ntlsnow

Hey ladies!! It's been a while since I have been on here. So much has been going on! We have had a few deaths in the family and between work and finishing school this semester I am TOAST! LOL. I have not done a thing with the wedding in the past month and a half so I am ready to get in gear now.

My dress is finally in! YAY! Just have to go on an extreme diet before the fitting, with all of the things I have had to deal with these past 2 months, my weight gain is just disgusting... :-(

How is everyone doing??

I am so sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with Transat...I hope both of you can get it settled and wishing you less stress! I cannot imagine going through that.

My group still has until October to book but I am sending the final invites out in a few weeks with a September date so I can buy more for my OT bags. But I think booking here in the U.S. is different than in Canada.

TTYS girls!

 Let know what you find out. I will talk to my TA as well.

Oh and FYI ladies - if you did not get approval to bring an outside photgrapher onto the resort in 2013, you will not be able to. Be sure to bring this up to the wedding coordinator!!! I fortunately got Yinette to agree to let me bring my photgrapher on the resort for $50.

Originally Posted by Dominican Ally 

Thats so strange....the hotel responded on their facebook page saying there were no reno plans at all.....

I'm still a little curious...may email the wedding coordinators as well....

 

 

 I was starting to sweat reading this over here! Thank goodness! I was wondering why they would have renovations at their busiest time of year! That made no sense to me!

I am getting married in January and now I am not freaking out as much. Thanks for checking on that Alicia. :-)

Originally Posted by Dominican Ally 

I really wonder where the information came from now....I got a response from the Hotel on their facebook page....

 

I wrote this: "I recently heard Ocean Blue&Sand will be undergoing renovations in 2013 (Jan-March).....is this true, and what impact will this have on vacationers/wedding groups?"

 

And their reply was: Hello Alicia, thanks for your comments, right now there are no plans for any type of renovations at the hotel for 2013, and specially Jan-March which are our busiest months of the year.

 

Hope this is the case Momentary panic has subsided! lol

 

 

I was thinking this too. I want sundresses, line pants, etc too..Beach business??? LOL I am kidding, Ill keep thinking about it.
 

Originally Posted by jlb392 

how is everyone wording their dress code? I want basically sundresses, linen pants and light dress shirts but I'm really not sure how to word it.  If I use the word "casual" in it, I know there are going to be some cargo shorts and t-shirts there..... 

SO TRUE....my FI is one my greatest friends and has been a SAVIOR to me with dealing with some "friends" and family that are either rude or decided not to go. This whole comment is great advice to remember... :-)
 

Originally Posted by Oct 2012 Bride 

That's crazy. Vegas is super cheap. Just focus on the fact that you have a great man by your side. And if is he anything like my FI he is also one the greatest friends you could ever have. Don't let it ruin your day. Just know in the future those are less people that you have to worry about. Less gifts and events to worry about paying for.

I am also getting married in Janaury 2013, for 7 nights/8 days for my guests it is $1300 - $1400 pp with flight, taxes, hotel, and transfer. But I don't know if it is different in Canada than the U.S. Looking at Ocean Blue prices for the year though, I haven't seen under $1000 at all for 7 nights. Other resorts yes, but not here. That $1884 seems high though. I did notice that once you got into February prices went up drastically.

Originally Posted by Shelley123 

Hey ladies, I am getting married jan 2013 and coming from Toronto, Ontario . The price I got quoted for a 7 day all-inclusive is $1884. This is very, very high (especially since I've been here in jan for under $1000). Has anyone one else got really high prices or better?

That's a great idea. I know for sure the Detroit Tigers have Dominican players on their team and there are plenty of hats around here.
 

Originally Posted by alittlerandr 

Totally agree with ntlsnow and KristinaM - it's optional but very appreciated. Many of the staff at Ocean Blue work 12 hours days for 10 days straight, so I know many of them are appreciative of the gesture of thanks. We too brought a couple hundred in fives and singles for tips.

