lyrebard

LOL. Thanks for the tips so far, everyone! And those are great suggestions, Morgan. I think we think alike: Pods were my first idea, but see below. Re: my bird. I'd actually love to fly with her--I've moved a gajillion times, and whenever I do it by plane she flies in a little carrier underneath the seat in front of me. It's great, especially as the silly thing gets carsick. But she's moved cross-country in a car, and does get used to it. Re: Pods. I really, really thought this was the way to go! But when I called to get an estimate, they told me that neither NYC or San Diego have parking allowances for them, and there's certainly no room on our "property" to park it. (love apartment life in New York, LOL!) Wonder if we could pack it up fast, and unpack it fast, so that parking wasn't an issue. Since Mark is going to have to work from the day after we leave Mexico, coming back to NYC post-wedding isn't really an option. Although I LOVE the idea of our stuff moving across country while we're sunning ourselves on the Caribbean shore. =) Just have to figure out a way to handle it all... If we drive, I'd have to put all we need to live for the next week, as well as wedding stuff, and my bird, in my little Mini Cooper. Having problems visualizing that one, hee. Christine: I would love any and all suggestions for housing you have! (So far I'm looking at the Hillcrest neighborhood, as it seems quaint enough to keep me satisfied and close enough for Mark to walk or bike to work.) Alyssa: Thanks for the concern, but don't worry, we haven't bought our plane tickets yet. We were being held hostage by the Match, and decided it would make more sense to know where we were moving to and when the residency would start before we bought tickets. And man, I'm so glad we waited! Guess I'd better get my butt in gear and start organizing our wedding, since now it doesn't look like I'll have much leisure time as it gets close.

Ok, so as I've mentioned before, Mark is an MD/PhD student who's finishing up his degrees (finally!), graduating June 5th, and starting his residency. We scheduled the wedding for June 21, believing that his residency would start July 1 (even if we didn't know where that was at the time). Boy, were we wrong! We currently live in NYC, and we just found out that he matched for his first year of medical residency at UCSD, in San Diego, CA -- nearly as far away as possible while remaining in the continental US! While we're excited as can be about it, turns out that his orientation actually starts on June 16, the day we're supposed to leave for Mexico. Um... Hopefully he'll be able to push off the start date until the 24th (we get married on the 21st). But it still means that we have to pack up everything and move from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific sometime between June 6th and June 13th. eep!! Still not sure how we're going to do it (hire movers? Rent a truck and do it ourselves?), but we have to get us, our furniture, my parrot, and all wedding-related items to San Diego before we can leave for MX. My goodness, I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it. Normally, I'm an organizing fiend. But the thought of even beginning to figure this one out has me totally paralyzed. Any organizational clues, tips, suggestions, you-name-it would be VERY welcome!!!

Another J.Crew, this one for 20% off $125 or more (was actually just about to buy something that was exactly $125 when the code came through): SECRET Also three days only, until 3/28

Thanks, Morgan. You beat me to it!

We're trying not to do anything that people will bring on their own, either. But aloe, a travel candle (since humidity can cause musty rooms, even in really swanky places), a beach bag, first aid kit. Something else that might be nice would be snacks that are local to your location. There's an incredible local chocolate shop in Playa del Carmen, for instance, that we'll be working with to supply our chocolate and possibly coffee beans. In Hawai'i, you could put in Kona coffee and/or chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Something not too extravagant, but something that brings local flavor, supports the local economy, and something your guests will appreciate. Food for thought...?

Those look wonderful! And as everyone else has said, I love the idea of self-laminating tags. What did you print the card inserts on to make them look photo-quality??

I agree...don't think it's rude at all. We have a similar problem, but are doing the opposite: having parties both in CA and PA, where our families are centered. But we're not even considering them AHRs, just "come celebrate the fact that we got hitched!" parties. =)

Adorable! I say you should wear them at least around the house for a while anyway...wear them in, make sure they don't pinch your feet, get them stretched to the "comfortable" stage before you wear them for your wedding! And that way you also have a perfectly logical reason not to fight the urge.

Future reference for anyone who's interested in these: Yes, they're fairly small. ~3.5" in diameter. This batch is sold!

Wow...those are really incredible. I worked hard to find recycled paper for our invites, but this would have been an amazing alternative.

Aw, thanks! If you ever decide you'd like a working version (it's currently in Microsoft Publisher) with all the different layers, etc., just PM me!

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride08 I think the brochure looks great. Did you mean hike to the post office in the passport paragraph? LOL. Good question, but we were actually going Shakespearean. (That'll teach us!) From dictionary.com: verb (used without object) 1.to hasten; speed; go in haste. –verb (used with object) 2.to hasten (oneself): Hie yourself down to this once-in-a-lifetime sale!

