vancouverpetunia

@@cruisebride2016 Since I will be away when you leave and on your wedding day, I wanted to quickly wish you well on your journey and for your wedding day! You must be so excited (I know I am). Congratulations and looking forward to catching up on how it all went once we're both back.

@@calgarybride2015, @@ashhtayy Thanks for the support on the swimsuits! I'm always so self-conscious baring my tummy, even when it's looking alright. But heck, why not?

@@krystalball When do you leave? Are you doing okay?

OMG we leave in a week!  We had a nice weekend. I had 3 days off, Jeff had his usual weekend. His birthday was last Thursday, so we went out Saturday for a nice dinner. Actually, we went back to the restaurant where we went after our legal ceremony a few weeks ago. I also was able to knock some stuff off my list, including table numbers & escort cards. Here are some pix:

Table Number

Sample escort card

Card box and sign. In addition to any wedding cards that guests might bring, we are also doing mad libs cards as our guest book, so we needed a place to collect those as well.

Also, I don't know if I posted the completed program fans from a few weeks ago:

So annoying that those photos are sideways. They are fine on my computer...

COMPLETE

• send info to MC as requested (timeline, email addresses so he can ask people for silly stories about us, etc.)

• undergarments/lingerie

• hair accessories

• put together program fans & label/stuff welcome letter envelopes

• book our honeymoon transportation in Costa Rica

• start filling out the form for the WC 

• order place card & table number artwork

• Finalize seating plan 

• Figure out signature drink  

• Draft final email (events for the week, phone plan/apps, meal choice)

• Make mani/pedi appt

• Check with photographer on payment 

• Buy travel toiletries & meds.

• Buy a gift for my nephew.

• Shop for a new swim suit

• Get Jeff's birthday present (not wedding related, but necessary!)

• Table numbers 

• Exchange money

• Print all documentation to take with us

• Go to our storage locker to get luggage, summer clothes, etc.

IN PROGRESS

• Dress alterations. Picking up March 29.

• Work on playlist 

• Escort cards. Worked on these today, but the tape is not holding them together as I had hoped, so need to fix them.

• Teeth whitening 

• Tanning

TO DO

• Book airport transfer from resort to CUN

• Finalize photography shot list

• Figure out if we want to do something special for our vows

• Finalize wedding day timeline

• Download some books 

• Put together a day-of emergency kit

• Write thank you speech

• Pick up drycleaning, including Jeff's outfit (Jeff is doing this tomorrow)

• File taxes (not wedding related, but they are due soon after we get back)

• Pick up stuff for cat and finalize details with catsitter

We are so close! 

@@Rose4789 We are renting a speaker system from a local vendor and then planning to move to the club after our reception. I know other brides have done this as well. 

@@ashhtayy Congrats on making it official! I'm glad it went so well. Sounds emotional for your family. So awesome! Good luck with the fitting!

@. Oh my, a setting spray? I'd never heard of this until @@yycbride2016 mentioned it. Should I get some of that, too, and what product do you recommend?

@ Thank you! Is this the one: http://www.sephora.com/translucent-loose-setting-powder-P109908?skuId=1635176? I assume it goes on after all make-up has been applied?

@@deecol So true. When the guys are away, the girls get productive. Haha

@@snswedding2016 Yeah, make-up is not my thing either! I mean, I wear make-up and I think I do okay for day-to-day, but I don't get fancy with it. And forget hair. I have always been useless at anything other than a ponytail. 

P.S. Escort card & table number files just came in and appear to be correct and functional. Phew! 

Holy crap. We're getting married 2 weeks from tomorrow. It's getting sooooo close. Work is nuts this week, which is interfering with my wedding errands and last minute planning details LOL. But hopefully I will be in good shape to be away for over 2 weeks.

First of all, I have a make-up question. I am having my make-up done at the salon, and I am not really a make-up person. What make-up should I bring that is my own? Lipstick/gloss has been suggested, so that I can do touch-ups. There was something discussed here that someone could not live without. @ I think it was something you used. You used it on Chester, too! I know there's been talk of primers, setting sprays, etc, as well. I know nothing about this stuff. Should I go get some? What products do you recommend? @@snswedding2016, @@Wafflesmom, @@calgarybride2015, @@yycbride2016 I know you provided some suggestions in your thread already so I will be sure to look through that. 

