mstigger

I made it clear to my guests that if they chose to stay elsewhere, they were responsible for paying for the day pass.

I chose where I wanted to have my wedding, if you choose to stay somewhere else because it's cheaper or whatever other reason then you need to pay that extra cost.

Just my opinion and I made sure my guests understood, of course our day pass was only $72 but it was also only for 6 hours!

Hope that helps!!

Originally Posted by pongyang2001 

Haha i'm the same. I'm kinda hoping there won't be too many guests so it will be a lot cheaper. Especially we are planning on doing an island tour for our guests as a thank you. What are your thoughts about guests staying outside the resort? Are we supposed to pay for their day pass? Sandals told me we have to pay $190 for a full day pass for non resort guests attending our wedding. That's ridiculous!

My matron of honor actually suggested the quilt which I think is a really cool idea, but I love the trees too!!!

Decisions, decisions!!!!

Thanks for the pic - I love this idea!!!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

They actually say that it can hold up to 100 or so signatures, since most people sign for two. Etsy has all sorts of cool stuff! I've also seen where people each sign a square of fabric, and then you make it into a quilt. Or I guess you could take a pre-made quilt and have them sign.

 

That's really cute!

Thanks for sharing. We are estimating 100 people or so, so I guess I will figure out what I want that won't be too much of a space hog in our house

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

Hm I tried posting a picture - it's not working for some reason. I'll try again when I get home, maybe there's something going on since I'm at my work computer. Until then, this is a link to what we bought. https://www.etsy.com/transaction/139920959?ref=fb2_tnx_title

I didn't see the link.....it didn't show up for some reason or the picture if that's what you posted

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

We actually just had our AHR on Satruday. I will say, it was more work/stress than our actual wedding! We ended up having almost 100 people there, so it was a lot. We had a casual brunch buffet at this restaurant by us. We had two long "display" tables where we brought all the stuff from our wedding - the sand ceremony frame, some of our programs, menus, placecards, copies of the ceremony script, etc. I also brought/hung my dress for people to see. Ou DW was only our immediate family (20 ppl) and I had everyone telling me how nice it was that we brought all that stuff, b/c it made them feel a part of it. We also played all our pictuers on a slideshow on the TVs around the restaurant, which was nice to be able to do. Though it was a lot of work, I'm really happy we did it. It was nice to celebrate with everyone (even if it did reaffirm my DW decision!) As for a guest book, we wanted something a little different that we would actually use/display. I knew if we did a traditional "guest book" it would just collect dust. We bought this off Etsy, and it is now proudly hanging in our bathroom It's nice to look at it and see it everyday.

Did you guys, or did any of you brides who had AHR, have a guest book or a guest book type thing at the reception?

We are doing a very informal picnic/BBQ at a park - renting a shelter, etc......just not sure what to do.....besides this.....

Originally Posted by Feb2013 

mstigger- I went through this twice my MIL wanted a reception in my husband's home state of NJ and My parents wanted one in MO. I was totally hands off and they kept trying to drag me in... So I feel your pain. And I know with being you MIL it is the tread lightly situation. 

 

As far as "registering" for Lowes or another hardware store, I had put on our wedding website that we have tons of Honey To Do projects going on and asked for money or Home Depot gift cards if they wanted to get us something. Also you can register on Amazon.com for those things too. 

 

For invites we took the photos from the actual wedding and made postcard to send people and had them RSVP by email or phone. We also let people know on the post card that it was informal. If you want you can shoot me a PM and I will look for the PDF to show you the post card for our reception. 

 

Last but not least Good Luck! 

Let me check with my maid of honor, she ordered all of the shells because she made both of our bouquets and the boutts out of shells. Will let you know as soon as I get a hold of her!

Originally Posted by cutiepatootie70 

Great idea, where did you buy your shells?

Thank you for that site, what a great idea!!!

I don't think either of us really cared about the AHR. We both have friends in WV that weren't able to attend the wedding, but ALL of his family is up there and his mom really wants ALL of the family to "meet" me......again. We dated off and on in high school and college, so I'm sure it will be fun but it just feels weird to me......kind of like, Hey we got married, come eat some food and give us something. I know that's not the intention though and numerous people have asked us if we were doing something, but I just wasn't sure about a registry. Didn't make sense to me.

