kisskissmd

Thanks so much for posting this, it is a great template! Also, for anyone unable to edit the .pdf, you can use one of the many free online document converters to get it into a .doc (Word) file. Free PDF to Word Doc Converter - easy and powerful pdf converter software. Hope this helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by ashrose THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You girls are so amazing (and you look so great in your dresses!!). I really really appreciate it. It's tough for me to know... I had lap-band surgery last August, so I'm on my way down, I just don't know what its going to look like when I get there. I'm planning on being a size 12/14 by September but people keep asking me what type of dress I am going to get... its... kinda... well... yeah. I read the "suggestions" and they say that mermaid dresses are for tall super skinny size 2 girls... but then I look at the dresses and think "it doesn't have to be that way... I bet normal girls can wear them too. Here's the dress I am looking at: Moonlight Valerie Couture Wedding Dresses - Style H9906 [H9906] - $990.00 : Wedding Dresses, Prom Dresses, and Designer Wedding Dresses It's a mermaid dress, but does have an overlay, so I think it is a bit more forgiving than other mermaid dresses. I have to agree with Bianca here - even though the gown is listed as a 'mermaid' style, the overlay makes it look much closer to an A-line, which I think could look fabulous on any body type. And - I also agree with BillysBride in that I think that women with curves should flaunt them - make it work for you instead of thinking that only straight-up-and-down girls can wear certain shapes. I did get stuck in that mantra myself for a bit, until I tried a more form-fitting gown, and realized that I actually LIKE how my butt looks in it! In the end, if you are comfortable in it and feel like the most gorgeous bride ever, make that dress your own. Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by newfiebride I hope whoever posted this on the weddingbells forum don't mind me sharing this.... WEDDINGBELLS Message Board Community: DIY Barefoot Sandals This is fabulous! I will definitely be trying this pattern, or some variation of it. Thanks for posting!

I am also worried about this, but honestly my 'fix' for the sweating and heat exhaustion that will inevitably take place is that I am going to buy a 2nd dress for the reception (And use it again for my TTD session the following day) - one that is lighter and not quite so thick, hopefully. I know the FI expects to see me in a larger, more formal gown, but I also am trying to be practical (and get a lovely second gown out of it, hee hee) and say ok, I'm not a fan of heat in the first place...Mexico in August is going to be hard!!

This may be completely unhelpful, but I think you look fabulous in #1 and the second to last one in the 'definitely nots' post - I think you need to choose the one that makes you feel like a stunning bride, regardless. Good luck!

I am a 12/14 street, and I just found this fabulous Maggie Sottero Couture gown that is super lightweight yet glamourous - that I don't yet own (I own another more formal gown) but had some photos taken because I'm pretty sure this will be my second dress. Me in Dress #2 I hope that link works, I have never posted a photo on here before.

Quote: Originally Posted by TammyDez Sorry I am not sure about the flip flop playing cards. However I ordered the regular playing cards with the flowers on the package from oriental trader and they are cute. I also got palm leafs, blue rose petals, mini starfish, flowered fans, ruler/bookmark flip-flop, and Hawaiian shirt note pad. I thought every thing was cool and in good looking for how cheep it cost. Good luck with your choice! Hi there! What exactly did you end up using the palm leaves for? I came across those in the catalog and thought I could incorporate them into the table centerpieces, but then couldn't get a strong visual about what that might look like...any ideas would be awesome. Thanks!

I love the pen idea as an alternative to paying for personalized pens!

Just came back from Target, and happy to report that the dollar bins were just waiting for me to come and snatch up all of the Spanish For Dummies books! Hooray! Thanks so much for the timely tip, it's much appreciated. Now we HAVE to do the OOT bags...just have to figure out what else should go in them.

What a fabulous idea! I had not even thought of it - I always assume that people will bring their own digital cameras (we have a lot of technophile friends) but I highly doubt they will bring along their own water-proof camera! Love it love it love it, thank you.

I may have missed a response to this earlier question - but does anyone know the cost of the illuminated dance floor, or a per-hour cost for the DJ services? Any information is appreciated - thanks for all of the amazing details - I couldn't plan my DW without you all!

Simistar, thanks so much for your fabulously detailed review. I have to agree with Jennifer (above) that the hair/makeup issues definitely make me nervous as well...but perhaps by August of next year they will have figured out how to ensure that their brides are pleased? I will start prepping my 'maids on makeup and hair drills though, just in case. Whew. Thanks again for all the energy you put into this - and you looked gorgeous on your wedding day! I LOVE your gown - who is it?

JodyLynn, your day looked just gorgeous!! Can I ask where you got the sandals for your TTD? They are so beautiful. Seeing the pics made me so excited!!

Jodylynn, as a future SMB bride I am so thankful for your review of the property and all things wedding-related! Your ideas and tips will come in so handy when it gets closer to August 2009, and I am so excited to see more of your photos that I can hardly stand it! Thank you again for your time and detailed work, it truly helps so many of us!

This is excellent! Thanks so much for posting this!

So excited to hear from you when you return jodylynn! Give us all of the dirt!

Echoing the sentinments of others, your look is so well done, I love it! This forum is constantly surprising me with helpful information. I am so glad I read about your experience with White Aisle - I am definitely going to use them for our invitations. I am still searching all over for the awesome postcards you found - I cannot find them on Amazon to save my life. Any hints about the terms you used to search for that kind of postcard? Thank you again for posting, it is so inspirational to see a whole wedding pulled together (and makes me feel like maybe someday I'll get there too, whew!).

