JennyBenz

Hi Gina! Yes, I did just hear back from my WC. She said no outside food or beverages are allowed onto the resort at all. So even if I brought it in myself from off the resort, they wouldn't allow it. I asked specifically for cakes & other foods, so it may work differently for deocrations. But, I'm sure they can't tell you no if you have outside deocrations, if you bring it in yourself. It seems with this resort that if any non-paying guest [vendor] steps foot onto the site, they're not allowed in without you paying the $800 vendor fee- crazy! Hope this helps =)

Hi Gina!! Great, thanks for giving me some positive feedback for Lynda =) So the resort won't allow you to bring in items provided from Fresa, if you pick it up off the resort & bring it in yourself? I'm trying to find some way to have Fresa provide certain items for the wedding, hopefully there's a way!! Yes, we're doing a cocktail party before the reception. We did actually receive a free cocktail party [up to 50 people, plus $10 pp above that] from our travel agent, who's a GI consultant, so it was a perk of booking with them! But, we used the free cocktail for a "welcome party" instead. I wanted a different selection of liquor & hor d'orves, so we are paying for the wedding day cocktail. The WC suggested 5 pieces per person at the cocktail, and they have a pick & choose menu so you can choose up to 5 slections to have passed around at the cocktail. On average, it's about $2-$3 per piece, so figure about $15 per person X however many guests you're having. Hope that helps! Jenny

WOW Josephine- Everything you've done so far has been such an amazing inspiration!! It is all so amazingly creative!! I will definitely be using some of these ideas [how you organized & created layouts] to incorporate into some of my projects, hope you don't mind =) You should consider starting your own business for destination weddings!!! [if you haven't already LOL] GREAT JOB!!!!

Thanks for all of your kind words ladies!!!

Hello ladies!! It has been a very busy few weeks, so I'm just catching up on this forum to see how you are all doing =) So FYI, I just got an email from WC dept. saying my WC was switched to Lynda Gomez [i was working with Amanda P]. I'm not sure what happened to Amanda, but I can' t say I'm really upset to hear about the switch. [Not sure if she left the company, or they just switched WC's for other reasons]. I'm hoping things go way better than they did with Amanda- Lynda emailed me already giving me some very positive news & negotiated some excellent prices for us without hesitation [whereas Amanda was up in the air and I was waiting for more than 1 week for a reply, as usual]. I'm most concerned with the amount of time it takes to respond & confirm details with the resort. Do any of you work already with Lynda, any feedback on her? I'm hoping this change is a positive one =) Can anyone believe how fast time is going by? We're almost halfway through August, so I'm coming up to 9 months away!! We booked it almost 1 year in advance, thinking it was so much time- LOL - It is starting to fly by! Hope everyone's planning is going well!! Jenny

Hi there, I just read this now and my heart really goes out to you!!! I know exactly what you are going through & only imagine what you're feeling- because the same thing happened with my best friend [childhood friends since we were 8 yrs old]. It's something you never would think of happening, & when it does it hits you like a brick wall. I've tried to be understanding and OK with her not being there on our wedding day. Although my friend's reason for not being able to attend was different, I don't think it's an acceptable one. She said it was b/c she didn't think her 2 yr old would be comfortable in a new setting and they are tight on money. We have tons of friends & family bringing even newborns and others that are budgeting starting from the minute they received out STD's. So call me selfish, but I think it's fair for us to say it's not acceptable in some situations. Many other guests have already explained they cannot make it; And although we'd love for everyone to be there, we were prepared to accept not everyone will be. BUT, when it's someone so close to you and one of the few "definites" you thought you had coming no matter what, it's really hard to accept. You have to keep your head up and focus on all of the other important people in you and your FI's lives that will be there to make your day even more special. I'm sure you're wanting to elope b/c of this upsetting news, but it's not the right reason to do so- Don't let one person ruin your most special day!!! I am here for you if you need to let out more rants & raves That's what we are all here for!! Just know you have lots of people here that go through the same challenges, but it always works out. HEAD UP!! Jenny

Hi Kristee! Yes, I did request info a few weeks ago actually, and did not hear back =( Since then, I did email my WC asking if we can have outside vendor for cupcakes & some decor brought into the resort- she said they don't allow any outside food into the resort. So, i asked what if I went out of resort and picked up some things myself, would it still not be OK to bring it back? I don't see how they can tell me no, especially if I'm the one to bring it into the resort. I see you mentioned in an earlier post that you are doing many weddings at the same resort, but I've learned their policies change almost weekly, which can become very confusing! Anyway, I'm hoping I can find out some more information on pricing & what services you offer, and I'll check with my WC if there's anyway we can make this happen =) Thanks so much!! Jenny

