olive0y1

Originally Posted by HKdolphingirl 

 

After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to use a travel agent to book a block of rooms for our cruise wedding. I decided this would be great, he could answer all the booking questions, and I could pretty much stay out of it, and we would get some freebies, saving us money so we could in turn do better OOT bags, and a welcome party that was otherwise out of the budget win-win.

 

So I got some recommendations from friends, and several recommended the same guy - easy to work with, super on top of things, etc.

 

So I call Bob, he gets me the block of rooms, he gets my honeymoon suite booked. So far so good. 

 

Then he tells me that I am supposed to have my guests contact me when they are ready to book, and then I should contact him so that he can call them to book. This makes NO sense to me. Why should I be the middle man? Why wouldn't they just contact HIM when they are ready to book, and give our wedding name? He assures me this streamlines things somehow, so I say fine, I'll e-mail him contact info whenever people tell me they are ready to book. I'm annoyed since this sort of defeats the purpose of me staying out of it. That was strike one.

 

Fast forward. I have sent him 10 different couples' info already who are ready to put down their deposits. He set up phone "meetings" with them, and then doesn't call, or calls at completely different times when they are at work and have told him they can't talk, or doesn't call them at all. I have guests that have been going back and forth with him for 3-4 weeks and some almost 2 months and still aren't booked!

 

He keeps giving excuses. He just went through a divorce and had to move his office so he's not as organized as usual. Fine gave him some slack. Then his dad was ill and not expected to make it so he was out of town dealing with hospice. Fine game him some slack. But that was all months ago!

 

My guests are getting frustrated and just want to book on their own, and I don't blame them but I really wanted to get the perks of the block of rooms. 

 

I feel like this should be way easier? am I crazy? Or is he just a bad travel agent? When I express my concerns to him he always has an excuse, and by the end makes me sound like I am crazy for being upset. Granted my cruise is over a year away, but some of my relatives have specific room requests because of large families and medical issues etc, and they want to book early, why is that so hard?

 

I don't know at this point if there is even a way to "fire" him since I already have all our group deposit and deposit on my suite and group account setup through him?

 

Should I call another travel agent and see what they say? Anyone experienced anything similar?

Which cruise line are you working with? I'm doing the samething w/ Carnival Cruise and I didn't have to be the middle person. I just sent a mass email to everyone that if they wanted to convinience, to just call our agent. Some called her and some used another company to book, but you shouldn't be going through all that hassle.

Oooo love this forum. I haven't tackled this one yet, but am in the process of getting tote bags via Vista Print. We'll see what ends up in them hahah

Originally Posted by MsKenyaF 

 

Hey All!

 

Because of you ladies wonderful & creative ideas I'm going to attempt to make my own boarding pass STD & passport invites. I wanted to know where did you all get your images from? I've looked on google but I don't see any that looks as good as the one's I've seen here. Share your secrets! :-)

We're just in the very early stages in our passport invites DIY as well. I've seen http://www.ayleebits.com/templates.htm that have some preset images for the passport invites though.

Originally Posted by FIFAbride 

 

I also posted these in the invitation forum.  They are DIY, my fiance and I did it all with the exception of printing.  So far the response is that everyone loves them.  Most people have asked where we found ticket stock...hee hee.  Their faces were priceless when we told them that we made it look like that.

 

Here is the monogram we created.  We printed it on stickers and put it on the out side of our ticket holder.

 

 

 

This is the inside of our ticket holder

 

The front of our invites.  Each one is individualized for the invitee under Passenger Receipt and perforated

 

 

The back of the invite.  The stamp in the middle is what a real passport stamp from Tahiti looks like.  Thought it was a nice touch since that is where we are getting married.

 

These look great!

Originally Posted by Ryves 

 

Does anyone know if vistaprint still offers free post cards?

Not that I know of, but Groupon gives out pretty good deals. Something like $17 for $70 I think.

Originally Posted by MissBubbles205 

 

What pages are you/did you include on your DIY passport invitations?

 

I'm wanting to add 1 page which leads to me adding 4..  So looking for good pages to include.. (need 3)

 

So far I have the following in book order:

• Cover Page
• Picture / Bride Groom info
• Formal Invitation Page
• Resort Page
• Bars at the Resort and times
• Dining Options
• Dining Options 2
• Children Ammenities and Services
• Travel Information (Our TA's info)
• General Information (What to wear & the weather)
• Schedule of Events
• Back Page

 

So we have our outer cover with print on the front and back and 2 pages inside printed on front and back.

 

What pages are yall using? )

I just sent my Save the Dates and am starting on the passport invites. This is a good read to start the process

Originally Posted by JustNoelle 

 

 

Hi Erin,

 

We used Ginger of Serendipity Beyond Design to design our Passports. She is awesome and very easy to work with. They turned out BEAUTIFUL!! My guests can't stop talking about them. I highly recommend her. Here is her website: http://www.serendipitybeyonddesign.com/

Oo thanks for the site info!

