Sheree10

Quote: Originally Posted by KGirl99 Planning is done, done, done! Just waiting for the dress to be shipped in (not till June), bridesmaids to start picking their dresses (done by next week), order my BM bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres, finish putting together my OOT bags and favors. You are so lucky! I feel like I've done so much yet still have a lot to do.

I went to a wedding there in "08. You will love it and your guests will too!!

Congrats Mrs.! I'm glad everything worked out for you.

Quote: Originally Posted by nbulldog19 No I actually used glue dots and attached it but you could def do a back side if you wanted Thanks, it was a great idea to thank all present and remember family that passed away.

Quote: Originally Posted by lilz125 My head piece is Erica Koessler style A-418. I first saw it at my dress store but it was $140 dollars. I found the exact same piece online at TJFormal.com for $70!! I don't think they carry it anymore. Thanks so much! too bad they don't carry it any more.

Quote: Originally Posted by nbulldog19 I actually hate the idea of programs, but really wanted to thank my guests and pay respect to the loved ones Austin and I have lost especially my dad. I had a small wedding party just a MOH and best man so instead of programs I put Raffia fans on each chair with an extra large postcard I made at vistaprint as a thank you. People loved it. Your program looks great. What a wonderful idea to use an extra large postcards. Was there a back side also?

Thanks for sharing... what a comprehensive review! Congrats Mrs. you looked gorgeous!! I love the purple color in the pics- very nice. By the way, i love your hair flower/feather- where did you get it from?

Congrats Mrs! You looked beautiful and everything looks amazing!!

Great job!

Maureen I can't wait for your review!!. We're 2.5 months away from our wedding in Aruba. FI and I have never been to the island so I would love your feedback. Enjoy your trip!

Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva Sheree....just saw this...I hear you. I was wondering what to do about this myself but after reading this thread...I think the best thing is to leave folks alone and not follow-up. I gave folks a very long RSVP deadline of May 15th. I have a rooming list for the hotel. The only kink is that some folks have mentioned trying to stay at another hotel next door...even though they were told not to...BUT...no RSVP...I will not call. The only ones I will follow-up on are folks that said yes...but have not booked a room....just to make sure they are not at the other hotel. People are so right...those who want to come...will come and they will certainly find a way to let you know. My only issue is that I've gotten back like 6 RSVP's declining to come...but with no name on them so I have NO idea who sent them!! I stupidly did not put some sort of id on the RSVP's so have no idea who they are. No names on the RSVP? I tell you, unbelievable. I haven't gotten any of those but I did number each one as a precaution.

Quote: Originally Posted by tracy0716 50?! I honestly don't know how you're so calm...that is ridiculous in my opinion! I just don't know what is so difficult about putting the rsvp in the mail or calling you to let you know they're still trying to make their plans. I have a few more weeks to go and I think I'm going to go crazy. We were doing well when the invites initially went out but now the responses are trickling in very slowly! I know people are trying to get a better deal and airfare is really high right now but I hate not knowing how many people are coming or how many OOT bags to order. You have a great attitude Sheree, keep it up! I know, 50 it sounds crazy huh!! I've been getting one every few days but I've decided not to hunt anyone down. I will speak to my mom and fmil and ask if anyone else has contacted them( it's mostly fam and their friends that haven't responded). That's why I set the date so early- I knew this would happen. I will start shopping for favors and other stuff in mid-June. We can wait until 2 weeks before the wedding to give the resort a final count.

Well just the other day FI mentioned that he probably should start looking for something to wear. lol. I still don't think he realizes that we're a little less than three months away. When all the plannings all said and done he will be just getting started. men! you gotta love them!!

Classadiva: I'm so happy to hear about your wonderful experience with Jen. Isn't she great?! Cristinimartini: Going alone is no problem. I actually preferred this because there were not distractions. You'll be fine!

Quote: Originally Posted by englishbride2b Hello all I am also consdering the Riu Palace Aruba, my only concern is I cannot seem to find anymore information about the Ceremony locations as on some reviews the Ceremony takes place amongst the sunbathers on the beach, any idea is there is a more private location offered? Thanks I found a few pictures of a wedding at the RIU Aruba a few weeks ago. If I can find them again I will PM you.

I could see how frustrating this would be for a bride. Our resort is "all inclusive optional" so those who stay elsewhere don't have to worry about paying for a day pass. They will have to find a way to the resort but the island is so small they shouldn't have too much trouble.

Quote: Originally Posted by stachr I totally know what you mean about people having common sense. We're having our legal ceremony before going down to Cabo for our symbolic wedding. We have only invited parents to the legal ceremony and FI's mom said a few weeks ago "so and so have decided they are coming to the legal ceremony instead of Mexico" Thank gosh FI said "they weren't invited, they don't have that option!" haha Haha, I love your response!!

OMG! Damaris- you can't make this stuff up... and people wonder why we turn into BRIDEZILLAS!!. That's so crazy. Why are people so inconsiderate? Have a conversation with FI and maybe you two can come up with ideas to tackle the issue. Instead of having a welcome dinner for all maybe you can have a welcome reception where guests meet after dinner for some drinks. Feel free to vent... this planning stuff has me wishing we just went to city hall. Damaris- have all of the rsvp'd guests booked their air/ rooms? We had a lot of initial interest but a few people have dropped due to finances. You might get a few that may not come after all.

Quote: Originally Posted by omsampad Great idea!!! Girls will have fans.. but no idea what to give to the boys? I plan to place them on every seat at the ceremony. It will be so hot that the boys will use them too! I'm sure some guests will grab an extra or two.

Well, our rsvp date of May 1 just passed. There are still about 50 people who haven't responded either way. I expect to get a few more responses in the next few days. I already told FMIL that whoever I don't hear from at all, I will assume will not be coming. As of today we have about 50 guests coming and about 8-10 more possibles. There are some people who said they are coming but still haven't made any arrangements. lol. I even had three who initially said yes and had to back out. I won't be surprised if I get a few more that drop. Hey, I understand... no hard feelings. We will have fun with those who do make it!!

Quote: Originally Posted by affiwin Trying to sort out my list now actually. I have 100 to do as we're having a pretty large wedding. Trying to control my excitement about all that could go in them. Oh my, that's a lot of people! Are you giving a bag to each guest or one per couple?

Quote: Originally Posted by omsampad Thanks for all the great tip guys!!! What's your top 5 "HIT" with OOT items? Top 5 "NOT POPULAR" with OOT items? currently.. My list includes Tote Bag Silk Fan 20z Cup Spanish Phrasebook Pashmina Waterproof Card Holder/Pouch Planning to get little things, but which are the ones people will use more? Survival kit? Great ideas! Maybe you can use the silk fan as a favor by adding ribbon and a favor tag. This would be great for the ceremony.

I suggest that you keep it simple and get things your guests will use. Here are a few things I will include: welcome to aruba booklet Gum mints 2 snacks: fruit snacks, granola bars, peanuts, pretzels, cookies tylenol? off wipes( insect repellant) wet ones( or hand sanitizer) individual tissue packs water? -pick up when we arrive I found cute/inexpensive white pastic bags that will fit my welcome book and the other items. White Plastic Bags I was also thinking about putting the stuff in a white gable box. http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/se...allpartial&N=0 I don't want to pack too many bulky items that may get messed up during the travel. I was planning on using my carry-on for all of my oot supplies. I haven't bought anything for the bags yet. I will wait until 2 weeks before to see how much space I have in my luggage and go from there.

Awesome invitations!! I heart Beyond Design/Ginger, she made my invites also. I received so many compliments from my guests about them.

Lovely pics!! Welcome back and congrats Mrs.!!!