CourtandMatt

The following few posts will be my attempt at providing a more thorough update to my planning thread:

THE PROPOSAL:   Matthew & I got engaged on August 25, 2011 in Tahiti.  He proposed during our EngagementMoon to Tahiti and New Zealand. 

He proposed with a "stand-in" ring until I picked out and received my dream yellow diamond ring.  The ring arrived on December 29, 2011.  

WEDDING PLANNING:  In late 2011, we finally decided that we wanted to get married abroad.  After much thought on the location, it finally came down to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic.  In order to have the "best of both worlds," I booked Matthew's birthday in the DR (for April 2012) and we booked a wedding in Jamaica (for May 2013).  

WEDDING WEB SITE:  http://walters-doolin.ourwedding.com/ or go to CourtneyMara.com/Wedding

THE RESORT: After reading through a lot of threads, putting in a deposit and shortly thereafter getting back a deposit for Grand Palladium, and finally discussing with our family friend who is now our travel coordinator, we decided on Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.  I have heard only great things about the resort.  Here are some reasons we chose this resort: great reviews, one wedding a day, good communication with the resort, reasonably priced weddings, lazy river, my colleague who just stayed there said the food was great, and our TA highly recommends this resort.  

THE DATE:  Saturday, May 4, 2013

ENGAGEMENT PARTY:  My girlfriends threw Matthew and I an engagement party at the White House bowling alley on November 12, 2011.  

BACHELORETTE PARTY:  New York City in April 2013.  Stay tuned!  

WEDDING SHOWER:  None.  I didn't want one.  

SAVE THE DATES:  We ordered our Save the Dates through SaveTheDateMagnet.com (New and Blue Enterprises, Inc.).  

INVITATIONS:   Our invitations!   We LOVE them.  We got them from http://emdotzee.com/.  I believe in the end with everything we got we paid $808.  This included our addresses on the envelopes (with the exception of recipient addresses).

WEDDING COLORS:  White & neutral

TRAVEL COORDINATOR:  Our friend Ellen Paderson from Smiles and Miles Travel, Inc. is coordinating everyone's travel. 

BRIDAL PARTY:  "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?"   In May or June (2012) I mailed "Bridesmaid on a Budget" books to my bridesmaids that included inside the book a photo, personal note, and a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" card to be mailed back to me.   They all accepted!

BRIDESMAID GIFTS:  

Bags from Vistaprint

Havaiana flip flops from Nordstrom

Necklaces from Etsy  (allstrungout1) $70 for 3

Bridal Party of 3 - Island or Beach Destination Wedding - Bridal Party Starfish, Pearl, and Stamped Initial Sterling Silver Necklace

Bikinis from Figleaves.com

GROOMSMEN GIFTS:  We bought their outfits. 

Originally Posted by kincey12 

 

Hi and thanks for all your planning information! It has helped me a great deal so far. I am getting married at the suties on 3/7/14 so I have lots of time but I had a question about room blocks. I noticed you did that about a year out and I was wondering how you went about doing it, how many rooms you booked, and how much it was. Any information you could provide would be great!

Hi, Kincey12

We estimated 60 guests and so we blocked 30 rooms at $100 per room = $3,000.  We ended up letting go like 8 or 9 rooms with our 53 guests and getting our entire $3,000 back because we let go the rooms before the deadline and all of the rest of the rooms were fully paid.  

Courtney

Originally Posted by AandNJam 

 

Hi Courtney!

 

Great planning thread, love the organization!! I realized you’re also in DC! I too am a fellow DC and IRHS bride!

 

I see you mentioned paying the DJ final payment; you’re using DJ Kevan right? Are you just paying him off before the wedding so that’s one less thing to worry about? I think he said pay the final balance day of, but I assume you’re just doing it via paypal? That’s a good idea, so you don’t have to worry about it there.

 

Also your welcome bags, what all did you decide to do for them?

