What about sending info via evite? This would save on postage and less confusion with wedding details. I sent an email to guests 2 weeks before that included info about our welcome mixer and last minute wedding details. I also included the info on our website.
The only thing we planned as a group was the wedding itself and a welcome mixer the evening before the wedding. This worked out well. Guests got together in small groups and met up for meals, excursions, beach/pool, bars. No need to plan too much because you still have to finalize things for the wedding and you also want to enjoy your honeymoon!!
The small bag of snacks we gave our guests all worked out! Remember not to get anything that will melt. Funny story.. I bought a box of granola bars from BJ"S and the container had 60 bars. I wasn't thinking because there were two bars in each package so it was only enough for 30 ppl- half of what we needed. So half of the bags had all goodies, the other half was missing stuff. lol. It was the thought that counts.. they were happy for the bags alone!
I just got back from my wedding at the Renaissace which was last week Friday, July 23. The wedding planner had weddings every day last week, he is a busy man. Everything was PERFECT and Juney did an excellent job. I will be working on a review of everything. You will love Aruba!! Let me know if you have any questions.
Our wedding was last night and everything was PERFECT! For fellow July brides with weddings coming up... Don't stress the small stuff. Once u get off the plane, relax and enjoy your vacation... It will all fall into place. Can't wait to hear about your weddings and see pictures.
We were lucky to find an amazing photographer and I will share some pics with you all.
Don't stress it! I know it's so hard as females but I had a similar issue. For months, I kept asking FI to look into what he was going to wear. I told him to at least shop around and see what's out there so he doesn't have to scramble in the end. Well he finally took care of his suit 1-2 months before and just got the other stuff( shoes, shirts, tie) this week- one week before the wedding.
It will all come together. For some reason it didn't all hit FI until we got 3-4 months out.
We're having a steel drum player for the ceremony/ cocktail hour and DJ for the reception.
We created a playlist that was about 5 pages long. The first page had the main songs- entrance, first dance, bride& father,groom & mother, cake cutting. Whenever I heard a song I liked or remembered I would put it on the list. I created differerent categories like mellow music for dinner and different genres of dance for all ages. If music is important to you and your guests, be as specific as possible.
Vistaprint- I got so many great things from vistaprint... favor stickers, hats, tshirts, totes, pens, sticky pads, brochures, photoshare cards, BD album. The items were either free or discounted.
Wedding Day Tote:
from LLBean- medium boat tote zippered
If you're looking for a gift for a BM/MOB/MIL- here's a great option. I ordered the tote in our wedding colors and had it monogrammed. At first I ordered the Large but it was way too big. They allowed me to return it even though it was monogrammed!
Earrings- Nadri
Bangle- Nadri
I bought the earrings a few months back at a department store. It wasn't until a few days ago I realized I never got a bracelet! I was able to get a great deal for the bangle from QVC( I wish I would have gotten the earrings there too- would have saved $30!)
Table Names: Different Beaches on the island
Table Names, Guestbook Sign and Bathroom Basket sign made by Decadent Designs. She was great to work with, especially since I waited until the last minute.
Postcard Guest Book: I will buy post cards when I arrive on the island and guests will write well wishes for us and place in our guest book.
Inspiration Pics for Post Card Guest Book: