JenK

I'm thinking of starting the Insanity program, but I am wondering if I should do P90X first? I used to work out quite a bit, but haven't been consistent now for about 6 months. Do you guys think I should work my way up to Insanity? I want to lose about 15 pounds and tone my arms. Thanks!!

Great thread! I'm just starting to look into the Groom and GM attire and this is a fantastic starting point! Thanks!

No one has posted here for awhile, but I am wondering what best face and body sunscreen or lotion with SPF to use? I know you aren't supposed to have SPF products when getting photographed, but I am thinking it is better for me to avoid a sunburn vs shiny/white face!!! Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks for the fabulous ideas and links! I am just starting to think about my hair flower, so this is a great starting point!

Joanne-I am based in Canada so it might be different for me. Booking travel has been a difficult process for me (mainly to try and find a good deal), but we have just signed our group contract and people are giving deposits. Direct flights have been released here, but there may be more that are going to be released! What departure cities/airlines are just about to release pricing. I'm curious because I have some family in the US that will be coming, so maybe I will tell them to wait!!!!

Thanks everyone! I have since discussed it with my TA and we figured out the best process for me and my FI. I just was curious how others went about it as I had no idea of the process. Anyways, thanks again!

Hi Krys! I'm booked for the Riu Palace in November. I have heard fabulous things about the Dreams resort, especially their weddings, but the cons you listed on here for the Dreams is EXACTLY why I ended up deciding on the Riu. Mainly the fact that there is no disco, further from town and more expensive for guests. Plus I LOVE the view from the Riu. Our guests are wanting a more fun atmosphere, which is why I went with it. I know people that have stayed at the Riu Palace and have raved about it. Plus there is a new wedding coordinator, Kylene, and she seems great so far! Very prompt in returning emails. Also, from what I have heard, it is more the Riu Santa Fe that has a real party atmosphere, and the Palace is quieter. I think what it comes down to are your priorities in a resort! There are pros and cons to both resorts! I hope this helps!

I got an email from a new wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace. She seems very prompt and organized so I am pleased! (previously emails were not getting returned promptly or even at all!). Her name is Kylene.

We are doing the opposite of you-Mexican terrace for rehearsal dinner and Steakhouse for reception! Very similar! (My FI did not want mexican food on his wedding day because it isn't his favorite!). Suzanne Morel has a salon that is 5 minutes away from the Riu. I was debating between her and someone else but the close location won me in the end! I'm going to her salon. She has great reviews, you can search her! I don't know anything about the hair and makeup team at the resort, but maybe you can look up reviews? I just decided to splurge. As for the hotel group bookings-I have a TA who has coordinated that. Her name is Becky with Blue Petal Weddings and she is FABULOUS! I highly recommend her! She is based out of Vancouver. She coordinated a group rate for us. However, you need a minimum of 10 rooms to get a group rate, so I guess it depends on how many rooms you need! Anyways, I hope this helps!

Hi everyone! I searched on the forum and I couldn't find any information on this topic. If there is already a thread, I apologize! We got our group contract today and we have to put a deposit for rooms and flights tomorrow! So my FI and are putting the deposit down for the minimum requirement to keep the group booking. I haven't yet talked to my TA but I am wondering how we get reimbursed for this? We were thinking we would give our guests some time to put their deposits down (the invitations haven't gone out yet), and then we are hoping our TA reimburses us? I'm hoping I can hear from others who have had to put down deposits for the travel and how they got reimbursed! Thanks!

Thanks Pucca! I am feeling a little better about everything. I wish now that I also didn't do group booking because it has been a TON of stress!!!!!

A TA has been vital for me-to answer all of my questions and to help me with looking for the best rates! I am working with Becky from Blue Petal Weddings and she is FABULOUS! And Canadian which is helpful for me!

Hi ladies! I just needed to vent...it is SO difficult to make travel decisions, especially when booking group travel. I won't get into all the details-but I'm really frustrated that guests are telling me they are going to be all going different dates and not our suggested travel dates. I feel that I have put so much work into getting a group rate-and it is a really good rate!!! Some of them think that they can find cheaper deals, but I'm pretty sure they won't! Anyways, it is making this difficult for me because at this point-I'm worried about getting the minimum needed to secure the group pricing! Is anyone else going through the same problem? Does anyone feel that June 30th is too soon for an RSVP date? I've noticed other brides have later RSVP dates so I am worried that mine is unrealistic! My deadline is for paying the deposit only, so people don't have to book in full until 2months before. Thanks everyone for letting me vent! I needed it tonight! Plus my glass of wine is helping

Beautiful cakes! Thanks for all the fabulous ideas!

I got the Westjet code too! I believe I have a hair and makeup package, I can't remember the cost! I think she has pricing on her website, it isn't cheap! I've heard good things about her though and she is only 5 minutes away from the Riu.

Weird! This is what they sent me! Steakhouse Menu.doc

ps-did you both already send in your checklists? I find that some of the information-I can't fill out yet! Oh-and I booked the rehearsal dinner at the mexican restaurant. So far I have sent out STD's, booked a photographer (Gilda Badillo) and makeup/hair (Suzanne Morel). I agree that planning the travel is a PAIN. Because we have people coming from all over the place, we are just going to do a group booking of the hotel rooms, and everyone has to book their own flights. The package deals didn't leave on the dates we wanted to go. Now I am working on designing invites, looking at bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen wear. How is everyone else doing in their planning? Also-do you know what we do about the all inclusive bracelets on the day of the wedding?

I am having my ceremony on the beach, and a sem-private reception at the steakhouse. We rented out the disco after dinner. I need to figure out how to add lights to the disco-I think it is quite dark When are your wedding dates? Mine is Nov 10!

They told me the same information with the birth certificate! Getting a civil ceremony. I wouldn't think symbolic ceremony would require that!

I'm doing orange and fuschia! Thanks for all of the fabulous ideas!

I got the same dress! It is so beautiful!

Oh I forgot-I've also finished my wedding website and booked my photographer. Next I'm going to start looking at decor inspiration pictures. We are also going to start looking into groomsmen clothing in the next month. My FI is finishing his civil engineering in April and he will work as a construction engineer. So the summer months he works 12 hr days. I figure I better get him organized while I can!

Wow, thanks everyone for all your great updates! Since I last posted, I've ordered my wedding dress, sent out my boarding pass invites (I will try and remember to take pictures of them and post them), chosen my colors (orange and fuchsia), booked hair and makeup (Suzanne Morel in Cabo) and we have narrowed down our bridesmaid choices. I have to head to work now, but I will post pictures of STD and possible bridesmaid dress later on. JoanneIreland-Wow, I can't believe you have OOT bags already! You are so organized! We have quite a few people coming to our wedding so I can't afford bags I have managed to convince my FI to get travel mugs, so I am excited about those! Amanda-I love Costa Rica! We were choosing from Cabo or Costa Rica and it came down to a shorter flight time (my dad is afraid to fly). So we chose Cabo. However, I have been to CR-we went to Tamarindo, Samara, Jaco AND Manuel Antonio! You will love it there! So lush and beautiful! Yaker-I think sending out formal invitations is a personal choice. Some people only send out STD's, so you definitely don't have to send out formal invites. I have chosen to though and I am currently working on them (passport invitations).

Does anyone know if you have to wear a wristband? If so, can we take it off on our wedding day????!! I hope so!

Hi Ladies! Does anyone know where are some good places to go for the groom and groomsmen clothing?