That's a pretty color. My sister decided on a highlow style as well and I think it's fitting for a beach wedding for us

Originally Posted by EVKnowsitall 

I just went snooping through this post because bridesmaids dresses were such a pain in the butt to find. I kept telling people the color was peacock and it confused everyone because there are different colors in a peacock feather. So then I started saying teal and that confused people and they started saying it was an ugly 1980's color and ugggggh the aggravation lol.

 

So we tried on dresses at a salon and I fell in love with a Bill Levkoff style but it only came in Navy blue. My maid of honor would not take the dress off and kept trying to convince me to change my color to navy blue- which is too dark for a destination wedding if you ask me.

 

But I managed to find a designer who carries the color I was looking for- Bari Jay- the color...is called peacock! LOL Like I originally stated! We thought of doing a peacock theme for the wedding but it can get borderline tacky if its all over the place. So we mellowed out the idea and are just going with a palette of blues. Our colors are navy blue, Aqua blue and the peacock blue. The navy- only bc my fiance picked a dark gray and navy blue suit for the wedding and I had to tie it in- but against the girls wearing the peacock it looks beautiful. Our church is all white so I think the blues will have a marine/ sailor vibe against the church. Here are our bridesmaids dresses:

 

 

 

I also LOOOOVE this style- same designer and each panel can be a different color or you can do two the same one different or get the dress in solid. I was concerned the navy would be too dark though but I love the look of the two-tones. Unfortunately for this panel dress- the peacock colored fabric is not an option. Otherwise this would be the winner with the peacock color on either side and the turquoise in the middle. 

 

 

 

Either way they are both pretty dresses and I guess I can't go wrong. I just thought the peacock color was so rich looking and a nice contrast for the color of the water. I guess we will try both on and see what looks best although all my maids favor the first style. They like how its short in the front and flirty. Casual yet formal since our wedding is at night.

 

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Tulumbride2013 

 

This is my inspiration pic. I am in love with the net table runner! I found them on amazon and have also mimicked the coral, only my coral is faux. I found some aquarium coral in the pet section and spray painted it and it looks pretty good!

Ooo nice!

St. Thomas-Secret Harbor March 19,  2013!! Coming so close!

Originally Posted by Jackie Milton 

 

        Hi Ladies,...Just wanted to introduce myself,...been lurking and surfing some of the great info on this site!! My names Jackie my fiance and I have decided to "make it legal" after 10 years and get married.

We took a cruise approx 5 years ago and loved it, so the plan was hatched to cruise Eastern Caribbean and be married on St Thomas after I fell in love with some wedding photos I came across of another cruise wedding. After lots and I mean LOTS of hashing out of dates and "discussions" with family,...we have settled on a cruise leaving Miami on May 5 2013 and getting married on St Thomas May 8 2013.

 

Hope to find some other brides maybe doing the same thing and we can bounce ideas!!

 

Take care and Happy Planning!

Jackie

Congrats!! We're doing the same thing. Going on a Carnival Cruise March 2013 and getting married in St. Thomas. Do you have a venue? We're using Island Bliss Wedding and working w/ Janelle to help coordinate our event

Originally Posted by cricckkett 

 

Thank you!!! We actually decided to go with Punta Cana at the Jellyfish Restaurant, I fell in love instantly once I saw the pictures of it

 

Congrats on your upcoming wedding!!  My fiance proposed in St. Maarten :-) so I definitely do love it there!!!!

That's great! It's coming close!

Originally Posted by Sandy Planner 

 

Hello Ladies : I thought I should share this with you, I jus love it.

 

That's really nicely arranged

Originally Posted by sun surf sand 

 

 

 

 

  

I love, love these beachy bottles. I ordered the bottles from http://www.lunabazaar.com/ and the seashells actually I ended up just buying from Michaesl.  Super easy project , I just glue gunned the seashell into the bottles and then glue gunned the wrap around the neck to cover up the excess glue.  I am a little nervous on how they are going to hold up on the trip down but they seem pretty sturdy.  Hopefully they will be ok if I split them up into different ppl’s carry on bags.  This is my rough idea of what the tables will look like

I love this look!

Just wanted to update on our status w/ photographer and video in case someone stumbles upon this thread. We are going with Elisha Orin for photography, but we're bringing our own videographers from our area. They also travel so if anyone's also intersted, they're called AtFirstSightWEddingFilms. http://atfirstsightweddingfilms.com/ 

Originally Posted by beachbunnybride 

 

ive been looking at some of the all inclusives for next april (st. thomas) none of them are showing avaliablity is it possoable they are booked up a year ahead already?

I apologize for this really really delay reply. I hope you were able to find availability!

Originally Posted by jessipeters 

 

Wow, St. Thomas sounds amazing.  Happy planning.

Thank you! Almost less than 5 months to go!

Originally Posted by beachbunnybride 

 

hi can you please tell me about your experience with janelle and why you choose her...im searching and like her prices...  