Now, onto a few updates...

Shower

My shower was last Saturday, as you know. My cousin (who is actually my mom's cousin, so her age) hosted it. Her sisters (my cousins) were there, my mom, my MIL, my SIL, some family friends and a few girlfriends. It was nice to see a few people who I haven't seen in a while and won't be coming to the wedding and it was good for those going to Mexico to get to know each other a bit better. 

They don't call it a shower for nothing. I was showered in gifts! I felt awkward being the center of attention and everyone watching me open gifts, but I definitely got some nice stuff and quite a few gift cards! Some of the kitchen/house stuff, we're going to put in storage. We're planning to buy a bigger place later this year and I figured it would be nice to have some new things for the new place. Plus there's nothing we really NEED among the gifts. 

My mom was visiting from out of town, so we both stayed over at my cousin's (it was Jeff's bachelor party that night as well, and I sure didn't need to be home to witness the aftermath of that haha). Then we spent the day together - went shopping and had lunch. It was a nice mother/daughter day that we rarely get. 

So... while shopping, I bought 2 bikinis which I'm pretty excited about. A year ago, I honestly thought my bikini days were over, but I've worked hard and I'm going to OWN this.  I got them from La Vie en Rose. 

(but with a different style of bottom)

Escort Card & Table Number Saga

I had previously posted some stationery that I had custom designed that I just loved: program fan, welcome letter & mad libs card. I had already let the designer know I would also need escort cards and table numbers, but just wasn't ready to do them yet. So, I finally figured everything out and got in touch with her. I sent her all of the details exactly a month ago today and I STILL DON'T HAVE THEM! Long story, but she's been taking a week to respond, then disappearing when I ask for an edit, even when she said she would do it right away, etc. She finally got around to fixing some things, and then all the files she sent were totally the wrong sizes.

I will say her communication was not the greatest on the first batch of stationery, but it was sufficient. It took about 2 weeks to do 3 pieces that were way more complicated than what she's working on now. I tried to get a graphic designer at work to help me, but I don't have the original files to work with, so the resolution sucks. She's just sent me a batch of final proofs that looks good to go with one edit, so let's hope she gets me the final files ASAP. I need to print & assemble these damn things. I have to say she was very inexpensive, so I guess you get what you pay for.

Other than that, things are rolling along. Except I keep adding to my to-do list!   

COMPLETE

• send info to MC as requested (timeline, email addresses so he can ask people for silly stories about us, etc.)

• undergarments/lingerie

• hair accessories

• put together program fans & label/stuff welcome letter envelopes

• book our honeymoon transportation in Costa Rica

• start filling out the form for the WC 

• order place card & table number artwork

• Finalize seating plan 

• Figure out signature drink  

• Draft final email (events for the week, phone plan/apps, meal choice)

• Make mani/pedi appt

• Check with photographer on payment 

• Buy travel toiletries & meds.

• Buy a gift for my nephew.

• Shop for a new swim suit

• Get Jeff's birthday present (not wedding related, but necessary!)

IN PROGRESS

• Dress alterations. Picking up March 29.

• Work on playlist 

• Escort cards 

• Table numbers 

• Teeth whitening 

• Tanning

TO DO

• Book airport transfer from resort to CUN

• Finalize photography shot list

• Figure out if we want to do something special for our vows

• Finalize wedding day timeline

• Exchange money

• Print all documentation to take with us

• Download some books 

• Put together a day-of emergency kit

• Write thank you speech

• Go to our storage locker to get luggage, summer clothes, etc.

• Pick up drycleaning, include Jeff's outfit

• File taxes (also not wedding related, but they are due soon after we get back)

Luckily I have a 3 day weekend this weekend, and Jeff is working most of it, so I will get a bunch of stuff knocked off on Friday/Saturday. Especially if I can get the damn escort card and table number artwork. ARGH!

@@karleealyssa Wow... you've been on a roller coaster. I'm glad you are following your heart and I know it will work out for you and you will LOVE it. You'll get lots of great ideas and support here. Out of curiosity, have you cancelled your wedding at home? I wasn't clear from your story if you are still planning to do that or not.

@@cruisebride2016 LOVE the t-shirts! And great price, too

We emailed our STDs and set up a web site with a RSVP form on it. When we sent out paper invites, we didn't include RSVP cards (or stamped envelopes), but just directed everyone to the web site to RSVP. 

