MikkiStreak

I know---- Our families are huge 'foodies', and snacks were the only thing I could think of that I wouldn't feel was a waste of money. I just didn't want to do some trinket that was either cheap or something that was cool looking, but not functional/practical... I love to cook/bake, so this made sense for me...

I don't have pictures yet, and haven't absolutely decided on what we'll do- but one thought is that I'm going to bake a gourmet cookie package. I make these monster chocolate chunk cookies and dip them in white / milk chocolate. I also make almond sugar cookies (would be wedding cake shaped) and decorate them. For Christmas this year, I made cookie packages and sold them to raise money for the wedding. It was a lot of fun because I used a basic sugar cookie glaze and then hand painted angels, christmas trees, christmas landscapes, etc... on them. Between that and tamale sales, we made about $700 in 3 weeks. I also want to make handmade candies and chocolates (like cheesecake truffles) and see about taking them with us for the favors---- but I'm not sure how well they would hold up with heat during travel...

I think it looks perfect. It has great visual elements because you have items of varying heights to keep the eyes moving back and forth. The shells are great because it keeps the table from looking too monotonous with pink color. Last, I think the candles will really bring a softness to blend all the elements together when they are all lit. GREAT JOB!!!!!

We used Wedshare.com for our website. We're still putting in some of the groom contributions, but I've really liked it so far--- I liked the fact that I can upload files to specific pages easily and even allow guests to upload files to the site if they wanted to. (Altho, I haven't let FI's family know or else they'll upload their whole family album to our site!) I also liked the unlimited amount of photos we can store there. And I've uploaded one document that is 1.0M, so there don't seem to be much of a file size restriction. We used some of their page templates, but also added a handful of custom pages; one for a wedding journal and I'm working on adding more stuff to the DIY Bride section too, but I put a password on that so our guests can't find out what I'm doing and what I have in store for them! I've had a lot of fun getting this going---- Here's ours: Frank and Maria - Our Wedding Journey

You look so beautiful in the photos! And I *love* your dress!!! Congratulations - looks like everything was a lot of fun!!

Quote: Originally Posted by tinabop When I saw this thread I knew I had to read it, because it has been the story of my life. Dee, my FMIL sounds pretty much exactly like yours. Honestly I can't even remember all the hateful things she has said, but they have been along the lines of what your FMIL said to you. She has been nothing but disrespectful and petty, which hurts my fiance a lot because he wants her to be happy. Without going into a long saga, she wants us to get married by the Catholic Church, and of course the church won't do weddings outside. So there's that and it's also too expensive, no one will come, etc...seems to be what everyone is hearing from their family/friends. We did the same thing and gave everyone 16 months to save. So in my mind, the important people will come, because they are the ones that value us enough to save up. Of course this is not always the case due to certain financial situations, but we completely understand if someone can't come. I'll be happy if 10 people come (we invited 75). Despite FMIL, we are pretty lucky because everyone else has been wonderful and excited...and if they can't come, they graciously decline, no drama. However, my fiance and I have learned a lot about ourselves and each other because of all this. We are learning to be stronger together, do what's right for us and our lives, and to ignore negative people...even if they are your family. Of course it is a long process, but everyday is making us stronger and preparing us, so I guess in the long run we can thank our crazy family! PS Thanks for posting this, because it has helped me and my fiance to know other people go through it too! That's the boat we're in with FI's mom and sister. His sister asks us every week if we've considered her offer to get reduced rates for the cathedral she works at. His mom called last week to tell us that since we aren't getting married in the church, that we can't take communion after we get married. I don't think she appreciated my return comment of, "That's ok, we won't miss that stale flat bread anyway." Altho, I hope I got something of my point across this weekend. His sis was talking about a family member who is having a quince simply because the other grandmother wants it and the girl and grandmother are getting quite "diva" about it. So I pointed out that hey, if grandma isn't paying for the quince, she needs to keep her mouth shut. His sis wholeheartedly agreed. Then I brought it around and said, "kind of like our wedding.... we have a lot of people trying to talk us into doing what they want because they think it's what's best for us. Well, until they open their pocketbooks and start coughing up the dough, they can keep their mouths shut- they don't get a say in it." She was silent. Point taken.