That's awesome that you are in DC!   Maybe after my wedding we can meet up and I can tell you all the DOs and DO NOTs! I did this with a former IRHS bride who used to live in DC!   

We are using DJ Kevan.  We are hopefully going to pay the full amount a week or two before the wedding so I don't have to worry about it on our wedding day.  I think we used paypal the first time, so we will just do that again.

I will post some information about our welcome bags soon.  I need to update this planning thread anyways!   

How's your planning coming along?

Originally Posted by Dazeydawl 

 

So far me and my fiancé are not doing any kind of sand/candle/hand ceremony. Is that something that's necessary?

 

I don't really like the sand or candle ceremonies as keepsakes after and hand I thought was a cultural thing. The only thing we are maybe considering depending on our budget, is our resort offers a tree planting ceremony where you plant a palm tree on the grounds of the resort. Which is perfect for us and the type of people we are but I'm not sure how much that costs yet and if its more than $100 it probably won't happen.

We aren't doing any special ceremonies, besides having a religious (Jewish) ceremony.  It really just depends on who you are.  My sister did a flower ceremony thing and still has the dried flowers.  I just want to stick to the classics. 

Also, I arrive a few hours before you, so I will be missing you at the airport.  Happy wedding though!!   Yay to all of us May 4 brides and May 4 Jamaica brides!

Originally Posted by mcc842002 

 

 

Hi I had 38 people and the two tables were filled. There are 4 tables total I think there's 18 people per table normally.

I am pretty sure I read somewhere else that it is 20 persons per table which would equate to 80 person capacity.  Totally not 100% sure though!

Originally Posted by Dazeydawl 

 

So I came to the realization that I leave for the airport exactly 6 weeks from yesterday. Panic mode setting in.

When do you arrive and leave?   I am flying into Montego Bay on May 1 and leaving May 7.  Will I see you at the airport?

Have you looked at IKEA?

Originally Posted by heather1214 

I got them at www.wedding-linens.com but we actually aren't using them now.  We changed our centerpieces and I wanted the flowers to be the wow factor and not the runners.  So we are just doing votive candles and the silver chargers with these centerpieces.  But the runners are really pretty and very sparkly!! I may bring one or two down to decorate the cake table with, but I'm not sure!

 

 

 

Anyone know where to get cheap 2" or 3" wide pillar candle holders?  I'm looking to add some tall pillars to the bar area but can't find anything cheap enough that I'm willing to leave at the hotel after

Originally Posted by Billandstina 

I'm looking for cheap pillar candles as well for our lanterns that we're carrying down! Let me know what you find out!

I wish I knew about this thread earlier!  Our wedding party (15 people) started a Biggest Loser competition, we all threw in $20, so there's quite the pot to be had We had a nutritionist friend draw up a 4 week meal plan for us- no sodium, caffeine, or sugar (only what naturally occurs in fruit), and we all started on January 7th.  I am so happy to say that I am down 19.4 lbs, and my FI is down 32!  It basically consists of 6 small meals a day, and TONS of water.  If anyone is interested, I can post the plan here- it works!  I haven't exercised at all and have still lost 20- I probably had about 35 to lose total.  Cheers! Kristen  

I was told by the Suites WC that I just have to pay for Rashel's hair stylist.  Kassi22 - I look forward to hearing what they tell you.

My Final TO DO List based on month:

MARCH

• Slideshow of pictures (FI task)
• Plan first dance - probably to "Marry Me"
• Order ceremony programs (waiting on final Vistaprint stuff)
• Order welcome brochure (waiting on final info from resort and then will print all Vistaprint stuff)
• Check resort has final documents (FI task)

• Choose wedding toasts (who and when) & inform speakers
• Finalize escort cards
• Make sure welcome bags are complete (pretty sure they are but waiting for last materials - also need to buy tissue paper)
• Email guests:  food requests, itinerary, suggested packing list, etc.  
• Finalize trip schedule & venues
• Finish honeymoon booking

APRIL

• Pick up dress (already scheduled)