 

(This was all my husband, but am throwing it out there) Baseball is huge in the DR, especially American teams with players from the DR. DH bought 5 Boston and Twins ball caps, which he used as a thank you to a couple of our favorite bartenders and also for bartering at the shops on the beach. They were a huge hit!

I went to Punta Cana, DR last June (different resort). You do not have to tip by any means BUT I found out that a few dollars goes a long way. For instance, we tipped a great bartender a few times and the rest of the 7 days we were there he always took care of us. Same thing with the maid, we would leave a few dollars everytime we left the room (sometimes a gracias note) and we would have extra towels, extra items in the mini fridge, and one time a beautfil bouquet of flowers from her. So while it is not customary, I would suggest tipping. It doesnt have to be every time you order anything, but a few dollars here and there and they are beyond grateful. They work crazy hours and for 24 days straight I believe so I wore my heart on my sleeve and tipped them. They are very appreciative people. :-)

Hope this helps!
 

Originally Posted by jlb392 

quick question to everyone- I've been hearing conflicting information on tips.  some people have said that tips are part of the "all inclusive" room rate, others are saying that you should tip.....

Thank you for the tips ladies!!

Dang, I know for sure I will not have 100 people...otherwise that is a great deal!

 

Originally Posted by missjade 

Hey Ladies!

 

Just thought I'd share a great deal for those looking to make luggage tags/key holders.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Vertical-Transparent-Plastic-Card-ID-Badge-Holders-Zip-Lock-Top-P7-100-/110845414765#vi-content

 

$19.99 US for 100 holders... Unfortunately they only ship to the US. Luckily my gf lives in Jersey and was sweet enough to purchase it and will bring it up with her when she visits sometime this month.

 

Hopefully some of you guys can take advantage of this deal, as i've seen some that are more on the expensive side.

 

Happy Planning!!

Jade

 

 

 

Good Morning Alicia! :-)

That is great to know about the bubba kegs. I will have to go check out the Walmarts around me, I did not know they carried them. I really have no color preference if I can find them all.

OOT BAG question: What size bag are you looking to get? I have seen some pretty big beach type bags on here that are really nice (the cotton canvas ones) but I have yet to find any that are not expensive.

Side note: I didn't know shipping to Canada was that big of a difference...I know it is another country but it must be because it is faster for me to go to Canada than any other state! I used to go to Windsor all of the time or sometimes Sarnia too. It takes me less time to get to either of those places in Canada than the states surrounding MI. LOL!

Originally Posted by Dominican Ally 

Hey

So the Bubba Kegs vary in price. You're lucky that you're in the US actually as I think at Walmart you can get great deals on them! They are about 5 bucks each or so I believe......the trick is that if you are wanting one colour specifically it can involve shopping around at several stores.....for us Walmart doesn't really stock them the same as the US so we rely on Canadian Tire....and they are expensive....but I watch the sales...

 

If I don't end up being able to find them on sale between now and closer to the wedding I think I will order them from the online wholesaler. You can always order whatever quantity you need in whatever colours they have, so that is nice. Shipping within the USA is cheap too - another bonus for you US ladies I'll be having them shipped to a friend and driving them across the border if I do go this route

 

The site is www.shopbubba.com

 

 

I don't have them yet, still looking! Trying to find a decent deal on some, even though I know they will be the costly item, from what I hear they are the biggest hit!
 

Originally Posted by jlb392 

where did you get your insulated mugs?
 

 

I will have my stats to you by then. I feel like I have been slacking. With all of the stress of the wedding, family, work, school, etc. I have not been motivated as much as I should be. Especially seeing as I have less time than all of you! Ugh. I hate feeling like this, this is when I turn to junk food. Haven't yet but I am at a weak point. Thank you so much for this thread, reading through it this morning has been very helpful. :-)

 

Originally Posted by Shay4966 

I'm sorry ladies, I was suppose to post the the updates on Friday but I ran out the office early. I had my engagement party on Saturday so I was pretty busy all day. Going through the post I didn't see anyone post any updates for the 3/29 weigh in. I have been sick for some days, I was sucking it up at the party (which was a mistake) cause now I'm full blown sick. I did not get sick the entire winter so I guess it's my time, good thing is I lose weight when I'm sick. 

