MMK0386

Hi! We did all those things right at the resort. We didn't go anywhere else at all. A couple of our friends did some excursions and said they were awesome. We just didn't have time (especially with our 2 year old.) ps- I just re read that post and I meant to say "our 2 year old, AN 8 year old and a 12 yr old" the older kids are not mine! Lol. There are my niece and nephew. best of luck!

So cute! maybe we will do this instead of doing passport invites with all the info in it.

Thanks! We did passport invites with a postcard RSVP and then sent these out just before the wedding. Here are my invites if you care to see them: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/85034/my-diy-passport-invitations-and-rsvp-postcard-with-pics#post_1937367

Your planning thread has been so helpful! I keep coming back to it to look and get ideas! I love it!!! I'm currently planning my DW in Mexico and you have me so excited! 

That's awesome! Congrats!! And I'm glad I could help give ideas and inspiration.

I love this! How did you design the shipping label so the passport stamps are faded in the background?

Most any design software (even Microsoft word) has a "fade" tool. I just inserted the pic, rotated it where I wanted it and then faded the color.

Hi Megan! I absolutely love your cd cases!! I might have to steal that idea! And if you don't mind me asking, how were you able to score the magnets for free on Vistaprint? 

Thanks! If you google "free vistaprint" a list of everything that's currently free comes up. They are almost always offering things for free and this happened to be one I could use at the time

Hi Megan, I have been coming back to your posts constantly for tips for a while now..you did such an amazing job! I'm wondering how you did  your pre-travel tips for free on vistaprint?  I go to the site, then to note cards, and all I see are decorative cards.  Do  you even remember what you did?  I think this idea is amazing, and I'd love to do it myself. Thanks in advance!

Thank you! Yes I googled "free vistaprint" it brings you to a list of all the things that are currently free on vistaprint. A set of 10 notecards happened to be on the list (they are almost always on the list). I chose the blank cards "upload your own design" and then just uploaded my design and voila! I them did another order so I'd have 20 cards. Hope this helps!

I picked out a pre-maid pair on Etsy, but one pair was $30 which I thought was a little pricey. Can any of you tell me approximately how much you spent to make each pair? I love the idea of making them myself, it seems more personal! 

It's definitely cheaper to make your own! I don't remember exactly what it cost me but I know I got all my beads at michaels and waited until they were on sale and combined a coupon. I would guess approximately $6/ set of sandals.

Hi! Did anyone have an invited guest decide to give themselves a plus one?? One of my fiances friends has RSVP'd yes and added '+ a guest'... His invite did not say and guest, and judging by his reply he hasnt even identified who he is bringing!!  I am torn between thinking that it is always more fun to travel with someone, but this is our wedding.. and if he is just bringing some random along (or even a buddy????), then am I right in thinking I don't really want them at my wedding??  They can laze by the pool all they want, but....!! I know this is not specifically about Azul but you ladies have been so helpful with everything else, I'd love your thoughts!!

I know it's your wedding and you want to know everyone and have an intimate feel to the event, but it's a long way to travel alone (especially if he's not close with any other guests). Does he know other ppl that are going? I would say put it on your list of things that you're letting slide. There are other things you're going to have to worry about. Don't let this be one of them. I know everyone has a different situation and circumstances are different for everyone, but I wouldn't ask someone to come to my wedding that far without a plus one. That's just me, though. Totally no offense!!! I just waned to give an honest opinion. Either way, your day will be wonderful. The staff at Azul will make sure of that! Hope this helps!

You are awesome!!!  I just read your entire thread & took notes!  I already had my binder started but you gave me some really great ideas...thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much!! I'm glad it gave you some ideas!

These are super cute Are they flavored at all?

Thank you! The ones I ordered were the cheapest one and they are regular chap stick flavor. The company does offer flavors, though.

I have a ODD question. I have been to Riveria Maya many many times and stayed at 3-4 other resorts. They all had the Iguanas wondering all over the property. To all the resent brides or those who have visited Azul Sensatori, do they have Iguanas wondering the property? No one has mentioned it. Silly me I got my nephews children's "Learning about Iguanas" for their welcome bag. Will be meaningless if there not on the property. LOL Thanks

I was just there at the end of June and they were all over!

i made my 7 bridesmaid and mine. i uded silk flowers and then some starfish!

