IslandBride201x

I was really concerned about this when we first got engaged, so we made a special trip to the jeweler so I could learn what to do. I have a center emerald in my ring, so I can't use any of the ultrasonic cleaners or anything like that. My jeweler made similar recommendations as others and said to use a little bit of Mr. Clean and warm water and let the ring soak. Then take an old tooth brush and stick the bristles into the setting. He did tell me that I shouldn't scrub the ring like my teeth because over time it will loosen and start to damage the prongs. My ring is sparkly like new when I am done cleaning... I get the warm fuzzy feeling all over again... PS.. I was really scared about using Mr. Clean and thought it would be so abrasive, but he assured me it is safe to use.

I don't know what the right answer is to the timing of everything, but here is what I am doing... I sent save the dates out 14 months in advance (May 2011) giving people plenty of time to save and plan. I gave our travel agent's information and any other information someone would need to book. I didn't ask for any kind of rsvp at that point. We have had 17 people book their trip so far. My plan is to send out the invitations in January (6 months prior). I am putting my rsvp date as May 1 as that is the final payment date with the travel agent. I figure the booking is the official rsvp, so the post card is just a formality. I might still have some stragglers after May 1st looking for a last minute deal, but I would like to start buying items that are dependent on who goes in May. I am hoping this might help to alleviate the last minute stress and allow us to enjoy the weeks leading up to the wedding... I could be dreaming about that... LOL

Congratulations!!! Everything looks so beautiful. I love the idea of the TTD the day before and sort of 'getting it over with'. I wasn't looking forward to getting up early the day after the wedding to take more pictures, so I'll have to look into this option. Can't wait to read your review.

I have been playing around with my invitations a little bit. I want to do pocket folds and include a passport in them with all the information. I have the invite part pretty well set, but I have been slacking getting my thoughts together for the passport. I just keep thinking how much time I have... I know it is going to fly though.

Woohoooo... we are all less than a year now! Is anyone working on any good projects or ideas?

I agree with eholt and the others... if you are invited to a wedding, if you choose to do something other than the invite mentions, it is on you to figure out the logistics. I have not even mentioned to my TA or anyone else about even a possibility of staying somewhere else, and no one has said anything to me. My philosophy is these are all grown adults and I want them to make it an enjoyable vacation for themselves, but here is the option that we have negotiated and are making available. Anything else is on you. Okay that comes across harsh... I would say it in a much nicer way if I have to deal with this.... LOL.

Thanks for the responses about the beach party on Thursday. I will be checking with the resort next year as our dates approaches, but this helps for tentative planning purposes.

Everything looks fabulous! Your cake topper is so cute!

Welcome!!! As was previously said, definitely get your date confirmed as soon as you make a decision. We booked our date 15 months out, and at the year mark we have already heard most of the dates for the month are booked. Then take a little time to enjoy being engaged. It seems like the wedding is so far away, but the time will really fly. You will get a lot of info from Nicole, the wedding coordinator, but I probably got the most information and real experiences from reading the boards. There is so much great information and all of the brides are fabulous in answering questions. I would be completely lost without this website.

haha... I totally feel the same way. Our date is a year away and I was last on the list for so long. It is nice to see more brides coming in around our date...

For past Suite brides or anyone that has gone to the Suites for a site visit recently, do you remember what night of the week they had the beach party with bon fire, fire dancer, etc.? I am looking to do a beach party the night before the wedding, but don't want to spend the money if it is the same night as the one the resort is doing.

That is so frustrating! I am also counting on only the $100 vendor fee, so hopefully that doesn't change until next year.

You just hit your one year mark... I did too as I am getting married the day before you... Welcome to all the new brides!!!

We also went with a TA. At first she said that she couldn't price match, but I found a great deal online and she was able to match it because no one had booked yet. We now have 19 people booked, so I think our days of price matching might be over since we are locked into a group deal. We also had our contract read that we only needed 10 rooms to achieve the group rate. We are already at 8 booked with a year to go, so I don't think getting the 10 will be a problem.

Thanks so much for your feedback! I am so glad to hear Nicole doesn't rush you when it comes to pictures. Did anyone else have their hair done with you? I guess I am just wondering if there are 5 updos that need to happen plus makeup for all, are there 2 or 3 stylists doing back-to-back appointments or will all 5 to be done all at the same time. I'd like everyone's hair and make-up done by 3:00pm, so there is time for lots and lots of pictures and wiggle room for running late... Any other past experiences with getting ready and how you timed it would be greatly appreciated?

What time is everyone planning on starting to get ready for the wedding? We are having a 5pm wedding, and I want to get my hair and make-up done at the spa. I'll have 4 bridesmaids who may also get hair and make-up done. I want to have time to relax in the room and take all of the pre-wedding pictures. I am just not sure how long it takes to get ready and how early I would need to make our spa appointments. I don't want to start too early, but also not feel rushed. Any insight from past brides or suggestions as to what upcoming brides are planning would be greatly appreciated.

Congratulations and good luck!!! Like you said the weather is out of your control, so just enjoy every minute!!!

Great job!!!

Hi, I am a July 2012 suites bride. That is crazy that every weekend is booked already. I would suggest following up with Nicole to see if she keeps a wait list. With it being a year out, you never know what might happen and dates might open up. Are you flexible with switching to a weekday? A Friday or Monday might be open and still give your guests an opportunity to just make a long weekend of it if time and cost are an issue.

Everything looks fantastic!!! Where did you get your place card shells from? I am planning the same thing to put in sandboxes. I found a couple of sites that sell them, but haven't seen that shell combination.

Everything looks fabulous! I love the handkerchiefs! They are absolutely on my list for a special touch.

Congratulations! Everything looks gorgeous!

Congratulations!!! Everything looks beautiful! Can't wait to read your full review.

Congratulations!!!! Everything looks absolutely beautiful! Love your dress too!

I ordered this adorable ring dish on etsy. I thought it was perfect for our 'princess of the rings' to carry our rings for the ceremony. It is from SayYourPiece. Sorry, the picture isn't that great as it is from my phone.