amyrot

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 We are having the private reception at the Italian restaurant. Because we are around 65 + people we needed a pre-fix menu, but I told them that's not an option. We can't choose (1) meal for everyone. So they gave us (2) options - Steak and Fish (Grouper) and if people don't eat either, to let her know. Like Chicken or vegans. So far all the RSVPs have chosen one or the other.... See now why did she tell me 4 choices for the italian place? but she wouldn't confirm them for me yet? I wonder if its just a difference between the individual resorts?

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 If the Invitations didn't go out yet, you can do this on the bottom of the RSVP with check boxes for your options. We did this and everyone have filled this out so far =) It's dark, because I took it with my camera phone...but you get the idea. well, she stated in the email that she won't know my meal options until a few months before the wedding. she gave me examples. I'm planning to pick the Italian restaurant because in the example there were 4 choices. I'm doing my RSVP's online so I could add meal choices, but...I don't have them yet!

Wow you guys all have awesome ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats great! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks they're a waste of money!

Hey Ladies....I"m having trouble copy/pasting the whole email, but here is a part where she mentions the dinner choices. : I would like to have a list ahead of time (before your arrival) of your guests and their menu of preference. The Chef wants to have everything ready ahead of time. He does not like any last minute rushes. Upon arrival I need you to give me the place cards in order to make the arrangements with the restaurant. Through the place cards the chef and the waiters will be aware of who ordered which menu according to the list and it will be easier to identify them at the restaurant. Leave it in our hands! It makes sense, but unfortunately she told me that she will not give me menu choices until 2-3 months prior. So, I guess I will have to contact everyone via email who is coming, provide them with choices, and get their responses. I assume I have to do this twice if I have a dinner Thurs and Fri the night of the wedding.... I am also just assuming I need something to put these in or on, however my mother said to just get small ones that fold and they can put them right on the place setting. A little boring...but... I don't know.

Hey ladies.....my mom is here as we speak writing our addresses on the envelopes! We are going to send them out soon so I can remind people to book soon. We have 18 people booked including us! QUESTION: Ok,...so as I understand, anything over 25 people you need to order from a fixed menu. I was told last week that I have to figure out the choices, and bring placecards that indicate the choice of the person's meal. Is this info all what you guys have been told? Seems right to me, but now I'm just shopping around and looking for placecard holders. I want to have a group dinner the night before as well, sort of a 'rehearsal' dinner w/out the rehearsal ! So I'm wondering should I buy one set of placecard holders and use them twice..... is that totally cheesy?! probably! lol...

I'm with many of you on this subject. Seriously, I think things like sunscreen, water, chapstick are all a waste of money for OOT bags. Who is going to leave this stuff at home? I do not have ANY extra money and we've cut back as much as possible. I am having a dinner but no reception after ( we are having a HUGE AHR- all on our $$). WE're using the resorts photographer, which it seems NO ONE at Iberostar does....I already compromised and got the cheapest invitations possible (which came out Awesome I might add!). So...I'm thinking a nice welcome letter, a schedule of events for the wedding day- where to go, what time, etc.... and the insulated mugs with our monogram on them. I will be paying for my bridesmaid's hair to be done, which is a pretty penny. I am not bringing ANY decorations, flowers, cake topper, etc...I don't see the need. I do have to bring placecards to indicate people's meal choices because anything over 25 people requires a fixed menu to be planned ahead...thats enough of a pain in the butt in itself. At least they will be small! paying $30 for extra bags at the airport is no fun!

Shannon your invitations are exactly what I had wanted...I'm glad you were able to get them. They are beautiful!

Quote: Originally Posted by sam33 Hi I really had not thought about Programes, OOT Bags etc. Any ideas!!! Not really sure why i need them or even when to give them out !! Sam don't worry- I'm not doing programs. There isn't much to really say in my opinion! Its such a quick ceremony, and i don't even have ring bearer/flower girl. I think I'm going to do more of a welcome letter with an attached itinerary for that day for people to receive in their rooms. I am planning to do mugs for the swim up bars and I suppose they will technically be in a gift bag....and I may throw in a few more items. I do not want to be packing an entire suitcase just for wedding things because it costs money per bag! My parents can 't bring stuff because they aren't coming until two days after me. Also then people have to be able to fit stuff to bring home with them. Its just my opinion- I love all the ideas everyone has, I just can't do all of it myself. *Actually, I'm kind of wondering how to even get the oot bags/welcome letters to people if they're checking in all at different days. Should i bring stuff to the front desk each morning there is an arrival.....? what do you guys think?

