Lenchika

Exactly! I don't want to give anything up, yet I have to remain reasonable We, brides, have so many choices to make. I guess, something will have to go... but until I'm totally sure what..I won't make any choices

Love the bright colors!

Ok Rie - deep breath in, slow, forced breath out... Now...close your eyes and imagine you're already on the beach...the sand...gentle sound of waves...hot sun. You and your FI getting married - and no one is around except the officiant...are you still happy? I would say - YES!!! and you already know the most important thing your FI will be happy just marrying YOU! My young cousin gave me this advice - we cannot control other people's reactions or emotions, we can only control our own. You can't control your family or their compaints - you can only control your own actions The family drama comes out of nowhere and is so upsetting... I wish you well!

MsSunshine - thanks for tips. You're right, the centerpiece is expensive (hotel price). I may end up doing something with candles and sand for the ceremony itself, and carry them over to dinner. We haven't actually gotten a suit yet, but from reading other reviews - for suit, shirt, - $300 is not unreasonable. Also - the welcome bags, I took the upper limit of the range. Another thing I am willing to give up is video but after reading about so many brides regretting not getting the video...its hard! -L

I did the rough budget by researching this site a lot LOL and was hoping to spend around 7.5K, that was about 2 months ago. After more thoughts, things add up... we're up to ~10K of expected spendings, and only 1 week at RPLA in Cancun. We're having a very small wedding, just my parents and my sister and hubby. We're not paying for anyone's airfare...or dresses or anything else. I cannot fathom how you ladies are only spending around 5-8K! Good for you! Looking for tips from the frugalminded Not sure where I can cut corners...Here's our breakdown: lodging & airfare3500 (just a regular room) ceremony1000 (least expensive at hotel) photography 1000 video1100 bouqet for bride, boutineer for groom50 additional flowers (rose petals, girl bouquet) 50 centerpieces150 decorations 600 (that's for the bamboo arch that I cannot live w/o) dress 500 - looooooove it, haven't done any alterations yet. tuxedo/suit300 music500 (may cut that out - it was for a guitar player - but may go with just CD music) gifts (welcome basket)100 adventures500 tips300 Any ideas where to cut costs/corners?

Hello there! Thanks for the post and the link. Envelopes are a great and cheap solution to how to package the scratch ticket (or CD). I personally like this idea of scratch tickets for the AHR favors. FI likes the idea too so will most likely do that. -L

I don't feel bad yet - I want to make this day in Mexico about two of us starting something new together! If anything, I'll cancel the at-home reception if money situation gets tough in the family. Otherwise - working on non-guilty planning! -L

Dear SgtPepperette! Don't fret! It took us (well...me really) about 1.5 months - just did searches on google over and over for "destination wedding in Mexico". Just like you was totally overwhelmed by the choices. I've made a list with names of hotels, links, tripadvisor rating, my own photo rating, and approximate price. Having the links readily available prevented from going to the same pages over and over. I knew I wanted Mexico - we've never been there. Once I've narrowed down the hotels to about 7, I've looked at each hotel's package options/choices/prices. Again, listed out all options side by side. Last step - sat down with my mom and sister for 2 hours, showed pics, ratings, links - I felt that I could not make the decision without them since they'll be the only ones invited and should have some say in it. My FI was totally cool with anything I choose... of course I showed him pics when I ran across anything really really pretty/magnificient/unusual. My decision was solidified with mom and sister being really excited and approving the hotel I had my eye on (Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun). Also - if its just two of you - just decide what you want to do on your vacation. What would two of you do if it wasn't your wedding/honeymoon? Are you the type of couple to lounge around the pool all day? Are you going places to see? My original choice was Moon Palace but I realized that its HUGE and that's not something I wanted, 2nd thing against it was that it was so secluded! RPLA on the other hand is in the middle of the hotel zone and walking distance to places! One thing I regret that I will not get at RPLA and would get at Moon Palace - horse carriage ride at the ceremony Good luck with choices! -L

Mrs. Martin - thank you! I didn't even think to ask the WC...ha-ha! I have you ladies The dinner table decorations look very elegant...like something you'd see in a magazine! Well done. Was it bothersome to bring decorations/flowers in? Didn't they get rumpled in luggage? Either way - thanks. I'll be contacting WC at RPLA as soon as I book my travel arrangements.

Mrs. Martin - I have a question about decorations (provided as part of the package). We're thinking of having the ceremony on the beach - We would really like the 4-post arch with flowers/tulle. Looks gorgeous in pics - would you happen to know what decorations exactly are provided as part of the package?

Quote: Originally Posted by cdc0427 Ok, I went out Friday to try dresses on. I tried about 15 dresses on and narrowed it down to two. I had my mom take pictures of every dress I tried on. Can you believe she deleted all the pics except for the two I liked. She didn't even get the full dress in the pics. The dresses I like were part of a trunk sale so my daughters and I went back out Sunday and tried the dresses back on and took good pictures. Oh, that's funny about your mom - hope you weren't too mad at her. Still waiting to see those dress pics!

