amcferron

i would HIGHLY recommend kinkos for welcome booklets!!  mine were 30 pages and i couldn't get them to print right.  after about 30 minutes i gave up and e-mialed the document ot them and they had a proof within 2 hours.  i decided my time is more valuable than screwing with a welcome booklet.....granted, it was $177 but they are BEAUTIFUL and great quality!!    plus, it was 30 pages X 50 copies = 1500 pages!!!
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Geez...I keep having minor panic attacks!  Mood swings galore!  I'll get really excited, then something will go wrong (like going through an entire ink cartridge on TWO welcome books, when I have 20 more to print!)...and I'll completely freak out. 

 

I just cant wait til next Wednesday.  Whatever gets done before then great...whatever doesnt get done...oh well! 

 

 

 

I was told this for champagne too, but the "house sparkling wine" is included!!  no one will know the difference!!
 

Originally Posted by Afaybik 

I'm hoping once we get there we can negotiate the price with the wedding coordinator in Mexico.  I think we may have more flexibility in Mexico but will let you know for sure when we return.  Several items we left off our details sheet and are hoping to get a better price in Mexico like rose petals for the isle,little bags of rose petals to throw at bride and groom,  the nice chairs, etc., etc..  My daughter is having her reception on the Blue Terrace and she likes the chairs because they are wood and have arms.  We are bringing bows to add color and also table runners and colored napkins.  The resort wants to charge $5.00 for each cloth napkin.  I think I can get them for $1.00 each!  We just paid for the wedding, minus the flowers which my daughter is still deciding on.  We paid an extra $10.00 per person to extend the reception from 10 PM to 11 PM.  So the wedding ceremony will be at 4 PM, cocktail party at Wave Lounge from 4:30 PM to 6 PM, then reception on Blue Terrace from 6 PM to 11 PM.

 

Does anyone know how you can get around the $60.00 per bottle charge for champagne,  This sounds extremely high.  Do they deliver bottles of champagne to your room if you want it in bottles?

i did 6 each of 10 inch and 14 inch.  they seem great quality and easy to put together!!

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

I happened to be looking at this exact website when I saw your message!  Prices are awesome!  Have you actually purchased any?  If so, what sizes and how many? 

 

 

there are 6 poles at zavas plaza!!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Ok Zavas Plaza ladies...Christmas Lights... 

 

Got the quote today...$50 per strand!  Definitely bringing my own!  For those of you planning (or already did) bring lights...how many strands?

 

Then unfortunately I'll have to rent tiki torches (though $8 is much more reasonable!)...how many of those do you recommend?

El Dorado Maroma is where we are going.....i have been there before and it is SUPER quiet and TOTALLY relaxing!!  only about 50 rooms and most people there are honeymooners!!  I have traveled to about 20 resorts in mexico and it is my favorite resort of all!!

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question # 2 of the night.  We were originally planning to go far far away for our honeymoon, but since the wedding is nearly emptying our savings...we're considering saving a flight and staying in Cancun/Riviera Maya area, then do the far away vacation next year.  Anyone have any tips for the #1 most romantic, pampering, perfect Honeymoon resort in the area?  Preferably all-inclusive.

 

We were going to book El Dorado Casitas...but wanted to check with you ladies first in case you knew of anything better.

lanterns....asianideas.com
 

Originally Posted by Michele4172011 

Ticia-- your ring is beautiful.

 

Ladies, my FI found strands of Christmas Lights online for like $7 a strand. DO NOT pay the high resort prices!

 

I leave 3 weeks from today!

 

We paid our final payment, but now I feel like I want to include more things... I guess I can do it when I get there?

 

Thanks for the reminder about the CASH only for the set up fee, I wasn't planning to bring much with me, but now I will.

 

I'm still in search of laterns (any ideas where to look?)

paradise catamarans!!  super easy to work with and #1 reviews on tripadvisor!!  people on BDWF speak highly of them too!!

Originally Posted by gom4good 

Hey Ladies...........everyone seems to be getting so close now!! so excited for us all!

