*Linds*

Hi ladies! I am in need of some advice and thoughts from those of you doing one or the other noted in the title. All along my FI and I have planned to have about 20-30 guests at our destination wedding in Mexico...I am now considering going back to school, which would put us in a tight financial situation for a year or so. My dad is saying that if we eloped in Mexico he would give us the money that he would be paying towards his travel+the ceremony/reception in Mexico for savings. My mom is already loaning me the money to go back to school. I really cannot delay going back to school because of the type of program I am considering getting into. My question is- should we just elope and have a few (4ish) close friends attend with us and not ask our parents to make the trip? Or Should we go with our plan from the beginning? Inviting a number of guests and our parents? We are having a traditional AHR at a country club in our hometown, this cannot be changed because non-refundable money has already been put down. I know this is a personal decision, but I just wanted to see if any of you could share any insightful thoughts that maybe I have overlooked! Thanks in advance!

Very pretty! I love the colors!

I wish we could pay, but we are not. Like the above post, we are giving everyone more than a year's notice and some people aren't going to be able to come due to finances, but we knew that was a possibility and have come to terms with that.

LadyTrunck- Good point about the ability to return the shoes! I am the queen of flip flopping on decisions....hints why I have 3 wedding dresses hanging in my closet! Haha!

The pink shoes are AWESOME! I would love something like those in blue! Super cute! The dress is stunning!

3 is my fav! It looks great!

I love these pics because you look so happy!

LadyTrunck- I love the dress! You look fantastic!

So cute! What a great idea!

Lisa- you are so lucky! You look great blonde and brown! I wish I did! My personal choice would be blonde because it will be sunny and it just seems more "beachy" to me, but you really can't go wrong either way! Have a blast at your Bachelorette party!

I have a friend that just did this and she put "home to me" on her FIs

If you are interested in finding a used gown online another good site to try is oncewed.com

These are adorable! You did a great job!

Shellk- I never imagined the big wedding in a church with the poofy dress...which is why i chose a destination wedding. As much as I would love for my parents to come, I think it could be really special if it was more focused on just the FI and I.... What prompted your decision?

LOVE the pics! Thanks for sharing with all of us! =) Congrats!

great photos! Thanks for sharing!

OK girls I need some advice... I am considering going back to school which would put the FI and I in a tight financial situation. We will be able to make ends meet but we won't have much left over. My parents are paying for the wedding and AHR. We are having a traditional AHR at a country club in my hometown.... We were planning to have a group of 20-30 people join us in Mexico, but now I am re-thinking and here's why: My dad is saying that if we elope or just take like 2 sets of friends he would give us the money he would have been paying towards Mexico to use for savings/other expenses. The more I think about it the more I wonder if the FI and I should go down to Mexico with like 4 close friends and forget inviting a big group. This would save us in terms of the wedding package and save my parents on travel expenses. Its so hard for me to stay if I will regret it or not...I'm totally conflicted and I don't know what to do! Are any of you only taking a few close friends?? any thoughts on this HELP!

So cute! Thanks for sharing!

Thats awesome! I'm so glad to hear that your hardwork paid off!

Quote: Originally Posted by Boston Bride 2009 Thanks girls! I have pics of me in it but my computer at home is a piece of junk and I'm mad at it....I'll see if I can do it on another computer. It was a bit pricey $650.00 but it was a heck of a lot cheaper than the dress I went there to try on. The designer is Notte by Marchesa and they have a lot of amazing dresses that would work for a DW. I would buy several others if I could! I think you made a GREAT choice!

OMG, that dress is SO pretty and very unique! Was it expensive?

very pretty! Best of luck selling!

ugh I am SO nervous about the idea of doing BD photos! I am totally uncomfortable with my legs...cellulite=YUCK!...i feel like I need a photog that does some mean editing....I am still undecided on what to do!

I just read your post above. I'm glad to hear that you were able to make the flowers work!

I love the flowers! They look very pretty. I think the mixing of different shades of colors is so in right now! It will look great!