 

Anyway ladies stay focus, active, and aim for your goals. Please remember to post your weigh in on 4/12/12. I have updated the sheet with the newcomers. 

That's a good idea.

 

Originally Posted by shan0487 

I'm pretty sure it's free at Sephora, you just have to buy something.  I haven't looked into MAC.  I plan on bringing one of my bridesmaids with me and taking pictures and that bridesmaid will do my make-up on the wedding day.

Alicia - I am so excited to do the OOT bags and I plan on doing what you are doing. Focusing more on the insulated mugs and keyhoders than anything. About how much are those bubba kegs?? I am interested in using those over anything else.

alittlerandr - Love the drawstring bag idea, I found some on abcdistrubuting.com but they were all girly, i should order some though at least for the girls I know that are going.

I want to start looking at items on clearance for these bags but I really have no idea what the guest count would be. Once I have a better idea I will start buying more items. Thank you for the Vistaprint suggetion for the brochure, I am going to check that out too.

Talked with the FI about this last night...he said almost exactly what you  just said. lol. Regular room and if we get it, we get it. It really is quite a bit more, I checked again yesterday. If we get it great, if not, we will still have a great time. :-)

 

Originally Posted by Dominican Ally 

We are going to do this too! We've booked a regular room, and at some point we may book the Honeymoon Suite for just a few days...I don't see the point (and I'm far too frugal) to justify spending that kind of money on a room that you spend so little time in. I would really LOVE to have that room for getting ready pics - but I can live without it

 

If we get to the hotel and we can negotiate something - great....if not, we will live

 

 

I was thinking about going to MAC and having them do my makeup how I would want it for the wedding and seeing what tips or advice they offer. Then buy the products they use. LOL. I know it will be a pretty penny but its my wedding and I dont want my every day makeup.

Right? They do look amazing. I am going mention that to my TA. I really like the Honeymoon suites!

 

Originally Posted by jlb392 

We're booking the first week in a regular room and then our last 3 days (once everyone has left) in the honeymoon suite.  we wanted at least a few days in once, since they look so amazing.
 

 

Michigan bride here!

That is one of the things that I do not get. When my FI and I first started talking about doing a Destination wedding last year...so many peopel were all about it. They were so excited, so happy, and all of these people couldnt wait to go. Then the information is out and people avoid you. Why not just tell me that you cannot go? Don't tell me "this is such a great idea, I wouldve done it, I cannot wait to go," and then do a 180 and ignore us. Honestly some people cannot go, I get that, I understand it, and I have no hard feelings to most. But when very close friends and family start turning on you...it hurts. And like everyone has said so far...it is nice to not feel alone in this.

I do think this though...after our wedding, after the honeymoon, we will come back from the most amazing vacation in our lives and say..."why did I even care? Eff the people that were rude and ignored us". At least I hope...LOL!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krysta lee ann 

wow it's nice to realise you are not alone in this..... we had all of my FI's groomsman say YES right away but then when it came time to book they started avoiding him completely!! one told us he couldnt go because his FI just lost a job (she has like 3) and he couldnt afford to pay for her too which was fine. but a week later she was working at another place but nope they arent coming. then my FI's other groomsman is totally avoiding us! wont answer texts, calls, emails, FB msgs, or Xbox msgs!!! my question is that if you are unsure if you can come why say YES right away to being a groomsman. i know my FI is upset, really upset, but is trying to hide his disappointment in his friends. His aunt and uncle did the same thing to him too!! they have been buggin and joking about us getting married for years!!!! we have always told them we are doing destination and told them to start saving a couple years ago to which they said they wouldnt miss this for the world! well what do you think happened.....they arent coming cause they cant afford it! wth! its crazy how unconsiderate people can be!!!

