Sjay

In case anyone's interested in picking up any health & beauty products for yourself, OOH bags, etc., there's a big warehouse sale on at the Int'l Centre in Mississauga starting Nov 20:

This 30,000 square foot warehouse sale has something for everyone. Brand name products at up to 80% off featuring cosmetics and Health & Beauty from Revlon, L`Oreal and Maybelline. Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Schick, Old Spice, Olay and more…

• Mens and Womens Fine Fragrances including Versace, Diesel, CK, LaCoste at up to 80% off.
• Lug offers travel bags, laptop backpacks, foldable tote bags and more all up to 80% off.
• Brand name medical scrubs in plain and printed from sizes XXS-3XL. • Winter fashions for men and women from Haggar.
• A large assortment of towels from Cambridge Towel along with comforters and sheet sets.
• A huge selection of brand name toys for your Christmas gift giving.

Check out the full flyers here, here, here, and here!

http://styledemocracy.com/events/holiday-warehouse-sale-revlon-fine-fragrances-fashions-linens-toys/

Whoa, I'm next!?! I swear I was just at the bottom of the list, lol!

I think you could still do something on the beach - I know with the Suites we can have our beach cocktail party reception in a few different spots, so I'm thinking it would be the same at the Beach. 

Originally Posted by jreist 

You could still have a cocktail party on the terrace or the pool deck! 

Originally Posted by WendyJune 

So I just found out that because I won't have 30 people I won't be able to rent the disco. I'm also worried because if I can't do the disco I'll have to do a bonfire at the beach BUT I'm getting married on a Thursday and I heard the IRHB has a beach party that night...so idk if that's even possible. Any suggestions???

Originally Posted by futuremrswarner 

 

 

SJay, your advice was the best! I called the Davids Bridal store today, and confirmed that they have the 2 main dresses that I really liked online in the store, so I'm hoping that in the 2 weeks time before I go that nobody buys it. The girl on the phone said anything could happen, but they should always have the dress there of a different size that I could try on for the shape and all. I'm so relieved right now. THANK YOU!

Glad to hear! And you're welcome - hope you get to try on your size!

Very creative! Even if you have to shell out more money per head, I guess it's worth it to ensure your wedding happens!

Originally Posted by kfarkas26 

My cousin ran into this problem at her destination wedding in punta cana... she did something a little sneakier-- they met a few people who were on vacation down there and they became friendly with them during the course of the week... they then invited those people to the wedding in order to up their percentage of people who were staying at the resort... its pretty weird but the resort was going to deny them the wedding so it was their only option ... so you could always go that route if you are super desperate! ) 

Originally Posted by Sjay 

Talk to your WC about it. They offered me a small degree of flexibility on that percentage when the Suites was suddenly fully booked and not all of my guests had booked. (I lucked out though, and rooms opened up and all got in but one who wanted the Grand.) If you still have guests who haven't booked accommodations, you'll have to explain to them why you need them to book the Iberostar. 

Originally Posted by Mo Bay Bride 

 

Hey brides,

 

I'm wondering if anyone had an issue with not having 90% of their guests staying at the iberostar. We are probably going to have around 80% of people staying at iberostar. Has anyone else encountered this and if so, what was done about it? I'm kinda freaking out about it...

Talk to your WC about it. They offered me a small degree of flexibility on that percentage when the Suites was suddenly fully booked and not all of my guests had booked. (I lucked out though, and rooms opened up and all got in but one who wanted the Grand.) If you still have guests who haven't booked accommodations, you'll have to explain to them why you need them to book the Iberostar. 

Originally Posted by futuremrswarner 

 

 

Which Michaels did you go to? I was at the one on Yonge/Sheppard, but I couldn't find anything nice at that store. Might have to make a trek to another one another day. I was trying to find some floating candles for my centerpieces.

Hey - I found floating candles at Michaels at 30 Billy Bishop Way, right near Wilson subway station. I'd considered the ones at Ikea that another bride mentioned, but they're really little, and I wanted larger ones. All candles were 40% off last week and I think they were priced at $1.49 ea...? They were just over 3" wide and came in white and ivory. 

I was originally going to go with pillars, but Tai Flora quoted me $7.50 for 6" pillar candles which was crazy, and that didn't include the vases! So then I thought we'd bring them ourselves but we didn't want the weight or bulk of pillars so decided on floating ones. I'm just going to add stones to the bottom of the vases that we are renting. 

Originally Posted by JA2012 

 

 

They look great - good job! My FI and I really didn't want to bring any more decor than we've already got, so no glass/vases for us. We put out all our decor out on our double guest bed, and it's pretty much covered!

Originally Posted by JA2012 

 

Do you recall what your total purchase price was?? Mine is about $150 and that includes the 10% off coupon they have going right now.

If I need to break it into two orders I will. I'm a DIVA ON A DIME! I'll do anything to cut costs on foolishness like duty and customs charges. 

Hey JA2012, is the above meant for me? LOL

Just in case it was, my order subtotal was $76.00, and then $26.83 for shipping. There wasn't a 10% off coupon at the time I ordered sadly.