Sorry, I haven't been on here in a while. But as Erica stated, her email response time is quick and not only is she very helpful, but she's also knowledgeable with little details or questions you may have. I've asked millions of questions it seems, but she's answered every single one of them.

Originally Posted by MissBubbles205 

 

Good idea.. My bridesmaid also mentioned this.. but I don't even know where to start.. I'm really hoping I can luck up and find the same dress in everyones size since I have a few months I can look. My mom said she would agree to buy all 5 of my bmaids' dresses since they are paying for the trip. ) I thought that was super sweet!

 

Can't wait to see how yours turn out! )

I agree, that is super sweet! If you have a place where you can get cheap fabrics, just bring a swatch of your choice of color and go from there. If you already have a style in mind for everyone, even better. All you have to do is purchase the fabric & materials and get the dresses made. Maybe your mom can pay for the labor instead if you go this route. If only you live close to Los Angeles, you'll be golden. They have a garment district w/ tons of fabrics, flowers wedding/party events materials on sale that's why. But as you've said, you have a few months to go to really look and I hope you find what you're looking for!

Thank you! I have until the end of the year to get everyone to the seamstress lol.

Originally Posted by petunia 

 

Crystal, where will you be staying on the island?

 

Here is my favorite St. Thomas map: St. Thomas Map - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands This is the map that is handed out by the car rental companies when you pick up your car. The major roads are color coded on the map. There are "Tommy Starfish" signs colored to match the code. (e.g., green Tommy Starfish route goes from downtown Charlotte Amalie to Magens Bay.)

 

I would recommend Red Hook for your Wedding Eve party. There are plenty of places there for partying. For a wild evening, I think Duffy's Love Shack would fit the bill. There's also Caribbean Saloon, Molly Malone's, XO, and some others. Plenty of places within walking distance if you want to separate the men and women. I heartily recommend, however, that, you rent a taxi for the evening. The roads are too narrow, twisty and hilly for folks who've been out drinking to experience on the night before the wedding (or any night), especially since they drive on the other side of the street.

Great map! Thanks for the share

Originally Posted by bondgirl0072010 

 

Hey St. Thomas Brides!

 

Congratulations on your upcoming weddings I wanted to let you all know that for your beautiful beach weddings, I design barefoot jewelry for your walk down the aisle! I was a destination wedding bride myself last year and know from first hand experience that custom jewelry collections (by wedding color/style/theme) make fabulous bridesmaid's gifts as well. Along with barefoot jewels I design custom travel-inspired destination wedding collections including hair accessories, so if you have any interest please feel free to reach out! I've attached some images below. This jewelry can be taken on your honeymoon and vacations thereafter - always to remember your special day!

 

Happy Planning!

 

XOXO

 

Chelsea

 

 

Those are beautiful!

Originally Posted by vtelford 

 

1. Name: Vanessa

2. Where are you from: Los Angeles CA

3. Where are you getting married? Dont know yet

4. When are you getting married: September 29th 2012

5. who is your WC: Leaning toward Janelle at Island Bliss

 

We want something that is beach adjacent for the ceremony and reception....if anyone has any ideas please share...

Your wedding just passed and I was wondering how it went? We originally wanted Lindquist Beach, but thought about commute too. Plus, Janelle said that the day we dock, w/c is a Tuesday, is one of the busiest on the island. So, we decided on Secret Harbor since Sunset Grille is just walks away.

Which place did you ended up choosing? Hope it was all that you've hoped for!

1. Name: Olive
2. Where are you from: San Diego, CA
3. Where are you getting married in St Thomas: Secret Harbor
4. When are you getting married: March 19, 2013
5. who is you WC: Island Bliss Wedding-Janelle

The dress is pretty. Worse comes to worse, you can look for the fabric color and get it made, but working w/ a good seamstress would work too. That's what I'm doing for my bridesmaids. I asked them to look for a flowy dress that's around the knee and went from there. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by Pucca 

 

I think if you somehow convey the idea that you'd prefer a monetary gift as opposed to an actual gift, particularly to some key people, they will pass the idea on to your guests without you having to feel awkward about addressing it (as I well understand). 

 

We didn't have a registry at all for our wedding. I had a blog post that laid down essentially what we wanted for wedding gifts which was: 1) We wanted nothing but a card with well wishes since they were traveling to our DW and that was gift enough; 2) if they really were compelled to give us a gift, we appreciated gift cards to our favorite stores (and I listed them) or cash towards some fun events for our weddingmoon. And I left it at that. I also explained that the reason for this sort of registry is because we are practical people and being older, we already have all the things we want; we are also picky about what we buy so we'd rather do the buying ourselves instead of being restricted to a "registry", and then we can purchase things during a time that is stress-free. My friends and family understood that so most people ended up giving us either gift cards or checks (some gave us cash in a card).

 

 

Thank you for the idea. We also woul prefer monetary gifts since we're having a reception back home and have a lot of things at home that we already need. I've been trying to find the best language to use to incorporate this.