Surfingsara

@@Kayla88 I was thinking of doing "fake/real touch" flowers for the bridesmaids. My maid of honor would rather have a wrist corsage, so I'm thinking these would be easy to make and bring with us. Where did you get your flowers from? I've seen some really good YouTube videos on how to make corsages with real flowers, I just dont know if real touch will be the same to work with?

I was going to just to a starfish for the guys.

I get so inspired by ladies on this site, but then I have to remember, I dont have endless time to make all of this happen.

@@Montana you make a good point, if its only a small difference, then it might be better to let the resort handle it! I'm sure it will save me some stress!

I'm wanting simple, not a bunch of stuff to bring. Trying to determine exactly what I should focus on can be stressful. I've come to the conclusion that everything will fall into place.

My thoughts that everything will just fall into place is kinda happening... I have my whole outfit ( dress, veil, earrings <-- just got these yesterday, I'm so excited, I dont know how I'm going to keep them in a box until my wedding.) I just need to purchase my shoes, I have them picked out just haven't hit, order yet. We just need to get a shirt for my fiancé, its picked out, we are just hoping for end of season markdowns. We got his pants this way for a 1/4 of the cost! The bridesmaids dresses are picked out, and the both love the dress and color!!

When I step back and think about it, a lot is already done. Save the dates and invitations seem to be the hardest thing for me right now. I found ones I like, but I dont want to spend a bunch of money on a paper products. I've started to make a passport as a pre wedding mailer. But haven't finished it yet.

I'm wanting simple, not a bunch of stuff to bring. Trying to determine exactly what I should focus on can be stressful. I've come to the conclusion that everything will fall into place.

@@jeffandrobyn - I purchased a template from http://weddingpassports.com/ for $25.00.... I am also going to have them print and assemble them... but you don't have to. They provide step-by-step instructions. Check them out.

Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for sharing!

@@calgarybride2015, wow only a few more days, I'm so excited for you!

Right before my engagement photos I had one of those cystic pimples on my chin. The lady who did my make up suggested putting ice on it. It did help. For the photos she was able to cover it up. I actually had one in my ear about 7 years ago. Ouch! I had to have it lanced.

What exactly did she say this AM? because your reason for having no answers is pretty self explanatory.  As well I hate to say it, but somewhat common sense too.  UGH!!! sorry you had to go thru that.

@@calgarybride2015, Kim, your right! Bless this girls heart, she is super intelligent (book wise) but common sense she doesn't have any! 

She was asking about when I would have the date confirmed by. (We had already gone over this too.) She kept asking if she would know it by February 29th? I had no idea where she dreamed up February 29th. Turns out the resort's website had a 20% off if you book by the 29th.  It took another hour for me to explain that going through the wedding department, and a travel agent, will be cheaper. I'm unsure if she is worried about cost or not? I thought so at first, and kindly said we understand it's expensive and most people aren't going to be coming because of cost, childcare, health reasons or they can't get the time off of work. We understand and respect this! Heck, my parents aren't even coming, and my fiance's best friend and best man can't make it either. We get this and that's why we are having a reception at home. 

After I calmed her down over this, she then went off, thankfully in a private message, about my sister in law asking (in a group message) if the resort was kid friendly.  My bridesmaid just couldn't understand why you would want to bring a kid to a wedding. My sister in law was just wondering and she was fine that it was adults only. She just needed to know to make this the family vacation for the year or not. This was another hour or more of explaining why it wasn't crazy for her to ask about this. 

Then she felt the need to tell me I should just elope and not tell anyone.... 

 I've stayed sane today because I've stopped answering her calls and stopped responding to her text. I know this is harsh, but you can only say something so many times!

I guess every bride always has that one person who drives them crazy..

Thanks for listening to me vent.

Do you have any items left?

Tumblers /Bubba's are a double walled travel cups. Think tervis Tumblers.

@@palmtree99, wow, what you have is great! I've also been eyeing some of the same centerpieces. When I read that you were a graduate student, I was kinda happy to see another student who is planning a wedding. I thought I was a bit crazy to plan a wedding while in school. We are getting married just weeks after I graduate. 