We're getting married in the states legally. Since I'm adopted, I didn't want to deal with the paperwork issues. Plus, even tho I know it wouldn't be an issue, I hated the idea of having to wait until we got there to do things like view the wedding video and blood tests.... I'd be a ball of nerves waiting until the last minute like that to get the final approval on whether we could get married! We're planning on doing the legal ceremony by ourselves on the anniversary of our first date. It's a day we celebrate anyways, so it sounded perfect for us. I'm probably the only bride I know who plans on celebrating our anniversary on our legal day. To me, that's the day we're becoming husband and wife--- and it's the only day that is truly about us. The celebration in Mexico with the cocktails, reception, dancing.... to me, that's more about our guests and taking care of them, not so much about us....

Thanks you guys for doing this. A couple people have tried and said it was pretty easy to create their own monograms with the instructions, so if anyone wants access to the page, PM me and I'll send you the info. I kind of plan on adding different projects / instructions as I do stuff and I figured I'd use a page on our website instead of building something compeltely different at The Knot. Plus, it gives me something to do in between projects! So maybe it will help other brides.

I would think they'd spend the time moving around taking pictures and not really sitting during the ceremony. At least, that's what I did when I shot weddings...

Quote: Originally Posted by Debs All my STD's are out now, and I'm starting to deal with family/friends saying... oh I could have gotten you a better deal with so and so... ugh I just told them to call my TA with their ACTUAL quotes that they got from their people, and if they are legit, she will try to match, otherwise, do your own thing by all means Our bestman is the same way. He suffers from "one-ups-manship" as I call it---- he has to get the better of every convesation. If we tell a story, he'll have a better one to tell, etc... So FI looked at me yesterday and told me how BM has gone online to look for better deals on our wedding. He actually had some friend of his call my FI to tell him about this great deal we could get through some other travel agent for some other resort, etc... and we had already built our website, sent out STD, etc... I don't know what deals he thinks he's gotten since the resort rates aren't out yet.... I told FI he's going to be our problem child through all this---- he'll be the one talking to FI's family about how he can get them better deals, blah, blah, blah. I told FI to sit him down and get him to keep his f-ing mouth shut. He wants to plan a wedding, he needs to find a girl and do his own.... And sometimes it's not about getting the cheapest rate. I'd rather have a TA who deals with DW's on a constant basis and has a relationship with the resort and venders instead of some TA who does't know the in's and out's of DW issues to address up front...

Quote: Originally Posted by akh I ended up not doing it - but this is along the lines of what I was thinking ... shoulder back pack I love this too! I saw some cheap backpacks at the dollar store and thought that could be an option too. It would definitely work for most of the single guys. We have one who will be our "Oddball"... one of Frank's best friends, whom we affectionately call "the Man-Whore".... his welcome bag will be filled with "Man-whore" gifts. *grin* (this is the guy who picked up a stripper and brought her to our engagement party dressed in her 'catholic girl' uniform when our entire family is ultra-conservative Catholics) hehehehe....

Quote: Originally Posted by SASSYGIRL someone said they are going to use a soft sided cooler and I thought that was a great idea - it would totally work for the boys! I like that idea! I'll have to look around and see what I can find (not too big, not too small, not too expensive)...

Quote: Originally Posted by cessyboston hi girls ...another cute idea has anyone made coasters or napkins of the ingredients of there singature drink if so any idea how much or a great web site thank you erica I just got a "Now & Forever" catalog that had this in them. They priced it at $18.00 per 100 colored napkins, plus $10.00 for the additional drink scripting. I'd bet they could be found even cheaper tho.... these invitation/wedding supply catalogs can be pricier on stuff...

Ok, I've got our wedding website up and running now, but I need someone to test a feature for me. Basically, I password protected one page called "The DIY Bride." I'm using this page to document steps on DIY projects I'm doing for the wedding. So for my first test, I created a detailed Powerpoint document with monogram templates that can be modified, and also detailed instructions on how to create your own monograms (from downloading the clipart images, to changing colors, adding shapes/text, etc...). So, I need someone to PM me and I'll give you the address/password and I want you to tell me how easy/friendly the whole thing is.... Your help is appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so today I was at a dollar store and saw some cut beach-style bags. I was going to clean out their supply of them and then I realized, we have some single male guests who will be rooming all by themselves. I can't really see them toting around a cute little beach bag. Did you guys use the same type of bags for male/female? Or did you have a separate "man-bag" or something for the single guys? All the bags I've seen so far and more "girly" bags.

