JennyZ

Dont risk it girl! You made the right choice!!! It's easier to take the dress back in, if need be.

You'll feel so much more comfortable, knowing your dress if going to zip up nicely on your wedding day and not have to reply on extra hooks to hold you in! Imagine if you sat down and they snapped!!!

Always go for comfort! Your dress will look better when it fits properly and your not squeezing into it!

Oh! I am TOTALLY getting in on this post! LOL!

I am 11 years and 4 days older than my FI!

Now hold off those cougar thoughts ladies! It bothered me badly, for several months of our relationship, until he quickly showed me, he was the most mature man I have ever been with!

Might have something to do with him being in the Military, already bought his own house, etc. But we totally love it, when I get asked for ID and he doesn't

I like to think, he's very mature and I'm a little immature, so we meet perfectly in the middle

I just had to resend my message for the third time yesterday. Been sending them every week now, so something must be up? I totally understand your frustration. I'm trying to get vendors into place and cant do so, without pricing. I'm pretty sure the cost to do a private reception is $ 990USD so hopefully that gives you an idea until you hear back!

What's your favorite heat protector?

 

I have used a few by Chi and Revlon but still haven't found one I am overly excited about. I don't like the sprays that is why I moved away from Chi.

I have damage from flat ironing my hair everyday.

I do use Cynos hair treatment mask once a week that does wonders.

 

Thanks!

@@calgarybride2015 I should take a picture of my BUCKET of products, to show you how many I have been through! LOL! It's such a pain in the a$$ to find nice ones, eh?!!

I have also used the CHI, but found it left my hair very greasy and weighed down - yuck! and I have spent wayyyy too much on overpriced products, only to HATE them! Sucks!!!!

Now don't laugh, but my absolute FAVOURITE and probably the last products you would think to try! Because they're the least expensive out of everything I have bought! (Go figure! haha!)

TRESemme Thermal creations Heat Tamer Spray

- So light and leaves zero residue on the hair!

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smooth Spray

- Leaves an incredible shine, plus the added benefits of keratin!

And my last and most favourite!.... It's not even a heat protectant spray, but its actually an "all in one"

BIOSILK Silk Therapy

If I could bathe in this, I would! It's actually amazing and can be used on the skin too. I rub it into my knees and elbows!

BioSilk silk therapy is a weightless, leave-in silk replenishing and reconstructing treatment to repair, smooth and protect all hair types. I use this all over (small amount - quarter sized for my long hair) on my wet hair and brush through. After drying and straightening, I use a tiny bit more, just on my ends for added smoothing

I would use the above serum, which is going to help repair your hair daily and maybe just a little spray of the tresemme heat tamer spray for added protection, if you already have really damaged hair   

@@LisaAnthonyPoppy Thank you so much for the wonderful response! So awesome to have such nice ladies out here for us to reach out to! Your reply made me smile (and laugh about your short end of the stick! lol!) and really warmed my heart

Your invitations sound SO NICE!!!! I hope everyone who receives them realizes how much love (and time) you poured into them!!!

Here's my tricky part... We didn't actually send out "Save the Dates"    We actually sent out an explanation letter, advising our friends and family, what our plans were and giving them links to view the resort, the package information, etc. We then made a Wedding Website and sent out the links for everyone to view our plans and to RSVP from there.

The deposit date is now only 24 days away, so yesterday I sent out a "reminder" email to all guests and asked for them to RSVP on our site. We have had about 10 people straight up say, they 100% CANNOT attend, due to their work, school, or financial reasons - Do I still send them invites??? Seems a little odd, sending them an invite AFTER they have expressed they will not attend, no? Almost like a guilt trip? lol!

From someone who has worn hair extensions since 1993!!!! Yes, you read that right! OVER 20 years!

I would LOVE to share my knowledge after learning the hard way about every type of hair and application there is!

I like to be positive, so let me start with the best

Ladies, if you want hair extensions, do yourself and your hair a favor. If it's only for the ONE day - do a clip in. Please make sure it is 100% human hair so it can be curled/styled, etc.

