finleys7

You can also do an hour and a half for cocktail hour...that's what my BIL did and it was great. They were able to get around to everyone before the reception. =)

Kathy, Did you like the flowers from the hotel and did you use the DJ? Thanks, Shannon

To each their own. Whatever works for you two is the right decision. Every bride and groom is different and everyone has different amounts of people going. So it might not be horrible to take pictures during cocktail hour if your guests are just going to party anyway. But some people want to be with their guests right away, it's really your preference. All I know is, thank God we are spending time with these people a few days before the wedding, that way we don't have to do the table visits at the reception and take away from the partying =)

In Mexico (Cancun Airport) you took a questionnaire and they took your temperature with this pen like object up against your throat. It was very quick and didn't hold things up.

Quote: Originally Posted by LDeeken Good question. We have a photographer, videographer, and 2 assistants. I guess that's going to be more than I thought. Same here, but our photographer gave us $150 discount which covers the day passes for photo, video and asst. I think the same may be true for hair/make up vendors as well. Hopefully you can negotiate with the WC on that one.

We did ours in March. It was at the hall attached to a firehouse, called the Vamps Club. We had 70 people, that we catered for and supplied beer, wine and soda at the bar. The favors were luggage tags and the centerpieces were oval trays with sand, starfish and shells surrounding three off-white 5 inch pillar candles. We got a DJ for the 4 hour party and it was GREAT! Color scheme was brown, turquoise and cream. I order the plates/napkins from Party Supplies, Birthday Party Supplies, Birthday Parties, Kids Parties, Wedding Supplies, Pinatas and it was a GREAT price. And the favors from www.weddingfavordiscount.com for another great price. And attached were our invitations =) done by a friend. engagement invites.pdf

I believe you have to pay the day pass as well. Do if it's a photog and assistant, it's $400. $300 penalty and (2) $50 day passes.

Very nice and bright and cheery =)

Hi Stephanie, it's always a good idea to start looking and thinking. I started researching before the ring was on too! When you know you know ;-) I have never been to Jamaica so I don't have any advice on that, but I have been to the Riveria Maya, Mexico 6 times and LOVE it, did I say LOVE...yup LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! All inclusives are the way to go and the rest is your opinion. I would use the search tool in here to find reviews of places you mentioned and maybe it will shed some more light. Mexico, Jamaica and the DR are pretty popular on here. Good Luck!

Everyone loved our STD magnets. Thanks for the great customer service. All, This company was so easy to work with. We combined two separate ideas of the photo booth style and added another line at the bottom, they were GREAT. So accommodating and very FAST. Loved the envelopes and stickers to boot!!! Attached are the STD's. Final Save the Date.pdf

Quote: Originally Posted by SusieQ Having said that, if I was going to an engagement party or an AHR for a young couple starting their life together I would bring a gift. I would include young couples getting married for the first time and couples that have been living together aswell. I just think the old fashion way that this is an opportunity to help them get their start in life. Well said about the new young couples. I only plan on doing this once and we need all the help we can get. We didn't register in time for the engagement party on purpose...that way we got money instead, a nice amount too...which is going ALL to the wedding. Desipte it being a destination, this wedding is costing around 18K, better than 50K here in NY but still a lot for us. My mom, sister (MOH), bridal party and Future MIL are thowing my shower and that's what we are registering for. =)

Need help deciding, these might go on T-shirts and cocktail napkins....

Why don't you print your names and date on card stock, punch a hole in it and tie it near the charm. That way people can reuse the fans again. Or you can hand write on the one side of the fan when it's closed along the side.

here's one, I just found it on google, I have never used it, but cute stuff Summer Dresses from The Summer Dress Store I like Forever 21 for cute summer dresses. Also the gap and old navy.

I did Lock Of Love and was a little disappointed when I got a postcard in the mail, thanking me for the donation. I kind of wanted to know the story behind the child receiving my hair. But then I thought that was too much for an organization and I got over it. But I would have loved to pen pal or something like that. I donated 10 inches (the minimum) and wasn't the biggest fan of the short hair on me, although the FI liked it. I prefer the long hair because of pig tail braids in the summer =) My hair doesn't grow fast, and although many people say "It's just hair, it grows back", mine took a while. But it was soooo worth it. Good luck, can't wait to see pics.

I like the idea of the square table. And yes to avoid confusion, (if it's not a hassle) do place cards. You can make them very creative or as plain as you want. Draw out the lay-out with the cards and your WC should be able to set them up accordingly.

The words gifts should never be mentioned on an invitation. I read that in this past issue of Brides. =) That being said, it's up to the couple. We had our engagement party in March '09 and everyone (all 70) came with a gift. Average amount was $100 per couple; we got a few figurines, photo albums/frames, and champagne. But mostly money which is what we needed to get our feet on the ground. I know things are different in various states and countries, but here in NY (Long Island/NYC) you don't go to a party empty handed. Just my opinion!

Tiffany, congrats on your engagement and Welcome to the forum. There are great things here. There is also a link for May 2010 brides, it helps with time frames and ideas. Good Luck planning!!!

Very pretty!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by CrystalM Wow! I just found this thread! I'm getting married May 1, 2010 in St. Thomas Crystal, we're getting married on the same day =)

Hi ladies, getting married May 1 at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar in Riveria Maya. Checklist My dress Girl’s dresses STD's (sent last in May) 30 booked already (w/o invitations) OOT bag ideas pouring in =) Readings chosen Sand Ceremony reading chosen Registering as we speak =) Photographer Booked Looking into the DJ To Do List Invitations (sending in Jan.) Groomsmen and Grooms linens Templates for programs Templates for menus So many things will be done after the new year and around March, like tables, seating arrangements, centerpiece details, OOT bags and so much more. Good luck planning ladies.

check out this site as well IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS MESSAGE BOARD | IBEROSTAR REVIEWS & PHOTOS - Index

Michael's the Arts and Crafts store has all of that stuff. We decorated our centerpieces for our engagmenent party with those shells. there were alll differenet sizes and colors and starfish...

thanks ladies...

Rose, We concentrated on low season (cheaper) without it being too hot in Mexico and not rainy season. Call you travel agent for those time...for us the last week in April into the first week in May was PERFECT. Our other option was the first week in December. Prices dropped that week.(after thanksgiving)