Sheree10

Interesting... glad we decided to work with a TA.

Thanks for sharing. The pics are beautiful...Im so excited to be planning my Aruban wedding!!

Congrats and Welcome! You'll find lots of info here to help with your planning.

Congrats and Welcome! I'm also getting married in Aruba -next July. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy Planning!!

Welcome and Congrats!! You'll find info in the DR section that may help with finding a photographer. Good Luck.

Congrats and Welcome!! It may help to find a travel agent just to get some ideas and see what can work within your budget. Once you find a resort, set a date and everything else will fall into place. Happy Planning!!

How many days are you planning on taking off? If the date falls on a weekend then maybe you can get away with just taking 2 days off. But that means you would at least have to have some days in the bank. BTW, will you be working in NYC?

Hey, My FI and I both are educators and the timing played a big part in our planning. I've been in the system for several years so I have days in reserve but we didn't want to take time off from work. We thought about having the wedding during a school vacation but decided to do it in the summer. This will give us time to relax after the weddingmoon. As a new teacher you may not want to take all of those days off... be careful.

Quote: Originally Posted by cjaruba Congratulations Aruba brides! I'm getting married in Aruba too and don't remember seeing this thread before. Our wedding is in less than 12 weeks now - yikes! I'm getting pretty excited and am finally checking some things off the list. After a site visit in May we chose the Aruba Marriott but also liked the Hyatt, Westin and Manchebo Pavillion. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or find any great resources you'd like to share! Don't you wonder where all the time went? I hope things have been getting a little easier with your planning.

Another Aruban Bride passing by to say hello... counting down till our big day next July 2010 at the Renaissance. Time is really going by soooo fast. Soxgirl, maybe you can try www.tripadvisor.com to see if there are any pictures of the renovations.

This is actually an idea that I was going back and forth with. I wasn't sure if I wanted to give out OOt bags and a favor separately. I wanted to do a combo and call it a "gift bag". This would be so much easier because the bags would be given out at the wedding, one per couple and one for each single person. I would include local island treats and maybe a personalized favor. The only way that it would be easier to distribute the oot bags is if you were having a welcome event or you would see the guests before the wedding. If not then dont drive yourself crazy.

your Aunt has some wonderful ideas for favors, I say go for it!

Quote: Originally Posted by DRod0214 i am doing OOT bags, but want to add a little something extra, maybe a small bottle of tequila you can do oot bags and if you decide to do the liquor maybe that can be your favor.

Quote: Originally Posted by slapsappyhappy LOL! I used to work at a ritzy catering hall and at the end of the night people would leave behind the useless gifts. Sometimes half the party would leave them. You would not BELIEVE some of the favors (stainless steel pepper mill, ice cream scoop, mini frames, measuring spoons, salt and pepper shakers, CD's, and worst of all CANDLES!) I have a collection that I, the waitress, took home because I thought it was pretty or wrapped nice that I now have no purpose for, lol. It was sad to see things get left behind or go to waste. The only thing that people really liked were things that were edible-cookies, candies, lindt or godiva chocolates, actually any type of chocolate lol (but not those cookies that look pretty but taste like sand). Also I like those Jordan almonds but they are not a good idea, there were always tons left behind. The really rich people gave waterford crystal vases or entire bottles of liquor as a favor! There were never any of those left over!!! The moral of the story is to get something that people can eat, drink, or do a donation to charity. The OOT bags are useful so I am going to do that but for the reception I think an edible favor or small bottle of alcohol is best. It's great to hear from an "insider". Thinking about a favor for my guests has been a tough decision. I don't want to get anything cheesy since they are traveling far for our wedding. Food and drink is always the best for everyone.

It definately slows everything up with your planning. Just wait a little longer hopefully the WC will get back to you soon. Then you can get down to business!!

I understand your frustration. You have to remember that most of the WC's run on island time. I've always had to wait a few days to get a reponse from my coordinator but he has never not responded to my emails. One thing that has been very helpful for me was being in contact with other brides that were/are getting married at my resort/ island. I've been able to get feedback and they have been great by answering my questions. Good Luck!!

I know it's not easy. Maybe you can find a date that the immediate family can make. Remember it's your wedding and you can't make everyone happy. Good luck!!

We're in a similar situation. We decided to focus on the wedding and think about a house sometime next year. Maybe you can have a smaller wedding and still buy the house.

I saw the show... she was soooo mean and disrespectful to her MIL.

So sorry to hear that you are going through this. I've had a lot of people say they will be there but only time will tell. Just as long as the most important people you want to be there are there then you'll be okay. I guess that's one drawback of having a DW. But hey, I rather have it that way than have a a local wedding of 250 people- half the people that I don't know.

Welcome and Congrats!!

Congrats and Welcome!! You're not the only one who's hooked... you'll find lots of info here to help with your planning.

Congrats and Welcome!!! Boarding passes and passports are a great idea- check out the section on STD's. Another option can be a magnet- this way your guests can have it on their fridge and they will be reminded of your special day.

Congrats and Welcome!!! We all know how overwhelming planning a wedding can be. This forum has been so helpful and there are so many wonderful people who are willing to assist you. Take it easy. Right now just think about possible dates and speak to a travel agent. Once the date and location is set you're on your way. Good luck!!!

Congrats and Welcome! Jamaica is a beautiful location for a DW. Check out the Jamaica section, you'll find tons of info there. Any type of wedding planning can be overwhelming. Make a list of things that you would like for your wedding and it's location. Your wedding can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like. The good thing about DW's is that most resorts have wedding coordinator's onsite so you don't have to so it all. Good Luck!!!