gkashmira

We didn't do a rehearsal - we just told everyone what to do the night before. We did however do a welcome dinner and it was lots of fun!

Quote: Originally Posted by Julesr I totally agree, and I think its a great idea, but I know I am going to be hot in my dress, so I am stressed about it. Huh, maybe I will just buy them and bring them and take them off if I can't deal with them anymore. It was hot during my wedding but I don't think I was any hotter because of the Spanx to be honest. I did have the "low rise" ones though. They don't work as well as the "higher power" ones but I needed low rise for my dress. Seriously, I wouldn't worry about them. Wear them and if they become uncomfortable just take them off!

Great review - did you see Sarah-Sassygirl while you were there? I know you guys were both getting married on the same day at the Hilton! We can't wait to see pics!

Quote: Originally Posted by Julesr Did you find it too hot with the Spanx on? I was thinking about getting them but I was afraid I would sweat too much. I wore spanx under my dress and the only time I noticed them was when I had to go to the ladies room - they are hard to get back up sometimes! But as a friend of mine recommended to me before the wedding when I was having the same debate - if you wear them you don't have to think about how you're going to look, don't have to worry about holding in your stomach, etc. I think she was right!

Ask them if they'll match the price (bring a print-out) - it's very possible that they will! If not just order it online instead.

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulaV I did wonder about the palm fans ... I am debating about buying them. I wanted to buy some bulky stuff now as we may be going to Mexico City soon. I can leave them with my friend there to send to the resort before the wedding. Paula - I think that you could skip the fans - especially since your wedding is in February when the weather will be beautiful and not late June (like mine) when it was 100 degrees and the sun was at it's strongest. I don't think people really appreciated or thought about them - annoying since I hand wrapped every one with ribbon! Makes you want to ! hee hee hee...

Quote: Originally Posted by chprfan I had this saved as well on my computer...they do have orange roses I love the combination of gerbers with roses... well I guess that's obvious since that's what I had. But anyway I think together mixing gerbers and roses that are the same color looks so beautiful - it gives the eye shape and texture to look at.

lilies, gerber daisies, cirrus roses...

Kendra - remember that the Hilton will charge a "cutting fee" per person for any outside cakes... I can't remember what it is exactly but I want to say it's $3 plus tax/service (25% total). Is it that you don't like the Hilton's cake or that it's too pricey? Also if you're doing a buffet remember that it includes dessert... and they are delicious! Request the tres leches cake for sure - no matter what you decide for your wedding cake!

I like the 3rd one - simple and elegant! Also I think it the most likely to be worn again and it has a nice looking chain as well.

Thanks ladies! I have top admit I've watched the video like 3 times a day since I've gotten it! I love it, Marci

Quote: Originally Posted by brecluse Kash, I totally get it now. I really never thought of the samples being stretched out since most of them were so not my size to begin with. No need to bop yourself on the head! You are absolutely right - if you have any doubt about what size to order it's best to get the size up - it's easier and cheaper to take a dress in than to let it out!

Stephanie - you look so beautiful in your dress! I love the picture of you laughing as you come down the steps - it really captures the joy of the day - gorgeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by brecluse Great list Kash, one thing I disagree with is getting exactly the right size. It's not as simple as that for some of us. If you are not a sample size and you end up liking and having to order a gown then the chances are pretty good it will need to be altered, wedding dress sizing (J Crew excluded) is not regular clothes sizing. If you are in between sizes (my issue) then err on the side of caution and order the larger size. It's much better to make it smaller than bigger, and DO take the alteration cost into consideration. Also, go to at least one full-service bridal salon, make an appointment, give them your budget and then let them pick some stuff for you and try it on even if you think you'll hate it. You might be surprised. Most of all you should enjoy the process as much as possible so even if you end up getting something unconventional you at least experienced the whole deal. I just meant do not buy a dress that for example is a sample but is actually too small. I would actually ignore the sizes inside the dress entirely and let the sales person measure you and match your measurements with the designers size chart. However just remember that the dresses you are trying on are stretched out. So if the size 8 or 10 you are wearing fits you perfectly it is very likely that if you order that dress it will be a bit smaller (this happened to me and in the end I had them let out the dress).