 

Im after some help, im looking at booking a catamaran for my group (20 adults, 1 child) and was wondering if anyone else had found or been recommended anyone? not got much budget left so im open to any suggestions!! xx

One question right now.....for those of you who have already gotten married have any of you done the LED throwies??

my question is, do they actually tape them all together and string to the lanterns at the resort or do we need to do that??  also, did you do it with the plastic piece for on/off??

 

i was told the same...12 meters X 1.5 meters

also, the tables are 5 ft round if wanting runners.
 

Originally Posted by dlarocqu 

This is what I was told

 

12  meters long by 1.5 wide

try funjet.com
 

Originally Posted by Michele4172011 

I am running into a situation where the resort is sold out. I remember a couple (ok, a lot of) pages back someone mentioned a work around. Can someone let me know what they have done? Was it another travel agency outside of the Karisma GI approved agency?

i used pepto tablets and just put one strip of 6 tabs in each first aid kit.  pretty sure i got it on ebay.  basically you can buy 3 packs of the pepto boxes.  got my first aid kits and the dollar tree and used this sticker from vistaprint.  not sure this will work, but we will see......

http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/livepreview.aspx?Log=0&doc_id=1127321293&page=1&width=510&renderMode=3

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Thank you for the info!

 

 

Great idea!! What did you print on the sticker? What kind of pepto bismol did you buy and where did you get it?

 

 

regarding vistaprint....yes, be sure to try different links to get different prices!!

and with OOT bag stuff.....i bought first aid kits and was able to just add ibuprofen, immodium, pepto bismol, and a roll of tums INTO the kit and then made a sticker on vistaprint to put on top of the kit!!  and yes, it all fit!! 
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Melissa - Instead of Pepto, I got Tums Quick Paks on Ebay (72 individual paks for $13, including shipping/handling). 

 

Also, I see your questioning the first-aid kit...I had that on my original list, but since my OOT bag is including advil, tums, bandaids, etc...it seemed a separate first-aid kit might not be necessary. 

 

Lastly, there is a really great thread in the general section.  I think the title is "OOT Bags, what worked and what didnt".  Or something like that? 
 

 

Hey girls!! Just wanted to share this deal today on living social. See the link below and get $10 for $50 worth of VISTAPRINT goodies!!

http://livingsocial.com/deals/25957?ref=email-jp&rpi=6248779

YAY!!!

So, i am in portland but the deal came from des moines!!

http://livingsocial.com/deals/25957?ref=email-jp&rpi=6248779

heres the link again just in case, but otherwise, des moines it is!!
 

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Hi! 

 

I just clicked on your link but it doesn't go to a specific special for VistaPrint.  What city are you located in and then I can look at the deal?

 

Thank you for sharing!!

 

 

Hey girls!!  I don't post very often, but have learned how useful Vistaprint is.  So, wanted to share this deal with you guys:

https://livingsocial.com/deals/25957?ref=conf-jp&rpi=6248779

Go to this website and pay $10 for $50 to use at vistaprint!!  Happy planning!!

I have to say about photogs staying at the resort......i was wanting my photog for more than just the wedding.  ie the catamaran/rehearsal dinner, day after shoot, etc.  anyway, if you have them come another day it is another $500 (or $800) depending on when you booked.  So, it cost me under $1000 dollars to have him stay there 3 days and he is basically "on call" the whole time!! it was going to be at least $1000 for hime to come at least 2 days, so it was actually cheaper for me!!    def look into it.

also, i am bringing a hair and makeup person and it cost me $900 to have her stay there 3 nights and airfare.  she is doing anyones hair/make-up i want her to do b/c we aren't having a wedding party.  so, my mother, FMIL, future sister-in-laws, grandmothers, friends, etc.  I know for sure I would be spending more than that at the salon at the resort (b/c i would be paying for mothers, grandmothers, etc).  and this way we will all be in the honeymoon suite relaxing together!!  just some things to think about.....and ways to avoid these stupid fees!! 
 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

You could also look into them staying at the resort?  They would have to stay 3 nights. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by schmieding 

I hate that it now cost $800 to bring in an outside photographer!

about photo share cards....is there a website anyone would recommend to share photos at??  and do you basically have your guests all upload the pics they took there and then anyone can access it??  thanks!!

and invites.....i am sending both too!!  it really is just a formality, so i think it is a personal choice. 

