MARIAELM

Ok, I'm super anal. I asked for the responses back 12 weeks before our wedding. I figured that we'd already sent STD's a year in advance. Most people knew if they were planning on taking vacation time, buying plane tickets, etc. 3 months before our wedding. Of course, we had stragglers. We didn't get a true guest list estimate until mid September. Since the RSVP date had passed, the stragglers felt guilty. I'd say it worked out for us.

Janet, I like your thinking. Tammy (host) got us a great deal at Pueblo Bonito Rose (under $600 for 4 nights) so we feel we have more money on other things. PB Rose is a suites place with kitchen, so we'll put that to work too.

Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA It won't matter once you're there, I really can't wait! Are you excited?!? Can you believe how fast it is approaching? We still wonder where the time went! After seeing the big picture, that taco stand is not sounding so bad! ha ha I'm going to do some research on more affordable places to eat. I do remember seeing some postings in tripadvisor, etc... I'll let you know what I find. I'm so excited now! I bet you are too!!! We're planning on going to Costco to save on breakfast/snack stuff so we can splurge more on dinners and drinks. We're normally good at metering out extravagances. See attachment. I put the following list together from reviews on this forum and trip advisor. Maybe it will help. RestaurantClubReviews_01.xls RestaurantClubReviews_01.xls

Ha, I know where you're coming from Karla. Now that we've got a full picture of the budget (including honeymoon, rings, etc), my FI is starting to freak a little about budget. I've warned him that I don't want to be nickeled and dimed either. He's starting to get over the sticker shock though.

I've never been to Cabo either. I chose Hilton over the Westin & Sheraton because the coordinator seemed more responsive (this is a relative term in Mexico) and the block room rates were better for my guests. So far I'm happy with my decision. I'll let you know my final opinion soon since I get married there the weekend after next.

Any time!!!!

Megan - great review and great pics! Congrats on a wonderful wedding!

You're welcome!

Quote: Originally Posted by HBBRIDE Hi All, I too am a Hilton Bride. I have used this site but haven't posted a ton of stuff. Maria Elena your posts are so helpful and detailed. I can't wait to see your pictures. I have been to the Hilton last October but at that time was not engaged. We are going next Wednesday and will meet Emeline on Thursday. I will be feel much better after meeting with her and going over all my qusetions. I have a ton!!! I will post any information that I think would be helpful! p.s. I am trying to add my own picture to my signature line....I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I have uploaded the pictures but it is not working....any help? Hi Kristi! How was your trip? Your site visit? We're anxious to hear details - thanks!

I'm a seating chart girl. I went to a wedding over Labor Day where there was no seating chart. That left gaps at some tables and not enough seats for groups that wanted to sit together. I think some people ended up standing - not pretty. In my personal opinion, I think people like to be told where to sit. It provides less confusion / anxiety for them. We're doing 8 tables of 8 seats each (64 seats) for our 53 guests. This leaves empty seats at most tables which my FI will use to go sit down and mingle thorughout the evening. We're having a head table for just my FI and I. We sat our parents with their siblings / friends and sat any other guests important to them at a nearby table. We thought they'd enjoy the wedding more this way. I didn't think our seats matterred too much since we'll be mingling almost the whole time anyway. Just my 2 cents....

In response to a private message I received, I'm posting some of the items that the priest (Padre Juve) requested to help make planning my mass easier. I hope this is helpful. He asked me to buy the book "Together for Life". If costs $3.50 and is designed to help couples plan their ceremony. It contains the complete marriage rite with all variant prayers, blessings, and scripture texts. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...=amd-google-20 TogetherForLife_WeddingSelectionForm_p1of3.pdf TogetherForLife_WeddingSelectionForm_p2of3.pdf TogetherForLife_WeddingSelectionForm_p3of3.pdf Program_10.doc TogetherForLife_WeddingSelectionForm_p1of3.pdf TogetherForLife_WeddingSelectionForm_p2of3.pdf TogetherForLife_WeddingSelectionForm_p3of3.pdf Program_10.doc

Congrats Janet!

You have a great attitude and great ideas! I'm sure your guests will love it!

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM MariaElena, I noticed on your list to bring you have a bouquet Jewel.. How are you doing to incorporate it into your bouquet? My bouquet will be green orchids and light ivory roses and I purchsed a blue starfish jewel for my "something blue) but I wasn't sure where to put it. What are your thoughts? You have an eye for detail! My bouquet jewel is a clear starfish. My bouquet will be hot pink roses and yellow gerber daisies. I was going to give the jewel to the florist and just tell him to make it look nice in the bouquet. I hadn't thought about it in any more detail than that. Blue for your jewel sounds like a great idea. I'm sure your florist can incorporate it in a flattering way.

Quote: Originally Posted by AQHARIDER Hmmm, how did I know MariaElena was already going to have this in a spreadsheet... girl, you are awesome! I think you could organize all your documents/spreadsheets into one place and put them in a book, sell them for lots of $$ and quit your day job! Again, awesome! That would be a fun way to make a living! Thanks Sarah!

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL MM - you are so on top of it! This is the kind of thing I would probably do in the month preceeding my departure. I am very spreadsheet oriented. You are my kinda gal We spreadsheet geeks have to stick together!

Quote: Originally Posted by JANET1111 Thanks MariaElena, I knew you would come through I am going to work on mine this weekend and I'll let you know if I think of anything to add. Thanks again! Great, I'll keep an eye out for any new additions next week!

Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA Maria Elena you're cracking me up! I am sooo going to create one now. Watch out... I might become organized!! I'm always here for a little comic relief!

Surprise, surprise! I've started a spreadsheet on this. There are 2 tabs - one for wedding items to bring and the other for general packing. I'd love more helpful tips since I need to start packing next week! ToDoBring_CWF_01.xls ToDoBring_CWF_01.xls

i love that picture. it seems so perfect for you and your location!

Quote: Originally Posted by TOESNTHESND Here is the one we decided on http://www.trewtungsten.com/collection.html its is the Original Beveled Edge Inlaid with Platinum 7mm. i LIKE it!!!

that is a GREAT website! wow! how many guests are you having? it's so generous of you to pay for their accommodations!

Quote: Originally Posted by AQHARIDER Wow- I guess I did get alot of points, because you have a ton! Sorry to pass you up in points- I sent you a drink! I'm just being a brat! Thanks chica!

Quote: Originally Posted by AQHARIDER I couldn't figure out how to buy for multiple people at the same time, I sent you a cocktail Christa- enjoy! you have more points that me now! congrats anyway!

Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA Thanks again!! I e-mailed Fatima a little bit ago, I'll see if she responds. My parents were going to take care of the cake stand, but they forgot... I should have put it on MY list!!! Good thing that it's just an optional thing anyway.... i've found the same to be true. you have to make sure people are on task!