AnaSteele58

We set a budget and with efforts to stay within our budget we are limiting our guest count. Our package includes 25 people and we have decided to pay for an additional 10 people. Our cut off is 35 and everyone is aware. We had to draw the line in the sand somewhere. At first everyone thought we were the most selfish people they have ever known. They have since realized that DW aren't FREE! All the tension have died down and everyone is moving forward. Those who can't come will wish us well from afar.

Bumping this thread in case anyone wants to share a few things they have learned about getting the most bang for your buck! We have decided to cut out the cocktail hour since our guest are already paying for unlimited drinks. We will use the credit toward our reception to pay for the extra guests. The jury is still out on the semi private reception. It really depends on our final guest count. I have heard of brides doing a semi private reception dinner then continuing the party on the beach, in a secluded section.

Our resort allows credits for items unused items in the same category. Because we aren't having a cocktail hour, we are using a credit of close to $700 for our reception. That credit will cover the plates for additional guest not included in the package. Check with your resort to see if you have the option to do this! Even though it was included in our package, we felt as though it would be better spent on the plates. Couldn't justify paying for drinks when they are free a few steps away just for the sake of saying we had a cocktail hour.

We aren't having a cocktail hour. We are using the "non-traditional wedding" excuse to cut out a lot of things. Along with cutting the cocktail hour we are only having a three hour reception-no extensions. Our families seem to be okay with the "non-traditional" aspects so far. It probably helps if people know ahead of time.

Before reading the article I was thinking to myself-"what's the big deal...who cares?!?!". After reading the article and seeing the examples of guests ruining precious moments I'm considering going "unplugged" too. My wedding will be outside so a flash ruining a pic would be unlikely. I don't want guest standing and taking cell phone pics in my professional photos. Thanks for sharing the article!

That sounds like a neat idea! Can we see?!?

It could be something going around in the area. Brides in the Gran Caribe forum got sick as well. You ladies seem to have been in Mexico around the same time. I believe someone's husband couldn't attend his own reception. Just my .02!

@ elissae and any other past brides, How are the rooms? Were they as dated as they apprear in pictures? Were your guest impressed?

We decided to keep it at the three hours included in the package. We just can't justify spending the additional money to extend it when (as mentioned by Mufin) we can grab drinks anywhere on the property and continue the party. On that same note we are skipping the cocktail hour too! Since we are being nontraditional by having a DW...some things we can cut out. We are using the $900 we are saving for our honeymoon. One thing though- We are informing our guest prior to the trip and what to do during "cocktail hour" so they won't feel lost. We feel as though it will it will eliminate anxiety and stress if the guest know beforehand.

What program did you use to make your engagement picture look like a painting?

I love the idea of a reminder postcard!

This should be a great thread! Can't wait to see all in AHR invitations.

Does anyone have the price for the silver dinner as an a la carte item? The price in the wedding guide states it's only for the "love" package. I assume that's for additional plates.

I was wondering the same as Kelly in the post above. Hidden fees or additional fees? You mentioned the venues were beautiful. How were the rooms? Thanks for your feedback!

Simply gorgeous! Where did you purchase the groomsmen attire?

Great review! Can't wait to see pictures. Were you nervous while carrying all that cash?!? Your reasoning is actually something to consider

I can't say that I've heard of a service like this. Sounds interesting. Do you mind sharing the company's contact info/website? Thanks!

We are thinking of skipping them too. The guys won't be wearing suit jackets so I'm thinking the bouts will be too heavy for the shirts and end up falling off. I'm thinking they may even create a large hole in the shirt. I don't know...

Thanks for the reply. I think we will kindly ask the father's SO to sit on the second row when she arrives. I don't really want her walking down the aisle. She's kind of new to us. Good idea about having a close relative walk his mom down. I will see if one of her brothers can walk her down to her seat.

Our plan is to move to the Secrets Resort after the wedding. Only for 2-3 nights though...a Minimoon

Did any past brides benefit from the "book 5 rooms, get one night free"? How does this work? Is the money refunded after the wedding OR is it a true credit where we wouldn't have to pay anything for our 3 nights if 15 rooms are booked?

FI's parents are divorced; his father has a new significant other however his mother doesn't (at least she's not admitting..lol). How does the wedding processional work with this dynamic? Who walks his mother down the aisle? Where does his father (with his significant other) fall into the processional?

What a neat idea. Thanks for sharing!

Have you ladies settled on a resort? We have finally settled (we think...lol) on Dreams Riviera Cancun. Where are you in the planning process?

Very nice Megan!