Sheree10

I'm starting to pack and I already know I will have two full suitcases and carry on plus dress. Between Fi and myself we should be able to get eveything down there. We may also ask our mothers to assist if needed.

We're getting married on a Friday so my vote is for that day. We liked the idea of our guests making a long weekend out of it and they can return back to work on Monday.

Quote: Originally Posted by MysTea LOL. Thanks for the tip Sheree! I should have added Looking for Cook and Dog walker also...smh. No problem and good luck with the search! I'm a bdw junkie too and don't know how I will occupy my time after all of this is done. I know wedding withdrawal will be a problem for me!!

I guess it's just hit or miss with them. I placed an order about 1.5 weeks ago for my totes. I was eagerly awaiting the delivery next week but I got an email saying that the color I want is out of stock. I don't know if I will go ahead. Maybe I should just get a refund and start all over some place else!

Well ladies I wanted to share the lastest on my postcard guest book project. I was trying to figure out how to set it all up. I thought about having a money card box to place the postcards in at the reception. I couldn't find one that I really liked. I searched and searched for a white album/binder that I could use to hold the cards and non-pro pictures. I found one! It's a guestbook binder that can also be used to store photos and other momentos. I had the cover personalized with our wedding colors, names and dates. I purchased clear sleeves that I will use to store the postcards( similar to the inspiration pictures I posted earlier in this thread.)You can also just get the book itself and it comes in many colors. I got mine in the mail and it's so beautiful. The vendor was great to work with and I was sent a sample of the artwork before it was created. Here's a picture of the book from the website. It's a little small but check out www.jennibick.com for more pics/product info. I definately recommend them!

Here are two sample welcome letters that you can use. I don't remember where I got them from but most likely members from this site. Vistaprint is a great place for you to create your own brochures. If you do a google search for "free brochures + vistaprint" you can get 25 for free. Welcome Letter Sample.doc

I know.. the wedding has taken over my life and slowly eating up the space in my apartment. lol. Maybe you can try ServiceMagic.com | Get Matched to Top-Rated Remodelers, Plumbers & More for referrals. good luck!

Welcome fellow Aruban bride! I'm getting married this July at the Renaissance. I met a bride who got married at the Occidental and had a wonderful experience. Good luck to you!

Check with the BDW TA's. Maureen specializes in Aruba vacations and is a past DW bride. She was very helpful when I asked her tons of questions about the island and group travel.

Quote: Originally Posted by jeobrien hey! I see that you are getting married at renaissance island in aruba. Do you have to stay at the renaissance to have your wedding there?? all the best:) No, you don't have to stay on the resort to have your wedding at the Renaissance( unless they recently made the change). Some brides prefer to stay elsewhere. Are you looking at the location?

Wonderful job putting it all together!! I love vistaprint and made a few personalized items that I will hand out to guests.

Don't worry about having oot bags for your guests. They're a nice gesture but definately not mandatory. I kept going back and forth about the bags but found some really cute ones (Coffee Mugs, Promotional Products, Shot Glasses, Wine Glasses, Beer Mugs, Tote Bags, Champagne Glasses, Wedding Favors , Sports Bottles, T-shirts, Promotional Pens, Personalized Glassware) and couldn't resist. They fit into our budget so I went ahead with them. I will wait until 1-2- weeks before to decide what I should stuff in them which will depend on luggage space. Depending on the number of guests instead of oot bags some brides give out mugs- especially for those at all inclusive resorts so guests can fill up with drinks throughout the day. Just an idea but I wouldn't stress it. The bathroom baskets are a wonderful and thoughful gesture!

