itsfinallyhere

Quote: Originally Posted by saltocoach Shopping I can do! I excel at it.... just ask mastercard:) Me too! I have a sewing machine, but it has too many buttons on it!!!

My MOH is my sister (younger) and I will be buying her whatever she is wearing on that day. My nece is my BM and ditto for her. I may still pay for their hair and make-up. MOH - approx. $200-$250, BM - $150 - $200. I will also be giving them OOT bags with a few small extras.

Quote: Originally Posted by autjo you always get better service if you are friendly with your staff and recognize their hard work. I too have been to other AI, and I hae to agree with this senitment. A kind word and small gift goes a long way there. I am bring gift packages for the WC, ladies at front desk, and the maid. These will be given at the beginning of the trip upon arrival. The WC to thank her for she will have already done, the recptionist ladies for what they will do (recieve my guests and take of any problems in the room, I have a aunt that is never happy and my Mom who I want to make sure is happy!), the maid same as front desk staff. I will also give cash for outstanding service to the WC, maid, band, waiters, waitress, restaurant manager, make-up and hair person (I want to extend the hours and am hoping greasing a palm or two will work!) These people all work for next to nothing and are in a country wear storages are common, I am paying for the wedding package ontop of what it costs to go (not included), and if they make me happy I want to make them happy. And when does an unexpected not make you happy?!?

I would like to do it. I have a blue garter belt (mom gave me) but not if I will wear it. I order a blue crytal starfish for my bouquet. Everything I will be wearing will be new. FI says he is the old! LOL, no seriously I would love to borrow something from my mother for the borrowed and old! My sister says I can wear old underwear! LOL jk

OMG ladies, you are all amazing. What inspiration you provide. With each positing I get more eager for my own. I love this thread. What a great idea. Keep them coming ladies. We want more! But man is it getting hot in here or just me? LOL

I have to agree with jetsbride. It is a way of thanking everyone for coming all that way. It can be as expensive or cheap as you want it. For us the most expensive thing was the bag, but I know some bride have used paper bags in their colors, or even plastice bags in their colors. I tried to include things I thought would be handy and that people may forget and be able to use. I opted out of the travel mugs as almost everyone I know has them, they just need to be told to bring them. So these are things they will use throught their trip and at home, but the favors are special thank yous for the wedding. A momento of the occassion. I did not spend more than a dollar on anything else. Ok I may have gone a little crazy at the end, but I love my oot bags and had a lot of fun making them. I will be bringing them with me. I am thinking of packing an extra suitcase (one that is no good anymore, wheel casing broken) and leaving it down there. I am almost positive I will be overweight! So I will pay the extra on the way down. I don't think I will need to bring it home again.

Quote: Originally Posted by Debbi803 Okay, either I missed something along the way or I just can't find it....could someone explain this tradition? I get bits and pieces of it I think....there are multiple starfish going to DW with brides......"she" (the starfish??) sends postcards to the next bride she is being passed to What does she look like? How big? Does she "rest" in the bride's bouquet? She is beautiful. The one I order is made of blue/aquamaine Swarovski crytsals. It is on a 4 or 6 inch stick that is inserted into your bouquet of flowers. You can find them in different colors.

Quote: Originally Posted by IMPPEARL I really love this idea and I am having a really hard time with the something borrowed. I am getting married Jan 5th (leaving Toronto on the 3rd back on the 17th) If there is one available in this time frame I would LOVE it. Thanks girls, let me know... I ordered mine yesturday. It is supposed to be shipped in two weeks I think. I will be leaving on the 12th of November, Returning 26th. The one I ordered is blue (Aquamarine). I would be willing to pass it on as well. I will let you all know when it has arrived.

when I went to confirm the price it had gone up $100! I could not believe this. We too had a week but I told her I would be unable to come in with the deposit until Monday (end of the 7 day quote was on a Friday). She said no problem. After compaling she contacted the company (Nolitours) and they were willing to reduce the price $50. So only an increase of $50 not too bad. She did warn me away from Sunwing and so far has done a great job. I choose Marlin Travel because they had the hotel I wanted and were able to get me quotes when others did not seem to be able (I had four travel agents working on this). I put the deposit down for the required 10 people and when others cal in to take the seats the deposit will get rerouted to my tickets. Also anyone over the 10 (We had 22 booked) will be able to get the reserved price. I had not expected this courtesy, as the price ahs gone up. Good Luck

I too am doing both. My wedding favors will be a framed handpainted miniture scene of Cuba (painted by local artist). I thought this would be a great momento and souvenir for my guests. My OOT bags will hold things I think they could use and may forget. It wil include.... For Kids.. -pool toys -beach ball -flip flops -glow in the dark sticks (15/tube) For adults... -puzzle books -cards -1st aid kit (with tyelnol, and immodium) -off wipes -sewing kit with toenail clippers -hat that fold flat (for ladies) -bubba mug (for men) -plastic raincoat -pen -suntan lotion (pocket size) -hand sanitizer -chapstick -spanish/english phrase book Snack bag... -peanuts -cookies -chocolate bar -gum -single koolaid (cherry for kids), Crystal lite, and Nestle ice tea (for adults) -lollipops (one bunch per bag) All this is going into a great beach/shopping bag, that I would like to give to everyone as they arrive, or if poosible leave them in the room so they will be awaiting them upon arrival!