If you want the hair to stay in - NANO-LINKS!!!! Google it!

Nanolink hair extensions are designed to be more natural and less detectable than traditional bead methods. The beads are 90% smaller than traditional beads which allows these extensions to be put in the finest hair. These extensions can also be used in the crown area of the head making them and ideal choice for people with short hard to blend layers.

I'm sure everyone here has a computer...   Do yourself a fast favour and your hair a long term favor (this is where I have learned the hard way!) Google "hair damage caused by Fusion extensions" "Damage caused by tape in extensions" etc. All in all, I am saying, the bead method is the most gentle for your natural hair, as it is only clamped on and not chemically sealed to your delicate hairs! Another bonus is, once they grow out, your technician can open the beads, move the hair back up, and use the hair again! Saving you MUCHO $$$$$ (the hair is the most expensive part of extensions). Micro beads are #2 in my books, but are too big, compared to the above mentioned "Nano Links" and have a tendency to slide out easier - but still better than glued in Fusion extensions, RIPPING out your hair!!!

Sewn in extensions... Let's be honest. If you are wanting/needing extensions to add length and volume, chances are, you do not already have that much of your own hair, right??? So after the lady, braids your natural hair in order to sew in the extensions... How much natural hair do you have left, to hide the "seam" of where your hair meets the extensions and most importantly, hide the BULK of the braid underneath (please mind you, this is coming from a blonde girl with fine hair. So for those with enough locks, rock on!)

BUT HOLD ON!!! Here comes the MOST important part though! HAIR QUALITY!

PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!!! Ensure you purchase Cuticle INTACT hair!!!!!

The term "cuticle free" is just a sales term! Inexpensive extensions are made from hair collected facing in all directions, from many donors, even from hairbrushes...so that the cuticle has to be removed in damaging acid baths, then covered in silicone so that the hair will not tangle...this is why it is also called "Tangle Free". But after the first few washings, the remaining cuticles will rise as the silicone is washed off and hopeless dry tangling sets in because the cuticles act like little fish hooks hooking with the cuticles facing the opposite direction. So beware of any extensions that not labeled "remy cuticle intact"!

Here's a link, that explains each "grade" of good Remy hair:

http://hollywoodglamour.co.nz/hair-extensions-quality

I went from having BEAUTIFUL long (but fine) hair and started with extensions to add extra volume. After years of the different processes above, I now only have shoulder length damaged hair, caused by fusion and tape ripping out my hair every time you require a new set (approx. 3 months). Looks great at first! But once removal happens, not so much! I have now been wearing Nano-links for a few years and my hair is quickly growing it's length back! I only need to purchase my hair once a year and my technician re-uses it upon every maintenance appointment! WIN-WIN!!!!

Here's my funny but oh-so-true P.S.:

BE PREPARED FOR HUMIDITY!!!! I went to Mexico with my FI last year and had my gorgeous extensions installed before the trip! YAY! Only problem is, your natural hair WILL react differently to the humidity, than the extensions! So basically, smooth extensions and frizzy natural hair! LOL! Booooo! Be sure to purchase proper products for humidity control and bring a good straightening iron! Always use a heat protector and a nice quality oil serum for your extensions, EVERY DAY! (the hair is cut/dead therefore does not produce it's own oil protection anymore)

These are just my honest opinions after years of trials. I do not mean to offend anyone who enjoys other methods whatsoever! Just hoping to save anyone from the mistakes I have made in the past

EKKK!    This thread scares me a bit, into thinking I'm being rude!??

I have decided on ordering rather elaborate "Message in a Bottle" invitations (gorgeous labelled glass bottles, with sand, seas shells & script inside, comes in a box wrapped with fishnet) which run about $17.50 EACH (plus shipping to me, then the shipping to each of my guests!) For cost reasons, I thought it would be okay, only to send them to people who were attending, as a keepsake, especially when they're spending $1300+ to attend our wedding  - plus they will receive OOT bags upon arriving and favors at the reception...