I Love the starfish. They look great!

wow thats amazing for the cost! im feeling bad 4 my bridal party now, lol my 7 girls and mom r all getting these personilised beach bags, and a wine glass in my wedding colors of my nick name 4 them. as well as a small "survival" kit with poem i half found online, half came up with a little of my own. in the kit is sunglasses, lotion, tissue, lip gloss and mirror. my dad is getting a small cooler with his name on it that changes to a seat 4 fishing, and the best man (our 6 yr old son) will b getting a 3DS. there are no groomsmen as my fi's friends can not afford to come to jamaica. thanks 4 sharing!

I think your gifts sound wonderful! thanks for sharing. I'm sure you son will especially be excited!!

I really liked the thought of "If lost please return to ____" until i realized that if someone dishonest found it, and the room key was there along with room #, would anyone's stuff come up missing? Did you have issues with this ? :-/

I was worried about that also so I didnt include that with mine

I was afraid of that too. So I put "Return to Front Desk"

I can't believe I didn't think of that! Fortunately we didn't have any problems. Yeah I really like the idea of just putting "return to front desk"

No problem- it's my pleasure. Yes we were definitely a loud and lovely bunch! We partied hard and had a really great time. I had people all over the resort telling me my DJ was amazing and awesome and the best they heard week. (There were weddings going on all week). We actually even had a couple of "wedding crashes!" Lol. We were all partying and my sister goes "wait- who are those people?!" Hahaha we had already eaten and given toasts and speeches so I was like "whatever- the more the merrier!"

Here's a funny picture my sister took of me with the wedding crashers:

Ok. That is great!! Thank you for getting back to me so quickly!   So you felt like guests could party and have music for four hours without worrying about being too loud?  The resort looks so classy and family friendly, so I just want to make sure a lively wedding party wouldn't bother guests at all.  Sorry to ask so many questions. I appreciate your help!

No problem- it's my pleasure. Yes we were definitely a loud and lovely bunch! We partied hard and had a really great time. I had people all over the resort telling me my DJ was amazing and awesome and the best they heard week. (There were weddings going on all week). We actually even had a couple of "wedding crashes!" Lol. We were all partying and my sister goes "wait- who are those people?!" Hahaha we had already eaten and given toasts and speeches so I was like "whatever- the more the merrier!"

Loud and lively*** not lovely bunch. Haha sorry I'm on my phone so auto correct thinks it knows what I'm saying

Ok. That is great!! Thank you for getting back to me so quickly!   So you felt like guests could party and have music for four hours without worrying about being too loud?  The resort looks so classy and family friendly, so I just want to make sure a lively wedding party wouldn't bother guests at all.  Sorry to ask so many questions. I appreciate your help!

No problem- it's my pleasure. Yes we were definitely a loud and lovely bunch! We partied hard and had a really great time. I had people all over the resort telling me my DJ was amazing and awesome and the best they heard week. (There were weddings going on all week). We actually even had a couple of "wedding crashes!" Lol. We were all partying and my sister goes "wait- who are those people?!" Hahaha we had already eaten and given toasts and speeches so I was like "whatever- the more the merrier!"

Congrats on your wedding.. I saw how much hard work you put into it and it looked absolutely amazing. How was transporting all of these things? Did you strategically have to pack everything and bring receipts? Any suggestions on how to pack everything would be helpful! Thanks!

Thank you yes I put a lot of work into it and it was all SO worth it in the end! Packing- whew! What a stressful topic lol! Here's the thing- we flew with our son and even though he is under 2 and his ticket was not full price he had the same bag allotments as we did as ticketed passengers. Here is what our bag breakdown looked like: 3 checked bags for free- 1. Wedding decorations 2. Weddings decorations/OOT bag contents 3. Wedding gifts and decorations and all oversized toiletry items like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, etc 3 carry ons for free: 1. My clothes and our sons clothes 2. My Fi's clothes, the rest of our toiletries, etc 3. My dress 2 personal carry ons for free: 1. Diaper bag 2. Backpack with any extra stuff We were also allowed to bring the stroller and gate check that for free. Luckily, once we were at the gate, they were checking bags for free bc it was such a full flight! So we checked our two carry ons and all we had to worry about was the baby, the dress, the diaper bag and the back pack! Lucky us! I did bring receipts but lucky for us even with 5 huge bags, a dress, a couple small bags, a baby... We got the green button and were in our private transfer van within minutes! We felt like the travel gods were with us!!!