Originally Posted by futuremrswarner 

 

SJay, 

 

That's a great idea. I didn't even think of that. My appointment is December 1st so maybe I will call them in a week to check with them, and see if they have the dress I'm looking for. Thanks for the tip!

No problem! I know they had some new styles as of this fall, and if you've got time before you need to order, I imagine they'll have more new dresses in early 2013.

Originally Posted by futuremrswarner 

 

Hi CourtBestBride and SJay,

 

Thanks for the suggestions as well. I saw David's Bridal in the bridal magazines but wasn't sure if their selection would be as great here in Canada. I guess I will try heading there. You think the store in Mississauga will be any different from the one in Scarborough?

I haven't been to the Scarb store, but in Etobicoke they had a lot of dresses in each style so you could see the range of colours and try on a range of sizes. It is true that CAN doesn't have as wide a selection as they do in the US stores, but it's pretty good. You could always call in advance of going to confirm they've got the styles/colours you want to see.

Originally Posted by futuremrswarner 

 

Hi ladies, 

 

Anyone from the Toronto GTA area that have suggestions on where to shop for bridesmaid dresses? I'm trying to find places with a wide range of selection (on colors) but haven't had any luck searching online. 

Originally Posted by CourtBestBride 

 

 

Hey! We went to David's bridal in Missasauga and I was impressed with how much my girls liked the dresses there! And they were cheap enough I could buy them for all the girls!

Maybe check them out?

I got my bridesmaid dress at David's - but I only have a maid of honour so it was a pretty easy process.

I'm in a wedding next spring and we went with the Dessy group (www.dessy.com) - they have a ton of different colours and styles and their prices are pretty good too. Belo Fashions (on Roncesvalles Ave in TO) and Best For Bride (in Etobicoke) - both have a lot of Dessy dresses in stock, and in various sizes too which is great.

Originally Posted by jreist 

 

You guys just sold me on Just Artifacts too! I bought 50 floating lanterns on ebay but tried 2 of them and they didnt work . Money down the drain! 

 

I just ordered 10 of the wireless ones from Just Artifacts. Here's hoping! 

Oh geez, you know, I hadn't even thought about trying one out in advance....maybe I should?? I bought a couple extra... Hmmm

Originally Posted by JA2012 

 

OMG!! That's amazing!! Ok you just sealed the deal for them. I still have my shopping cart up online and I keep adding more and more to it. Their prices are fantastic! I was really worried about duty charges on purchases from the states. I once ordered a $150 swimsuit online from Neiman Marcus. When it arrived they charged me another $70 in duty. I was so annoyed I just had it sent right back! Lol.

Thanks for your input. Getting excited now!!!

I honestly don't know how duty and brokerage charges are tallied, but it *might* have to do with the amount of your purchase. It sounds like you're ordering a lot, so I would come right out and ask JustArtifacts customer service (based on your onscreen total) if that will be it - no further charges. Just in case..!

Originally Posted by JA2012 

 

Hi Ladies,

Just wondering if any of you have ordered supplies/decor from Efavor mart or JustArtifacts? THey've got great prices online but not sure if the customs/duty charges will be out of this world. 

Also, if anyone has seen any deals on or has any fuchsia or grey/silver decor for sale, I'm definitely interested.

Have a great day!!

Hi JA2012,

I had a fantastic experience with JustArtifacts! Firstly, the final cost you see after inputting your order is the final cost. There are no additional surprise duty or brokerage charges. The order came very quickly - 9 days between the day I ordered and Canada Post showed up at my door with it.

I purchased eco wish lanterns (best prices) and LED lights (to use inside of paper lanters). The lanterns are awesome, bigger than I was expecting but they're going to look so good lit up in the night sky. The LED lights, two were faulty so I wrote back asking them to ship two replacements. They wrote back concerned they wouldn't arrive in time (they quote 2-4 wks for delivery to Canada) but I told them I was willing to take a chance considering the first order only took 9 days and it was important as it was for my wedding. They came back, full of congratulations, said they were sending it priority and they included a small wedding gift for us in the box! Talk about customer service going above and beyond! (Haven't rec'd the second package yet - they just shipped it four days ago.)

Needless to say, I highly recommend them!

Question about vendors and dinner time...

Where I'm from, traditionally you feed your DJ, photog, etc., but what about at a destination wedding? I assume the officiant will take off after the ceremony, so we'll only have the photog around at dinner. Do I need to arrange a meal for him and pay another $18 for his food/drink?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by JennyAdele 

 

Does anyone have recommendations for affordable wedding invitations? I need to order them ASAP!

 

P.S. I've checked out VistaPrints but nothing jumped out at me They are so well priced for anyone else looking!!

 

Thanks,

 

Jenn

Hi Jenn,

As others have mentioned, DIY is a great option to keep costs down, but if you're not into making them yourselves, I've got a great designer to recommend. Stephanie designed our custom wedding invites and did a fantastic job. She was really easy to work with and her rates are very reasonable. She's based in Mississauga but is in Toronto regularly and is happy to meet clients wherever convenient. If you decide to call her, tell her Sarah & Nelson sent you. Good luck!