• Write vows
• Call credit cards to tell them will be using them in Jamaica
• Make photocopies of credit cards and passports
• Finalize music list including aisle songs, mom/son, brother/sister dances and MUST PLAY and DO NOT PLAY lists
• Write personalized cards to family members
• Pick up all last travel stuff (sunscreen, medicines, etc.).
• Photographer:  make final payment, send day of schedule, and send final photo shots want

• Officiant:  confirm arrival time and finalize ceremony
• DJ:  send song list, confirm arrival time, and make final payment
• Videographer:  Send day of schedule, and music list want for video
• Makeup/Hair:  Confirm arrival time
• Resort:  send finalized list (reception venue, food, music, etc.)

MAY 4 2013 WEDDING

MAY (post wedding)

• Change insurance policies and beneficiaries
• Health benefits changes?
• Order extra pages for passport (Bride task - need it for honeymoon)
• Sell all extra stuff on BDW

JULY

• Make a wedding photo book (hopefully have photos by now)
• Make family gifts - wedding photo books

AUGUST

• Check on wedding certificate if it hasn't arrived

NOVEMBER = HONEYMOON!  

After honeymoon, work on name change - SS card, driver's license, work, passport, etc.  

My Final TO DO List based on month:

MARCH

• Slideshow of pictures (FI task)
• Plan first dance - probably to "Marry Me"
• Order ceremony programs (waiting on final Vistaprint stuff)
• Order welcome brochure (waiting on final info from resort and then will print all Vistaprint stuff)
• Check resort has final documents (FI task)

• Choose wedding toasts (who and when) & inform speakers
• Finalize escort cards
• Make sure welcome bags are complete (pretty sure they are but waiting for last materials - also need to buy tissue paper)
• Email guests:  food requests, itinerary, suggested packing list, etc.  
• Finalize trip schedule & venues
• Finish honeymoon booking

APRIL

• Pick up dress (already scheduled)

• Write vows
• Call credit cards to tell them will be using them in Jamaica
• Make photocopies of credit cards and passports
• Finalize music list including aisle songs, mom/son, brother/sister dances and MUST PLAY and DO NOT PLAY lists
• Write personalized cards to family members
• Pick up all last travel stuff (sunscreen, medicines, etc.).
• Photographer:  make final payment, send day of schedule, and send final photo shots want

• Officiant:  confirm arrival time and finalize ceremony
• DJ:  send song list, confirm arrival time, and make final payment
• Videographer:  Send day of schedule, and music list want for video
• Makeup/Hair:  Confirm arrival time
• Resort:  send finalized list (reception venue, food, music, etc.)

MAY 4 2013 WEDDING

MAY (post wedding)

• Change insurance policies and beneficiaries
• Health benefits changes?
• Order extra pages for passport (Bride task - need it for honeymoon)
• Sell all extra stuff on BDW

JULY

• Make a wedding photo book (hopefully have photos by now)
• Make family gifts - wedding photo books

AUGUST

• Check on wedding certificate if it hasn't arrived

NOVEMBER = HONEYMOON!  

After honeymoon, work on name change - SS card, driver's license, work, passport, etc.  

Date Triplets!   Yay to May 4 2013!

Originally Posted by danak71 

Hey Date Twin!

 

I'm in the same boat! 2 months from today I'll be married but we leave for Mexico on April 27 (1 week before)

 

What I still have left to do:

 

Select and purchase Groom (and groomsmen) attire

Arrange travel to and from Atlanta airport

Put together OOT bags (doing it in Mexico after we purchase more items there)

Print graphic design pieces I had designed (door hanger, itinerary, check in card, favor tags, custom menus)

Select hair style

Programs

Select location for Bridesmaid Luncheon (Hosting on March 23 but don't have location yet! LOL)

Purchase gift for my mom

Purchase cake server set and toasting glasses

Purchase Fiance's Wedding Band

Purchase Flameless Candles and Flameless Floating Candles

Purchase t-shirts (having them printed when we get to Mexico for guests to wear on Catamaran Excursion)

 

I'm sure there's more but that's the bulk of what's left. I'm trying to have it all done by end of March. That way I have 3 weeks left to go shopping and deal with unexpected issues.

