BillysBride

Have you spoken to your local David's? I guess there might still be the option of paying extra for a rush job... How soon do you need it? I don't mind helping out with some searches. What about asking your local store if they can do a search for any store in the chain who might have a sample you can buy? The problem you're going to run into is the specifics of size and color. You can always find a style pre-owned normally, but it can take some time and when you're narrowing down that search with an actual color, ofcourse it becomes more difficult. Talk to the shop first then go from there...then, Google, Yahoo Search, etc. I don't really have much else for practical advice---sorry!! Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by D&ESept2009 OMG I'm so happy I found this thread, I have so been under a rock studying for the bar and have had very little time for wedding planning. I decided to take today off and get more ideas. I like the birdcage viel, where can I find this? Google, yahoo search and Ebay are your friends!! You can find anything via those, trust me. As for your other question about where/what kind of hair to get..I think the general consensus is Indian Remy being the best in terms of being able to get it wet and still looking good. You can ask your stylist/whomever is doing your sew in to recommend a place to purchase and most of the time, they can even get it for you if you go to an actual shop. For anyone not real familiar with buying hair, I'd suggest that route since you'll need someone to help you match your hair color and all.

Tons and tons of threads on TTD's, how your gown fares afterward and whether or not you can/should use your actual wedding gown! To my knowledge, I'd say the bulk of the brides on the forum do indeed use their actual wedding dress. Check these to start: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t41334 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t41576

Holy crap. I think I know that hairdresser. lmao!

Ha! I am sooooo not touching this one. lol I'll just let the other gals weigh in first. hahahahaa!

I'm so sorry you have been hit by this....it's wonderful the support you're getting and I can totally see having bawled my ass off too! You'll weather this storm! There are jobs out there. It's not always easy finding them, especially in a specific field. But just trust ...things are gonna be ok! It sounds trite and a little silly, but I honestly do believe that everything in life happens to get us to the next step of where we are supposed to be. FH got laid off two weeks before Christmas. Yea....two weeks before Christmas, with 4 kids. Luckily, we had already done the gift shopping and had a little to fall back on. The glorious, whopping 60% of his income unemployment had to coast us for the following 3 months. This is another reason my mother thinks we're insane for getting married in Mexico; the uncertainty of the economy and just what will be happening in our lives at this point next year. But, like I told her, there are always those factors. You never know what's coming and you can't live your life not planning anything out of fear. We're being as smart as we can about it, paying for everything along the way so that it's absorbed into our monthly expenses instead of left to be handled in one massive lump sum at the end. I've literally forced myself to just forget about using credit cards PERIOD.

I am such a putz! Running around chasing my tail all week.....CONGRATS LADIES!!! Love ya both!!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Girl, they are BEAUTIFUL! He'll flip!

Oooo, Susan! It turned out GORGEOUS! I absolutely love it! Very wedding chic, and still kept your nape free and cool I bet. You got me crackin up about not gettin your haiiir wet..I know that's right. We gotta do what we gotta do! Besides, after the wedding, it's all good, who cares? Anyway, it turned out fantastic! Can't wait to see more pics--you looked gorgeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by karenk77 Truthfully reading this post is both refreshing and disturbing. I find it refreshing because all of the world does doubt everything at some point so for those that are willing to admit it I respect and admire that. For those that reacted like oooo noooo I would never doubt, you have to question whats the big deal in admitting that? I know I doubt..I think as humans we all doubt because we are living in a world where many believe there is always the next best thing. I love my fiance to death, we've been engaged a yr and living together for 9 mths and been together for 3 yrs and while I know I will marry him, that doesnt mean there arent days where i think what the hell am i doing, and take it further to say I talk to myself and remind myself "oh yea this is what ur here for". But I think thats what makes us human..as long as in your sane unangry moments you're sure thats all that matters. We're female, we're hormonal, oversensitive and overanalytical so ofcourse were gonna be confused as hell. ACTUALLY I hear him snoring now and wanna shove the pillow over his face but thats ok because in the morning i'll forget about it and want to hug and kiss the crap out of him. We're all nuts..thats what keeps us going. We need the doubtful moments to question our perspective, and the amazing moments to reassure ourselves. whew...ya got all that? lol Standing "O" for this post!!