Stephanie Casino
Owner&Designer
www.The-Presse.com

[email protected]
stationery~wedding invitations~ custom design

Originally Posted by Sjay 

 

Just wondering if anyone's heard from Tai Flora recently? They've been MIA on me for a month since I sent my flower and decor order to them.

 

Like the WC, I can't believe the complete lack of communication I'm still experiencing even though I'm about 6 weeks away from my wedding!

 

When do they finally start paying attention?! Argh!  

Lo and behold, I finally heard from Jodi-Ann last Thursday - she CALLED me!!! Said she'd been on vacation. What, so NO ONE else was working and could respond to my numerous messages? Unfortunately I missed the call, but she said she'd call Saturday morning. Saturday morning came and went and nothing. I emailed her again last night and told her if she wanted to quote on my wedding that I needed her quote TODAY, and guess what? I got it, or at least most of it. I hate to have to be stern/pushy but I'd had enough.

Now off to compare their quote against Floral Fantasies (who I've emailed with a couple of times and are so prompt and friendly!)

Originally Posted by Sjay 

 

My FI is looking for an off-white dress shirt to wear for our wedding and he's having trouble finding one. (He can't wear white as my dress is light ivory in colour and he in white would make my dress look yellow.)

 

He's checked Moore's (they had the colour but the shirts were HUGE, like a tent), Tip Top Tailors, Pinstripe, The Bay, Harry Rosen, GAP, H&M, Zara... can't remember where else. Still need to check Sears.

 

I can't be the only bride wearing diamond wihte/light ivory - where did your FI an off-white dress shirt? Oh, and we're in Toronto, so preferably something in the GTA.

 

Thanks!

Hi all,

Many of you were very helpful in our search for an off-white shirt, so I thought I'd come back and let you know that my FI finally found one!

Thanks again to Jodez for suggesting Brooks Brothers - the shirt is a perfect colour match and a perfect fit so now he doesn't even need alterations. There were a few other stores that carried off white, but only in a few of the most common sizes. BBros is great because they offer four different fits as well as different fabric, collar and sleeve options and the widest range of neck sizes and arm lengths we came across in all of Toronto. A high quality product + excellent customer service + competitive pricing (plus we got a discount) = a customer for life in my FI.

So, if anyone is looking for a very nice, off-white shirt to compliment a diamond white or light ivory wedding dress, look at Brooks Brothers' shirts in Ecru, especially if your guy needs a hard-to-find size.

What CourtandMatt said - thanks Shauna!

Originally Posted by CourtandMatt 

 

This was so helpful!! Thanks so much!!!

Originally Posted by Shauna253 

The suites sent me their daily activities program as well as evening programs.  Kind of funny how its the same daily program that they have had since 2011.

 

 

 

 

DAILY PROGRAM 2011.pdf

NIGHTLY PROGRAM.pdf

Originally Posted by IslandBride201x 

 

 

There is no bonfire at the beach party in front of the Suites on Saturday nights, at least not in July when we were there for the wedding.  They set up a stage on the beach and they have a DJ.  Everyone dances for a while and then the Star Friends dance and get the crowd involved.  They have a guest dance contest among 4 guests for 'King of the Beach'.  2 from our group participated and 1 won.  It was hysterical!  They do have a fire dancer perform for about 15 min. or so, but there is no bonfire is that is important to you.

Good to know, thanks IslandBride. What time does this beach party get underway on a Sat night?

Originally Posted by Collleeen12 

 

 

I just asked the WC about that yesterday.....the rehearsal dinner will count but the wedding dinner won't.

Thanks very much!

I understand a rehearsal dinner will count as one of everyone's a la carte restaurant reservations...but does the wedding dinner count as another?

Originally Posted by CourtandMatt 

 

 

 

I also thought that there was a day BBQ beach party at the Suites on Thursday, a bonfire party at the Beach Resort on Thursday, and a bonfire party at the Suites Resort on Saturday.  Are you saying that there is not a bonfire?  Do you know if it is during the day or the evening?  

I understand (from having read it somewhere on BDW) that the Suites has a BBQ lunch on the beach on Thursday, and a Saturday night beach party with a bonfire. 

Originally Posted by Sjay 

 

Has anyone here bought anything from a US-based bride and had trouble receiving the delivery?

 

I contacted a past bride on BDW who was selling some decor items and arranged to buy them. She's just told me that she can't ship to Canada. I think the shipping manifesto requires her to indicate country of origin for the items, and since she actually knew they were made in China, wrote that on the form, and now the US won't ship the package to Canada.

 

I suggested she just say they were made in the US...basically just not admit she knows that much about them. (I don't know about you but I couldn't tell you where any of the decor I've purchased is from!)

 

Thoughts?

Update: Great news - the US bride tried resending the package and it arrived today, no problems! Phew!! Thanks for your helpful suggestions ladies.