 

lying to us and telling us you want to come and are coming but having no intention to come is just stupid! dont people realise being upfront and honest is all we want. everyone who plans a destination wedding understands some ppl just wont be able to come and we are prepared for that. it is when they keep telling us they are comign or the 'want' to come and then avoid us or keep deferring the questions is when we get upset!

 

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Are all of you doing OOT bags and brochures too? I am!

All I know so far is that I want lanyards with keyhoders and insulated mugs.

That is what we are doing as well! LOL. Normal room and trying for an upgrade. Our TA suggested that too. She said there is no reason to pay that much for that Honeymoon suite (even though I am in love with it...outdoor shower, 2 levels, huge bathtub in front of a window, and a huge canopy bed?!?!?). I do love the suite though, it is really nice!

 

Originally Posted by KristinaM 

The honeymoon suite prices do seem crazy! Especially because we're going for 2 weeks. I think we're booking a normal room and then trying to negotiate an upgrade once we're there- even if it's just for the second week or something. Honestly we spend so little time in our room that it seems like a waste to me. The only reason I really want it is for the getting ready pictures LOL.

 

I added random info on my webite like spanish phrases as well, posting them on there helped me practice as well. LOL.

I cannot believe they wanted a deposit for the rooms, I have never had to do that before with a TA. That sounds ridiculous.

I am doing my own boarding pass invites and actually having a good time doing them. They are a TON of work but I like doing things like that so it doesnt bother me! Just in the design phase now, deciding the pictures and fonts, then I will work on what I want them to say. It really is fun.

 

Originally Posted by jlb392 

Kristina- thanks.  There's still a lot of info I'd like to add to the website.  It's just a matter of finding the time to research.  I was thinking of doing some common Spanish phrases as well....let everyone get an early start on learning to say "I'd like a Pina Colada."  Lol

We aren't using a TA.  I spoke to one and got some preliminary info, but the rates that were offered through the TA were actually higher than what the average rates on the website were.  Plus, they wanted a $500 deposit to hold the room black, which seemed strange to me.  In the years that I worked in hotels and booked wedding blocks, we never asked for a deposit for them.  So, we're letting everyone book on their own.

 

Can't wait to see your STD's.  We're doing boarding pass invites, and I think we're going to end up doing those ourselves, since they can get a bit pricey.
 

 

Welcome to all the new Ocean Blue Brides! We are filling up the calendar very well... :-)
 

Originally Posted by Dominican Ally 

I added you in Nikki

 

 

 

 

Lozzawatts (Lorraine) Wedding: August 9th, 2012 Travel: Aug 7-12

erinme (Erin) Wedding October 11, 2012 Travel: Oct 9-16

nikkiandrich (Nikki)  Wedding: November 10, 2012  Travel: Nov 7-14

SylvieG (Sylvie) Wedding: November 26, 2012 Travel: Nov 22-29

gina24 (Marcia) Wedding: Jan 23, 2013 Travel: Jan 19-26

ntlsnow (Natalie) Wedding: January 25, 2013 Travel: Jan 23- Feb 3

Danimontague (Danielle) Wedding: Feb 20, 2013 Travel: Feb 16-Mar 2

DominicanAlly (Alicia) Wedding: April 11, 2013 Travel: April 6-20

jlb392 (Jessica) Wedding: April 17, 2013 Travel: April 14-24

KristinaM (Kristina) Wedding: April 18, 2013 Travel April 13-27

missjade (Jade) Wedding: July 11, 2013 Travel: July 6-13

These are AWESOME! I want to redo the ones I already sent...LOL. Great job, they are seriously really cool.

 

Originally Posted by jlb392 

So our STD's are on their way to me and I should have them in hand by Wednesday.  I thought I'd share the proofs of them.....