Would it be faux pas to do the above (invites only to guests) and then afterwards, send out Thank You cards with a nice photo of the wedding, to ALL that were invited instead???

It's my first go around here, so any feedback would be helpful!

@@jsparrow10 - Unfortunately, this is where you have to get a bit firm. I have been able to gather all the information simply by being very forward that, if they want my money, they NEED to provide their costs!

If I may suggest? Make each of your questions numbered in your emails.

Example:

1. Please provide reception locations and costs

2. Send a la carte menu for extra things that can be ordered

etc. etc.

Leave a space in-between for her to enter her answers. This is what I found most helpful for getting replies.

Also, RESEND your previous emails and change the subject line to **SECOND REQUEST** (or however many tries you have made). I also made her very aware, that I am needing to finalize my budget, so her replies are urgent in doing so.

I just had to do the same (again) this morning, trying to find out what is included equipment wise, with the resort DJ for the reception. I have a guest who is a professional DJ, so we're trying to find out, if the speakers, lights, etc. are there and then I can use my own guy - This was after being quoted $876 to rent just the equipment from their outside supplier! lol! I sent her the message on Monday, and resent it again this morning. Every email I just add how many times I have requested the same information and make it in caps and *****'s! She can only ignore you for so long

Give er a go!!!!

@@jsparrow10 - I decided against the beach (without knowing prices) due to the sand fleas at night. Unfortunately I do not know how much the meeting room or disco is, as I chose to rent out the entire restaurant to do the private dinner and reception for $990 USD.

Have you emailed Connie to ask her the rates???

I may have missed it but does anyone know the current outside photographer fee? Also are the white covered chairs included in the package? How much is it per chair to use the chiavari? TIA!

@jsparrow10  - Outside vendor fee for photographer is $350 plus the day pass of $60 per person. White coverings for the chairs are included in the packages. To rent the Tiffany chairs, is $10/chair.

@@Ydolem - I'm totally trying to avoid that situation as the price will be $1600+/person, instead of the $1300 I got for them through my group rate. I even booked my wedding at the end of November (I had wanted to go in January or February) as the prices were $500 more in "peak season". Now they're complaining it might be too close to Xmas...? haha Cant win either way it seems

After making some new friends on here and reading their websites (borrowed some of their ideas/wording - she'll recognize the below - THANKS!!!) I decided to put a little "disclaimer" on my wedding website to hopefully steer people away from being bullheaded It was hard to say it politely (I really wanted to tell them just to book or not to come! lol) but this is what I have under my RSVP info:

Hopefully this will help any newer Brides with this frustrating situation! At this point, my guests can read my info and if they think they're smarter and end up paying more... Then that's their own faults!

@@ashleynbest - Emails heading your way   Will be 4 total

@@Shermul Also what is the timeline of your wedding day? Connie just wrote me back a confusing email about it and since you are doing the beach cocktail like we are interested in I figured it would be similar. Thanks!

@@jsparrow10 - Not sure if it helps, but here is my timeline

4:00pm - 4:40pm - Ceremony will be held on the beach.

4:40pm - 5:00pm - Champagne toast for all guests to enjoy.

5:00pm - 6:00pm - Cocktail hour at ceremony site with Live Music.

6:30pm - 10:30pm - Dinner and Reception at the La Marimba Steakhouse Restaurant.

- The Disco opens at 11:00pm for anyone who wants to continue the celebration.

I contacted this company to ask for their service information and pricing.... A week later, I've finally received a response, asking what services I am interested in?... (I've replied asking for a price list of his DJ services, so I can see what he offers, as per the first email I had sent).