I think the fact that you already know where you are having the ceremony, and presumably have the time reserved is key. The reason so many brides seem so busy a year in advance is trying to nail down specifics with the resort normally. Other than that, I'd say maybe start trying to deal with finding and booking a photographer. Their time schedule can fill up fast and depending on what you're looking for in one, they may be in higher demand. My photographer is booked and I'm still 11 months out; it was one of my biggest concerns going into the process because I know what I want in regards to photos and I wanted to make sure I nailed someone down who could deliver it before they were booked on our date. Other than that...are you having a reception? Welcome dinner? Anything that will take reserving space is good to look into early on since the Riviera Maya is such a popular spot for weddings. So really, it just depends on what type of event inclusions you're planning to incorporate.

Quote: Originally Posted by mummergirl i can agree that david's had a lot of dresses to try on in larger sizes. i didn't buy mine from there, but i had found one there i loved. it was more of a flowy beachy dress. in the end i went big and traditional because that's what made mom cry. also, i was really worried about the wedding pics. when it comes to DWs, all i ever saw were thin, model-esque girls in the photos. my DH (funny to say that ... it's only been a week) is 6'4" and 300 lbs, and i'm 5'8" and about 215. we are NOT that ideal-looking, magazine-type couple by any stretch of the imagination, and DH hates having pictures taken and generally isn't all that affectionate of a guy either. sounds like a recipe for AWFUL wedding photos, doesn't it? before the wedding, i had expressed these concerns in a thread about my photogs, and they saw it, and were kind enough to send me a really sweet email in an attempt to put my mind at ease about our pictures. they assured me that beautiful photos come from the way you express your joy, happiness, and love, and have very little to do with how you look. after seeing the photos they took, i have to agree. when the focus of an image is my HUGE, beaming smile as i'm gazing at tom adoringly, even *i* barely notice my back fat or flabby arms (and we are all our own worst critics). really and truly, you have to just let it go. know that your FI loves you just the way you are, and trust that love will shine through in your photos no matter what your size or body type. if you wanna see some pics, go to MEXICO Destination Wedding Photography, Wedding Photojournalism throughout the Mayan Riviera, click on galleries, and we're the first one: dreams cancun, thomas & lisa WOW! Positively stunning...radiant, the whole nine! I can't pick just one, so I'll just say the entire slide show is gorgeous! You were workin' that dress, girl! Seeing people cry at weddings makes ME cry, so I'm just gonna go bawl for a bit now. Be back later. lol CONGRATS on a beautiful wedding and being a beautiful bride!!

One of my BM's is acting "shonky". lol..I can almost guarantee at some point in the next few months, she'll bail. I don't honestly care, but what I DO care about is the fact that she CLEARLY has reservations and instead of being honest, just continues to go on acting like it's all good. This is the same girl who told me that Mexico was sooo dangerous, she knew she wouldn't feel comfortable leaving the hotel grounds. Yea, she's got some other crap going on with her in terms of issues, but still....a simple "maybe, I'll have to let you know" circumvents ALL this crap and leaves people an opening should they realize they just don't want to deal. What are we, twelve? ugh.

Sweetie, you are looking at this ALL the wrong way. First off..what type of people are you dealing with who you honestly believe would RESENT coming to your wedding? Cuz if there are some in attendance, the last thing you need to be doing is worrying about their asses. Let 'em come and go as quickly as they please--or better yet, hopefully they won't come at all if that's truly the way they feel! You've got it flipped around to the point where people having a nice vacay is important when it truly is all about your getting married! If people CHOOSE to get a vacation out of it, so be it! I know a lot of us spin it that way to entice people to come, but at the end of the whole she'bang, it's about the two of you saying your vows to each other, hopefully with the people you love surrounding you. It's your wedding! People who love you want to see you get married! And ..it's entirely up to them how they enjoy that experience; we as brides want to control soo much, and most of it genuinely comes from a GOOD place. But this is something you CANNOT control! You can't tell someone how to have a good time. For some people, 3 days is enough. That doesn't mean they won't enjoy their time with you on your wedding trip! It simply means that their idea of relaxation or a vacation might not be spending 7 days there OR they truly do have responsibilities they feel they need to get back to! It's not a reflection on anything other than that. To them, they most likely think they ARE getting the "most out of it"! Please don't stress over something like how long people stay. It's not worth it. Just ask anyone of the brides here who has had her day already...this is one of those things that you'll look back and regret spending so much time worrying about cuz it won't matter in the end.