Thanks ladies!! It seems the policies at AS change very often, or each WC tells us something different! I've asked my WC about this, I'm hoping I can use Fresa! One more question about Fresa, hoping either of you can help: I can have them provide only certain services, correct? I don't need everyhting for our ceremony & reception, we're looking to have Fresa only do cupcakes, cake, and maybe some decorations. JSAL- Is the resort charging you for having Fresa come in to set up for your wedding? And what is pricing like, on average? I requested info from Fresa, but haven't heard back yet. From what I've read in earlier posts in this forum was that they were way cheaper than Lomas prcies. I feel like everyone is cheaper than Lomas LOL Speaking of which, our cocktail & reception locations, which we thought we reserved & confirmed, actually weren't available [after I mentioned the location, my WC then decided to tell me about how they changed locations w/o telling me] BC of this we have to do reception on the beach, which is fine, but changed our entire layout & decor! So now we requested sheers to hang around the area and poles for lights, etc. Lomas wants to charge me $100 PER SHEER- for ONE piece of fabric, and they're telling me I need 12!!! Isn't that crazy!! I guess I'll be lugging a bag full of sheers down myself

Ladies- THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You have really helped me to make my mind up once and for all. And after reading Jessie's post, my worries were confirmed!!! I will most definitely stay far away from the cupcakes LOL And I'll look into any other options that can't really be messed up [like candy buffet or ice cream cart]. Has anyone used Fresa Weddings for any decorations or desserts? I keep hearing about them, but from this forum some ladies used them & others tried but the resort wouldn't allow it. They have rave reviews so if that's what it takes to get things cheaper & for better quality, I'd love to try going about things this way =) Thanks for all your help I truly appreciate it

Hi ladies!!! I have been looking into options for desserts at our reception. I'm getting more & more aggravated with the prices Lomas wants to charge but I'm willing to work with it, if it's worth it! I've heard many mixed reviews about the cupcakes they provide- mostly negative. They're willing to do a cupcake tower for about $400 which is still alot, especially if they're not tasty & look terrible =( Can anyone provide me some feedback on past experiences? I also saw a candy buffet & ice cream buffet, but again they want to charge about $10 person, and that would be about $1,000 just for that. Whatever is worth it, I'm OK with but I'd love some of your opinions =) Thanks so much!!

Hi there! I'm telling you, As for customs- from what I understand, there is a certain dollar limit as to how many "gifts" you cna bring through. [i think it's $200-$300 USD]. But double check this with your travel agent, they'll know exactly what the rules are. From what I've read, as long as you have documentation [invoices/invitation for proof of your wedding, etc] they will let you through/. But, if it exceeds a certain amount, they will charge duties. So best to check with your agent =) Hope this helps!

Hi Nicci! The resort charges a ridiculous fee to deliver to each guests room [ i think btwn $5-$7 EACH room]. Instead of paying this insane fee, we'll be having a welcome party a few days before the wedding which is where we'll have the welcome bags. We'll probably have a table set up for all the bags & label each with guests' names so we are sure everyone got theirs, and those who missed it we can hand deliver. Hope this helps =)

Hi Kristee! All of this talk about your company has me very interested in learning more about your services! Would you be able to email me a basic list for services you offer & general pricing? I''d like to compare this option with doing it all myself- b/c it's a ton to carry down to Mexico!! I appreciate it thanks =)

I completely agree with you!! I've been searching high & low for real touch stems for my centerpieces I'm doing myself and I can't find any great quality stems!! So hard, especially when you're looking for a particular color/flower. I did come across gorgeous real touch - "like" stems at Michael's and with coupons they're about $5 stem. But, I wish I could find them in bulk somewhere, having a hard time. Ugh! I did order all my flowers for wedding party & aisle runner decor from Angel's Accents. They were reasonably priced, and their work blew me away! I'm excited, can't wait to see the pictures they send me when they're ready for approval =) Keep us posted Choco when you get the pix~~

Hey! I actually just googled "hibiscus clipart" and then modified the colors & rotated a bit on Powerpoint. Google is amazing LOL

