becks

I like #2! Presumably, the lounge furniture will be where people will be sitting & chatting during the reception when they aren't dancing, etc? If so, it's nice for people to be able to sit beside one another on sofas, because the music will be loud and if they are all in separate chairs, you don't want them to have to yell in order to talk. Plus it looks really comfy!

Definitely peonies! Gorgeous! I don't know about the DR, but they can be really expensive in Mexico. If they get too pricey, look around for the Real Touch fakes. They look fantastic and may save you some $$ - plus you can keep them forever!

Wow!!! That dress is gorgeous!! And you look soooooo happy! Ah.... the one!

Congrats ladies!!!! You are both so deserving of the MotM titles!

Happy, happy birthday Tammy! I hope it's really great!

Quote: Originally Posted by navarrabrooke Does anyone know if we need to get money exchanged once we arrive? Is the Cancun Airport the best place? The staff will take american dollars, right? Anything else we should know about money Thanks! We decided to do a charity registry through justgive.org instead of gift or honeymoon registry. Thanks! Brooke Don't even worry about getting pesos. Just take lots of small bills ($1 and $5) and you'll be set. Everyone we met was happy to accept US currency, from the taxi drivers to bars, etc. Plus you can always use plastic. And when you pay for things in US $, you'll get change back in pesos (legally they have to), so you'll have some before long. Oh, and all the ATMs dispense pesos, and your bank will give you better exchange rates than a currency exchange window, so if you really want pesos, use the nearest ATM.

Quote: Originally Posted by Erika J Okay I just whipped this puppy up! Wow Erika!!! That looks great! My only thought is that it's pretty long - so I would take 2 copies so that people don't get too crowded trying to read it.

Wow Erica! It's gorgeous! #5 looks the "cleanest" with no reflections in the glass and such. Maybe blow that one up, put it in a frame and then fold another (maybe larger) crane so that people know what it is. And maybe print up the story of the 1001 cranes so that people will know what it's about? It would make a nice display.

We did!! And then we had it blown up really large and it's hanging in our entry hall. It's great when people come over and see themselves. We when we reached the end of the aisle on our way up, we turned around and asked everyone to stand and join us for a photo.

If you want a veil, a very simple one with only a little embellishment would be lovely with your dress! I'd think mid-back or waist length would be gorgeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by navarrabrooke Thanks so much Yolanda! Yeah, if you could send a few pictures that would be great. My email is [email protected]. I'm just having a hard time visualizing everything and still feel like I'm going to be the one directing everything. I know I should have more faith in Perla and that's what everyone says, but each time we communicate she leaves something out so again I sit and wait days for her response. This time I'm waiting for her to confirm the amount of our payment and we are supposed to pay at the end of the week. Couple questions for those who can answer - What's the best way to pay? Wire transfer, card credit form, etc? Also, did anyone have a contract that includes Perla or a rep from the resort's signature on it? There's a place for us to sign on our quote, but no where for them to sign. Since it is quite a big transaction, I'd be more comfortable if it were a 2-way contract. Any thoughts? I apologize for the rant, but we're getting down to the wire and I don't have everything confirmed. I just keep telling myself it will all get done and be OK. Let's hope! Thanks! Brooke Brooke: I can't emphasize this enough: Pay by credit card!!!! If you pay by wire transfer and anything goes wrong, you have no recourse. Perla is very, very good and chances are nothing will go wrong, but if they do, it's better to have an arbiter in the form of a CC company than to have to fuss with the hotel over charges.

All the advice given is very good. The main thing is that if she doesn't support you, your FI and your future marriage, then there is no reason for her to attend. Make sure that she understands that. One other note, I would enlist the help of someone who will be there (an aunt/cousin/friend/someone... maybe your Dad?) to keep her in line, and away from (far, far away!) you on your wedding day if she won't behave. And don't hesitate to tell your WC that if she gets out of line, approaches a microphone or otherwise appears like she might make a scene, that they should be prepared to have hotel security escort her away. Just don't risk it - the last thing you want to do is have your own mother ruin your wedding day and all your memories of it. Good luck!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Steve&Julia ...my invitations are just about done and I couldn't be happier with Becca's invites thanks again Becca I am so happy I went with you. As for the cake do i send pictures of thngs for Perla to try to replicate or do i say heres the flavor and my wedding color and she makes up what they can? Thanks J! I'm really hoping that I get your invites done by Thursday so I can give them to you on Friday. It may be Monday, but I'm hopeful! As far as the cake, we showed Perla a picture (2 days before the wedding) and the pastry chef copied it perfectly. Their pastry chef is (or was) really talented, both stylistically and taste-wise. (OMG the desserts were so yummy!) We had a tres leches cake and it was TO DIE FOR!