Quote: Originally Posted by sdbtrflygrl I just wanted to let you guys know that I posted our review on Trip Advisor if you want to read it. Riviera Maya forums: Our September Week at SMB - TripAdvisor If you are still considering which resort to pick... We did site visits of the Azul Beach Resort (saw the presentation on Azul Sensatori since it isn't open yet) and Paradisus Riviera Maya. Out of the three Secrets was our favorite although Azul Sensatori looks like it will be amazing we just didn't get as good of a view since it is not open yet. Secrets MB is much nicer than Paradisus (in our opinion) Secrets MB has more of a hip modern vibe. Azul Sensatori also has that and will be amazing so if you are considering this one I would also definitely look at Azul Sensatori. Everyone on this board raves about Paradisus and I just didn't like it. It has an older vibe and just isn't as modern. We have to do a kid friendly resort so Secrets is out for us we just wanted to stay there... If you have any questions about the resort just let me know! Hi sdbtrflygrl, Thank you so much for the new photos and the informative review on TripAdvisor! Excellent information! I'm trying to get myself to stop reading that darn website but I just can't seem to do it...half the time I love it and the other half I am not sure sure that some of the people on there should be allowed to write reviews (yours was awesome, very objective and based on your specific experiences - I love that type of review). If you ever post any other pictures of the resort, and would be willing to share the url, it would be greatly appreciated! I'm trying to keep track of all of the newest and latest pics so I can link to them from our wedding website - pics get the guests all excited. Take care and thanks again!

Thank you Simistar! Very helpful...I think I might just stick with the "let's all meet down at X restaurant" option for Friday night then...that is getting pretty expensive for my guest count of 50! Ugh, destination weddings do not save money after all...what a crazy time. But I am super happy to be having one, nonetheless!

Seriously, you guys have the BEST ideas! Bottle opener- genius! Even a cigar end-cutter-offer thingy would be cool, since the resort we are going to has a Cigar bar and walk-in Humidor where they can buy cigars...hmm... Is it kosher, or not, to give different items to different types of guests? Has anyone dealt with this before and found it to be okay, bad, good, neutral? Thanks!

Hi Simistar and all other SMB ladies, I'm writing to see what kind of package you booked with SMB in order to receive the on-beach bonfire option for (free). We have the Silver package, and so have the private cocktail reception and private dinner reception included, but I ws under the presumption too that we would need to pay more for a private beach or poolside "rehearsal dinner" type of event. That would be truly awesome to do for our guests on the Friday night before our Saturday wedding! The TripAdvisor forums are slowing down a bit, but people are posting more formal reviews of SMB and photos every day! Woo hoo!

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilandPatrick I have found several wonderful maps using the follwoing website: Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts, Rentals: Mexican Caribbean Vacation this website is awesome. Not only does it have several aerial maps (some a little dated, but gives the location), but the site is full of information such as restaurants, restaurant reviews, beaches/beach reviews, resorts/resort reviews, etc..... Much of the information on the website will have photos, and hyperlinks to connect you directly with each site. I have found that many of the sites that do not have hyperlinks, you can Google the name and find the pertinent restaurant, bar, hotel or whatever it is you need additional information on. I am unable to copy the maps to give each of you on the site due to protection, but here is the direct link to all the maps: Riviera Maya Map: Aerial photos, road map, Mexico Hi April, I just signed up for a website account with weddingwindow, and am curious - how on earth did you get your introduction section to be longer? The one that we are using speeds through it so quickly you can barely read our names - seems a bit pointless to even have it! Any help would be greatly appreciated! Check it out at: www.dahlchai.com Thank you!!

Can'tHardlyWait, did you end up doing this for your invites? If so would you mind posting some details about how you made it happen? I am working on DVD/movie STD's for our wedding...we are making a 'movie trailer' to ask guests to come to the event, and are making it compatible with both DVD players and computers for easy viewing. I found packaging for the DVDs and inserts for the front cover of the DVD case, and figured I could put all of the relevant information there too just in case. Any tips, ideas on content, mailing, formatting of the DVDS, etc., would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

We just booked our August 2009 wedding at Secrets Maroma two days ago, and the new wedding coordinator Cecilia Reyes has been fabulous so far! (Cecilia Reyes <[email protected]>) She said that Antonieta (the woman I was dealing with before her) strictly does groups now so Cecilia is the lady to talk to. They sent me their bouquets files/cakes files/and the Q&A for the wedding (we're doing a symbolic wedding only) - so if you need anything let me know and I can definitely share info as well, although the other ladies who will be there in December will have more information faster I'm sure!! Does anyone have details about the live music options at the resort? We want to book the mariachi for the ceremony and cocktail reception, but the prices are pretty steep ($650 for 45 minutes!) - although the pricing guide says that they are willing to negotiate if you purchase more than one 45-minute block. Anyone had an experience with this? Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! We will also be married at Secrets Maroma Beach on 8-8-09 -- and I would be so excited to hear about your process of planning with the wedding coordinator there (Cecilia has been super helpful to me so far, but I haven't started on any details yet...). Have a good evening!