I'm sorry for the pain this is causing you. All I can think, is if things truly are the way they seem, you're well rid of her as a friend. Especially a "best" friend. You can do better. Chin up, and focus your energy and thoughts on the good ahead, though I know it's hard when you're hurting.

I think people do it to avoid a real confrontation or having to deal with hurting someone "directly". They know you'll get the message, sooner rather than later (like email) and they can avoid talking to you directly. Even leaving a phone message is too intimate for this kind of crap. They want to avoid having to say it out loud. And yup..it's pretty crappy of them. Sad.

I agree with Starchild. They aren't going for a vacay-they are going to see their daughter get married. You have parents willing to take the time to be there for your wedding. It is important to them to see their daughter get married. THAT, is huge and not to be taken for granted. Believe me. Some people simply aren't beach/tropical folks. To ME that is hard to understand, but it's still very true! My own mom went to my sister's DW and spent the entire time trying not to be bored. That was in NO WAY a reflection on the love she has for her daughter; she just doesn't do the beach and wasn't interested in anything not connected to the celebration. She is older, doesn't want to be tramping all over going sightseeing in high humidity and heat and just not into the whole tourist bit. After a good two days of lounging and being waited on, she was ready to come home. Don't try to convince them that staying longer is the thing to do. Many people aren't comfortable traveling, or being away from work for long periods. MANY. My FFIL hasn't missed a SINGLE DAY OF WORK IN 25 yrs. He's coming to our wedding and taking that Friday off to do so. That is HUGE to us because we realize that nothing else would be capable of making him miss a day. My FMIL will leave with him because she's much the same, though I know she wouldn't mind staying longer. They'll come and go together and that's fine with us. So maybe try to see this as YOUR TIME with YOUR HUSBAND. Personally, we don't want a bunch of people hanging around all week, but that's just us and it's up to the individual couple how they celebrate. We'll have a few people staying for longer, but honestly like the idea of being able to focus on each other instead of feeling like we got all these people down there, so it's up to us to entertain them and keep 'em company.

My thought on why you're so upset isn't that she can't go...it's the manner in which she has handled the entire thing. And you have every right to be upset about that. Sounds like the phone call was a feeler. She called testing the waters to see a.) how angry/upset you were and b.) if you were going to say anything to her about it, or if she would get off without having to be a woman and discuss it with you. This is supposedly your BEST FRIEND, so I disagree with those who are picking apart your analysis of the situation. I know my best friend a hell of a lot better than some guy she may be with for a few months, and I trust my judgement when she's acting in a way that she normally doesn't. It's been ten years...you don't spend that long knowing someone through good and bad and not learning a LOT about them and their reactions to things. Buying a house with a guy, whether she's in love after 6-7 months or not is NOT an excuse to bail on your BEST FRIEND's wedding. Not to me it's not. And especially in this cowardly way, with no discussion or real empathetic apology. it very much SOUNDS like she is treating it like it's no big deal. If this were her fiance/husband/boyfriend of x amount of years, and this had been a PLAN of theirs for a long time that they were suddenly blessed with an opportunity to seize the moment--that would be different. But that's not what you're describing. You said this is someone you've known for many years, considered a close friend, hasn't known this guy for long and has admitted to having doubts about the relationship. To forgo your wedding over that is just wrong. At the very least, they should simply be honest and say it's not enough of a priority to them to put any money toward it. I've seen brides being a bit unreasonable. IE, expecting friends to put off family planning or make it to their DW's when one of the two are laid off, etc. That's too much to me and very selfish. This is not the same thing, not by a long shot. I think it's insanely low of them to do this to you guys. Especially so far out...9 months, they cannot TRUTHFULLY tell you that as long as they are both gainfully employed and NOT in dire straits/circumstances, they can't put money toward the trip. If they couldn't make it happen at the last minute after saving/putting money on it, then that would have been one thing. But this all just sounds like an excuse. And when people make excuses to NOT be there for you...on your wedding day AS YOUR BEST FRIENDS? Then, unfortunately, they simply aren't. They aren't your best friends, and they don't deserve the title or your pain. I definitely think you should let them know what you think of this, and don't hold back. The friendship isn't going to be the same with this between the four of you, and you guys have a right to be hurt and angry.