Ladies - I already posted the that I don't really want to change my last name. I have my apartment and my FI has his own place, and I stay/live with him. All my mail goes to my own address. So...few days ago, I received some mail at my FI's apartment where it had my first name and HIS last name - and you know what - it was so exciting and heartwarming to see that. I was surprised with my own reaction...I am having doubts about having doubts

Found this list online somewhere as a guide to photographers. Hope this helps. Photos to be taken before arriving at the Ceremony Location: _ Mother/Maid of Honor adjusting veil _ Bride putting on garter with Bridesmaids looking on _ Bride in her dressing room with mirror _ Corsage being pinned on Mother _ Boutonniere being pinned on Father _ Mother and Bride _ Father and Bride _ Brothers and sisters and bride _ Group Shot of Bride and Bridesmaids _ Individual shots of Bride with each Bridesmaid _ Bride leaving house with Parents and Bridesmaids _ Father helping bride into car Photos during the Ceremony (Pre-approved by officiator) Bride's Mother on usher's arm _ Groom's Mother on usher's arm _ Grandparents accompanied down the aisle _ Other people accompanied down aisle _ Bridal party coming down the aisle _ Bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer coming down the aisle _ Bride being taken down aisle by father _ Father giving away bride _ Special Decorations at the Ceremony Venue After the Ceremony at the Location _ Bride and groom coming down the aisle _ Receiving line right after ceremony _ Best man signing certificate with bride and groom looking on _ Matron of honor signing certificate with bride and groom looking on Bride's Group Shots: Traditional and Romantic _ Bride solo with 2 or 3 lighting configurations _ Bride with Bridemaids flowers around her _ Bride and Groomsmen _ Bride and bridemaids on the steps of the church or other picturesque location _ Group shots back inside church *(Use church altar/steps, etc. as a studio) _ Bride with her parents _ Bride with her mother _ Bride with her father _ Bride and Matron of Honor _ Bride kissing Father on the cheek (vice versa) _ Bride and Mother with Father looking on _ Bride and Bridesmaids group pose in vestibule or dressing room _ Mood shots in and around the church/grounds and/or *on the way to the weddings reception site. Groom's Group Shots: Traditional and Romantic _ Groom solo with 2 or 3 lighting configurations _ Groom with Bridemaids _ Groom and Groomsmen _ Groom and bridemaids on the steps of the church or other picturesque location _ Group shots back inside church *(Use church altar/steps, etc. as a studio) _ Groom with his Parents _ Groom with his Mother _ Groom with his Father _ Best Man adjusting Groom's tie _ Groom and Best Man handshaking, etc. _ Stylish shots in and around the church/grounds and/or *on the way to the weddings reception site. Bride and Groom Shots (Indoors): Traditional and Romantic _ Groom kissing Bride at the altar full length _ Groom kissing Bride at the altar 3/4 pose _ Groom kissing Bride at the altar tight head shot pose _ Groom putting ring on Bride's finger _ Bride putting ring on Groom's finger _ Bride and Groom lighting candles, full length _ Bride and Groom lighting candles, 3/4 pose _ Bride and Groom's hands with rings and flowers _ Bride and Groom with officiator _ Bride and Groom and bridal party with officiator _ Bride and groom at church door (or stained glass window) in silhouette _ Bride and groom on the steps of church _ Bride and groom with bridal party standing _ Bride and groom with bridal party sitting _ Bride and groom with bridal party**(alternating male and female) _ Bride and groom with all of the Brides family _ Bride and groom with brides immediate family _ Bride and groom with bride's parents _ Bride and groom with all of the groom's family _ Bride and groom with groom's immediate family _ Bride and groom with groom's parents _ Bride and groom with both sets of parents _ Bride and/or groom with special family members *(e.g. favorite uncle, best friend, generations photograph, etc) _ Bride and groom leaving inside of church _ Getting into car or limo _ Shot through the sun roof of the limo _ Shot while seated in limo _ Wide shot of church/ceremony site and limo _ Mood shots in and around the church/grounds and/or *on the way to the weddings reception site. Group Shots (Outdoors): Traditional and Romantic _ Outdoor shots of bride and groom (around special outdoor decorations like arches, gazebos or other themed decorations) _ Outdoor shots of wedding party _ Shots of groom and best man _ Shots of groom and groomsmen _ Shots of bride and maid of honor _ Shots of bride and bridesmaids _ Other Group shots At the Reception _ Receiving line (If not taken earlier) _ Wedding cake (prior to being cut) _ Guest book _ Guests signing book _ Wedding Favors _ Gift table _ Introduction of the wedding party _ Wedding party toasting bride and groom _ Close up of bride and groom toasting _ Close up of bride and groom at head table kissing _ Group shots of guests at their table during the meal _ First dance _ Parent dance _ Bride and father dance _ Groom and mother dance _ Parents dancing _ Bridal party dancing _ Guest dancing _ Bride showing rings to bridesmaids _ General dancing shots (wide and close up) _ Flower girl and ring bearer together _ Candids of guests and bridal party as conditions permit _ Bride and groom posed in front of the cake _ Cutting the cake _ Bride and groom feeding cake to one another _ Bride faking the bouquet toss _ Bride throwing the bouquet _ The catch of the bouquet _ Groom taking off garter _ Groom and garter _ Groom throwing the garter _ The catch of the garter _ Group shot of bride and groom with the recipients of the *bouquet and garter _ Guest leaving _ Posed departure shot of bride and groom (kissing, waving, etc.) _ Getaway car _ Bride and groom leaving reception area (birdseed, rose pedals) _ Bride and groom in car as it

Yes, attended cousin's wedding in Las Vegas a few years ago. It was fun! For bachlorette party we went to see Zumanity - which was awesome! Great to see all family together partying after the ceremony. -L

Mrs. Martin! Congratulations! You look beautiful and so happy I love the rose petals! Great colors. Did you get them from the hotel? I noticed your hubby wearing flipflops on the rocks! That's too cute peaking from under the suit I'm a future bride at RPLA in October 2009 - just in the beginning of the process. Kind of nerve wracking hearing about Pamela's lack of response. It took her 1.5 weeks to reply to one email so far. I think I'm ok with that...what bothered me in your review - her total lack of accountability during the wedding Maybe she'll improve?? Or...not I'm really excited - I feel that I am a few steps closer to my wedding after reading your review! Thank you for posting it. Lenchika