Quote: Originally Posted by mexico102 So strange this thread popped up today-hasn't been active since April. I'm having a similar problem but I am part to blame. A little back ground--I did not do STDs or invites! We invited people thru word of mouth and email. I know a little strange but there is a lot of family drama in both of our families. We did not want to send out invites to people that we really didn't want to come. So we personally spoke to the people on our "wish lists" and let the word spread otherwise----"no one is invited but all are welcome!" So mostly everyone (all but one friend) is booked! The problem is now that I keep hearing from people---this one wants to come, this ones trying to come. All would be fine if they book it now!!! What I need advice on is I want set a deadline!! but how? No RSVP card to wait for (my fault). What is a reasonable time frame--my wedding is in October? HELP!!! I understand what you're talking about. I'm getting married next month and some people are still up in the air about whether they will come or not. I just don't understand! By now they should know. Or better yet, some said yes but didn't take care of air/hotel. I already told FI that I will be sooo pissed if people drop at the last minute and not tell us?!We have until 3 days before to give final numbers but I will not be a happy camper if people don;t show up and we've paid for their seat. I joked around with FI and told him- hey if we have any no shows I will invite resort guests/vendors to join us. No sense in wasting all that $$. DO you plan to send out a formal invite? It can be something simple just so that you can get a definate count as you get closer. Maybe you can do something as easy as a postcard asking people to confirm by a certain date.Maybe the rsvp date should be end of the summer so you can check in with non responders. But you definataly need to know so you can continue with the planning. Lots of luck!

Excellent review and beautiful pictures! Congratulations Mrs.

There are great TA's on this site. TA Maureen specializes in Aruba vacations. Click on the link up top for a bdw agent... good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by A_J_Mitchell Hey Sheree, He actually told me he wouldn't need any info until July..Maybe he waits till the actual month.. I emailed him yesterday to find out the table sizes. Has he told you that yet? How many can sit at a table?? Okay,interesting- then that gives me a little more time to finalize what I want. lol I did ask him that question also! This was his response: our table can accommodate 12 seats. but for comfort we tend to leave it at 10 per table. But if your going to have assigned seating you decide on how many people you'd like per table. You may also have another question that I had: what is the time and meeting place for our guests to go over to the island? boat departs at 5:30pm. Guests would need to gather at the MARINA tower boat dock at 5:15pm What is the typical timeline for the bride and groom for that day? The groom goes over with the guests at 5:30pm. The last boat is for the bride and that's at 5:45pm. Just FYI in case you need the info.

Quote: Originally Posted by A_J_Mitchell I got all my OOT items but now I need to get moving on finding all those templates I need. I haven't heard a work about my dress yet, but I pushed it when I just put the order in 3 weeks ago.. haha.. I'm hoping I'll get pics from gianinar this week!! At least I have a backup dress just in case!! I haven't heard a word from my coordinator but I'm guessing he'll start all the planning next month.... I sent him two emails summarizing some things I would like and asking a ton of questions. If you have finalized anything I guess you can contact him. I still am not use to the laid back island vibe. I'm sure it will all be lovely though.

Don't worry-we all understand that you may have been too busy to post a review earlier. But you did now and it's great. Thanks for sharing your honest opinions. It will be very valuable to other brides. I took a look at some of your pictures- everything looked lovely, very elegant and classy. You were a beautiful bride- Congrats!!

Quote: Originally Posted by hat0112 Does anyone know if there are any requirements if you are going to be legally married before you get to Aruba? My FI and I are going to do the civil ceremony here in Pennsylvania first. I am assuming I would need a copy of our marriage license but is there anything else I need to bring? My wedding coordinator said all one would need is a copy of the marriage certificate.

I love your bags Danielle- great choice!!

Aruba is an excellent island for a DW! I'm getting married there this July. Check out the Islands section where you will find posts from Aruba brides. Good Luck!!

Welcome from a fellow Aruba bride! Don't worry you will find plenty of ideas to help with the planning. Enjoy.

Hi ladies- just wanted to say hello to my fellow July brides. I'm sure you're all busy planning away!!

Sorry about this but it's good to know that they are seeking help. At least they both want it work it out. Marriage isn't easy and everyday isn't going to be the greatest but they can stick it out.

Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.