Melaina

From what Blanca told me, I understand that we have to pre-choose the menu for our guests (boo). We went with the Italian because I thought it looked the prettiest (heh). I heard that the resort will make vegetarian alternatives for any of your guests who don't eat meat... Have you found out anything about music during the ceremony, live or otherwise? Are you going with the DJ option for post-dinner? The prices she gave me for the Mariachi band seemed high, but I can't get any info on whether they can set up a soundsystem for the ceremony... Grr.

It does, but we wanted to restaurant for ourselves (if we didn't pay to rent it, other resort guests would be allowed in... yuck).

We're doing the air transat package too... the little extras that the package doesn't include is starting to add up, though (judges fees, blood tests, renting the restaurant, dj, centrepieces). Oh well, we only get married once, right? Keep me updated on how your planning is going!

@corbeil: we're leaving Feb. 26 and getting married March 3!!

They've now reported that one of the fatalities is a groom from Nanaimo, BC. My thoughts are with the family during this terrible time...

Hey ChristieG -- yes, the coordinator has changed. My MIL just called me today to say that Tania left (not sure why). Supposedly the new person is still using the same email address, though?! Weird...

We're dress twins!!!

I love the neckline of the Jenna! But if you choose the other one, it's beautiful too!

Congrats, Margin!!

I heard through the travel agent grapevine that MANY of these resorts are not going to be packaging with Air Transat in 2011. The reason is Air Transat wasn't happy with the wedding services from some of these resorts. I'm going with the Grand Sirenis in March 2011 -- only because they are one of the resorts that are still packaging and my travel agent MIL has sent a number of couples here -- all have come back with rave reviews. Yes, there is a rocky part of the beach, but there is also the beautiful white sand...

I don't think the size should be an issue. Since wedding dresses run smaller than street-size, the dress is really only a size 10... and I'm pretty sure that many women are that size. Good luck

Today was 30 mins elliptical and 4 km run. I think my new spandex shorts helped

WOW! The one with the fish took my breath away

Have you thought about sharing a photographer with another DW bride? Sometimes that can bring the costs down... When choosing a destination wedding, photography was really the only thing that made me wary -- it seemed uber expensive to fly down a photographer and I kept having nightmares of cheesy resort wedding photographers. Everything came together for us this week, though. I work in media relations and I worked out a way to bring the photographer for our city's paper out for our wedding! Actually, it was his idea. He said that him and his wife needed a holiday, so he'd just combine the two. Funny how things work out, huh? You might also pop into the wedding vendors sub-forum -- I think there are a number of photographers in there. Maybe if you found someone based in Playa you'd avoid all the flying/resort costs. Happy planning

Welcome to the board! Happy planning

Welcome to the forum! Nice to see another March 2011 wedding group. If your niece is still looking, we're getting married at the Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach. Not too many brides on this board have tied to the knot there, but it's a beautiful place. Happy planning!

I don't think it's anyone's business but your own. If it feels real, it is real. We're doing the same as you -- keeping it simple, no kiss, no vows. MIL's family is very supportive. My mother is not coming to our wedding, so she's gotten in her head that our civil ceremony is the "real deal" and that she'll be attending with an entourage. AHH. Good luck. Stick to your guns. This is about what YOU want. No one else!!

Beautiful ring, sorord1! Love the detail.

You're probably going to face some pretty strong humidity... I went to Mexico once in September and it was HOT. It rained every afternoon for about 30 minutes (not big deal) and then the rest of the days were clear, blue skies. Unlike Mexico in our wintertime (Jan - April-ish), the nights didn't cool down a great deal. April in Mexico is such a beautiful time of year... If you seriously have a choice between the two months, I would recommend sticking with April. Hands down. Good luck

Welcome to both of you Hawaii will be a beautiful location... congrats!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome! Choosing the resort is the definitely the hardest part! Best of luck and happy planning!

Yey! We just booked our photographer. He's the photographer for the city's paper. I love the candid, journalistic style -- so I figured I had to go right to the source! So excited.

I found a routine that seems to work for me... I listen to incredibly loud/upbeat music for 30 mins on the elliptical. Afterward, I "treat" myself to watching a TV show while riding the stationary bike. I get my hubby to download funny, 30 minute shows like 30 Rock, The Office or Modern Family -- funny enough to keep me interested, but no complicated plots that I need to really focus. It's all about tricking myself into thinking that exercise is fun. (Cause we all know it's NOT!!!)

Do you have a cat that might have played with it? I have to keep mine on day and night (even in the bathtub!) because he looooves shiny things. (I guess he takes after his mama, haha.) Sorry to hear about it... But it'll make a good story one day