ErinB

There are lots of thread on this. Try doing a search or browse the invite forum. We sent STDs out about 10 months before the wedding. I would have liked to do it sooner, but that was when we had travel dates, flight info, etc. Ettiquette-ly (that's my new word of the day) everyone who is told to hold the date should receive an invite. Since we are having an AHR, we combined the wedding announcement with the AHR invite. I didn't want to do 3 sets of invites (STD, wedding, AHR).

Welcome to the forum! You can always have a Catholic ceremony before you leave or after you return and do a symbolic ceremony in CR. That might be the way to go as far as making things easier.

It was freezing cold when we took ours so I was bundled up with heels and jeans. I personally like the casual look, but then again he and I are both pretty casual people. I like the contrast in the urban setting and think it will look very natural with the beach setting. You could always do both. My only tip would be to wear a little more make up than usual so you can see it in the photos.

Great job Melissa! If you aren't busy next week, I may be hitting you up for another project! LOL! Carly - again, you look so beautiful! Your starfish will be on the way today. I'm taking it to the post office on my way home from work!

It looks like you guys had a great time - just what you needed! Are you feeling better after the trip?

I didn't see the dresses listed right now, but check out SavetheDress.com - Used wedding dresses. New, sample & used designer gowns. Buy & sell online. and you can browse by designer. Also check e-bay and Craig's list.

Welcome to the forum. Be sure to check out Carly's review of Beaches for more info.

I think partial sun is fine. I had one that sat on my desk out of direct sunlight and it lived for years. I left it at the office when I quit so I don't know how it's doing now. They will become accustom to the light they have and adjust accordingly so you don't want to move it all over your house. If they are new plants, you don't want to place them in direct bright sunlight because they can burn. When you water, you never want the plant to go completely dry but you don't want to saturate the roots. See if you can find some sort of decorative stick (or a pencil) and stick it in the plant, all the way to the bottom. When you pull the stick out if any moist soil is stuck to it, you won't need to water. A lot will depend on the dryness of the air in the house and the amount of sun as to how quickly they will absorb the water.

You are beautiful! I can't wait for real wedding pictures! The dress is a perfect mix of elegant/traditional with fun/beachy! How are you coming with packing?

All I can say is Wow! THis probably sounds bitchy, but I would not do all of that work for a chance to win $500. Some of those dresses probably took $300 worth of TP! I'm guessing you would have to sew a side seam to hold them together from the outside. I would be interested to know how they worked with it...

Cacti are super easy. THe thing to be careful of with them is over watering. You can pretty much leave them in a pot and water them once a week and they are good - very low maintenance! Orchids are another story. I found this website to be helpful when I was researching orchids for the wedding. Care tips are along the left side. Orchid Care Tips

Hope you both had a great day ladies! You'll have to tell us all about it!

I love being on a first name basis!

I like the words or maybe the year they were married on one and 2008 on the other? You can always do it in the same color icing so it doesn't detract from the rest of the cake. I did an 80th birthday once where they had every name that family members had called the birthday girl throughout her life (mommy, sissy, nana, ellie, etc.) It was a really sweet way to personalize the cake from everyone there.

Congrats and Happy Planning!

I think you should have whatever you want! I think quite a few brides have used that song in some way.

I agree with Morgan, the more time you have, the more detail you will put into it. You've got the groom so now you just need a dress and a location. I went with the basic package and it was great. I made my own programs, etc. but all of that stuff was just an extra personal touch, not necessary to the wedding itself. The key to planning in a short time is being super flexible and asking for help when you need it. You might also need to be aware of paperwork processing deadlines, or get legally married here and symbolically married elsewhere.

Everything happens for a reason, so try not to worry. I'm sure you can find a suitable replacement and the forum is filled with talented photographers! Good luck with your search!

Our photographer was part of our group contract, so we paid her vacation package and travel insurance that was offered with it. In my contract with her it outlined that if she were unable to to the wedding she would refund us all of our money if a suitable replacement could not be found in time for the wedding.

Welcome to the forum! Happy Planning!

Welcome to the forum! The ladies here have wonderful ideas and advice! Just let us know how we can help!

Welcome to the forum! Have you chosen a resort yet?

It's a tie between 3 and 4. Which do you prefer?

I love them both! You have great taste!

I can't say enough good things about our trip to Couples. It is an adult only resort if that makes a difference. The beach is beautiful and the sand is white and powdery soft! I'll hopefully have some pictures to post soon!