Anyone else find it weird for him to ask how many people are going to attend my event? Just didn't see how that was really relevant for the DJ/music portion of my wedding

@@jsparrow10 - Dont feel behind Hun!! I'm just over-excited to start the next phase of my life and am using the Wedding planning as my "happy thought" to get me through I'm sure you just have way better stuff to be doing right now! Me, not so much! lol! (Besides working 2 jobs/14 hours everyday. Boooo! ) Being a perfectionist, I just know I'm going to take months researching and changing/making everything! You have PLENTY of time!!!

My FI comes home from the Military base this weekend, so I can't wait to show him all the things, I've been up to!

@@Shermul - Thank you SO very much! I really appreciate you posting the information!!!

I am doing my dinner/reception at the steakhouse, but from what I have seen/heard, it is basically a mirror image of your tropical restaurant, just a different menu!

You have made my day - I can now start thinking of my seating charts and finish making my table arrangements!

Your lighted water beads look really cool and WOW! 100 guests! You are going to have a blast!!!!! Great choice in Wedding venue! Hope your day is beyond magical!

@@Shermul - Thank you for all the info and Congrats on your upcoming wedding! You must be soooo excited!!!

Would you be able to share some of the details you have received with me???

- The photos of the Tropical restuarant all set up for a wedding / three different set ups.

and

- The lengths for the 8, 10, and 12 people tables

I have quite some time, before Connie is going to forward me along to the WC to get this info (even though I have already asked) and am really hoping to finish all my DIY table decorations soon. I have enough to do & spend next year, with all the favors, OOT bags, etc! This was exactly the ino I needed to complete my dinner planning!

Thank you SO much in advance if you can! My email is: wedding@@Jennyfer.ca

Cant wait to hear about how your big day went!!!

This Picture Is From The First Day We Met!

Frédéric and Jennifer met on Wasaga Beach in June 2013.

Frédéric and his friend had approached Jennifer and her girlfriends while on the beach. Right away Jennifer recognized his French-Canadian accent, as one of her girlfriends who was with her, was also from Quebec. Finding that to be a "small world" coincidence, Jennifer welcomed the guys to sit down and join the ladies. After hours of chatting and getting to know each other (and magical sparks beginning) Jennifer asked if Frédéric would like to join the ladies for dinner. Both of Jennifer's friends were actually married (and one pregnant as well) but they were amazing "wing women" and came along so Jennifer & Frédéric could spend some more time together... As chemistry grew while they ate, it was decided that telephone numbers needed to be exchanged to keep getting to know one another.

Over the next week & after many long talks, the two knew that they needed to see each other again and soon. They decided since they were long distance (Frédéric lived in Borden and Jennifer lives in Kitchener - over 2 hours apart) to take a trip together to Grand Bend Beach for the Canada Day long weekend. Despite the fact the they were practically strangers, and nerves were showing, they took the chance. Off to the beach they went, any nervousness melted away and a fabulous time was had. Dinner, dancing and of course continuing to learn about one another - and those sparks, turned into flames.

As the months went on, the two spent every weekend together, it was obvious that they had something special and their love as well as their friendship was growing. The conversation of travel was brought up and a dream vacation was planned to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Jennifer & Frédéric chose a beautiful Iberostar resort where they spent a week in paradise and ultimately fell in love.

For the next year they were inseparable! They enjoyed activities such as hiking in different conservation parks and trails, picnics & BBQ's, camping, bicycling, golfing, zip lining, beach trips, pool parties, the museum, amusement parks, dancing, tobogganing, board game nights with friends, visiting family, and SO much more! However, the best and most important trip, was when Frédéric & Jennifer went to Niagara Falls for the Labour Day long weekend in 2014...

Frédéric had completed his basic training in the Canadian Forces and was being transferred to CFB Petawawa (over 600kms away from Jennifer). He asked Jennifer to go on a fun & romantic trip with him to Niagara Falls for the last weekend before his departure. The couple packed their own picnic with fine meats, cheeses, crackers, dips, veggies & fruit (and of course a couple bottles of wine!) and off they went to see the wonder of the Falls. They spent the entire day exploring the town and went back to their "Junior Presidential Suite" to have a snack, before heading back out for more sightseeing. After their meal, the couple went onto their private balcony, to enjoy a drink with the beautiful view they had. Frédéric began talking about all of the wonderful times & memories the couple had shared together in the past 1+ year and how they only brought out the best in each other/both of them became a better person with each other - and on August 1, 2014 Frédéric dropped to one knee with a ring (and a huge smile) and asked Jennifer to be his wife, which of course, the answer was YES!