I also checked out your website. You did a great job! I liked the part you said about spending way too much time on it. That's me! I have been working on it since August, when I needed a break from school work. I thought is was finally finished last week and then my finance didn't like the way I worded one page, and then I realized I didn't include anything about booking information and frequently asked questions. I think if I have to tell another person that "I don't know about pricing or when I will know this information" again this week I may scream! I keep explaining that I don't have the information because the resort doesn't book 2016 weddings yet and hopefully I'll know more in the next few months, but I will let everyone know asap. My one bridesmaid is driving me crazy!! I spent 2 1/2 hours yesterday explaining "I don't know" and I will let her know asap.  Then this morning she started asking again.(sorry about this rant, I'm getting so frustrated with her.) 

Your stuff looks so good, I'm so excited to see all you come up with.

I also love the "In Memory" idea!

All 4 of my grandparents has passed, as well as, some close friends and family and I was hoping to incorporate their memory some how. I've seen this idea before on Pinterest and was thinking of doing this at my at home reception. 

Thanks for this info!

Hi Ladies, I was wondering if anyone is planning to bringing a bunch of decorations and stuff for their wedding? Or are you just letting the beauty of the resort and using the decorations that is part of the packages? I'm trying to determine if I need to plan on finding a bunch of decorations or not. Also, on other forums people talk about bringing tumblers or Bubba's and even giving these as a gift in the oot bag. Is anyone doing this? Or has anyone been to Excellence Playa Mujeres and used them? I know the other resorts people are talking about having these at are larger resorts. Any thoughts?

Oh my, I'm so sorry you have had to go through all of this! I can't even imagine how I would handle this. That's so kind of you to want to stick with the same resort to help the people out! I live in an area that we get frequent hurricanes and in the 90's we were hit by so many, some just weeks after each other. It takes a lot to rebuild!

I don't have any real suggestions for you regarding what to actually do in this situation. But I know in the past when I've had issues with companies(none as big as this), I've looked on the companies website and contacted their corporate office. With Hilton being such a large company, you may get some help this way. Sometimes the local place can't do much but the corporate office will. I've also turned to social media. There have been a number of times that my finance and I can't get anything resolved and once we posted things on their Facebook page, suddenly they are bending over backwards to fix the problem. TripAdvisor may be another rout to take, I've seen hotels respond very quickly to negative/ not favorable post and suddenly once the issue has been made public the resort offers a quick solution. 

Is it that the resort will not be open for guest during your dates, or they aren't doing weddings yet? Sorry, I'm sure you said this earlier, I just can't remember. If it's that they aren't doing weddings yet, then I would most defiantly contact the corporate office, social media and TripAdvisor.

I don't know Cabo at all, but is there another Hilton property in that area? I know in the states, Hilton  has many hotels under their brand name (Marriott, Fairfield Inn, and so on). Maybe they can offer you another resort under their brand name, in the same area, that flies into the same airport for the same pricing?

Good Luck!

I actually met with my travel agent yesterday. She had a lot of really good information to offer me, and explained that the reason that the resorts take so long to respond is communications have to be translated. This makes since.

Before meeting with the travel agent in person, I wasn't 100% sure I would go with a travel agent or not. I've only having 12-15 people coming. After our meeting and spending hours trying to deal with my bridesmaid about travel I'm defiantly going with a travel agent!

I spent 2 1/2 hours yesterday morning trying to explain to my bridesmaid that I do not have any travel information yet, I can't give her pricing yet, and I don't know a specific date that I would have this information, but I would share it as soon as I know. The wedding is a year and a half away (June 2016), so we all have plenty of time at this point to plan/ save. The reasons why I don't have any of this information is because my resort isn't booking 2016 weddings until February/ March 2015 and flights are not announced until 360 days in advance. This stressed me out yesterday, and the thought of not having to say "I don't know/ I don't have this information" another 500 times is worth it to me!! I thought my bridesmaid understood this after our long conversation yesterday, but I just got multiple text and Facebook messages from her this morning about this same thing! (Sorry had to vent!)