Now a vow renewal would be AWESOME!!! I can't wait to go back!!

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

I think its a great idea to "register" at Lowes! Try this website http://www.myregistry.com/ I think you can "pin" items from any store to the list. If this particular site wont do that, I know there are a few out there.

 

My MIL also wanted to host an AHR, but my husband had been to another couples AHR and he didnt like the feel of celebrating twice. Plus our families live so far apart that his family would be the only people that could attend, so my husband didnt want the AHR to feel "all about him."

 

I keep prodding my hubby for a 5 year vow renewal! Less than 4 years to go

 

 

 

Good morning EDR past and future brides! I am in need of a few opinions from you guys. My new husbands mother has wanted to host an informal type of AHR for us since we tied the knot in April.

However, there hasn't really been much time due to relocating myself from SC to WV and both of my boys to their respective colleges. We finally were able to pick a place and the date. Sept 21 at a picnic shelter in a local park with a playground nearby, etc. The date is actually exactly 5 months from the actual wedding date and I didn't feel it was necessary but his mom really wants to do this for us. Now here's my dilemma.......we combined 2 households, so we have plenty of dishes, pots, pans, etc, etc but we did just buy an older house that needs quite a bit of work. His mom wants us to register at places like Bed, Bath & Beyond and/or Target but we just don't need things like that......we need 2x4's and shower doors, etc. So his mom suggested listing that we are registered at Lowes......which would be great if it were possible. So should we just leave that off and let people ask if they are so inclined to bring a gift? We are not expecting gifts, but I'm sure some people will bring them. Ok and lastly, what type of informal invite would be good to use? I did say that if she wants to do this I am NOT doing any of the work.....I did ALL the work for the wedding at EDR......does that seem unreasonable or rude? It's not meant to be, it's just that no matter how simple you try to make a "picnic" it becomes a HUGE ordeal!!

Thanks ladies!!

This was my guest book - it was a 16x20 canvas with our monogram on it.  We had a small wedding with only 14 guests, so this actually could have been smaller. I bought a carry on that it would fit in and just carried it back and forth to Mexico like that. I love, love, love Etsy....lots of great ideas found there!!! I had them put it on a table at the front with a hot pink table runner and some left over shells that I had. I Loved it and my guests thought it was great!!

I would say the ceremony was maybe 10-15 mins, but keep in mind the guests will arrive a bit before you so I would estimate standing to be about 25-30 mins total, give or take a few. I had to have chairs as my step-father has problems with his legs and has to use a cane so he would not have been able to stand for very long. You might be able to have them keep a chair nearby in case he needs it. They are very willing to do whatever you want/need.

Originally Posted by mexicobride2014 

Thank you for sharing your pictures it looks gorgeous! We are also having pink as our colour, I have decided against sheers as they are too expensive, i really like the look of this gazebo and dont think it really needs them, I do like the flowers tho. If I decide to have chairs I will have 2 rows of 2 either side possibly with pale pink sashes but I am liking the idea of us all standing, how long does the ceremony take?

Mexicobride -

We too had our ceremony at the D'Italia Casitas Gazebo.....Here are a few pictures of what we did decorations wise as we only had 14 guests:

If you make these larger you can see the chair hangers we did with blue starfish and light pink ribbon. I had 2 rows of chairs with 2 in front for the parents and 4 in the second row. We made 6 chair hangers so each row had one down the aisle and then 1 on the other end of the back row. I used hot pink chair sashes and you can't see it, but I made fans for each guest and had them stuck in the front of the chair sash....I will see if I can find a picture of those. Found it:

I did pay for the flowers on the side of the gazebo and I was SO pleased with them. I think you can see those in the pictures, they really were beautiful!! I did not have anything as an aisle runner, as I really wanted to use the sand and was worried the petals would fly away before I got there. If you have any questions about that particular gazebo just let me know - it really was perfect for a small, intimate wedding!!

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexicobride2014 

Thank you for your reply originally it was just gong to be the two of us so we are really happy both our parents are coming and my sister and close family friend, our ceremony is on 6th November at the d'italia casitas gazebo at 4pm, we are just having a normal legal ceremony, how long does it take? I actually really like the idea of everyone standing with us, i just don't want them to be standing for too long as my father in law has a bad knee! 