Quote: Originally Posted by navarrabrooke Hi yolyd75 - congratulations! So happy to hear everything went so well. Mine is coming up - November 13th and there is so much left to do. We are also doing the chill out chic setup with buffet. I've had a tough time trying to get Perla to give me cake and flower options. Can you tell me what you went with? Or what you would suggest? And for anyone who can help, I also have a few random/general questions. 1. How did you go about scheduling spa treatments on your wedding day for you and your guests? My bridesmaids, mom and girlfriends all want massages/facials/etc and I'm not sure how to go about scheduling these for everyone. 2. Did anyone go the iPod route? We ordered our equipment through Luis at Swank (who has been terrific!) and are currently putting together our playlists, but I'm just a bit nervous that something will go wrong with the music. Any reassurance would be great! 3. For those who did the buffet, how did the speeches go? I am having a hard time visualizing the timing and setup of the speeches when there is not a formal sit down dinner. Any advice and insight is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks! Brooke Hi Brooke! You can either have Perla book the appointments for you, or if you want to call, you can have the main switchboard transfer you to the spa. Personally, I would be sure to book your appointments first - for when you want them. When I was there (more than a year ago now), they had 2 people who would do mani/pedi, but only one person for hair. I think they have quite a few more that do massages and facials, but get the times you want for yourself first. You're the bride!! I didn't do an ipod, so I'm no help there. As far as when to do speeches, I had a couple of thoughts. We did our speeches right after the ceremony, literally at the toast. But otherwise, you might think about doing them right before the cake is served - there won't be people wandering around getting food and so forth. Good luck! It's soooo close!

Wow Heather!!!! Your photos are AMAZING. And you look phenomenal. Now... about the dude in the skivvs...

What type of file is it? If it's something from MS Clip Art Gallery, you can usually go into powerpoint, and ungroup the clip art repeatedly until all of the components are "loose". then you can change the color of each component. If it's a jpg, gif or png file, it's harder. Photoshop or another program like it is your best bet - you can download a free 30-day trial of photoshop from Adobe. You can also try using paint (in your applications), but it will often pixiliate the image. Good luck!!

We didn't order the boxes with ours, but they all came with them. They were white corrugated cardboard. I think in the end we unpacked all of them and wrapped two together in a piece of tissue to save the space in the suitcase.

Congratulations!!!! It's hard to believe it's finally here! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Quote: Originally Posted by KLee147 Teddy. This girl likes to breath. :-) Stockings with garter belt or stay ups? Stay ups. Definitely. Ball point or felt tip pen?

We didn't have a legal ceremony in Mexico, so I'm not 100% sure, but the WC at our hotel was pouring for us while we were getting ready and waiting to get people seated. I would understand if they had concerns if you were slurring and staggering drunk, but I can't imagine anyone would care if you'd had a glass or two of champagne before hand!

Doing it DIY isn't that hard once you get a design you like. You really only need a couple of tools (paper cutter and corner rounding punch), and if you buy the inexpensive ones and learn how to use them before you start working on your invites you can totally DIY them. The hardest part is finding the time to design put them together, because that can take a long time. That being said there are several designers here that are really reasonable price-wise. Worst case, contact some of us for pricing and at least figure out what the pricing would be. Good luck You might

There are lots of opinions on this one. Some people don't mind and even like to let people try theirs on. Other people really don't. Personally, I wouldn't care, but DH once told me his ex-wife had done that all the time and he hated it. So, while it wouldn't bother me, I don't share mine because of what he thinks.

Don't let the idea of an uneven number make your decision. People have uneven numbers all the time - especially at DWs. And your ideas for the memorial are lovely - I've seen bouquets on chairs at the front, a single, different colored flower in bouquets to symbolize the lost person, the mini frames, etc. Have you talked to your sister? Maybe it's too soon, but it might mean a lot to her if you got her thoughts. I don't know how soon your wedding is, but I'd sit tight for a bit and let the decision come to you. It will, and it will be the right one. Good luck!

How did I miss this thread back in the day?? We were in Manhattan until just before the wedding - now out in the 'burbs on Long Island. We got married at the Paradisus RM. So amazing!! We should have another NY area get-together. It's been too long!

Wow! Great dress to begin with, and at that price it's amazing! You're going to be absolutely stunning!!!! Congratulations!