Awwwhhh shucks, you ladies are making me tear up. You're all so sweet, kind, generous and thoughtful. And I am glad to have "met" you through the course of this wedding stuff! 

@@deecol I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your friend and her mom. Like everyone else has said, hopefully they will see the light once some time has passed. I think you are being awfully "big" about the situation. Good for you. I hope it works out in the end and I'm glad to hear you are excited about your new bridesmaid. Your day will be amazing no matter what. Your to-do list is getting smaller and smaller! 

@@ashhtayy Love your mom's dress. I think it's stunning. Have a great time with family next week and good luck on the shopping excursions! Please remember to report back to us on your legal ceremony

Ladies, I took your advice and asked my cousin what I should wear. Here is her response: "Jeans or else a princess dress and tiara" LOL. I went with jeans Just heading out now. Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Okay I hadn't thought about what to wear to my shower and now I'm in a panic. No time to shop. It's an afternoon thing at my cousin's place and I have no idea as to what we are doing. I don't really have any cute, casual dresses (all are more for work or dressy or very summery). Are jeans or leggings and a cute top okay? Vancouver is pretty casual...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@@ashhtayy I had a few nightmares pretty early on, like 8 months ago. Nothing of late. Now I just wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep as I work through my to-do list

Obviously I haven't had my wedding yet, but here are a few thoughts on the topics you are contemplating:

- I hadn't thought about wine on the tables. I think between the wait staff and open bar, people will get what they need. But not speaking from experience...

- Our MC is my sister's husband and she is in our wedding party, so I am just putting him at the head table as well. That gives him a "home base". Makes our table uneven, I guess, but I really don't care

- Our WC and salon have suggested that it will take 2 hours for hair and make-up (and they seem to have enough ppl to do us all at the same time). We are scheduled for 12, supposed to be done at 2, first look at 3:15, ceremony at 4. But there's only 3 of us and our resort is pretty small so we won't be far from the room to head back and get dressed.

- We are doing place cards in different colours to indicate choice of meal and/or special meal. We also had to include names and specifics in the planning document. You are lucky if you have no dietary issues. With 35 adults, we have at least 7 off the top of my head.

- I haven't put in any buffer on the start time for the ceremony. Hope that doesn't bite me in the ass.

- Oooh, good idea to have a drink served as people arrive. I'll have to ask about that!

Hope the dress worked out. Pix please!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My sister is a lawyer and I had her go through the contract I got from my TA that I was told was from Transat (but it had the TA's letterhead, not Transat, so I'm not sure where it originated). She said it was the most poorly written contract she'd ever seen (although she is not a contract lawyer)!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@@ashhtayy Awwhh thanks! It's been hard work, but it's been gradual and a lifestyle change for sure. I joined an online group that includes workouts to follow, nutrition guidelines, recipe suggestions and a huge group of women supporting one another online. It's been a great experience and it's now just a matter of course for me. They are accepting new members now. If anyone is interested, please PM me for details. I also use MFP a lot! It's exciting when your "skinny clothes" are baggy on you (in a way - in a way it sucks because now I need to buy new clothes!). 

@@krystalball I LOVE your dress. It's beautiful. It would have been nice to make it yourself, but easier to buy it! Have fun on Friday and please post some pix for us. Thanks for your compliments about my previous figure I had gained some weight over the last couple of years - not a massive amount, but enough that I wasn't happy with myself these days. I needed to get it off and the wedding was motivation to do so. I'm pretty sure that if we do miss anything or if anything goes wrong, we'll be the only ones to notice. At least that's what I keep telling myself. 

@@ashhtayy Awwhh, sorry to make you want things you can't have. I was trying to include examples of how things were arranged, it wasn't about the specific items. I think you can still make your stuff work with some different arrangements and maybe some pieces added here and there. Also, as others have pointed out, don't forget you will have place settings, glasses, etc. as well, so it will look less bare because of that.

I don't know about the wood. It seems like people bring pretty much anything down without any issues. Has anyone here tried it? It's not like you would need to get 5 mason jars for each table... you could just get one or two and mix and match with what you already have.