Thanks =)

soon2bmrspetti --- EEK!!! Same wedding date twins!! I'm sure I'll be seeing you around then What time & where is your wedding? Quote: Originally Posted by soon2bmrspetti Hi Ladies!! I just added my date to the list!! Post your wedding date to the list new brides to be!!! Happy upcoming weddings July brides July 2012 MishMash July 14, 2012 Miss1022 July 22, 2012 Starcamping- July 23, 2012 August 2012 September 2012 Jennaba3 - September 6, 2012 October 2012 larazach - October 3, 2012 LauraandBrian- October 6, 2012 jsal4 - October 12, 2012 November 2012 ElaineNYC - November 10, 2012 Jana Knitter - November 11, 2012 December 2012 janaahb - December 12, 2012 January 2013 evac- January 3, 2013 February 2013 tkuzma - February 7, 2013 Christined - February 12, 2013 March 2013 seatkins22 - March 21, 2013 April 2013 slarso13 - April 20, 2013 DawnDean - April 26, 2013 May 2013 kathryn83 - May 5, 2013 jennybenz - May 18, 2013 soon2bmrspetti - May 18, 2013 PPMay2013- May 23, 2013

Hi there! One of my friends just did this for their DW in November. Many guests waited until the very last day to book their rooms, and it caused a lot of stress on the bride & groom. She sent out a reminder about a week or two before booking date deadline to all guests who didn't book just yet. Unfortunately, there are always going to be last minute bookings/cancelations. So, from waht I've learned is if you think you'll have too many room blocks, cut it down to where you are comfortable. Remember, the room block deposits you put down go toward your stay so even if the room block isn't 100% fulfilled, that credit isn't lost [i believe, might want to double check that. Or just cnxl unused rooms before your deadline and those who book late will have to take the chance they'll get a room =) On my friends "reminder" email, it stated something like this: "Just a friendly reminder that the last day to book your rooms with the special rates provided is _____. We appreciate your promptness in booking & allowing us the time to finalize all the details for our big day!" Hope this helps!

Hi Rachel! Congrats on booking your date & welcome to the forum =) I am working with Amanda, and after a VERY bumpy road at first, we are working much better together now. I think all WC have high expectations from us brides, and sometimes they don't amount up to them. But, if you ever have a concern or worry, you just have to address the situation right away. If you're absolutely not happy with the service you're getting, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or management at their office & I'm sure they'll be happy to switch WC's. I was almost to this point, but once we resolved our problems [very big problems], we've been getting along fine. Just be very detail oriented, ask a ton of questions & my advice for Amanda is if there's anything urgent- CALL her! She takes very long to respond to emails [one of the issues I have with her] so now I just write all my questions down call her for answers & email confirmation of what we spoke about [never not have a hard copy of what you discussed, cover yourself on all bases![ Hope this helps =)

LOL Neither can I!!!! Thanks =)

Hi Rebecca, I printed these at home on my HP all-in-one printer =) No problems printing them!

Hi Heidi! Here's the website to Aylee Bits free templates! The saved template i have is only the outline with nothing else, so this is more helpful =) Happy planning!! http://www.ayleebits.com/templates.htm

ELAINE- Sorry my head's in the clouds today- Please diregard the measurement for sheers I gave in feet- LOL WC gave to me in meters- 12 METERS X 1.5 METERS So go with this and not the feet [forgot that was yards, not meters lol]

Hi Elaine, I actually just ordered some lanterns in different sizes to see in person. I found a great website too, they're good quality lanterns & good prices.. Check them out --> http://www.justartifacts.net/roblpala.html I know Oriental Trading has them for cheaper, but it seems the quality isn't as good & the colors differ. I should be getting them this week so I'll post a picture on here for you to see. I ordered in three sizes b/c I love the look of bunching a few together that are different sizes =) I went with 12', 16', and 18" I asked WC Amanda about the sheers and she gave me dimensions- she said the sheers they use are 12 meters [36 feet] X 1.5 meters [4.5 feet] and recommends using 2 sheers. You can find them very cheap online, check ebay and do a google search. I'm even checking the local fabric stores [there are a few on Myrtle Avenue that I'm sure you're familiar with] I may even purchase just the fabric & hem it myself- if it's much cheaper. Here;s one vendor I found on Etsy that does it by meter, so you can get exact measurements: http://www.etsy.com/listing/101418069/c34-orange-poly-sparkle-organza-fabric?ref=cat2_list_26 I am looking in costs of buying these myself, b/c hotel charges $150 for them so if it's close I'll just have them do it. Hope this helps =)

These are amazing! LOVE this idea go for it =)