We chose to have our meal at the italian reseraunt as we love italian and everyone seems to rave about the food in reviews

 

 

Ok ladies, I need some help!! I ordered a 20x24 metal picture to go above our fireplace, but not sure which photo to use.....opinions please!! Thank you all!!

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I am curious to know how they handled it as well. That is a CRAZY storm!!

Originally Posted by AllieH 

Hi there - newer members' posts with attachments sometimes need approval/moderation before they are published. Looks like that's been taken care of!

 

was this your room at EDR? what was their response?

That's awesome! Congratulations!!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

literally everything went perfect! Beyond pleased.

Spin Classes are $10 and they are usually at 9am or 10am.....I think they rotate them with Zumba. Yoga is at 8 and is free.

Not a lot of takers of spin when I was there so you have to go in the gym and make sure they know you want to take a class.

They have 2 ellipticals and some recumbent bikes and treadmills. Not a huge gym, but was never busy or full when I was there.

Hope that helps!!

Originally Posted by Maybeachbride 

Random question.... Can anyone tell me about the gym? The website says there are spin classes but I am not sure how much they are? I workout almost everyday so I will need to something while I am there !!!

Just relax and enjoy everything about today. It will be over so fast and all the little things you are stressed about now won't even matter because you will be MARRIED!!!!! Can't wait to see pics!!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

After having my makeup trial yesterday, I would definitely recommend getting one. I was not happy with how it turned out, as wayyy too much was applied. There was also a language barrier, so it was hard to communicate what I didn't like. And I had even brought a picture. I'm a bit nervous for my hair now, but fingers crossed. wedding is this afternoon! So crazy, I slept so poorly and am so tired! Hopefully a nap is in my future

Allie!! I would never hold out on you.....well, ok maybe I am just a little bit, but only because I am waiting for the retouched photos.....but if you insist here are a few of my faves......

Not a great pic, but one with us and the MOH and BM.....her dress was $26!!!

He thinks he is funny.....so do I, but shhhhhh don't tell him!!

Is it weird to like a picture of yourself.....hmmmmm, well I just like this one....he did a great job!

Awwwww, so sweet!!!

Ok, last one....look at those clouds....don't they look like they were added in here.....they weren't, these are the raw photos....crazy!!!!

So there you go and now that we are friends on facebook you can see some hilarious pics from that night!!!!

Enjoy!!

Originally Posted by AllieH 

Yes - any of those will be perfect for you then! All three of them are the white gazebos I think. The D'italia casitas is very private, since it's farther down on the casitas side of the resort. Casitas gazebo is very similar to D'Italia. Presidential is over on the Royale side, closer to the middle of all the action.

 

YAY! I know they are treating you like a king & queen. I'm really glad you are loving your stay.

 

ok Gail - you're holding out on us with the photos!!! MORE PLEASE. this looks soooo gorgeous.

I just got married at EDR on April 21st and we got married at the D'Italia Casitas Gazebo. Here's a picture of our set up....we only had 14 guests, so this location was perfect for us, as it was a small intimate location right on the water. Hope that helps!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexicobride2014 

Hi, I have just recieved confirmation of my wedding date from Claudia by email, She has given me some options for the ceremony - Gazebo Casitas, D´Italia Casitas Gazebo or Presidential gazebo, does anyone have any pictures of these? or location on a map? She did send me some but I don't know what picture goes with what location. Thank you

Awesome!!! Have lots of fun in the sun

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

In a cabana as I type they upgraded us to a casita for our entire stay!

They were doing some renovations while we were there in Sept and those buildings are great, right across from the ocean. Like Amanda said it depends on what your guests have booked. The majority of ours had swim-up suites on the EDR side and they were INCREDIBLE and we spent a ton of time there just hanging out. Other friends upgraded to a swim-up casita and we loved it too. We had a casita suite on the 2nd floor with an infinity pool - it was a very awesome and surprising upgrade

You just really cannot go wrong with any room that you get. My husbands parents were on the third floor of building 3 and while the steps sucked the view was incredible and his mom wanted that more than she wanted a pool, so it really depends, but there is no such thing as a bad room!!!

Hope that helps!!

Originally Posted by jnitschke 

Suggestions on which buildings are the nicest to have rooms in?  Or room #s that you think had better views?
 