Hi girls! So we got back from our wedding almost a week ago and I am so sad it's all over. we had the most amazing time and I can't wait to go back! I won't go int detail because I do plan to wrote a review and post the last few projects that didn't make it to my planning thread My photographer, Samuel Luna, was amazing and it will take 8 weeks (7 more weeks from today!) to get all the pictures. That seems like an eternity to me but gives me high hopes of them being amazing! If it takes 8 weeks to edit pictures they must be awesome! In the meantime here are 2 teasers he posted (both from our TTD):

CONGRTS MEGAN and husband! Can't wait to see pictures of your big day!! XOXO

Thank you!! Pictures coming soon

Megan, you are by far the most creative bride I have met on this site! Your ideas are great and you brought everything together beautifully! Your ceremony readings and vows brought tears to my eyes, I can tell you had a beautiful wedding. Thank you so much for sharing!!! You def have a talent that you should continue on for other brides! Best of luck to you and your beautiful family!

Jennifer- you are seriously too kind! Thank you for the huge compliment! I honestly feel like I could not have done it without this forum and the wonderful ladies on here and that's one reason I wanted to share my planning thread as well- if even one girl gets an idea for her big day it's worth it to continue to share our ideas! I have had many people tell me what you said about continuing this ok for other girls and I have realized that it is a passion of mine so I will have to explore and see what that means for me Thanks again and best of luck to you!

Megan, Just wanted to first congratulate you and your hubby!!! and secondly to thank you for sharing such a great planning thread.  I "borrowed several things from your posts" as well as many others.  This site has been a lifesaver for me in  planning.  I wouldn't have known where to even begin when planning.  I stumbled upon BDW and was amazed at all the brides on here sharing such amazing thoughtful DIY projects and  touches to make our destination weddings so special! Thanks, Kelly

Kelly you are so kind. Thank you for the compliments! I, too, stumbled upon BDW and was amazed at everything so I'm so glad to have been able to pass on my projects and what gathered from the site for the next girls! I love that you "borrowed" (lol) things. I'd love to see all your stuff. Will you do a planning thread? If so, post a link so I can check it out congrats and best of luck on your big day!

What are some of your favor ideas and bridesmaid gift ideas?

I actually did a post on what I got for my girls and I know it seems like a lot but I really really appreciated them coming out to MX for me and everything else that they did. I also didn't really spend that much considering how much I got. I believe I included a price breakdown in the post. enjoy and hope it gives you some ideas! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/86020/my-bridesmaids-and-flower-girl-gifts-lots-of-pictures-some-diy-things#post_1901613

SO pretty! We just confirmed Samuel as our photographer for next April and I'm even more excited after seeing your pics! Just curious, when did you do your TTD? The day after? Also, are you planning to have your dress cleaned and preserved or what do most people do after TTD sessions? Is there any issue with it actually ruining the dress? Sorry...I'm trying to decide if I want to do it as I love my dress and want to keep it in good condition for any future kids haha. 

I am so excited for you that you just booked Samuel. He is seriously great. We did our TTD the day after the wedding. Sam picked us up at Azul and drove us to Puerto Moreles beach, which is about 15 min away. We did the TTD in the evening and we had to be in the lobby the next morning at 4:30 to catch our transfer to the airport! I was nervous about the dress drying in time but it worked out! As soon as we got back to the room, I rinsed my dress in the shower and then put it on the patio to dry. At about midnight I decided to go ahead and pack it up and it was surprisingly mostly dry. I put it in the garnet bag and then rolled it up and put it in a carry on bag by itself. We flew out of ATL but live in CLT so 2 flights and a 4 hour drive later, I took it out o the bag at about 8:00 that evening. I put it on my porch to finish drying and it's totally fine! I will have it cleaned professionally and then decide to keep it or turn it into a short dress to wear on our anniversary. Overall, I feel like "trashing" it didn't actually ruin it at all.

This helps so much. Sounds perfect to me! The ages of our guests are similar to yours. I have one more quick question- Was there a time limit for your reception? Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it! -Tara

Glad I could help! Yes, private receptions are 4 hours. After my reception we all jumped in the pool and swam until the guard told us the pool was closed lol! But if you want to continue partying there are options like the mojito lounge that stay open late with music, hookah, etc!