Originally Posted by vlynnw 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by pineapplebride 

Omg May is coming SO quickly!!!

Now that Christmas is over and done with, and my wedding is the next big thing it feels so much closer!! I've had absolutely no stress what so ever in this whole planning process. But now I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed!

 

I designed my passport invites about 3 months ago. I'm just getting ready to print and start assembling them! However, FI and a couple of my friends seem to think it is pointless to send our the invites because almost all our friends and family treated the STD we sent out back in July as the invite. We already know exactly who is coming and who isn't going to be able to come. Everyone has already RSVP'd and booked their trip if they are coming. For those who have already told us they aren't going to be able to come, would it be rude to still send them the invite? And our friends who are coming, they might be annoyed that they have to send back an RSVP when we already know they will be there! Should I still send out the invites?!? I'm so confused.

 

I'm in the exact same situation.  Everyone treated our STD from last June as an invite basically since it was full of information, and those that are going are booked but we have a couple people that are still deciding.  Everyone else has already told us they can't be there.  I however went ahead and sent out invitations so I can get an official RSVP from everyone anyway.

 

 

Hannah the brochure looks great.

 

I just uploaded my pre-travel brochure onto vistaprint to have them print it, as well as photo-share cards, luggage tags, and key/ tip holder cards.  I'll upload all the designs later onto here.  Invitations went in the mail on Tuesday as well as the STD for the AHR.  I also had my second fitting today and it's amazing to put my dress on and actually be able to walk in it. Lots of things are getting checked off my list this month!

 

January Brides...have a great wedding and trip!!  Can't wait to hear all about it!!

For shoes, I used zappos.....free shipping both ways for 365 days!!! 

My fave pair from there are here:

http://www.zappos.com/kate-spade-new-york-christa-white-satin

Also, check out nordstrom's!!  I just bought these to try with my dress and they are pretty cheap as wedding shoes go.....

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/enzo-angiolini-merryann-pump/3060566?origin=category&resultback=6270

Lastly, wanted to let you all know that office depot has johnson's and johnson's first aid kits for $0.91 right now and also has daily spanish for dummies for $0.99!!!  Both are going in my OOT bags!!  YAY!!

I would say before you agree to "block rooms" you should check sites like funjet, covacations, etc to compare prices.  (or have a travel agent do it). the thing with those websites is it is ALL included.....air, transfers, hotel.  I honestly have used a travel agent who i just referred my guests to and I am still getting all of these discounts others are getting. (20% off, bride and groom free, etc)  I would just make sure it is a GIVC (they get perks from karisma).  that way you don't have to front any money either.  i say we do a whole lot to make sure things are easy for our guests.  they can at least be accountable for booking their own trip by calling/e-mailing the TA i suggested.  plus, i haven't had to deal with anything in regard to others travel.  they just deal with her.....that's her job and her specialty!!

and, for a wedding in may (which is very close to sold out) our prices are about 1000 per person for 3 nights, 1200 for 4, and about 2000 for 7 nights.  this includes flight and everything. 
 

Originally Posted by jazz04 

They were trying to say 850 per person, so 1700 per couple for only 4 nights, plus flights are 450 per person, 900 per couple which equals 2600 per couple for only 4 nights!!! I think that is a little ridiculous. We are still waiting on a rate if we block 30 rooms. I'm extremely aggravated with the resort!

Originally Posted by irishdonna 

I'm going through LUXE destination, i didn't want to go any higher than $1600 for my guests (flight/hotel/tax) so LUXE told us about AS, we were in Mexico over xmas and had LUXE set us up for a site and see at azul S and we fell in love! Then LUXE comes back with $2275 pp! So they got our hopes up with Azul and now it's to much=( LUXE told me to give it a month and see if the prices drop so now it's a waiting game.