That said, have you thought about renting locally in Mexico from Katy HK? I am renting a bunch of stuff from her so I don't have to lug it down. Her prices are very reasonable and she is a doll to work with. Check out her facebook page that has photos of her inventory (and she has more not listed there). https://www.facebook.com/loveandlacedecor/?fref=ts

Welcome to BDW, Kristina! Good luck with your planning and feel free to vent here any time

@@krystalball Do you have a date set for your legal ceremony yet? It's kinda fun

Let's see if I have any updates... not too much. My cousin is throwing me a shower this coming Saturday. I don't really know a lot of about what she has planned. My mom is coming over from Vancouver Island for the day/night, and we're going to stay at my cousin's, so that should be fun.

Also, I'm super happy to report that I've now lost 18lbs (since late Sept - this has not been a quick fix!) and my dress that was custom made for me in December has to be taken in a couple of inches around the waist! Only 2 more lbs to go to hit my wedding goal.

Otherwise, I'm just knocking stuff off my list...

• send info to MC as requested (timeline, email addresses so he can ask people for silly stories about us, etc.)

• undergarments/lingerie

• hair accessories

• put together program fans & label/stuff welcome letter envelopes

• get to the tanning salon! in progress (I can see tan lines now and a co-worker told me I have a healthy glow!)

• book our honeymoon transportation in Costa Rica

• start filling out the form for the WC 

• order place card & table number artwork

• Finalize seating plan 

• Figure out signature drink  -  Cucumber Vodka Mojito (I'm not a fan of rum, but I love mojitos made with vodka.... adding cucumber for something different)

• Draft final email (events for the week, phone plan/apps, meal choice)

• Dress alterations- In progress. Picking up March 29.

• Work on playlist - In progress.

• Book airport transfer from resort to CUN

• Place cards - in progress

• Table numbers - in progress

• Teeth whitening - in progress

• Make mani/pedi appt

• Finalize photography shot list

• Check with photographer on payment (he's a friend and hasn't asked for any money yet...)

• Figure out if we want to do something special for our vows. I don't think we plan to write our own, but may "borrow" something off the internet.

• Finalize wedding day timeline. 

• Exchange money.

• Print all documentation to take with us.

• Buy travel toiletries & meds.

• Buy a gift for my nephew.

• Shop for a new swim suit (I have some old ones I'm planning to bring, but maybe should get another one).

What am I missing? Help me out, ladies!

​
 

And I forgot to comment on what a jerk-face your best friend's ex-fiance is. Jerk-face. Seriously. What is wrong with people?!? Who does that?

@@deecol Everything is coming together and looks great! So excited for you 

@@yycbride2016 Thank you so much for your review and sharing your experience with us. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful wedding and stay at your resort. And you looked so beautiful and happy 

Thanks for the tips with Transat. We are flying with them in less than 3 weeks. Do you know what the difference is between the Option Plus and the Cloud Nine packages? I'm not sure which one we have...

I had to laugh at the iguana stealing your appetizers. I've never seen one move off the hot cement before! I bet your "lemurs" are coatis. They are so cute (although I don't want to get too close!). This guy?

Did you find that the shellac pedicure lasted better than a regular pedicure? I can usually get a regular pedicure to last up to 5 weeks (not on the beach, though), so I was just planning to get a regular one and a shellac manicure. Your make-up process is so detailed and I'm sure will be appreciated by many brides. However, I'm not a DIY make-up kinda gal, so I will definitely be having mine done at the resort spa. With that in mind, do you have any suggestions of extras that I should bring for them to use on me? It sounds like primers & setting powders/sprays might be a good idea. I never use these normally and know nothing about them. Would love any suggestions you have! BTW your make-up was amazing. I'm so glad you did it yourself 

@@ashhtayy I think your table settings are looking great, but I also like @'s idea to try something a little less symmetrical. And also try odd numbers - arrangements tend to look best when uneven. Maybe grouping them a little more closely together, as well.

I know you are working with what you have, and that won't be an exact match to the images below, but I thought these might give you some ideas.

Grouped closer to the center arrangement and uneven number of candles around it:

Uneven number of candleholders:

Different sizes (asymmetrical):

Grouped closer to center arrangement and uneven number of candles around it:

Lots of shapes & sizes (asymmetrical):

I haven't had my wedding yet, and I am very happy with how it's turning out so far, but I would have looked into off-resort venues. I didn't realize this was an option until it was too late. I don't know if I would have found anything better or cheaper, as I didn't investigate (didn't want to regret my choice!), but I think it's worth looking into.