Thanks for the feedback! I wanted to get eco-friendly sunscreen for everyone too, but was having the same affordability issues. I was considering buying a box of individual packets through smartshield.com and just placing a couple in each OOT bag in order to make sure they have at least one or two applications. As for cenotes versus ocean snorkeling, that's a good question. Cenotes are part of a vast underground network of rivers, and all that freshwater does run straight to the ocean so all the chemicals travel. But the nice thing about cenotes is that they're often quite shady, so sunscreen might not be as necessary. In fact, I've often used (and recommended) just an extra-large t-shirt to cover backs and shoulders--the areas most exposed when snorkeling. Funny that your guests might not do any ocean swimming. That's always the first thing I do when I get to a seaside hotel: drop all luggage, throw on swimsuit, and walk-almost-run to the water. =)

Hi all, Just hoping you could look this over and let me know whether the info looks right and/or whether we've forgotten anything! I think we've been staring at it for so long that we've lost all perspective. =) Any input much appreciated!! -L bdwbrochure.pdf

Leia - if you're bringing them all there yourself, to make packing easier have you looked into blumeboxes? They make miniature ones, called "blumebuds" that would work perfectly for your purposes: Love the idea, and they'd be super-easy to pack. =) Blumebud 6-pack, "Brooke" - Pink Damask: Blumebox

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan This was the paragraph after the one you posted: Risk is very limited; therefore, prophylaxis is not recommended for most travelers to Mexico. Travelers should use personal protection measures such as insect repellents for malaria prevention. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for the rare traveler going to the risk areas. Sorry, should have posted that, too. oops! I'm just still haunted by the other CDC site that actually listed substantial-enough risk for Akumal and Tulum. So strange... But I'll trust the limited risk, the night-versus-day info, etc. and just place my faith in strong mosquito repellents. =) And yeah, they're doing some really cool stuff in malaria research!

Hi everyone. I've been to Yucatan peninsula a couple of times, both times venturing outside of Cancun down toward Akumal, Tulum, and further south. At no time did I even think about malaria. My grandparents (aged 88 and 89) will be coming down to the area for our wedding, and recently went to their doctor to make sure they were all medically prepped for the trip--tetanus shots, etc. Their doc mentioned something about malaria pills, prompting me to first tell them, "No, of course you don't need them!" and then to say, "Hmm, on second thought, lemme check." I went to the CDC website, and discovered that malaria prevention with Malarone or something similar was recommended in many areas south of Cancun. Now, we'll be staying in Akumal, getting married in Tulum, and traveling to Coba and Sian Ka'an with day trips. Many of our guests will be accompanying us to all these places, and many of them will have small children or compromised immune systems. Every single one of these sites is listed on the CDC website as areas of potential malaria exposure. But a different page on the CDC's site they contradict this information and instead write this: Malaria risk area in Mexico: Risk is limited to areas infrequently visited by travelers including small foci along the Guatemala and Belize borders in the states of Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco; rural areas in the states of Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa; and in an area between 24°N and 28°N latitude, and 106°W and 110°W longitude, which lies in parts of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango. No malaria risk exists along the United States-Mexico border. No malaria risk exists in the major resorts along the Pacific and Gulf coasts. (Health Information for Mexico | CDC Travelers' Health) So, all this said, what do we tell our guests? Get a prescription for Malarone? Take your chances with mosquito repellent? As one or two DR brides have mentioned, the thought of adding malaria prevention to our "Get ready for Mexico!" letter seems like quite the reality check. But I also don't want to worry our friends and family unnecessarily. Have any of you given this more than a passing thought? Am I giving this too many passing thoughts?

I'm still waiting on a Luna Bazaar coupon code...has anyone received one lately?

I bought these from Oriental Trading (love the bright colors and Mexican vibe) but they didn't quite work for my purposes. Paid $20 for two dozen, but would sell for $5 plus a couple dollars to ship: PM me if you're interested!

Lauren! How did you make the little circles you used when you wrapped everything (warm, munch, etc.) and was just wondering how you put those together? Were they printed stickers stuck on cardstock with grommets? Were they something else? I'm trying to figure out if I'd have time to put them together, and would LOVE to know how you did them! Thanks thanks thanks!!

Check here: Paper Mart Packaging Store - Vari-Depth Literature Folder Mailing Boxes You might also peruse some other pages on the site...papermart has a large selection. The ones above are interesting, since they actually let you determine the depth yourself, then tape closed. Not the prettiest boxes, but maybe worth a try if you're set on mailing rather than hand-delivery. =)

In addition to Nordstrom's and bridal boutiques, you might also try J.Crew, Ann Taylor (someone else mentioned them, I think, and they're having a 25%-off sale right now), and Target. Order any that look like your style, in different sizes, and you can return any/all.

