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Just got back!! The wedding went smoothly, and turned out to be a perfect day! I'll post pics when I have them. I couldn't have had such an awesome day without you guys helping me out. Once I've got pictures, I'll post a review as well.

Leaving for Mexico on Saturday! Can't wait!

I can't belive it's here ladies! I leave on Saturday for Mexico! Wish me luck. I hope all the planning and hours stressing are worth it! Thanks again everyone for helping me during this process. Your experience and kindness have been invaluable. YAY! Paula

Here's some ideas on how I cut corners: brought down my own paper lanterns - ~$40 for 20 lanterns from asianideas.com. They fold flat in your suitcase. made my own LED throwies to light the lanterns - ~13. Bought the LED lights and Batteries from ebay. Search the forums for "LED Throwies" for complete material lists. brought down my own centerpieces - ~20 for 5 vases, and I'm filling them with limes purchased locally in Mexico. Add a little water to the vase and voila, centerpieces. I'm arranging a bride side vs. groom side beach/pool volleyball game so that everyone will have a chance to meet each other - FREE paid for the amplifier for the reception - ~$250. We made our own playlists for the wedding. we did spring for the sheers for the ceremony, but that's it. As for what's available for your reception, check out http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/planning/ I hope that helps!

I'm not sure where you're coming from, however, in order to guarantee room availability for my guests there was a $150 per person deposit put down on the all-inclusive package. The $300 (total per couple) was put towards their trip, but it guaranteed the rate and the room (but most importantly space on the flight). We booked through our travel agent here in Canada and with Sunwing Vacations. I guess it really depends on what you want to do. We arranged the deposit through our travel agent, and asked people in advance if they wanted to put the deposit down. Some people accepted, and some declined. Those who accepted paid us back. We didn't put out the cash until we spoke to all of our guests in advance. At the end of the day, there's only so much that you can do for your guests. The way I rationalized it (such that I wouldn't go mental during the planning process) is that our guests are adults, and if they want to be there, they'll make sure that they are. Don't stress too much about putting deposits down for everyone if it's going to be a hassle. If you can, outsource the arrangements to a travel agent that will handle that stress. You don't want to be responsible for planning everyone's vacation on top of your wedding.

Congrats Missmely! I've been following your posts for a while (especially since our weddings are so close). Good luck! I know that all your plannng and hard work will pay off. Enjoy it! Paula

Thanks Murmel! As always, you put my mind at ease. Paula

Hey ladies! Any past brides know if there's a steamer available at the resort to de-wrinkle dresses? Is this something that I need to pack? Any help would be awesome! Thanks! Paula

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S FEBRUARY!!! Ack! Three weeks to go. I feel like I have so much to do. PLUS, it's really stressful at work. CRAZINESS!!!!

Hi! I'm getting married there in three weeks, and I can tell you that: 1) - The gazebo stands there permenantly, so I wouldn't pay any extra for bamboo (not quite sure what that is) 2) - I didn't pay for the exotic gazebo. I just added sheers and corsages. Cheaper for sure. 3) - You will need two. They'll cover the top and sides. 4) - You can bring down your own decorations, but I understand they (sometimes) charge a set-up fee. It varies and can be inconsistent. I would budget for ~$150.00 for a set-up fee just in case. 5) - I originally had the gold package, and the only real difference is a gift or something like that. Silver was enough for us. Hope that helps! Paula

Yes, it does! Thanks so much!

Thanks Murmel!!

Ack! 41 days until the wedding. I'm getting sooooo excited! Just another quick question about meeting with your onsite coordinator. When did you find out when your appointment was? And, is you appointment typically the day after you arrive? What do you talk about? Do you just go over what's on your detailed sheet (that's sent from your wedding coordinator in FL)? Can you make additions to the detailed sheet at that time? How long is the appointment? I'm not quite sure what to expect. Any help would be awesome! Thanks! Paula

Hello ladies, I've been cruising this website for about a year now, and the information and experience that you guys have provided has been invaluable! Planning a wedding is an inherently stressful process, so I just want to say thanks for making it a little more stress-free. You guys all deserve a huge pat on the back! Happy planning! Paula

Eeek! Is anyone else starting to freak out? I know I am. The wedding is on Feb 29th and I feel like I still have so much to do!

Beautiful photos!

Wow! I'm on Feb 29th at Azul Sensatori! You must be super excited. I can't believe that it's only 3 months away!

I'm so thrilled with them! Let me know what you guys think!

Hey guys, We're welcoming children to come to the resort with our guests, but we aren't allowing children at the ceremony/reception. Has anyone else ordered babysitting services from Azul Sensatori? Any idea how I would go about setting that up? Also, for your hair appointments, did you set it up with the resort directly, or through your wedding coordinator. Thanks ladies! Paula

I've decided against going with Palace resorts because of this restriction. However, I have heard from other brides that they've been able to get an outside Photographer on Palce premises. I guess it just depends on what your wedding coordinator says. If you want to go the "sneaky" route, you could always say that your photographer is a close, and personal friend that is willing to take the pictures for you (even though it's not true). As long as they stay at the hotel, it may be ok.

I really like this idea! Does anyone know if Henkaa ships to Canada? Thanks!

I've decided that instead of mugs or bubba kegs, I'm going to go with these "Double Walled Acrylic Tumblers" from Discount Mugs. They're the exact same size as the grande cold cups that you could potentially buy from Starbucks (for $14.99) but instead, they're for $2.78 each! However, you have to be careful about shipping to Canada. That's where they screw ya! The cups are great too. They keep cold drink cold for a super long time. http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/sports-bottles/2800/16-oz-clear-double-wall-acrylic-tumbler-with-color-straw.htm I'm in Calgary, and have a place in Fernie BC. So, I'm going to have these shipped to Eureka Montana. They have shipping outlet there for exactly this kind of thing: http://www.montanashipping.com/montana_shipping_004.htm I'll just hop over the border, pay the gst, and it's still cheaper than shipping. I know that this is sorta specific to anyone that's living close to the US border, but I'm sure that they have similar services in Buffalo, etc. for all you Ontario brides out there. Just another idea.

Beautiful video! It looks like you guys had an amazing time.

Thanks Murmel! That's awesome. I'm trying to find ways to cut costs, so this seems like a good option.

Hey ladies. Quick question for all you past and future brides out there. Are you getting a DJ? I think I may just want to spring fro the Amplifier for $250. Does it come with a microphone? Thanks guys.