December 2009 Brides!

We did set up the RSVP on our site and my friends and immediate family have used it. But some of the stranger side of the family is like, "why do you want to know if and when I'm coming to Mexico?" I really have to bite my tongue and not reply with something totally sarcastic

So it is definitely a nice to have (because I am really techy), but chances are most people won't use it unless you specifically ask them.

On a side note is anyone else ready for December to be here?!?! I still have a bunch of little things to do, but honestly feel like we could just go get married tomorrow and I would be happy!!!!

Hi All!

I am a December Bride as well! We are getting married on December 7th, 2009 at the Majestic Elegance Hotel in Punta Cana, DR.

So far, I have completed:

1. booking the resort with my travel agent

2. sending out invites

3. setting up a website

4. picking my dress/veil/shoes

5. booking the wedding with the resort

6. half way through completing my OOT bags

7. applying for my passport

Still LOTS left to do and not much time to do it in!

Right now, I'm trying to decide what I want my bouquet to look like as I think I'm going to get fake flowers and need to place my order asap.

Have you ladies had much contact with your resort coordinators? I'm struggling with what I need to book with them now, and what can wait until we are actually there.

Autumn, I can't wait! (in response to your question....)

I think I'm starting to dive into the bridezilla realm.... uh oh!

My FI asked me the other night, "are you looking at wedding stuff on your computer?" and when I obviously lied, he said "you need to relax." I'm just an obsessive planner by nature! I already have the next two months planned out - just how I have to be for my job and my life, so I think I just like checking things off the list!

I have been emailing the Dreams PV WC a lot recently and I sort of feel bad, but she has been really nice about it. Sometimes she gets back to me in one day sometimes two... but i keep having all these random questions for her!

Good news though, she said taht I coudl send her my music list and she would give it the DJ to start downloading etc. I'll still bring a back up, but it would be nice if he have everything already.

Ya Ive been having some issues contacting the WC from our resort, sometimes it takes her a week before she replies... lol, I do feel bad cuz I email her a lot too!

Sorry to have to bring this up, but I'm just wondering how you guys are "preparing" if there is a 2nd wave of this swine flu? i heard there may be another wave in the fall... it's pretty much spread everywhere now but for some reason, people (some of our guests) still think that they would only get it in Mexico... would there even be a point of having a plan B/different venue/country?

You know what, I haven't even really considered that because none of our guests have mentioned that as a concern. (or at least they haven't said anything).

I would be curious to see all other Dec brides if you girls are planning a backup or not....

Hello brides!

I am so excited I found this thread! Love that its dedicated to us December girls. We are getting married December 18, 2009 at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, Jamaica. We took a leap of faith booking there since it just re-opened this past December after a total renovation. I have looked at a lot of reviews of other Riu resorts in Jamaica and they are great, but there have been none about Tropical Bay since its re-opening. So we are hoping for the best and being optimistic!

I have all major things done like buy a dress and send invites. Lately I have been debating on whether or not to go with an outside photographer or use the resort photographer. Anyone have advice? I also am wondering about the OOT bags. I think its a great idea and I would love to do them but I am hesitant since I will have to be taking everything down there in another suitcase! Are you ladies doing them? How are you getting everything down there? I am also tossing around the AHR thing. I would really like to do it for everyone who can't attend the wedding, but at this point, the thought of planning it completely unmotivates me! We also wouldn't be able to have it until several months after we are married and so it seems a bit awkward to have a full blown reception after we have been married so long. What are everyone's plans for your AHRs?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I just love this site, I have learned so much! Thanks ladies!!

Welcome Tara and Jamaicamehappy!

Swine flu stuff - You really can't worry about it because 4 months from now there could be some other virus outbreak that no one was ready for. I heard a report this morning on how Austalia is being hit with the swine flu right now since it is winter there and peak flu season. Just make sure you have travel insurance and hope for the best... same thing you would do if you were getting married where you live.

Jill - I love checking things off my list!!! I thought it sounded crazy, but there is just so much to keep track of. We have 2 trips or events planned every month until the wedding so how the heck can I keep everything straight unless I am organized. My girlfriends are freaking out over planning my bachelorette party because I am the planner of the group and usually take charge of any planned events. I am glad you mentioned the music because that is next on my list of stuff. The other day FI was asking me why I was downloading so many songs lately and I totally didn't want to tell him it was for the wedding - LOL.

Jamaicamehappy - Here's a quick run down of some of the discussions we have had on your questions. Make sure to do a search and you will find a ton more opinions!

* Photog - it's totally your preferance and budget. But, most people are not very impressed with the resort quality and tend to hire outside. Some have checked with local photogs and worked out deals with them (think you pay for their expenses and they only charge you for prints). Or check out some of the vendors on here. They do amazing work.

* OOT bags - most people do them and I really like the idea. We are not getting a ton of stuff and planning on just packing an extra bag with the OOT items.

* AHR - there is probably a 50/50 divide on this topic. I probably wouldn't be doing one, but I grew up in a small town and my mom pushed it. I have not been very motivated to help with it until recently. It just seems so trivial in the grand scheme of things. Anyways, we are doing it a month after we get married and it is kind of a New Years party too. Just a simple catered BBQ and we will have pics/slideshow/video from the wedding to share with our guests.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Thanks autjo! I appreciate all the info! I have contacted Stacey Clarke and Brian Nejedly for more information on prices and packages in an attempt to explore other options outside of the resort. I looked on both their web sites and they look pretty good. I am waiting on replies. I couldn't find any price lists or anything on here. Does anyone have any other suggestions for photogs?

My latest idea for the OOTs is to actually just do a personalized water bottle and then stuff it full of stuff like travel size bug spray, advil, sunscreen, chapstick, that kind of stuff. So it has a lot of the necessities but not as bulky as a bag. So I'm looking into some websites for water bottles. Anyone know of a good one with good deals? Thanks ladies!!

Hi everyone,

I have been reading tons on here for the past week. We JUST decided to go ahead and plan a wedding for December. Our date is Dec 3 (no saturday weddings left!) and will be at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo- Riviera Maya. We thought about this once before so I read a little, but have just started this week with the planning- and I NEVER do things on short notice so this is SO new to me. I am very organized and plan EVERYTHING!

So far I have:

-Location chosen and date confirmed

-Our trip booked

-Colors chosen

-2 guests have booked

-Maid of Honor chosen- my sister, but she hasn't booked yet

I have sent emails to photographers and am trying to decide to just spend the money or if I should just go with the resort photog.

So much to do.....