Quote: Originally Posted by NorthernGirl Barefoot in the Sand - your scrapbooks sound amazing, now that is a perfect gift! We leave for our wedding in 2 weeks from today for the Del Mar! We have approx 45 people now (16 booked in last 2 days - great sales). We are doing the Gazebo ceremony and hiring the mariachis. Dinner at the Italian restaurant (private event) with a DJ and tequila bar for **kissing** I'll post our travel mugs - just got them in. I've never stayed in this area of Mexico so if anyone has any advise, excursion ideas etc fire away . Hey everyone..I've been WAY out of the loop for over a month! NOrthern girl, you must be excited! I hope you have a wonderful time! The gazebo at the del mar is gorgeous and pretty private! I can't get the pics of the buckets up at work but that sounds so awesome! In terms of excursions....I feel like this trip is going to be nuts. We get there sunday, one of my bridesmaid/friends gets there Monday, and then my family tues, and then Kevin's family wed (I'm trying to talk them into tues). The wedding is Friday. I feel like with all the arrivals the week is going to fly. I've been there 3 times so I think I will skip the excursion, but I loved Xel-Ha! I did another tour last year when I stayed at the Rui Palace and I loved that too! Its getting exciting now....I've been talking with Mayra about plans and prices. We do not plan to do any type of structured dance reception after dinner. I didn't know that feature about going to the del mar or beach for an entire private event.. It all comes down to the fact that we are paying for the whole thing...and with only 35 or so people that we expect, I don't think we are going to do the dancing and then do it all over again at home in August. I don't quite know what to do though!! When I was there last in 2006 the convention area had just opened. There is a disco there that is not the same as the one directly in the property. It was so awesome! There were young people and older adults and all of the staff from the daytime. It didn't open till 11 though...so we may kill some time at the bars/show, and then whoever can keep their eyes open will go dancing! I did decide on the Italian restaurant. I have to have a fixed menu since I estimate over 25 people.

Quote: Originally Posted by ILuvSaalsaa Thank you so so much for this post! The information is great. My name is Melanie, and I'm new to the site and actually getting married at Iberostar Paraiso Lindo one day after you! You are so lucky to have visited the resort beforehand, as my budget doesn't afford it. But I'm so glad I can use you as a representative! I hope you don't mind, as I'm sure I'll have alot of questions for you. I contacted a wedding planner (can't remember which responded), and she said that they will contact me three months before the wedding. So, I'm feeling a little in the dark. Thank you for all your great posts, and I hope to chat with you! HI! My wedding is at the Lindo just after yours on the ninth of July! I just got my invitations in the mail- they came out great and the price was awesome....so I am so happy to get that done. I have been talking with the wedding coordinator a little- they all write me back- like no consistency, but whatever! I have been to the Iberostar del mar/beach before and they were great, so I'm guessing/hoping the Lindo is great too!

I really haven't thought of favors at all.... good thing for you guys reminding me of this! I finally did my invitations so I hope they look ok when they come in....! I'm nervous. i did them online on Invitations by Dawn - Unique Theme Wedding Invitations and Accessories I think the brownies are a good idea since they don't have to be packed. I don't want to be worried about making time to go into town just to get them though.... I also would hate if people didn't eat them and they went to waste!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tifuhhknee The funniest part of it all is that after we got serious about wanting a DW, my FI sat him parents down in private and asked them if they were okay with that before we went for it. His dad said if it was what we wanted, they would do what they could to be there. So I call everyone with the great news, my mom is jumping up and down excited with me, and the next day all hell broke loose w/his mom. Case in point, the woman is a loony bird. I wish we could all scream that!!! Eventually, they shut up to your face about it. Good job on saving it though, I'd def want to show people and laugh about how pitiful that is. But the best of luck to everyone on this thread! I love knowing we are all here to support each other through this craziness. It will be worth it though. I'm glad everyone has these stories here..... I haven't gotten anything negative since I started this except for one of my FI 's grandmothers crying because she can't go. I assured her that our AHR will be great and we will be showing videos, pictures, and be in our wedding attire!

Quote: Originally Posted by Britt1222 Jpitts- I love your TTD pictures! I am not doing a TTD, although I would love to. I don't think I could talk my H2B in to adding any more money to our budget, since we are already going over to bring an outside photographer in. Where did you go to find a cave? You are going to be there right before me! I can't wait to hear how yours goes. We are not doing the outside pics because I just can't see spending the $$ since we are paying for everything ourselves AND trying to pay in cash. we're both working like nuts.... We are having a big AHR and paying for all of that too. I am just very excited for the trip and if you get any good Lindo planning ideas please fill me in!

Quote: Originally Posted by Britt1222 Jpitts- I love your TTD pictures! I am not doing a TTD, although I would love to. I don't think I could talk my H2B in to adding any more money to our budget, since we are already going over to bring an outside photographer in. Where did you go to find a cave? I'm not either, although it would have been fun. We are way over budget and we're not even doing an outside photographer.

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 I did the same thing, I got bags for my MIL, Mom and MOH. They were from Hanson Ellis. I bought them at $20 and now they are $16, but they are sturdy and great bags. Brown Eco Jute Tote Bag Thats great- I like the bag!

I got my Future MIL and my mom some tote bags from Vista print for xmas with our wedding monogram starfish on them! I can't wait till they come in. Everythings on sale. I had 'mother of the groom' and mother of the bride written under the monogram!