Quote: Originally Posted by NATASHA I posted our passport invitations as JPGs that can be foundin my hosted images. I figured I would post this for everyone in case they wanted it. I didn't put the inside cover (too much personal information), but basically we replicated the way a normal passport looks - the picture was of both of us, and we put the wedding details (date, time, location, etc.) into the copy on that page. I will see if we can modify it and then send it over. There are six photos. Anny - if you still need need me to send you the files, let me know. I have 80 covers left over if anyone wants them. They are printed on VERY cool paper stock with gold foil stamp (really professional). I would just need you to cover shipping. Natasha, I would *love* to take those off your hands! I came across this idea just within the last couple days and *love* the idea! PM me and let me know what you want for them (shipping too)--- Maria

We're doing to do a "Family Fued" game---- my guests-vs-his guests and the subject will start with us, Mexico, weddings, relationships, etc.... but keeping the game material pretty generalized so both sides can play pretty evenly.

That is wonderful! Congratulations to you both!!! We've been planning on doing the legal ceremony here in December (Mexico in Jan), but after the week I've had, it's really struck me just today that I don't want to wait that long---- I'd be at the courthouse Monday morning if I could! I think it's so exciting just because it's such a special memory that only the 2 of you will share!

Quote: Originally Posted by host "Attn: All you Computer Techies" really means "attention GEEKS" hehehehe.... Now I know I'm getting old because I wear the geek hat proudly!

Quote: Originally Posted by host of course it all depends on how the contract is structured but usually the rate is fixed whether booked at the beginning of the group block period or the end...the only time it may go up is if you run out of rooms or the booking was done pass the deadline....but even then, if the hotel still has a bunch of rooms left, they will let it slide at your same rate. Cool, that helps. If this is the pricing and I misunderstood, maybe I can just block a small number and then add on as needed before the block fills / expires. Thanks Tammy!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tait Weddings I wonder if an inkjet will give you more accurate colors? I have an Epson R220 and think it is a great printer for under $100. I *think* lasers are better for character/text quality and inkjets are better for color. I did all my invitations, programs, save the dates, you name it with my little Epson printer. I also like this printer because you can print directly on CDs (for labels) which is pretty cool. You're thinking along the right lines.... The install software that interprets color ranges will vary from printer to printer. Just like some software applications will have more / less color options to select from also.

Quote: Originally Posted by host i would check...i would actually ask to see the contract...when you do a group block, you usually sign a contract...just to cover your bases. Definitely! We haven't done the contract yet because we're waiting for our TA to notify us when she gets the rates. I probably mis-understood her about the $200 deposit for a block of 10 and if so, we'll have to re-think reserving many rooms. Fortunately, the immediate family and wedding party are already calling her to book their trips, so it's not like they are depending on our room block to get/keep the low rate. So let me ask you this--- For example, when a block of 10 rooms is established at say 160 pp/night and it takes 4 months to book all of those rooms, will that same couple get the same 160 pp/night rate apply to the new block they reserve, or is it subject to negotiation/increase?

Quote: Originally Posted by host actually mikki, $200 per room to block it is pretty standard...so if someone wanted to block 10 rooms they would put a deposit of $2000...of course this is not a definite number but i use it as a rough estimate...it sounds like alot but if you are staying a few nights (7) it is sort of like paying now but being able to hold the room. most individual bookings have you put $100 or more as a deposit so it would be pretty surprising to have a resort block a bunch of rooms, for so little $$. i guess every contract is different...but i have done dozens of room blocks and most range in the $100-200 per room deposit. i have done a few w/o any deposit but they were done as a favor to me. Wow! I never heard that. Guess I mis-understood some posts along the way. And I now think I should check with my TA to make sure I'm understanding correctly....

Welcome! Definitely dish the details on your St. Thomas wedding! That's my "elope" location (ie- when I finally get fed up with wedding planning, I'll run away with my groom and elope by ourselves there!)---- so I have a very vested interest in what you have to say!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by rob4ever I am getting married at the Riu in PDC next February and it will cost @ $200 to block each room in advance! I'm trying to figure out if it is worth it or not since my guests may be able to book package deals for less. However, if they wait to long to book, like next winter, the hotel may be sold out since February is high season. It's definitely a tricky decision! Just to be clear--- are they telling you $200 per room? Or $200 per block (of say, 10 rooms). If it's per room, they're high. There's no way anyone would pay that up front. If it's per block of 10 rooms, that isn't bad. Our block of rooms will be $200, but if we fill 90%, they take our $200 and put it toward our stay. If we don't make 90%, we lose $100 and get $100 back. For me, I thought it was much better to lose $100 to get everyone to stay at the resort with us, than to deal with griping about people having to pay day pass rates to attend the wedding. Plus, any gripes for travel mis-haps when they book on their own.