@@tygrrlily, thanks for all the reviews!

I actually just met with our Travel Agent yesterday, she seems on top of things, but maybe I should ask for references from her past destination wedding brides? I went with her because she was the first person who actually answered my questions and even those I didn't ask. I cant tell you how many travel agents have said " I do everything so you dont have to" when I asked what a travel agent does and how they could help me. I would then follow up with what's everything? But they still would give me a generic answer.

Also I went with her because she is in my town. I like knowing I can talk with someone face to face.

I also appreciate that you included your timeline with what worked and where you would make changes.

I did the same thing about having everyone enter their mailing address and contact information for everything. I'm even asking people who RSVP to our at home reception to do this, especially for sending thank you notes.

Dont give up!  I really think that they have ones like the first link I posted that covers your hips. I would suggest getting a bigger size. 

If you don't find something I'm sure no one will notice and you will be beautiful on your wedding day!

@@Montana, I've seriously been considering doing this myself. I only have about 12-15 people coming.

I had planed to have everyone share their information on a form on my wedding website. But now I think about it, I'm sure people will forget to supply me with the important information and it will cause stress. I'm sure I will have to hound people about booking flights and rooms. Since you are paying for so many you wont have to do this, but if your paying for their flights, you will need their personal information to book the flight. 

I finally found a Travel Agent/Consultant that isn't trying to push me into something I don't want and I think I can work with. I'm a AAA (the road side assistant) member and they do this for free with membership so I'm going later today to talk with someone about what they can offer me. Every travel agent keeps making a point of, if you book online then you have no one to call when something goes wrong, with us, you have a live person and a phone number. 

Something frequently I hear on this site and every other place that destination brides talk, is that they have trouble getting in touch with their on site wedding coordinator. My resort doesn't really respond to questions until about 2 months out. I've herd about timely communication being a big issue from people at many different resorts. They all say once they are there its wonderful and the people are great. This is another reason I'm considering a travel agent. They can get answers from the resort's faster.

I was originally thinking of just contacting the resort and asking for a group rate, but then again I can't be sure how many people will actually come. I'm a year and a half away, and most people are saying they are coming, but I'm sure once it comes down to having to pay things may change.

It couldn't hurt to ask your resort.

Also, watch pricing for your resort. I've been watching pricing for my resort for about 6 months and  saw that booking through the resort's website is cheaper than the online travel websites (Orbits, Travelosity and so on) and the resort also offer specials. Mine offered something like if you book so much in advance you get 15% to 35% off. 

Good Luck!

I'm not sure if you have looked into this or not, but at Victoria Secret they have these seamless undergarments that help cover bumps and what not. They have different ones and I had to wear one under a brides maid dress for my brothers wedding or you would see everything.  https://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/lingerie-extras/seamlessly-sexy-high-waist-shaper-panty-secret-by-victorias-secret?ProductID=85987&CatalogueType=OLS
 

I really couldn't see anything in the picture but once sun light hits things, things tend to show more than they do inside.  Also you may want to try their boy short panties that are completely seamless. https://www.victoriassecret.com/panties/no-lines-and-seamless/no-show-sexy-hiphugger-panty?ProductID=198778&CatalogueType=OLS I purchased them in a nude color and tried them with my dress and you couldn't see them. They are pretty comfortable too.

The shell looks great!

Kim you look beautiful in your dress!!

 Love the length of your hair! I had this length for years and it was so easy. I've been trying to let mine grow out, I'm now down to just past my shoulders.  Someone on one of the forms said something about heat an having your hair down. Here in North Carolina we have crazy hot humid summers (100's with 95+ humidity). I will say having your hair off your neck can really cool you down. I'm not sure if Mexico will be this hot in the coming weeks. But another thing I've herd people talk about is the wind and your hair blowing everywhere.



I'm so excited for you!!