Thanks, Lisa I'm not worried about it. The new seamstress told me/gave me instructions on taking down another inch of seam just starting where the other chick left off....and the thing slid right on. When she called, she was like "Well, if that didn't work, why did she stop there? I don't understand what is leading her to believe it won't work if all you need is hip room and she only took out 2" of ONE seam." I said I didn't understand either, so then she had me lock myself in the bedroom (FI was here) and carefully take out another inch along the same seam....she told me she would hang on while I tried the dress on again--and whattaya'know...slid right on. I just had about a 3" gap in the back at the base of my ass, which she said would be no problem to compensate for no matter how intricate the design was. The gown has like THREE vertical seams, all with at LEAST 1/2 inch each side of each seam that is there specifically to be let out. The dress is obviously constructed for alteration allowance like any good bridal gown. This chick just had no idea what she was doing/saying. I've only been told not to lose anymore weight once in my life and it was a couple of years ago when I first got diagnosed as hyperthyroid. I dropped like 40lbs (not a good weight loss since there was muscle included) in less than 3 months without trying. I looked horrid. lol Some people are not MEANT to be "thin". I'm one of them. If I don't have some curve/hips/ass to me I look sick and haggard. Not every frame is meant to be a single digit size, and I'm quite happy to be "thick". My goal is to continue to tone and tighten so that I lose the jiggle. I'm not really worried about weight loss, though I do wanna lose this kanga pouch. LOL I think we should start posting some bridal gown pics! As soon as mine comes back from alterations, I'll definitely post. I have some I took that night with my camera phone, but they are really crappy with the camera flash in the mirror.

Y'know, I used to have both the Thighmaster and the ButtMaster! lol.it's funny, cuz I really was lovin 'em at the time, and it's one of those things that as time went on, and other crap came out, you just sort of forget about. You're right though..may have to revisit both. I'd probably have to Ebay one though..I know I don't have either of them around anymore.

Quote: Originally Posted by BBtoB Hi ladies! I am a curvy girl too! I got called "thick" a lot in school. Ha! I have been meaning to post, but up to now, just been stalking. But I have enjoyed reading all your thoughts. It is nice to know that not all brides are stick thin. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I am just far from it. I have had issues finding the right undergarments, etc. It took me about a month to find my boostier. But now I have my dress and everything. My fav stores are NY and CO and Marshalls...they are so great! I am currently a size 12-14. I am top heavy so with dresses and swimsuits I am 14. Pants a 12. My wedding dress is a 20. Why do they make wedding dress sizes so funky? But I love Mori Lee! She is my dress! So I was looking at the Newport News Bandeaux SwimDress and I know a few of you have that. What color did you get? And you find they give good support? I am a DD...so need all the help I can get. Thanks! Great Thread! Thanks for posting! Welcome aboard! It's funny, cuz I'm your flip side....12 up top (cuz I have no boobs..well, I'm between a B and a C cup, so I LOVE those Vassarette bra's that come in "tween" sizes) and a 14/16 on the bottom depending on whose the manufacturer. Hippy. The one designer that I found true to size was Sottero. I tried on..I dunno how many Maggie gowns, and as long as they weren't fitted through the hips, I could wear a 12 or 14 no problem..down to a slim A-line. But once I started going for the mermaid cuts, I couldn't get the damn things to even budge enough to get 'em over my hips. Sad, sad sad. I had a horrific experience last week where I got my dream dress (from a seller in the UK) for less than half of retail, so I was feeling pretty satisfied with myself. Until it came in and I couldn't get the damn thing over my hips. I IMMEDIATELY took off to a local seamstress, who proceeded to take off two of the embellishment appliques and undo 2" of back seam..before telling me she didn't think it could work. I was floored. But then I got pissed. This chick was seriously acting like "tsk tsk tsk..you should have known better." I'm not exaggerating here..that was her attitude. Like "Oh no, fat cow..no way are THOSE thighs going into THAT dress." I know at LEAST two other ladies here online who have had this dress and BOTH of them had it let out at the hips a couple of inches. She had also told me that she didn't think changing the neck line would be possible because it's so heavily beaded/embellished. That was my red flag that she was possibly just in over her head with my "expensive" gown. Well, it was expensive to her. She heard what I paid for it and almost had a cow, so that was another red flag. I'm sure she's fine for prom dresses/BM dresses/suits and the like..but for a bridal gown, I don't think she had enough experience. The entire time she's trying to get the appliques off, she's muttering about how "well, at least it's very well made." Umm..what are you USED to working with? Anyway, I ended up contacting someone one of my BM's referred me to, and she's WONDERFUL. She's not even in my town, but once my friend told her about the sitch she immediately emailed me asking for pics from as many angles as I could manage, along with my full measurements. I sent it all that same night and by the next morning she left me an email saying "Don't worry--I think it's going to fine." I wanted to throw myself at her feet right then and there. Anyway, my only point is that it's wierd how sizing works. This gown is Maggie Sottero, size 12 with a corset back. I could fit that in any other Maggie dress except for this one evidently. NO WAY could I ever do a size 10 which they always size wedding gowns are a size smaller but I didn't find to be true with the Maggie's. She's actually having to cut it down up top to accomodate my booblessness. lol