Thank you all for the bag suggestions!  I also just found that Oriental Trading Company has some (although I question the quality of some of their products).   

Btw, the photos of the resorts makes me want to travel a TON!  

I also went dress shopping with my girls this weekend and boy i have learned alot. You really need to shop around. I feel in love with my dress and to some $1500 is no that bad but I do! Also when the dress was discontinued in 09! I went online and us Canadians still have a downfall of finding a great dress like the Americans. Yes i could get it shipped but I might as well buy it for $1500. Anyways I'm glad I didnt just on it because i went home and on buy and sell there was the exact one for 400. Which i got her down to $360. Look i know some people think its bad joojoo ot buy a second hand but i look at it this way, the dress at the store has how many naked girls fitting in it?? At least this one was one and she is still happily married. Alfred Angelo #1963

Ladies! 

I am desperately looking for cheap beach bags.  I was hoping for bulk jumbo bags to come in stock at dollar tree, but I just called and they are not going to be getting them in bulk any more.  I also called the individual stores and they said that they are not going to get them.  Any one have any leads???

Please help!

I am having an issue with tai flora, I keep emailing them questions and I have yet to get all the answers I want. I am not huge on flowers but I would like nice centerpieces. Can any one please send me their quotes so I can have some examples of what they can do for certain prices? I just want to nail down my floral budget but they are making it impossible! Thanks!!!!!

Originally Posted by Lydia1120 

 

Hey ladies....careful about posting your picture here...I went to pictures of the resort where I am getting married, and the picture of me in my dress showed up.  If anyone knows how to delete a picture from here, i would appreciate the guidance.  I really don't want any of my guests to see that picture.   Thanks

OMG!!  Mine comes up as well!!!  I pray my Fiance does not google image search our resort!  

Originally Posted by CokonLove 

 

 

I just emailed her today.  The pricing she gave you is excellent and also excellent for trash the dress.  I hope she can accommodate my wedding date

Hi!  She will probably be back in Minnesota in July since she lives there in the summer.   Let me know though what you find out!   

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

I love that sash!!!!  So pretty!  I feel the same about the veil.  I think a reason I don't want to wear one is because it's windy by the water and I've seen them out of control in pictures!  I don't want it wrapping around my face as I say my vows!  But I do want one in some of the pictures.  I'm considering doing a side pony and IDK if a veil would look right with that anyway.

 

May brides, have you started alterations yet? 

I did start my alterations just so I could get it all done before other things make it on to my long wedding to do list!   

BEAUTIFUL!  What Etsy dealer did you get this from??

Originally Posted by sgreen99 

 

 

I got them all the same necklace from Etsy (Below), it looked really cute!  For bracellets, earrings I just said do whatever, I wanted them to be able to bring in their personalities with the accesories they chose.

 

Court, where are you having your ceremony? and are you doing a cocktail hour?

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

 

Does anyone have a timeline for the reception? IE when to cut the cake, each dance, speeches, etc.?

This is what I am thinking:

6:30-10:30pm reception

6:30 pm Entrance of bridal party and bride & groom

Immediately following do the first dance and maybe also do the mom/groom & brother/bride dances

Appetizers

During appetizers do speeches

Dinner

Dance a bit

Then cut the cake

Dance

10pm Light sky lanterns

Originally Posted by AliciaRichard 

 

I see that some brides have been contacting a Rashel to do hair and make-up for there wedding. How far in advance do you have to book? and does anyone have her contact information?? 

If you are interested in Rashel, I would contact her and book her ASAP.   I believe she already has dates in 2014 taken.  When I contacted her in September 2012 for my May 2013 wedding, she was already booked and so was her team 2.  However, she did some moving around and is giving me her team 2 makeup and team 1 hair. 