Great review - and your pictrues are awesome! It looks like everyone had SO much fun!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jolene FYI- I just went to my dr yesterday and told her we were planning a cabo wedding in April. She recommended the Hep. A shot for anyone traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean. It is a 2 shot series 1 now and 1 six months later. She said it protects against Hep A. which is passed from (fecal matter) people not washing there hands properly. She said even if you are staying at a 5 star resort it is highly recommended due to workers that are preparing your food. I know it is disgusting but I decided to play it safe. She said it is worse than montazumas revenge. Actually everyone should get a Hep A vaccination - even people who live in the USA/Canada. Like Jolene said it's passed by unwashed hands, etc. it can actually happen anywhere. They require school children to get it now as well.

I thought So. CA brides who are still dress shopping might be interested in checking out this big sample sale at Mon Amie Bridal in Costa Mesa. This place is enormous. I bought my dress here and they're super busy but their seamstress did an amazing job: Mon Amie Bridal Salon || Celebrating 31 Years of Excellence Summer Sample Sale - The Sales Event of the Season!!! Call today!! Don't pass up this chance to get Incredible Savings on Discontinued Gowns!! Save 50% - 75% off the original retail price on selected styles of bridal gowns from designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Lazaro, Amy Michelson Justina McCaffrey, Anne Barge, Ines di Santo, Reem Acra, Alvina Valenta, Pronovias, and many more. Now thru July 22nd, 2007 Get a Designer Gown without the Designer Price. Huge Savings on Hundreds of Bridal Gowns!! Gowns are Sample Gowns sizes - generally sizes 8 or 10. Appointment Recommended: Tuesday - Thursday (10am - 9pm) Friday - Sunday (10am - 5pm) Closed Mondays Up to 50% Off: 2Be Allure Bridal Allure Couture Alvina Valenta Amalia Cararra Amsale Amy Michelson Anne Barge Atelier Aimée Augusta Jones Avine Perucci Bellissima Carmela Sutera Couture by V Edgardo Bonilla Emé di Emé Eva Haynal Forsyth Eve of Milady Ines di Santo Jasmine Jim Hjelm Couture Justina McCaffrey La Fleur by Anne Barge La Sposa by Pronovias Lazaro Liancarlo Lynne Carter Marianne Lanting Michelle Rahn Mon Cheri Monique Lhuillier Platinum Pronovias Reem Acra Renella de Fina Couture Simone Carvalli Saison Blanche Couture Steven Yearick St. Pucchi Stewart Parvin Venus Ysa Makino 75% OFF ALL: Christina Wu Demetrios Evalina Couture Jacquelin Judd Waddell Kelly Chase Oscar de la Renta Randi Fenoli Rena Koh Reva Mivasagar Richard Glasgow Rivini Sally Crew SPOSA by St. Pucchi Tomasina Yolanda Couture

I went through a lot of hell with my wedding dress so here's the advice I posted after I bought it... WHAT TO DO WHEN LOOKING FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS: 1. DO Set your budget ahead of time. Be realistic about how much you have and how much things really cost. Don't forget about the veil, taxes and alterations - come up with a final number. 2. DO Look at dresses online (Knot, Brides, etc.) to see what kind of styles you like 3. DO Go to a bunch of different places, including the big ones like David's adn Alfred Angelo 4. DO try on on different cuts - including ones you don't think will look good. 5. DO take your mom/sister/best-friend with you 6. DO take pictures of you in the dresses before you buy one - something that looks good in the bridal shop mirrors may not be the same in those pictures! 7. DO try on both white and ivory. 8. DO think about weather and location when buying your dress - Will heavy silk be too hot for your wedding in July? 9. DO look for sample sales online (topbutton.com for NYC & LA) and make appointments. 10. DO find a dress that you really truly LOVE! WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN BUYING A DRESS from my experiences and others: 1. DON'T wait until the last minute (big price increases on those rush orders) 2. DON'T TRY ON DRESSES THAT ARE OVER YOUR BUDGET! (DO try on dresses that are UNDER your budget) 3. DON'T impulse buy. The dress WILL be there tomorrow - go home and think about it for a few days. Take some pictures and look at them at home - really decide you love it. 4. DON'T get stuck on one style ahead of time and limit yourself to only trying on those dresses - it may not be the best look for you! 5. DON'T buy a dress that is either too small or too big - alterations are expensive! 6. DON'T look for dresses after you buy yours! I know there are few ladies who have turned into 2 dress brides because of this! 7. DON'T think nothing is going to look good on you... (and then, oh, I don't know, let's say, try on a dress way over your budget and fall in love with it...) And here are a few notes: - You can buy a lot of major brands online for less. Once you know what dress and what size you want it doesn't hurt to check the online sources for their prices. There's a great thread on here listing all sorts of places to look - check them out. - Bridal Salon mirrors can be deceiving. Check them while you're still in your normal clothes to see if you appear taller or thinner... funny how that can make a big difference in what you think of a dress! - Always post pictures of you in your dress up here on the forum so we can see it too!