Cuba, Hands down. The place is beautiful. They people are extremely welcoming and gracious. The hotels are very nice, service for us was excellent, beaches are incredible. They are exceptional with children (my son is autistic and they were amazing with him), The food was also good. We always found stuff we like. But we did find the food off resort to be mouth watering (I guess in the resort they are trying to make everyone happy, so seasoning is a little different). The Culture, OMG the architecture, the artists, the whole enviroment is really something that needs to be experienced and I have to agree with kristna69z, go before there are major changes. They are going to happen it is just when, before or after Castro dies. We went earlier this year and fell in love. It was the only place that FI would consider. He thought he stepped off the plane into paradise! There is also so much to see and do, lots of excursions, great shopping, the best rum, and of course their world famous cigars! Good Luck, it is a hard decision.

The individual pricing are determined by the companies. Some print their books earlier than other. I think most of the will have it out by summer, so my guess would be to check the individual tour companies and see what price listing they have online. Those tend to come out before the book. Good luck

MegaShay thank-you so much. I will order one today!

I found mine in walmart 12/$2.29, but they came with no straps

The starfish is being passed around to take care of the "...something borrowed, something blue"[

I would be happy to lend it out if I could find one. I have had no luck. I have found white, yellow, and pick. But no Blue! I have checked ebay and contacted one person but they do not do blue. If anyone can tell me where to find one that wold be awesome. Thanks

Hi, we went to Cuba this year in the beginning of Feburary. It was really nice, but very windy. And it did get cold at night. This time of year is their winter too, so be sure to bring some long sleeves and even a sweater/jacket you can wear if it does get chilly.

Those are beautiful. You looked amazing and I love the color and style of the bridesmaids dresses. Just beautiful.

Hey girls, I just got gel nalis right before my BD shoot. I chew my nails like thers no tomorrow. I really wanted to have nice nails for the shoot and the wedding. So I tried them out for the shoot. Ladies they look great. Very natural and they do last. For me they last until I need to get them redone because of growth. But I will tell you they do have to thin your nail up a bit (Sand/fileit sown) to give it a rough enough surface for the gel to adhere. I love mine and am so happy I got them done.

Hi there, I can totally empathise with you. My oldest and dearst friend is not going to come either. Although yours has a better excuse, mine won't go because she is not getting married first! She actually told me that she cannot go because she promised herself that the next trip would be for her wedding and she therefore cannot go to mine because she will not be married by then! Yup totally sicks, but what are you going to do. Life sometimes changes things without you even knowing. We always talked about each others wedding and what our roles would be. Needless to say something changed at some point. When, where, what? I do not know, but it sounds like something like this is happening now. I know it is hard to get past the hurt and will come back to nip a little ever now an then, but it is important that you focus on who is going and how much yu must mean to them. These people are the ones that matter now. She is the one that will totally be missing out on an incredible occasion. And she will kick herself for it, but that is her mistake. I know I never would have done what was doen to me. I would have been esctatic to be apart of her wedding, and when it or if it ever happens for her I will be there. Your memomeries will be amazing regardless of her presence. Sad I know but, cheer up you do know have to go alone, and I am sure you FI will be supportive in this. I know my was (although I don't he will be as welcoming to her next time we see her, but what are you going to do?) Good Luck, I hope she changes her mind and does come. It is hard and upsetting when the people who you love the most disappoinment.

Hi,welcome. You will love this forum and find all sorts of ideas here. These people are great and very supportive. Cuba is also an excellent place to go and get married. We love d it so much on first visit we could not wait to go back and decided to get married there too. Have fun planning your wedding, these girls here will help you make it better than you dreamed of. I know they definitey made a difference with me and mine. I continue to check regularily for new ideas, and new posts. The worst thing about this forum, is that it is addictive! Good luck and enjoy!

Those are beautiful! Why is it that I cannot look at these pictures without crying! Just beautiful

Everything look wonderful. I especially love the cards you made. I may just have to borrow those!

We bought my ring in May and just bought his this past week. The stars must have been alined in an unusual way! I knew the ring I wanted and when the jewelers advertised a sale I dragged FI in. Him, I had to nag and bug him to go and pick his out. Finally got him to go and it took all of five minutes! Now if only I could find a dress! This is stressing me out. Is there another November bride that is still looking? I found many possible choices but none that I have thought ...This is the one!

Wow great job! iWork, you say? I have a Mac too and iWork! I guess i need to play with my programs a little more than! Thanks for the heads up. I will definately look deeper into that one, but I doubt my will look as good as yours.