BRIDEZILLA

Quote: Originally Posted by cheese_diva lol I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Stupid typing doesn't always convey my sense of humor. I spent a couple of weeks back and forth with my vendors in Cabo who kept agreeing with me on my time changes, but not really giving me answers. I still to this day don't know for sure.. even after looking up the Mexico gov site about their time change policies. Michelle, you're the best for questioning it. I would hate to find out last minute that it's wrong! It was just another uh-oh moment for me when I checked your linked site. I did email Steve (the owner of the site) but haven't heard back yet. Bradley, maybe you can confirm? Your sunset chart was very helpful, but my wedding is on October 28th. I believe that's going to be daylight savings in Mexico where as US changed to the beginning of Nov. Great post about the lighting. I always thought the sun would just set over the ocean (like in all the movies). Hello Angela, I just realized that we are getting married on the same day! I thought I was the only late October bride, I’m glad to have someone to share the day (and the LARGE amount of stress) with. You make me feel like a bad bride, I’m so slacking on my wedding planning. I’ve got the place and the dress and that’s it! You’ve really got some stuff figured out! All of our friends are getting married this year (I guess we are at that age) so I’ve been super busy going to showers, weddings, bachelorette parties, etc…between other people’s weddings and work, I’ve had no time to plan my own wedding. So anyway, I’m getting serous now! Two questions: 1.When is sunset? Did you figure this out? I’m totally freaked out after reading the confusion!! 2.How many hours did you book your photog for and what is you schedule for him (ie. Shooting getting ready, family photos, first dance, etc…)? I’m trying to figure out if I should have the photog stay for the reception, even after it is dark. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you!! Although, it seems that you have things figured out!!! ~Amber

