Maggie Shannon

Hello All! I am a first-timer on here and I want to thank you all for your posts already. I was feeling so confused and overwhelmed about everything and I feel like this site is my life saver! I am having my wedding 11/3/2013 and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with all of the what-ifs and how things work. I have not put my deposit down quite yet on this location, we are just waiting to build up some more funds so that we can get as much of the cost off our plates at one time, the only drawback to this is not being able to talk to the wedding coordinator yet to start making plans. A little about our wedding: We have a 12 person bridal party We will have somewhere around 50 people attending, maybe more We are going to stay at the resort from 10/30/2013-11/8/2013 The bridemaids will be wearing blush or light yellow colored dresses (I can't decide on one yet) The Groomsman will be wearing seersucker pants/ maybe vests with white shirts (for those of you who don't know what it is they are the linen suits they wear at the Kentucky Derby with thin light blue and white stripes) From reading what you all have said I think I am going to stay away from paying for centerpieces/mariachi/ DJ I do have a few questions I would really appriciate help with. What package should I use? What did everyone do about bridesmaids boquets? What level of room/suite did everyone use? How much is it to have an extra hour for reception? What is the price/ person with the banquet? How mcuh of a discount did you get for booking your group? Is there any hidden ways to save money on the wedding without having to sacrfice quality? Any additional information would be most helpful and greatly appriciated!