Quote: Originally Posted by Waiting_for_Sunshine You look so classic. Beautiful wedding. Congrats! Thanks, Rachel!

Quote: Originally Posted by Julesr I guess I live in a bad city cause I looked at all of them and none have the Mantilla lace veils. I don't want to order on line for fear the colour will not be right. If anyone has any ideas, let me know. Julie - hmmm.. what about checking at some of the big name department stores that have bridal boutiques? Also I feel like all the "whites" and "ivorys" are pretty consistent - it might be OK to order one online. I'm sure you could order one directly from Mon Amie if you call them. Tell them it's the mantilla that matches the ivory Monique Lhuillier dresses. Thge only thing was it was quite expensive. I got mine for about 50% off but I also bought my dress from them. If you're interested you can check them out here: || Mon Amie Bridal Salon || Celebrating 31 Years of Excellence ||

Quote: Originally Posted by TammyB Hmm well I love cake, and I made everyone eat some because the individual cakes were alot of money. BUT with that said I would have been just as happy with cupcakes because one individual cake could have fed three people and cupcakes are easier to transport back to your room I tried to send cupcakes back with people (we even had containers for them) but I think people were just too full and too drunk to think about them. The next day they wanted them though (now that it was too late!)

OK, I have some more to add (Other people's posts reminded me of things): I WOULD DO IT AGAIN: Invitations from... oops I can't remember! I loved our invites. They felt both Mexican for the destination and Indian for my heritage. Everyone loved them and said how pretty they were. STDs from Vistaprint - you can't beat their prices! Seating plan for reception Dan's suit - he looked so handsome. I know it was hot but I am glad he was wearing it! Friend as Reverend - This was wonderful! It made the ceremony mean that much more and he was a source of strength (to not cry!) in front of us. Microphone for ceremony. I definitely think people would not have been able to hear us if we didn't have it. We had it up on a stand and it picked up all three of our voices. Readings by friends - again made the ceremony feel very personal. Weight Watchers - helped me lose the pounds I needed to not feel gross! SKIPPING IT WOULD BE OK: Magnet STDs (small size) - these were just overkill since we mailed out postcards. Fancy wedding night lingerie - OK so I ended up buying beautiful but expensive lace "bridal" lingerie. I think I ended up buying it more for me (to keep since my dress is sold) but to be honest it was really unnecessary! Dan wouldn't have known the difference if I was wearing something cute from Target! Palm fans - I didn't really see anyone using these but then again I wasn't down there before the wedding so it's possible they were...

We didn't provide sunscreen but I have to say that everyone I saw had brought their own. We also included it on a list of "What to pack" for our guests. In retrospect I wish I had done some sort of t-shirt or tank top or visor or something. All our friends had the best time and I know they would have appreciated a commemorative item (or even just a beer koozie!). Oh well - too late now! hee hee hee... but then again my wedding went way over budget so it's probably good that I didn't get these...

Great list Jessalyn! So here's my question to all you brides: DID ANYONE THINK THE CAKE WAS WORTH IT? I know I didn't and the desserts that came with the buffet were actually more than we even needed. It seems like that is one of those things that keeps popping up in everyone's list of "could have done without!"

Thanks Natasha! I know we want to make an album from our honeymoon pics and this will be perfect!