Ooooye, I'd thought of this as well and definitely worried about how it would come across. I dunno. I hate to seem...bridezilla'ish. BUT, its so common for people to ask/be told how casual they can come, I guess this is just one step further, right? We're all going through so much trouble to have everything look good. I think white shirts for the guys is almost a no brainer-not something that would be a hardship at all. It's more the ladies I worry about, especially with my colors. I dunno. Anything neutral would work. I'd just be thrilled not to have miscellaneous dots of bright reds, blues etc at my ivory/gold/chocolate wedding. That's really, REALLY gonna stand out. I need to think on this one...I think maybe we'll add it to the web site, and throw it in one of the newsletters prior to departure. That way, it's more a casual request and not a command?

That might well be the most bogus shit I have ever heard as far as an in law situation. Damn...just...well, damn. I know that the ripple effect of retaliation or you just speaking your mind would likely cause more harm than good. But after the wedding...I'd be sure to sound off about this one. For real girl. Thats just bull. Amazing.

Quote: Originally Posted by paraisobeachbride2009 Savannah - you are too much hehe! I was wondering if you had an opinion on this: in the Twilight movie, the scene where Edward plays the piano for Bella's Lullaby...and don't get me wrong, I love that music...but supposedly they were going to originally go with a song called River Flows in You by Yiruma (which I felt was much more appropriate to be the "Bella's Lullaby". I think they should have used the Yiruma song for the lullaby and the "Bella's Lullaby" song from the movie as Bella and Edwards love theme music instead. What are your thoughts on this? Here are both songs for your reference: YouTube - Bella's Lullaby - Carter Burwell Official Piano Full Song!!! (Updated) <-- Bella's Lullaby from the movie YouTube - River Flows In You - Yiruma aka Bella's Lullaby? <--- River Flows in You by Yiruma Hmm....I actually hadn't heard the Yiruma song before. The only thing I knew was that Rob had been asked to compose a song for the lullabye, and he did...but once he heard the Carter Burwell song, he thought "it was much more romantic" so he withdrew his. Whatever. The boy can play like a concert pianist. They could have easily used both, since the Burwell song wasn't all that prevalent in the film...so much for having a theme. I'll have to listen to the Yiruma song fully....thanks!

lol..I'm the same way about good side/bad side. I actually moved someone once during a photo. And it wasn't someone I knew well at the time. hahahaha I am so stupid, I swear. For anyone looking at birdcage veils...or just plain veils or whatever. Ebay. There are SOOOOO many ebay stores that sell them. I highly recommend. I'd rather get something new at a discount from someone trying establish their business rep, than pay full price just because the item is something they are known to carry. I'm cheap, did I mention that?