Anyone from Vancouver BC getting married @ AS? or is anyone dealing with LUXE?

it is $500 for each vendor.
 

Originally Posted by herbie76 

Do any of you know if you have to pay the vendors fee $500 for every outside vendor you use or a one off fee of $500 covers all outside vendors?

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

That's a good question b/c if it includes all of them, I might just pay it so I can have some of the things that I like!! )  Hope someone knows!

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbie76 

Do any of you know if you have to pay the vendors fee $500 for every outside vendor you use or a one off fee of $500 covers all outside vendors?

 

100% yes its worth it!!  we booked so far in advance (like 11 months) that my TA suggested it b/c prices would drop and in fact about 4 months later prices went down and we saved $1200!! 

Originally Posted by ginnigurl 

Did you guys do the insurance when you booked your travel that covers "cancel for any reason" and "price guarantee"?  If so, was it worth it???

we havent gotten a room block either.  in fact, i feel like it is one more thing for me to stress over, so i recommended a travel agent and everyone is booking on their own.  that way i dont have any worries. 

how much money did it really save everyone?? most people coming to my wedding for may 13 are staying for 4 or 5 nights and are paying 1200 for flight, hotel, ground transportation.  thats from all over the US and canada.  indiana, washington DC, oklahoma, portland, ottawa, vancouver, etc.  i jokingly tell them they dont have to bring another dollar b/c its ALL INCLUSIVE!!!    are your guests paying way less b/c you blocked rooms??

Originally Posted by LauraMinn 

It sounds like many of you have set aside blocks of rooms at the hotel.  We haven't thought about reserving a block of rooms.  My travel agent has found flight + hotel packages, and we were going to have our guests get in touch with her to book those packages.  I'm assuming if we're booking packages, it isn't possible with the blocks of rooms.  Did you do that direclty with the hotel, or through a travel agent?   

 

Forgive my ignorance!  I want to be sure that we're going about things the best way.  My concerns are getting fair prices but also having enough rooms for guests.  We're at Azul Beach in July, and were going to get serious about booking in Jan and Feb. 

Website???  And, love the "poem!!" 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Just thought I'd share.  I just purchased some stadium cups with personalization on each side - 50 with shipping were $63.  On one side I did a palm tree, and a little poem - Thanks for sharing in our special day, Now grab a drink, it's time to play!  Then, the other side we just wrote Riviera Maya, Mexico, May 2, 2011

There really shouldn't be an expense at all.  In fact, my TA costs ZERO!!!  They make kick backs from the hotels.  Definitely use a GI vacation consultant through Karisma though.  They get a bunch of perks.  Also, we have at least 50 people flying from Oregon, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Indiana, Washington DC, Dallas, Denver, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Canada and she is dealing with all of it.  Some guests will decide to book on their own, but that's OK.  Then it's on them......not you!!! 
 

Originally Posted by LauraMinn 

Thanks for the advice!  We weren't going to use a travel agent because of the expense, and because our group is coming from all over the US, not from the same region, so we weren't sure if one would be useful.  I'll look into it, though.  Sounds like avoiding the hassle is worth it.

Originally Posted by arkae 

Has anyone had an experience with Lomas for the transfer from airport to hotel that they could share? We're probably using Lomas to transfer our guests and I just wanted to know if things went smoothly and on time for others. If not Lomas, how did you arrange transfers for your guests?

 

Thanks!!

Not sure how many of you are friends with karisma or AS on facebook, but they just posted this virtual tour.  it really gives you a good idea about the resort as a whole as well as some wedding/reception locations.  Enjoy!!

http://www.iceportal.com/brochures/ice/Brochure.aspx?did=0&brochureid=6976&type=vr

You can't do a pick and choose, but you can have them pick 2 different options when sending invites and have a response card.  the resort just has to know 45 (or maybe 60) days in advance they say.
 