Quote: Originally Posted by LDeeken Emily - When we went to our friends wedding this summer they had "Bubba Kegs" and they were awesome!! I'm not a big day drinker, but it kept my water cold all day! And, at the bar they will just fill it up with whatever you want (pina colada, margarita, etc.) Everyone loved them. They put our names on ours so we wouldn't get them mixed up. That sounds awesome. I definitely want something insulated and I want to get my Starfish monogram on them! I want to get all these things DONE but no one else is even booked yet- lol!

Quote: Originally Posted by futuremrsgoodrich I am wearing my beautiful dress again and looking forward to it Me too ! I would never NOT wear it! I can't wait to wear it twice! My AHR is just a few weeks after our trip, so I hope I don't eat and drink so much that it ends up being tight! lol....

Quote: Originally Posted by LDeeken Amy - I was thinking of doing 1 raft per couple and then little tubes for each of the kids. I actually already picked up some of these up at Walmart a few months ago for like $1.00 a piece. For the tables at the reception I think you can purchase flower centerpieces and maybe rose petals for the table. The Maya and the Lindo do share restaurants. There are 2 restaurants that are exclusive to the Maya (Japanese and Gourmet) however the Lindo has each of those as well. I think I mentioned before that our friends had their reception at the Gourmet restaurant at the Lindo. We had one long table and they sat at the head of the table. It was very intimate and we were actually in a back room that was separate from the rest of the restaurant. There was even a sliding door that closed. Thanks for clearing that up! So it sounds like there are 'double' Japanese and gourmet's, individual for each hotel and then I"m assuming a seafood and Italian. Flowers for the table sound perfect and natural and I'll like that because at home my centerpieces won't be flowers. Rose petals would be a really nice touch too!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Barefoot in the Sand I was there in July and saw the flowers they were gorgeous. She told me that you could choose from any array of flowers but some will cost more. I know that orchids cost more. However, the arrangemet that I saw had gerber daisies, lilies, roses, and cala lilie.There were orange and pink and breath taking. Mandee Oh that sounds awesome!!! I can't wait! Thanks for letting me know that! I love the cala lillies and gebera daisies!

Hey Leah yeah I'm just being on the very practical side as well. I really like the idea of the luggage tags. I'd like to make them myself if possible and I like the lanyard idea as well. Then I'm thinking the mug for each person and possibly a raft per ROOM. Even if I have 40 people, just the mugs ALONE will take up a ton of space! I really want to do the mugs, so anything beyond that is going to be minimal! I am not paying $30 a bag for too much of this extra stuff. Not to mention carrying the dress! Also I'm definitely using whatever the resort can provide in terms of flowers and not bringing any decorations. I just want this to be stress free. I just feel like when we really don't know what exactly the set up is...its hard to plan for things until you get there. For my AHR, I have to make 25 centerpieces....so that is enough assembly for me! I was thinking of doing name tags for the reception, but I think I'm just keeping it fun and informal in Mexico and people can sit where they want! Now that I've chosen to stay at the Lindo, I'm realizing the website is SO vague with what restaurants are there. There are FEW pics with no real description. I also don't know- do the Maya and Lindo share restaurants?

Shannon, Ok so I just looked up Tiger lily and thats not it....I got the idea from what Lily the WC sent me in some pics. If I can figure out how to post the pic I will!

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 Amy, tiger lillies are pretty...lots of pictures on the web. What color are the girls again? The girls are a bright green/turqoise....TOTALLY not something I thought I'd ever pick. I love more subtle subdued colors. But, Kevin's sister is only 14, and we saw this cool Jr bridesmaid dress that was this green color. So then we kind of went with it!I can't believe I picked it. I think a little pink paired with the green/turqouise would be cool. I can't really think of another color besides white. Of course my monogram is a blue.... maybe I could have Rebecca change the color if I use it for luggage tags!

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 Okay, So I got an email back from Karla and she said that the translation is NOT NEEDED. YEAH!!! As long as I have that in writing, I should be okay. It also has the Italian Menu for private reception and answers to other questions in the email. Amy and Leah I will forward it to you if you want =) Oh please forward it to me!!! [email protected]! So now there is a 'karla'! lol...I haven't heard of her yet! So, no translation- I am still worried about not getting it, but if its in writing....!

Quote: Originally Posted by Emmers How are people getting stuff down there? We are flying Air Mexicana, so we get 2 bags each, although DH would like one of his bags to be his golf clubs. Even without clubs, it seems like getting 75 OOTs and menus/placecards/programs plus all the other necessary items (we had a destination engagement and DH used a fake ring....this time we need to use the real ones ha) is going to be tricky. Ideas? Other than giving what we can to other people travelling, which may be hard since my family is in Indiana and his family is in NY and FL? Emmers- I think I"m scrapping OOT bags or making them very tiny- I might actually only do the travel mugs and a 'welcome' letter. I'm not sure- most airlines are now $25-$30 a bag extra. I'm going to really pack as light as possible, although I say that now....... Luckily my fiance hasn't mentioned bringing his clubs! Shannon- I think maybe Tiger lily's were what I was trying to think of! They're white but pink kind of in the middle? Since you are having it in the chapel I can see wanting to really get the flowers 'right'! I'd be the same way!