Hello Ladies! I’ve been off the forum for a while. I’ve been enmeshed in dresses and rings. Anyway, I am the girl on a budget (as you all know). So, I am always trying to find was to cut corners. For those of you who are in the same boat, I thought I’d let you know how I saved around $350 dollars on my wedding dress. After many weeks of shopping at many local stores, I found “the oneâ€. You know the felling, when you put the dress on and the butterflies in your stomach start fluttering like crazy. The saleswoman almost had to literally rip the dress off my body! Anyway, my budget for my dress and veil was not to exceed $1,000 with tax. And needless to say, this was not going to happen at the store where I found it. So I shopped around. And I shopped some more with no success. Then I found this Ebay store called Val’s Collections. The Ebay store sells discount certificates for dresses that are sold at an online store at VAL Collections - Wedding Dress, Bridal Gown. How it works is you buy a certificate that is valued at around $75 for around $40 on Ebay then you apply it to a purchase on the website. The dresses on the website are already hundreds of dollars cheaper than they are in stores and then you save even more money on top of that! At first, I was skeptical, but the owner has excellent reviews on Ebay. She has also been extremely responsive and answered ALL of my many questions in a timely manor. SO I bought the dress. I will not receive it for another couple of months (the delivery time was the same with the local stores). But, when I do, I will let you all know. Anyway, if you are trying to save money check it out. And, without further delay…..here is a link to my dress!!!! MaggieSottero.com - Collection It is the Maggie and Midgley ASM3050. I am soooooo excited!!! ~Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by jilly76 Okay ladies, I'll try to answer everyones questions. Yes, I have tried it on, twice, and loved it!! The material is so light, it would be perfect for mexico. When I tried it on the second time my mother was with me and she thought it was too fancy for mexico, I thought it was no fancier than any of the others I tried on, and then when she heard the price she almost had a heartattack, so that made me kind of stop thinking I was going to get the dress. The dress in the store is a cognac color and I want white, I wish they could show me a pic of it in white! As far as alterations, it is a corset back, so that part would be okay and MS makes petites, so I think I may only need a bustle. I like the seamstress idea too! I really have to move on this if I am going to order it because I only have 5 months and I don't even know if that will be enough time! I did find someone selling it online for 1200, worn once. Oh, btw, heres my dress that I have now: Hi Jilly, I just ordered my Maggie dress on the web and I save about $400. It has a sweetheart top just like the one you like. BTW the dress is absoultley amazing! I thikn you should go for it. Sell the other one on craigslist or ebay. Check out www.valscollections.com to see if they have your dress for cheaper. Good Luck!!! ~Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by Clussy75 Hi Amber, Actually, that was a very rough assumption. Man, that's not cheap, just for some equipment and per hour? Hmmm... I'll have to get in touch with Yesica and confirm what their price actually is. So much for shaving the cost down. I'll get more price confirmations and post them. On the bright side... It's Friday afternoon and about time for happy hour! Salud! Have a good weekend (though I know I'll be on this board some this weekend), Claudia You have a good weekend Claudia! Let me know what Yessica says....who knows maybe she can work something out! ~Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL I used Maye for day of coordination and most of the vendors I hired independant of her. The only vendor I booked through her was the trio mariachi, which we were very happy with. For flowers, we got ours from a florist in San Jose - Floreria Pamela. I used Suzanne Morel's spa for hair/makeup and Ixchel for trasport. I was extremely pleased with all of my vendors. That said, if you don't want to deal with managing your vendors, then use Maye's so she will handle them, but be prepared to pay a 10% service charge on all of the vendors she books for you. Hi Christa, Do you have a picture of the Trio that Maye booked for you? I'm courious to see what they wore. Thanks! Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by Clussy75 We're having our wedding at Dreams in November of this year and the budget (including our travel) is supposed to be 10K or under so we have to see where we can shave some costs. Luckily my Mom's paying for half of the photographer's cost and the wedding dress so that's less for us to worry about on bottom line. Most of this spreadsheet is based on approximations so it's still a bit loose on the tuning. It really really does add up and I'm starting to worry myself a bit. Time to see where I can simplify. Hello Clussy75 (Sorry.....what is your name?) Welcome!!! I had a quick question for you. I noticed that you had $200 budgeted for speakers and the IPOD connection. Where did you come up with that cost? I asked Maye about renting speakers for my IPOD and she quoted me $225/hour. Please tell me you have a better way!!! Oh yeah, does that include a mic? Thanks, Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL Sorry girls...I guess I moved some pics around in my photobucket account & screwed this up, sorry. I just popped some pics back in...also, you can see all of my pro pics at http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=i9q691l.awyugled&x=1&y=ipxjcs All I have to say is WOW! I love how intimate your wedding was. The table set up with the lanterns was so beautiful! And don't even get me started on your dress......perfect. Congrats Christa!!!

I agree...go for it. You do not want to have to worry about anything on the day of. Go with Maye she is great! Quote: Originally Posted by JENESIS OK, Ladies. I've gone back and forth on this forever! I really didn't want to hire a wedding coordinator, b/c my costs were getting out of control to begin with. Now that I have all vendors except for vase rental and transportation booked, I'm DONE. I need someone to coordinate the DJ, Mariachi, Photographer and Guitarist. Oh, and the florist and set up or whatever else I need. I think that is the problem. I don't know what else I need, and I don't want to deal with whatever it is. SHould I do it. It's worth it, right? I feel like I've had this conversation 7 times.

Oh, and Amber, yes we are doing our reception on the lawn instead of in the restaurant. We're going to do one big table and hang chinese lanterns. We are only having 20-25 people, so this will be cool I think - actually more of a private party than we would have in the restaurant. The photos look beautiful! I love the lanterns!