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

Great planning journal!  Congrats!


 

I think you made a great decision!  I'm not an Indian bride but my TA/wedding coordinator locally (Toronto) coordinated the Indian wedding mentioned ealier.  The coordinator from Toronto travelled with the group to act as the liaison between the bride and the resort. She said that everything went smoothly and that it was beautiful.  117 people in attendance. 

 

I have the same number of people.  I am having a private reception at Zavas plaza.  #1 I wanted the privacy #2 I like the look of the location #3 its yours for the entire time scheduled #4 private bar = quick service. 

Afterwards - I just learned today that the "teen club" transforms at 11pm into an adults only dance club with dj.  My coordinator (who was on site for a 10-10-10 wedding) said that it was more lively than the mojito lounge.  Mojito lounge has some music/bands but definitely more subdued according to my TA - e.g., no dancing.  When I asked if it was "teen like" in appearence - she said no.  Maybe brides that have been can give their opinion on the quality of the teen hangout turns adult only after 11???

I am doing a coctail reception but as a welcome cocktail.  The time in between my ceremony and the reception will probably be less than 1.5 hrs - I am going to advise people to gather at a bar for a drink in between or go back to their room for a siesta if desired!


 

I am almost 100% certain that we will go with that menu.  I think it has something for everyone.  That or the Mexican buffet. 

Reasons:  versitile menu - people can select what they want.

Downfalls: buffet

Trade-off:  There is no pick and choose menu that allows guests to decide what they want.  I don't feel comfortable "choosing" a menu for over 40 people when they have already paid to stay at an all-inclusive resort where every restaurant allows them to choose according to their tastes.

What I would have preferred:  a pick an choose menu with some variety that is plated and served. (from what I understand - doesn't exist)

 

My TA told me that many items are placed into warming dishes and then there is a BBQ set up to cook/grill main courses.  I'm assuming that they replenish as needed. 

I have really loved plum and gold and ivory.  but, also like the red in there if an option.......
 

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

I'm not a big "omg I love...colour X".  

For my wedding  however I am a fan of a deep purple (plum) or burgandy if pushed into a corner to decide.   So...I've looked at a few websites, incl "the knot" and I am not convinced by any one colour as "awesome"....

but I am partial to the plum/purple:

the debate (all including green and likely some white with a plum backdrop):

purple and orange

purple and yellow

purple and lime only

another combo???

My style is- sharp, modern and simple.

Thoughts?

Definitely a drink!!  We are there from May 8-15!!  We have about 50 people coming and will be at the pool bar (and they all like to party), so you probably won't be able to miss us!!!

 

Originally Posted by arkae 

does anyone already know who your onsite WC's are?  or know when we find that out? thx!

The name of mine is listed on my detail sheet.  I think mine is Veronica!!

 

So, my colors are ivory, gold, and very little raspberry.  I am going very classic.  Because of that, I am not doing a lot of extra decorating.  I am just doing flowers through AS and probably some clear lights.  Not really sure what I would share....
 

Originally Posted by MaggieandJay 

Hey girl! Your wedding is Friday, Mine is Sunday and Lyndsey is Tues

Would you ladies like to talk about sharing some stuff? I arrive on May 10th! I am definitely buying sheers for my chuppah. what are everyone's colors maybe we can find a common theme and share the cost?

 

Definitely just ask for an ENTIRE wedding album.  You dont want to just see his best work, but all of his work.  Then, if you like it, go for it!!

 

Originally Posted by Vic0214 

Hey Ladies, I 'm having a problem that maybe you guys can help me with. So i'm on a budget wedding but the photgrapher means alot to me. I 'm lokking to spend like 1500- 1800. I found a photgrapher who is on this site, Gonzalo Verdeja from art n colors from baja claifornia and he's willing to do the whole day for 1500 that includes video as well. I' m hestitant because that's a great price and i havn't been able to find one review for him on here. I need suggestions. Please help.