The couple went back out into the town, just soaring with excitement and love. They went into different attractions throughout the evening and had decided to ride the "skywheel", a 175-foot tall Ferris wheel overlooking the Falls, before heading to the fireworks show. The line for the wheel took much longer than expected and when Frédéric & Jennifer finally boarded the ride and made it to the top, the amazing fireworks over the Falls began - this is where Jennifer presented Frédéric with his own engagement ring, as a symbol of her love and commitment to him. After getting to see the beautiful show from the best seats possible they headed to the Keg Steakhouse, both wearing their rings, to have a wonderful celebration dinner together. 

Now just over two years later, they will be returning to Mexico, to unify their love and hope their friends & family will be able to join them on their special day!

@@calgarybride2015 - Holy smokes girlfriend!!! I just read through all these pages and can I say, what am AMAZING job you are doing?! Seriously!!! Everyone is going to be in AWE of all the personal and thoughtful touches you have put into your wedding! So creative and detailed!

Here I was, all proud for making 6 dinner table arrangement/center pieces, until I saw all your bits! I have some work to do! LOL! (I say THANKS! but my wallet says nooooo!! )

You have poured your heart & soul into all of your planning and it REALLY shows. I have no doubt, you are going to have the most magical day possible!

@@calgarybride2015 and @@kmk2016 - Thanks Ladies! My excitement cannot be wavered! I still have 408 days to go (but who's counting, right?!  ) and already have made all of my dinner table decorations, chose my flowers, my favors, the band, have my photographer, doing my own hair & makeup (luckily, I do that for a living) and have a list of everything that's going in the OOT bags - seriously can't wait to make those!!!

The unfortunate part about my resort, is I can't choose my wedding package until I know how many people are coming (it's a HUGE price jump between 20 & 30 people), so I'm unable to book my restaurant/reception - we want a private dinner, but you must have a least 30 guests in order to get it. Cant chose the meal plan - for under 30 people we get a selection to offer, but over 30 people is a set menu. I've decided just to book the lower package and confirmed with the resort, that I can upgrade, should we need to!  

I'm not ordering invitations until people start actually booking, because what we're doing is - if people are going to spend thousands of dollars to attend our wedding, we're having these amazing custom "message in a bottle" invitations made - beautiful labelled bottle with sand, seashells, a script, wrapped with fishnet in a box  - which are running us around $18US each (thank goodness I invited mostly couples!!! LOL! )

Anyway! With each passing day on here and the awesome support you guys give, I'm feeling more open to the whole experience and know in the end, it's all going to work out fine! I'm just being overexcited and wanting everything to happen too quickly. BREATHE!!! I took my extra energy back to my wedding website instead and wrote the story of our love, to share with everyone. Even had some tears while I was writing it! Mushy mushy!!!

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!

Just got back from my Parents house, where we were sitting down to discuss our resorts wedding packages/prices and have decided we are at an absolute standstill, until we start hearing back from people (no one has RSVP'd at all yet, but it is still 2 months before the deposit deadline). It's just so damn hard to "hold your horses", when planning the details is SO MUCH FUN!

I already knew my "side" was going to be VERY small - just my Mom and Dad, Brother, Aunt & Uncle and a few friends... But ever since the "notice" went out, people have been dropping off like flies! LOL! I had a girlfriend reply yes! Then respond back the next day declining, due to the fact the wedding is NEXT year and not this year... Hmmm....? I'm even starting to doubt my MOH is going to come - So I'm really beginning to enjoy the idea of a sign at the ceremony saying "Pick a Seat, Not a Side" to even things up!