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Cabo Surf is a great location.. I actually fear that Cain would have choose Cabo Surf as our wedding location instead of the Sheraton.. But oh well, he left it up to me. :-) The Sheraton is amazing!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by SASSYGIRL How was the weather in Cabo when you were there? I am leaving on Sat 2/24 for our final site visit and am going to start packing soon. I am counting the minutes - so excited! Beautiful. Not too hot. Not too cold. 75-85 during the day and 50-60 at night. I wore a light knit sweater and pants at night. Have fun on your visit!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL YAY!!! Congrats on making a great decision...I was thinking that you would like Cabo Surf based on what you said you wanted. YAY! Yes...seriously! So close! Are you freaking out yet? I do you have everything ready? I saw your reception set up on you page. Are you using the garden area instead of the palapa for you reception? I’m freaking out for you!!! ~Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by JANET1111 Sounds like your visit was a success! Like Tammy said...have you decided? I'm so glad you liked Cabo Surf. Hopefully you can clear up all the confusion about site fees and other things that we all had about that venue. Yes girls...you have a fellow Cabo Surf Bride!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by raisinblur Amber, thanks for the review! Like everyone else wants to know, have you decided on a place?? Also, I'm glad to hear that you liked the Finisterra, especially since I am considering having my wedding there. Do you know how strict they are about having 75% of your guests stay there? I think a lot of my guests will try to find other, cheaper places to stay. Will the hotel charge you extra or make you pay for rooms for 75% of your guests, even if less than 75% of your guests stay there? Good choice! I really liked this hotel! I’m not sure about how strict the 75% policy is. I think you should try to work something out with them. Especially if you are planning a big wedding. One thing that is good about the hotel is that it is located right near the marina by all of the shopping, eating and night life in Cabo. So, maybe your guests will be more likely to stay there? Since they already charge a location fee in addition to the 75% policy, they may be more flexible. One of the birds on here had a recent wedding (I forget who). You should ask her. ~Amber

Ha! Wouldn't you all like to know… LOL!!! It looks like Cabo Surf. I'm waiting to hear back from Armando to see if the site is available on the day we chose (Oct 28th). And if it is, it is a done deal. We are having a small wedding (between 40 and 50 people) and privacy was a big issue with me. Cabo Surf just had the feeling I was looking for. I really loved some of the big resorts (most of which took my breath away!) but Cabo Surf just felt right. I know it sounds weird…but it was the one and I just felt it! ~Amber

Hello Ladies…. As promised…. My site visit review… 1.Casa U Betcha: This is a private villa located in the Missiones resort about 12 miles between Cabo and San Jose. This place is absolutely adorable with a terrace that has amazing views of the arch. The casa has huge sliding glass doors that open up completely creating a lot of room. The casa has four bedrooms and a lot of bathrooms (I think four?), a gourmet kitchen, a pool, a spa (with an amazing view of the arch), and a huge patio equipped with an outdoor grill. There is a private beach below also. This is an excellent place for a welcome dinner or a small wedding (less than 50 people). The location fee and the per night fees are very reasonable and the owners are very easy to work with. If you need picture or contact info let me know. 2.Marbella Suite En La Playa: Really cute hotel with a BEAUTIFUL, VERY secluded beach. The property is a little older and has a bazillion stairs, however. If you did choose this property you would have to rent everything as they do not have proper tables, chairs or glassware. Also, if you want a dance area that will have to rented as well (the area that they have for dancing is cobblestone). This is a good location if you want a small hotel that all of your friends will be staying at. If not they charge a $1,500 - $1,800 LOCATION FEE (that include nothing but the location) which is absolutely absurd when you compare this property to others in the area! 3.Cabo Surf: I LOVE, LOVE this place….that is all I have to say…LOVE IT!!! 4.Sheraton: Breathtaking architecture. This place exudes class!! There are two areas that you can have you ceremony/reception at. One is at a beautiful palapa and the other is in a private restaurant/terrace area. Both are amazing. The spa is top-notch for the area…love it! The location fee without a room block is like $2,000 for a weekend (no location fee for a weekday). But, I was told that they would bring it down to $1,000 and include chairs. I think it is totally worth it! 5.Hotel Finisterra: Wow….great views of Cabo and the marina. This hotel is on a cliff and has a beach on the pacific side (no swimming). The beach is very beautiful but seemed VERY windy. There are two really neat areas to have the reception. The first is a palapa (with windows) that ahs a 360 degree view (most of which is the ocean. The second is a private terrace at the top of the hotel with breathtaking views. This is a great hotel! The only hang-up is that you have to use the hotel WC ($750), pay a location fee ($1,000), have 75% of you wedding stay at the hotel and use ALL of their vendors (exception the photog). 6.FA Whale Terrace: Really beautiful… but not very private. You actually get two terraces that are right on the beach. It makes for great atmosphere. The location fee (w/o a room block) is very reasonable ($750). BUT food and bev costs are pretty high! I feel like I’m forgetting some places…..I’ll write more when I remember. I have pictures/pricing for most of the places above. Let me know if you have any questions!!! ~Amber