Originally Posted by stingerash 

 

Does anyone know which restaurant  is the biggest and has the largest capacity for a dancefloor between the beach and the suites? For a private reception. I can not tell from what the woman has sent me! Thanks <3

I believe Aunt Rubys has the biggest capacity at the Suites.  The documents say that you need 100-200 persons to do a private reception there. 

Originally Posted by jnitschke 

 

 

Yeah it's very nice, light weight.  It isn't scratchy or anything, pretty much what you'd expect from a typical summer weight suit, only this one is wicking. Todd really likes his, he also got the stays cool white dress shirt.  Now, obviously it hasn't been field tested yet, so I can't speak from experience.  Our wedding is May 25th, so I can tell you after he's worn it on the day of.  I don't want to risk something happening to it before hand, and I figured it's got to be better than a standard suit, and at 70% off we couldn't really argue. 

 

here's the link to the one he bought

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_372007

and then he bought this vest, it's about as close as we're going to get to a match.  The color is spot on, but the tooth is slightly different, but nothing noticeable from a distance. 

http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/claiborne-mens-suit-separates-silver-gray/prod.jump?ppId=1af57f6&catId=cat100250022&deptId=dept20000014&N=1260%204294965092&topDim=Brand&topDimvalue=claiborne&dimCombo=Brand%7CItem+Type%7C&dimComboVal=claiborne%7Csuit+vest%7C&currentDim=Item+Type&currentDimVal=suit+vest#1dd555e

 

What a great find!  If we hadn't already found a suit that works, I totally would have dragged us over to JOS Bank. 

We also got quite a deal on a suit that can be found in stores (My fiance did not want to order online).  We purchased the groom and groomsmen's outfits from Macys.  The outfits can be found here:  http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/perry-ellis-crimini-textured-blazer-vest-pants?ID=737274&CategoryID=17788#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D249%26ruleId%3D66%26slotId%3D36.  My FI's suit was around $170 (jacket and pants) + tie + shirt = probably around $300 for his outfit.  Macys frequently does those 25% off weekends and then they do the addition 15% if you have a card.  We took advantage of this and so we got 40% off of the outfits.  For three groomsmen, their outfits (tie, vest and pants) came to a total of around $450. 

That's my FI in the groomsmen attire!   

My FI in his outfit without the jacket:

My fiance in his suit:  

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

11:00 Hair/Makeup starts (I have 4 girls also, so I'm hoping that is enough time)

4:30: Ceremony

(champagne toast immediately following ceremony)

5:30 Cocktail Hour

(pictures)

6:30 Reception

10:30 Disco- After Party

 

I think it depends where you are and what time of year for the ceremony time.  (Or if you want it at sunset etc).  I'd ask past brides or the WC for their opinion.   

OMG - Heather, before I looked at who wrote this and where your wedding is, I was like, "Wow, this person has my same itinerary!"   LOL.   Yay to IRHS brides! 

Originally Posted by Jaclyn111 

 

Hi Courtney.  Great thread!  Are you by chance getting any flowers for the arch/huppa?  I am getting married at the beach in April and also think I am going through Floral Fantasies.  They were cheaper from me as well and responded very quickly.  I spoke to the wedding coordinator and she tells me I will be charged a vendor fee for using them no matter if they are just dropping the flowers off or not.  For as low as they quoted, it's still worth it for me to go through them, I think.  I was wondering that...if I go through Floral Fantasies, will I still get the bout/cake flowers/registration table flowers that come included in the package.  It sounds like you are getting them.  I am just wondering if you asked the question or if you are assuming.  I couldn't get a clear answer from WC!  

 

Thanks again for the thread!  You've got it wayyy more together than I do and I'm less than 3 months away!

Hi, Jaclyn

I am not getting flowers for the huppah.   I am still getting the included flowers from Tai Flora, but I am at the Suites, so I don't know what the Beach does.  It is in our wedding package so we will be getting them no matter if we order other flowers from Tai Flora or not. 

Happy planning,

Courtney