___________ This cocktail includes just drinks. The time depends on the time of your dinner. You also have the option to add appetizers for extra charge in this cocktail hour (prices and menus attached) DINNERRemember that the dinner included in your package is a semiprivate dinner that means we would open the restaurant for all the guests and just have special tables for you and your bridal party. You receive regular menu. Which restaurant would you prefer Bota Fogo at 6:30pm or 8:45pm or Chillis at 6:45pm or 8:45pm? Please bare in mind that groups over 27 people for dinner will be accommodated during the 2nd seating:8:45 PM - Chillis, is an open air restaurant, close to the beach area, tropical and informal. (I have attached the menu for your consideration) - Bota Fogo, has A/C, it's formal, Brazilian Rodizo style with a classic atmosphere. It could be private for groups of 50 guests in the 2nd seating time. (I have attached the menu for your consideration) CAKEPlease choose one of the following options: flavor: __________________ (vanilla or chocolate) filling : __________________ (peach, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla) white icing or chocolate: __________________ CAKE TOPPERI also kindly ask you if you would like to get a cake topper made of fresh flowers (20 usd extra charge) in color that matches with your bouquet or may be you are planning to bring your own. Please let me know either you would like to have it or not. BREAKFAST In your Caprice package you have included a Breakfast in bed the morning after your wedding, this is a continental breakfast. At what time do you want us to send this breakfast to your room ? ______ PHOTOGRAPHYPhotography Packages are not included in our services, however you can contact our recommended Professional Photographers that will assist you to choose the best package for you, if you wish to contact them prior to your arrival at the following email: [email protected] , www.calypsofoto.com Tel. (52) 984 873 1578 please fill free to contact them any time. SPAWe have three SPA's in Playa del Carmen: one at the RIU Palace Mexico, one at the RIU Yucatan and one at the RIU Palace Riviera Maya. For information on services or to book your services in advance, please contact Ms. Paula Casas at [email protected] or [email protected]. Free feel to visit the SPA website for further details: www.renovaspa.com. I will be waiting for your replay at your earliest convenience. Have a nice day!! Warm Regards, Nancy Hernandez MICE Manager Offices Hotel Riu Palace México Avda. Xaman-Ha, Manzana 3, Lote 4, Condominio Playacar Playa del Carmen - Quintana Roo Ph: (+52) 984 877 42 00 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (+52) 984 877 42 00 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (+52) 984 877 42 00 end_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting Ext. 811 Fax: (+52) 984 877 42 10 E-Mail: [email protected]

Dreaming of sunshine- Oh, btw I got contacted by Nancy about 65 days before my wedding date so if you don't hear from her in the next week or so you should email her. Honestly though b/c of the forum I knew everything that I wanted and sent her and email back with all my answers within a few hours. She said she was impressed by my quick response, but I left out the part that I was on this forum. I do have the excel spreadsheet that she requires you put all the guests information on so if you want me to send that to you via email I can. Just let me know.

Janapana-Thank you! Dreaming of Sunshine-No I think i decided against a veil. A friend of mine had lent me her veil that matched perfectly but I think I'm going less traditional since I'll be in mexico. I bought these gorgeous hair flowers from a women on Etsy and I'm just going to use the in my hair. I'm so glad your legal ceremony went well. I'm hoping ours will as well.

Nicyx-Thank you. It's actually both, it has lace and then crystals in the lace.

Nicyx- I do agree with Jen, I really do like the top of the Benjamin dress better. What a hard decision though since you already bought the other dress. Do you think you'll be able to sell it and get your money back? Jen-I'm glad you feel the same way. I really didn't want anyone except my witnesses to be there either. I want to sign some papers and that's it. I'm the first child to get married so of course this is hard for my mom. She always pictured me getting married in the catholic church with the traditional reception so it has been hard for her. I went for my second dress fitting. It's still not perfect and a few more changes, but sooooo much better then the last time. Here is a picture.

I don't know girls, I'm having a really hard time with this legal thing. I don't want it to seem at all like a wedding to take away from our real day in Mexico. My mom is making it harder on me b/c she wants to make it this big thing and have flowers/decorations etc.... At first I was going to hire a minister to come to the house on a Saturday, then my dad called my godfather b/c his brother is a judge and he agreed to it. The problem is I don't think he really wants to do it b/c of his schedule, but felt guilted into it. He hasn't called me back in two days to set up the date/time. I don't know what are you opinions, am I crazy for not wanting to make it a bigger thing? I have an ivory short dress I got at david's bridal that I am going to wear for my welcome dinner so if I do a bigger thing I will wear that or if we just do a private thing probably just jeans.

Just got back from applying for my marriage license. YEAH! Looks like I'll be getting legally married next week! Went for my makeup trial at Bobbi Brown last night. Not very good, going to someone else next week.

Oh no, what was so awful about it? The dress itself or how it looked on you?

Haha, I didn't freak out I am just annoyed! Yes, I'm leaving for Mexico on Oct 31st so I just feel a little rushed now. I wouldn't feel rushed except for I know that it is not going to fit right this time so I'm going to have to go in at least 2 more times so I'm cutting it close.

So I got a call this am from the seamstress that they needed to cancel my appt due to inclement weather. Really, all it is doing is raining and they don't do alterations outside last time I checked. Oh well, now I have another week until I try it on again.

Yes, I will take pictures.