Originally Posted by amanda50388 

All the rooms are very nice, they will not disappoint but the best views are ocean views by far!!! It just depends on what your guests have booked. This resort is amazing and I have been there multiple times, but to me the best are the casitas, but the regular rooms are just as amazing within themselves. You will enjoy!!!

Have a BLAST and a drink for me!!! Cheers!!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

We leave tomorrow!! Had our (hush hush) courthouse ceremony today.

Everything will be PERFECT and you will have so much fun you will never want to come home!!!

Make sure if you ever get Geofrey as your shuttle driver, tell him Gail & Chuck say HI!!! He was so awesome. He's the one we tipped really well. He works 7-3 and came in early just to pick us up for our excursions, he def went above and beyond!!

The wedding coordinators are better than you could ever even imagine, I don't think I can put into words what a fantastic and wonderful job they did. Enjoy every minute!!!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

I'm getting so nervous! I'm not even sure what about haha. But the fact that after today I'll be off work for two weeks is really hitting me that it's happening.

Ditto for us on basically everything. Our officiant did a good bit of talking herself, so music really would not have worked during the ceremony.

Our tipping was all over the place - we did tip some individuals as much as $20, but let me just say that these were people who went above and beyond for us. We had 2 fantastic shuttle drivers, they picked us up every morning for our excursions and I mean came in early and came to our door to get us. Now meals, etc was $1 or 2 or $5 if they were really good. Every day it just depended on what we did etc.

Now I didn't know if you tip the wedding coordinators or not, but there was an army of them and I figure they get to split the $100 set up fee I paid since it had to be in cash and I never had another opportunity to tip them, so I didn't. Not sure if that's good, bad or what but it's just how it worked out. They did a fabulous job though, no doubt about it!!

Hope this helps a little!!

Originally Posted by murmel 


We had music for when guests were arriving/sitting. Then groom /groomsmen entrance, bridesmaids, bride, signing of the registry and the recessional. Personally I would not want music playing while you speak, and your guests are there to listen to you and your vows, not background music. Plus, depending on the minister/officiant they may not even allow music during the actual ceremony.

As for tipping. This is so hard, it is at the end of the day a personal choice. Technically you are not obliged to tip anyone, but if someone is doing a good job it is nice to reward them. There is no right or wrong amount. Personally my husband and I would plan for about $20-25/day for tips. This was spread between the maids, bartenders, and wait staff through out the day. But again some people will tip more, some less. Depending on the day and service I am sure we were also up and down...so that's just my estimate.
***But if you do plan on tipping, try to bring lots of small bills with you. It makes it easier to leave a few bucks here and there. And it is often difficult to exchange a large bill for smaller bills.

That set up fee is something, for sure!!! Ours ended up being $100 and we only had 14 guests - 16 people total with us. I had chair sashes, chair hangers and fans for the ceremony which wasn't much, but I had more chair sashes for the reception and a TON of other things......pictures coming soon!!!

As for chair sashes, mine came nice and neat and folded up so I left them. I didn't care about the creases and to be honest I can't even remember them on the chairs.....I know they were there, I saw the pics but I can't recall

Ok, so 2 funny pics to share.....#1 Brides beware, I was so busy looking around and taking in the ceremony site and decorations I didn't pay a bit of attention to how I was holding my bouquet.....I believe this is the breast bouquet hold

Bahahahahahahaha - Oh well, it is what it is.

Here is how the night progressed for me and my hubby after many, many, many shots (16 or so I am told) This is right before we headed into the pool!!!

Our waiters and bartender were incredible and we had the greatest day ever!!!

More to come!!!

Originally Posted by AllieH 

So interesting that they are charging you based on the items you are bringing. I guess this is one policy we'll never quite understand!!! but hey, as long as it works out less for every bride, how it's calculated doesn't really matter.

 

I had steamed the chair sashes in my dryer (on the quick steam, low heat setting) before I put them in my vacuum-pack bags because they were pretty wrinkled when I got them. We didn't steam them again after we got there - just handed the bags over to the onsite WC and her team. I was pretty careful when I bagged them up after the steam cycle though, trying to prevent wrinkles (creases weren't a big deal to me). I honestly didn't notice any issues with them!  

 

We did not, and not because we didn't want to........the minister they had for us was AWESOME, she did such a good job but she was gone before I could even look twice!!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

Did you guys tip the officiant? If so, how much? Did you just have your groom/BM slip him some cash at the end?