@@AllieH, oh that's exactly what I want!!! Except I want to dance!

I'm all about dancing. I've taken a few dance classes in college and am a Teaching Assistant for that class. This sounds bad, but my cat becomes my dance partner when I'm practicing at home since my fiance isn't into formal dancing. Hes good at 90's club dances, but I cant do them to save my life. He has said he will be willing to learn a dance for the wedding.

I like you calling it frosting. Do you know what little things your friend did do? Luggage tags, paper products and so on? I really think our space and beach speaks for its self. So I want to play on this beauty. I also know the little things cause me to stress out and a big reason I chose a destination wedding was to limit stress so I could actually enjoy it. I want the wedding to be more about us than us throwing a party for everyone. I know this is not how most weddinds are, but I've always done things a little different.

I love all the little details everyone on here has done/ planned and if I had endless time and money I would do it too, but I dont.

I know that I tend to have great ideas for a project, but most of the time they are too grand to be completed in my time frame of the project. I'm actually having to rewrite the scope of a project because I'll never be able to accomplish what I want to do within my time frame.

We aren't even doing invitations! We sent out electronic STDs in August for our June wedding and we'll continue to send email reminders and information to our invitees. We're just trying to keep things simple and, with only a couple exceptions, our invitees are savvy enough to use our website. 

 

So, I think you can do whatever you want! 

@@beckys98, what program did you use to send electronic save the dates? My fiance and I had a whole discussion about this. I'm traditional and believe invitations and other paper products for a formal / important event should be in paper form. Despite having a casual beach wedding, a wedding is a formal event. Well, him being in IT he suggested an electronic invite. He said its what Microsoft does... After dealing with an online company who printed photos ( the company did a good job, they were just crazy expensive! $60.00 for 10 5x7's. Then the post office lost the package! We ended up going all the way up to the assistant Post Master General before we got answers), I may be willing to go electronic for save the date or to at least announce our wedding website. Plus electronic is cheaper.

@@AllieH, great advice!!! We like things simple and plain so maybe having all this stuff isnt us. Plus we are having a small group 2-12 so its easy to share info.

Thanks for reminding me, I may need this reminder again over the next year and a half!!

@@calgarybride2015 I've found myself making rush decisions like "Oh yes I want those!" when I'm on here and then just jumping online and buying stuff, and it's starting to add up!  Ironically I last did it with key card holders--I was like WOW I never thought of that, and before I knew it I had bought everything I needed.  My mom asked me "do you really think people would use those?" And now I'm not so sure...basically, I need to think before I buy, even when I see people on here talking about all the cool stuff they've bought!

@@rachelia160, I'm afraid of doing this too.

@@tygrrlily yes I'm American. ( I know I post a lot on the Canadian ladies boards, but y'all have opened me with welcomed arms and have shared such great ideas!)

Our resort is all-inclusive and is expensive. What I was figuring, 3 nights with flights was going to be about $1200 a person. Of course this is just an estimate, as they don't have flight prices for June 2016 yet. This pricing is also from going through the resorts website. I meet with a travel agent this week, hopefully they can get better pricing. -the whole travel agent things is another long story, I'm still not 100% sold I'll go with a travel agent.

I would like time to recover after the wedding, and im sure everyone else will too. Yet I know I'll also want some alone time with my finance after the wedding as well. Like I said before, we probably won't have another real vacation after this for a while. Since I'll have just graduated only weeks before the wedding, I'm hoping to have a job when I get back. And since I'll be the new person, I'm sure I won't get much time off. If we were able to stay longer than 7 days I think it would solve a bunch of problems. But as it is right now, leaving the cat 7 days is going to be hard. Also I feel bad asking people to take this much time off of work. I know of a few people who can't come due to their work schedules.

Plus, by about day 4 of vacation I'm usually ready to go home. I've been told it's because I haven't had good vacations. This might be true. I've never been to an all-inclusive resort before.

That's a good point about everyone having time to bond, thankfully the majority of people coming know each other well or knew each other from growing up and going to the same schools together.