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Maybe check out some cake vendors while you there as well, and meet up with your photographer. The one thing I wish I did during my site visit that I didn't was at the time I wasn't thinking about music for the ceremony, and now it's hard to book somoene without listening to them. So if your planning on hiring for music, dj or whatever you may want to set meetings up with them as well. Have fun, how long will you be gone for? Only unitl Wednesday. I wish I could stay longer. I will look into music if I have time! Good tip!!

Okay.....SO I just saw this post about Hotel Finisterra and I got interested. But first CONGRATS JEN!!!!! I was wondering if anyone knew the following about this hotel. I’m going to try to fit in a visit this weekend. 1. Does it have a not very crowded beach for a ceremony? 2. What is the location fee without a room block? 3. Are food/bev expensive? 4. Where is it located? 5. Has anyone besides Jen gotten married there? I love, love the reception area!!!! Thanks ~Amber

Okay.....SO I just saw this post about Hotel Finisterra and I got interested. But first CONGRATS JEN!!!!! I was wondering if anyone knew the following about this hotel. I’m going to try to fit in a visit this weekend. 1.Does it have a not very crowded beach for a ceremony? 2.What is the location fee without a room block? 3.Are food/bev expensive? 4.Where is it located? 5.Has anyone besides Jen gotten married there? I love, love the reception area!!!! Thanks ~Amber

I have many sites to visit and I will tell you ladies all about it! Any advice? Anywhere special I should visit? This is my itinerary so far: -Meet Maye -Visit: Marbella Sheraton Cabo Surf Fiesta Americana Two Private Villas I’m freaking out that I might be missing a good venue!! I am on a $10K budget for 36 people without a room block (Going to have to pay a location fee). I wanna a PRIVATE beach wedding with an outdoor/palapa-style reception. Anywhere else that I should visit Thanks Ladies!!! ~Amber

Thanks Ladies!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by NABUMBAH um, if you are just doing a site visit i would recommend just doing that. Then come home, process the info and make a decision. That way you can take some time to review everything, and read through all of your contracts without making any rash decisions. I never thought of that...good advice. I tend to think act on a whim at times and it can get me into trouble. But I think I will have to sign a contact with Maye when I see her.... or maybe not? I dunno....

Okay….I apologize for starting like three threads today. I’m freaking out a little…I have my scouting visit in 5 days and I feel like I need to do some serious research so bear with me ladies! I wanted to ask about contracts. I am meeting Maye for the first time and I imagine that she is going to want to sign a contact and get a deposit. I have asked her three times by email how the process works but she always seems to forget to answer me. Anyone that used Maye…how did the deposit work? Is there anything that I should include in the contact? Also, I will hopefully be signing my contract for my site. Anything I should have included in the contract or should b aware of? Also…how does the deposit fort he site fee usually work? Thanks ladies!!!!

Ooops.... Sorry, I had more questions about Cabo Surf.... 1. Do you have the option to bring your own bev? If so what was the coorage/mixer fees like? 2. Do you use them for the cake? 3. How much did you have to spend on transportation to get your guests there? Thanks!!

Hey Ladies... I was wondering if any of you got married at Cabo Surf Hotel with out reserving the block of rooms. I know Christa is goign to get married there but (correct me if I'm wrong) I think she reserved the rooms. I'm asking this because my guests will be staying in DT Cabo and I need to factor in a location fee. Thanks!