Quote: Originally Posted by BarefootBride Why dont you take some time away from wedding "stuff"? At least a week. There is no need to stress yourself or be stressed around your test taking probably stressed out too FI. Relax. I can assure you that an at home wedding is MUCH more work and stress than a DW. Okay, maybe I'll even take a week! Quote: Originally Posted by BarefootBride It does appear that you really want alot of people to go since your are funding so much! If logistics are a problem, I would suggest having a AHR so that the grandparents and family and friends who dont make it, can. That's a good idea, and something we're doing. In fact, we're planning to have a party on both coasts so that all family can come (big families on both sides!). Those don't seem as stressful at all. But since both my parents have passed away, my grandparents feel very strongly that there is no way they'll miss this. And I love them all the more for it. Quote: Originally Posted by BarefootBride I know you really want to please everyone but its time to step away from the ceremony wedding stuff and focus on what this is really about - You and Your husband. Make sure you two are taken care of first. I hate to see someone stressed out about 1 day of their life. Sometimes I get in this mode and I just have to walk away from it all. Nah, I'm not trying to please everyone. Instead I think I'm doing the opposite: trying to come to terms with the fact that the way I pictured it (group vacation!!) may not be the way it turns out. I'm not so stressed over a single day...more just about making sure all our friends have a wonderful time, and we have a great time with them. For us the hang-time with the people we love is just as important as the wedding itself. And that's why I think I've been feeling disappointed. But I know that it really will be a blast, no matter who ends up coming. And after a week away from all this overthinking, I'll be even more excited about it all. Yay.

Thanks, guys. I think today was just especially hard and lonely, for some reason, made even harder and lonelier by sad news of illnesses and our favorite people hurting. To answer the question that many have asked (why would his parents stay somewhere else if we're the ones paying): They don't really have the money to pay for plane tickets and pricey hotels, as they just went into debt for one of their daughters' weddings. Because we decided to go to Mexico, we decided that those who were most important to us should be there no matter what, which is why we're paying for both his parents and my grandparents. His parents keep trying to insist on paying for the hotel even though we know they can't afford it. So we told them that if they stay at our hotel (non-AI, really sweet, pretty inexpensive) we can pay for them to stay the whole week. If they decide to stay somewhere else, we can only pay for a few days of it and the rest is up to them. But either way, we want them to have a much-deserved vacation. (The last time they had a real vacation was probably 10 years ago.) Wow, long explanation, but there you go. I've been pretty calm and blasé about it all up to this point, not in the least because we have much bigger life changes that we're dealing with (like not knowing what city we'll be moving to the week before or after the wedding!). But I guess I've gotten sucked into the planning minutiae without realizing it! lol. I really like the idea of putting together bags of goodies to thank our guests for coming so far. I like the idea of doing this, ultimately. I do. But I think I'll like it more again once I've had a break from it. Taking a few days away from planning is a really, really good idea. I hereby swear off planning blogs, to-do lists, internet browsing, maybe even BDW (no offense!) for at least two to three days. =)

Thanks for the long reply, Morgan. Thing is, it's not as if I haven't been doing things...it's not as if I'm really behind where I need to be...I'm just sick of thinking about it. I started out as a rather reluctant "bride" (I'd have been totally happy with city hall, but he nixed that), so I guess I'm just wishing that I were more excited about it all. I love the idea of a group vacation...that's the part I love most. But that seems to be what's falling apart. Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan i've gone from 60 guests to 20. there are like 20 people still planning to book this close to the wedding. I really don't know that they will. Yeah, we've gone from about 70 guests to anywhere between 40 and 60. Still can't plan anything as a result! Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I also worry about my 80 year old grandma & my dad who isn't in good health. but this trip has been motivation for them to get in better health. my dad has lost 100 lbs! Morgan, that's really fantastic. I remember reading about how your dad was just starting to live more healthfully in preparation for this trip. The fact that he's doing so well is really incredible. And inspiring. Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan your in Rm right? Matt adcock gave me a great tip for a trip to coba that even his 90year old gma did. my gma is so excited. If you want, i can give you more info. We're planning a trip to Coba (we were even thinking Chichen Itza, as they like long drives...but just realized that the buildings there are too spread out and they DON'T have pedicabs like at Coba). And they're all looking forward to it. I think it's just in my head that I'm worried about health, and difficulties of traveling. And making sure that my wedding doesn't kill them. Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan It's worth it & you are not alone. You have the whole BDW forum to support you. When I was dealing with annoying problems I always felt like it was worth it to have a DW because I found the forum & met all these cool people. Thanks. It's just always really nice to have that confirmed. I know I'll get through it, but sometimes the getting there just feels so lonely and sad. So thanks for listening. Really much so. =)