Thanks to the ladies on these forums, I'm starting to see the same trend of stress for these issues and quite frankly, they are not ones you are able to control (I'm sure it drives everyone else batty too!!!). All in all, as long as my Mommy, Daddy and FI show up - it's going to be the most beautiful day of my life

@@kmk2016 - I absolutely agree, posting one word would be more than frustrating, to old members and new! If you take a peek at my posts, you'll see I have a hard time keeping it under at least 4 paragraphs! LOL! I guess I have just misunderstood the thread I had seen (I had searched "noobs" to see how long I would be one! lol!) and didn't read through all the pages, since it was an older topic. Just was very clear  the title "Noobs posts - I dont want to see them" is what stood out for me. In any case, sorry if I have offended!

I am having a wonderful time contributing my thoughts/plans to the community and appreciate everyone who does the same!

Look forward to seeing you on the forums

I'm jumping in here too! Especially after seeing a topic with Brides saying they don't want to see posts from noobs!

I can't help that I just started out  Not exactly my first choice to be a "noob"! lol I guess they sometimes forget, they had to start from new too

I'm sorry I dont have any tips - All I can say is if you wouldn't have said it was DIY - I would have FOR SURE thought you bought that!!!    I am a perfectionist myself and can honestly say, it looks AMAZING!!!!!!! Stop being so hard on yourself Hun! Maybe take a break from it and look upon it with fresh eyes! I think you're done! Great work!!!!

When I booked my resort, I messaged the coordinator to ensure my ceremony was the closest day possible to my arrival, just for the fact I have traveled to an all-inclusive before and came back 10-15lbs heavier! lol! I was mortified when I was told, I have 3 full days of all you can eat/drink heaven, before having to squeeze into my gown!

I have always yo-yo'd with my weight, from between 180lbs to 130lbs, now sitting around 165lbs (damn all those delicious engagement celebration dinners and booze )  Maybe I should have stopped celebrating, seeing as we got engaged almost 3 months ago! OOPS!!!

Right now, I'm fitting into a size 10/12 wedding dress, but my hopes are to order an 8, when I go for my measurements in Feb/March. I then have another 8 months to battle to stay on track (I just love food, no point denying it here!) and my dream is to be in the best possible shape of my life, maybe 140lbs, for my wedding day. After that, BRING ON THE CAKE!!!

@@Jlk1004 - in the wedding packages, you get a hair trial & the day of wedding hairstyle, so I'm going with pictures of what I want and am going to see if they are able to recreate. I'm a professional MAC makeup artist, so it goes without saying, I'll just be doing my own make-up If they can't do my hair, I'm pretty sure I'll just do my own as well. Working in the bridal industry for over 10 years, I can tell you, the last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is running around town to appointments! These forums are great though, just do some searches and see if brides are referring the same girl(s) so you can have some peace of mind

I'm bringing my own photographer here from Canada. By the time I paid for an upgraded package to include their photographer (who is only there for the ceremony, toast and cocktail hour) I can fly my guy out and have pics for the entire week! That means, pictures of the ladies/men getting ready, the "reveal" pic where bride and groom see each other for first time, ceremony, whole rest of the day/night/party, family shoots on the beach, pics at the restaurants, etc! I dont want to have to only be able to chose 60 pictures from a 2 hour span by using theirs.

Get ready for some emails girl!!!

@@Jlk1004 - Check your email Hun! Sent you 4 separate emails, with different attachments for their Wedding locations, cakes, flowers, restaurants. The gold package and flowers. The photographer. The dream package and flowers.

They did have 1 package, which was the least expensive (I believe it was called the "Mayan package" for approx $1400?) but I dont have that information anymore, as I didnt find I was getting much from it/was worth it to go with the Gold package.

Hope this helps!!!

P.S. We're planning on approx. 20-30 people, but no one has RSVP'd yet, so have noooooo idea! EKKK! lol!