jajajaja

So pretty. I love the lace. It's so elegant.

Quote: Originally Posted by melglnh2o However, my florist showed up late and didn't bring half the flowers that he was supposed to including my hair flower (which were going to be orchids). That stinks! Stupid jerk. I'd suggest some flower clips for other brides. We used them and I loved my BMs so much I stole one and wore it throughout the week. LOL Plus I like to wear all my wedding day accessories occassionally now. It has some nostalgia and I remember the wedding day bliss.

I didn't take my veil with me. I already knew it looked good with the dress. I think that's the only reason to bring it- so you can see the total package. I didn't have shoes or undergarments so I just wore some undies and called it good. LOL

Gosh, I've seen this thread pop up a thousand times since I've been married and I've had a hard time deciding what I would do and what I wouldn't do again. I was happy with how it went, but I suppose I need to figure it out to help some of the future brides. Here's my attempt: What I would do again: 1. Stay two weeks! This was the BEST time the hubby and I have ever had together. We have done lots of vacations but not to this caliber. It was a wonderful time together and really enjoyed that extra week after everyone went home. We really got to enjoy each other and not feel as if we always had to be concerned with what our guests were doing. 2. Blow the budget on my dress and photography. We went into the DW process thinking we were going to have a really inexpensive wedding. Somewhere in the process, we (mostly I if I'm honest) got wrapped up in the details and realized I wanted the wedding every girl wants. I spent double on my dress than what I had originally intended- mind you, I only budgeted $400 for a dress! We skipped the resort photog quality pics and extended our budget to include a photog we really liked. She wasn't as high end as some of the photogs on here, but we were really happy with what we chose since it suited us. 3. Not hire a DJ. We debated on this, but when it came down to it, we only had 20 guests. It seemed stupid to use a DJ instead of just an IPod. I controlled the playlist (although I had set up a mix to just play, but occassionally I got a wild hair and skipped songs.) 4. Stayed at an AI. Our guests had a great time and it was so nice to not have to worry about how much we have spent, how much money we had left, etc. It was all paid for except the little extras we wanted to do. Money was less on the brain than it is when we go on other vacations. 5. Get a small cake. We only spent like $60-75 on our cake. We didn't not have a cake as part of the package, so we opted to add one. So glad we did- not because it got ate or that it even tasted good, but rather it was some of my fav pics. We had so much fun feeding eachother and I really liked how cute the pics looked. It was a really sweet moment captured. 6. Get fire dancers. I loved them even though it was really short and sweet. DH and I argued over this for a LONG time, but I did it anyways. In the end, I was right. He loved them too and our guests got a really big treat! What I would not do again: 1. Not hire a videographer. We debated this but decided we didn't want to pay $500 for a stinking video. LOL we were stupid. I wish I would have- at least I think I wish I would have. Our friend videotaped the ceremony for us, but we have yet to recieve the copy of it. I'm assuming it probably isn't the greatest because he was so far away during the ceremony. We shall see though. 2. Have our WD at our AI resort. We paid extra to have our WD at the resort, which ended up being the same cost had we chosen to take our WD off property. We really debated this one for a long time, but we chose to have it on resort property since our resort was 15 mins from town. We thought it would be a pain coordinating getting everyone to a restaurant in town. Hindsight- stupid. Everyone kept trying to convince me to cancel the dinner and just meet up in the buffet. At that point, I had already paid. No one even liked the food. It was too "fancy" for our party. 3. OOT Bags. I didn't do them and my guests were none the wiser since they most likely don't know they exist. I know some girls really like to do them, but for me, it seemed like a HUGE pain. I didn't want to spend that kind of money either- we opted for a WD instead, which ended up being a flop. LOL For now, that's all I can think of. I may have to come back and edit. I hope that helps some future brides out.

I went with a veil and flower combo. Here's some pics for the ladies that need visuals. I totally loved the combo. I'm so glad I decided on a veil in the end. At first, I planned on just a flower.

Very elegant. I don't know how you have the tenacity to do 70 of them though! That takes some sheer will power. Congrats girl!

You guys might find that by the time Oct rolls around you will be so sick of all the planning. At least that's what happened with us. We went from a whole shi-bang to a BBQ for family in the backyard. We are just waiting for our new backyard to go in. LOL

I didn't know you had your surgery already! Congrats- I hope it turns out exactly as you hoped. I kinda chuckle at all the girls wanting boobie pics, but I want them too! LOL Rest up and take your time healing up safely!

Ann, I finally got caught up on all the updates. I can't believe how much she has grown in just a few days. She looks so much older already. What an adorable little girl. I swear I want to have one of my own now. I think that's what's in the BDW "water." It's all these cute baby pics that makes us want to have our own babies!

Wow. So close to the big day. Good luck and be sure to return with lots of pics and details.

No worries- they are professionals. They really know how to work their magic. I thought I was getting mine done too late, but honestly, they know how long it takes them to complete a project. We probably assume it takes more time, but they just zip through it since they do it all day! Man- i thought i was going to see pics in this thread. haha

Our staple wifies. Good luck ladies. You ALL deserve the title year round.

Ugh so tough! I wish you all luck. I don't want my banner stolen. LOL

I think it's a more flattering cut too. Def do a sweetheart- it's more flattering to a woman's figure than the straight across cut in my opinion.

What are you doing online missy! You are suppose to be forgetting the real world exists. Trust me- you need the break. As for the penthouse- that is INCREDIBLE. We has NO special treatment during our trip- not on the flight and def. not at the hotel. Man, I'm totally jealous. It sounds incredible. I want to fly down there and come bunk up with you and Kevin.

Quote: Originally Posted by becks And believe me, she'd wear two if she could. But apparently boyfriend didn't get her a ring, some sort of silver bracelet. Um... buhahahaha. I'm sorry but that just made my day. How did that go- he bent down on bended knee, gave some little life long partner after you get divorced speech, and said will you wear this bracelet as a sign of my love and infedility? haha oh the irony of that last line. I'm seriously going to write a book about these love birds. It really is too funny not to share.

Geez Morgan. You are way better off than I was. I was finishing projects the last hour- literally. You will be in such a peaceful place by the time it's board the plane time.

Cuteness Amy. How many guests are going? I can't believe it's almost here. I read "the last mailed project" and I thought wait a second- are we close?! Sure enough- just around the corner. How exciting!

Amy your make up looks fabulous. I especially love your eye shadow. Who's that from?

Oh your photos are AMAZING. And there is a million of them! You must be over the moon happy. They are truly outstanding. I just love your TTD. It's so interesting and sexy!

Thanks. I'm Calia's league now. Woohoo....this looks like fun.

Cute pics Alyssa! I love the staring out the window ones. My dog does that too- obsessively! I get pissed because it squashes my couch cushions but he is probably 100lbs lighter than yours!

Oh these are hard choices. I'm going to have to make up my mind soon and relinquish my banner.

haha I know Abbie. I'm the queen of hijacking too so I'm happy to have one of my threads to be totally random. Plus I like just chit chatting with the girls.

Oh I'm sorry it worked out that way for your sister. Oh well- you did your part and talked to her. That's all you can do. Very sorry to hear about the best man. It's sad when people we love can't make it, but I promise it will still be beautiful and worth it!