Did the people who came 3-4 nights feel they had enough time?

Great list @@tygrrlily!

Here's another guest question:

How many days should I think guest would be staying? I was originally thinking, we arrive Wednesday everyone else arrives Thursday. This way we have time to get last minute things done, have time to ourselves and meet with the wedding people. Thursday night have everyone gather together for dinner and drinks to celebrate birthdays (maid of honor and another girls birthday are within days of when we will be in Mexico). Friday be a relaxing day/ excursion day or what ever they choose. Saturday afternoon wedding. Sunday googbye breakfast and our honeymoon begins and we return Wednesday.

Then today I was thinking it might not be good to have the wedding and then everyone leave the next morning. So I was thinking of moving the wedding up to Friday. But then again 3 nights doesn't give people much time to enjoy themselves, especially since its a 5+ hour flight.

We will be there 7 nights. If we stay 7 nights, most of our wedding package is paid for. I would love to have a few days to ourselves, as we probably won't get a big vacation for a while (him getting time off is next to impossible. And even when he does he ends up getting work calls the whole time.) Plus, and I know this sounds silly, my cat! I don't know how I'll leave her for 7 days much less longer. She has special needs and is spoiled! Im already unsure how I'm getting someone to stay with her for 7 days.

My resort doesn't open their 2016 wedding schedule until next month, so I have some time to figure this out. Any suggestions??

I'm also trying to think about the amount of time people will have to take off of work. The wedding is the first weekend on June, so about a week or so before everyone would have had a long weekend with Memorial day.

@@Surfingsara I love shoes, my fiancé says I have an addiction lol I love those Tommy Bahamas they do look comfy! And the $2000 sandals are gorgeous but if you aren't comfy in high high heels, that would not be worth it! I'm looking forward to trying on shoes and seeing how well I can walk in them. I love heels but will have to wear them only for the reception part since our ceremony in on the beach.

@@Kawtarz1991 what are you looking for in a resort (e.g. Nice beach, size of resort, price, etc). We love Moon Palace because we wanted our guests to feel like they don't have to be with the wedding group the whole week. Plus there's tons of wedding benefits with palace resorts!

@@Wafflesmom, our ceremony will be on the beach too. I'm also thinking I can wear them for our at home reception.

I have a lover hate relationship with shoes, I really want to love them and enjoy looking at them, I just can't stand to wear them.

I have a few pairs of heals a little over 2 inches high that I love and walk great in. I think I do better in them than a kitten heal pair that I have. All my heals ( that are comfortable) are Talbot's brand.

Very awesome!! Love the sandals. I went I to tommy Bahamas the other night and was ill when a basic sundress was $200 :/

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Oh yes, Tommy Bahama stuff isn't cheap! But $98.00 is a whole lot better than a few thousand. I have some of their dresses and I love them! They last a long time. Its pretty hot here from April through October, so cool dresses are nice. My fiance also wears their silk shirts all the time. For his outfit he's getting a new shirt and doing the silk wedding paints. He has a few already and loves them! The groomsmen will do the same, just a different color shirt than what he wears.

My dress is a very unique color, they say its ivory but I think its more of a sandy champagne color, and he already has a Tommy Bahama shirt that matches pretty well and doesn't clash. ( hell just get a new one in that color for the wedding)

They actually have something that looks very similar to the Tommy Bahama shoe on Amazon.com. I think I even saw one brand that was around $30.00. So I may get that and if its comfortable just wear it and save some money.

I'm September 2016! And I'm frantic about trying to plan a wedding! Let alone a destination wedding! (Not much of a planner, I enjoy going with the flow lol) I've gotten into contact with Palace resorts but I'm wondering if there's any other resorts that you ladies recommend!

 

@@Kawtarz1991 I'm in love with Excellence Playa Mujeres! Its just north of the major Cancun area. Its a smaller resort and adults only. But they have sister resorts next door called The Beloved and The Finest that opens Feb 2015 and both of these are kid friendly. The Beloved was highly recommended on TripAdvisor by many people.