Brenners

I really do believe that the flight attendants will accommodate you and your dress.

Lol Shan. I will just send my contract to your FI for final review and approval! Works for me!

Krista your pictures are lovely and you made a beautiful bride. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your review with us!

Ali - some friends of ours are going to Sandos Playacar for their one year anniversary this May. I will ask them if they get to see any weddings while they are there!

Just an update from the bride whose DW I attended May 2010 - she didn't even call ahead. She got on the plane and the stewardess immediately opened the closet and said "Here you go." That was American Airlines. Clearly CS has no idea what the flight attendants actually do.

Oh that is too funny JBean! If Martha says so, then 'it's a good thing." lol

Ok, so I have seen some horror stories on BDW from some brides who were unaware of the contract language or did not understand the fine print or that it was even there. So my questions for all of you out there are as follows: 1. How many have actually used a lawyer? 2. Was this helpful and how? 3. What type of lawyer did you use? 4. Anytime there was an addition or change to the contract, did you resend to the lawyer before signing off? 5. How much did it cost? Thanks Ladies! I know that you will have the answers for me as you have all been great so far!

Wow - that is a nice gift but very spendy for all female guests potentially. Do you have anyone who can help you make them QueenDiva?

Haven't chosen my colors yet but am thinking that could be a great place to display it!

Thanks ladies. This is a great starting point for me. Ours will likely be indoors so will need to do more decorating than if it were outdoors. My FI just bought a smoker recently so am thinking that we can smoke some turkey, ham, etc...for some make-it-yourself sandwiches with fixings. Make it informal buffet style for the food. I have no desire to wear my wedding dress as I want it to be relatively informal so I like your idea of wearing your rehearsal dinner dress. Thanks so much ladies!

Posh I like that idea. I will have to look at that website and see what we can "wish" for! Thanks!

Good to remember. I think I will lean toward the snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. Thanks so much!

How about having a lawyer review the contract before signing? Anyone have that done?

We will be paying for the AHR ourselves. My parents cannot afford to really contribute so that is why I am asking. I want to keep it simple but not make people feel that it is cheap.

I am researching unique bridesmaid gifts and love this idea. I have been looking but found only the same old ideas. Thanks so much!

I love these! Great ideas! Thanks everyone!

Ok, I am mainly focusing on the DW right now, however, I know I have to also plan an AHR as most people won't be able to attend or won't be invited (we are keeping the DW small) to the DW. I have a few questions for those currently planning or those who have recently held an AHR: 1. Budget. What amount are you looking to spend since you will have just spent quite a bit of money on your DW? Did you include this in your overall wedding budget? 2. Type. What kind of AHR are you planning? Is it formal or informal? How long will it last? Will you also have a dance after the reception? 3. When. How long after your DW are you planning the AHR? 4. Food. Are you having a buffet or a formal sit down dinner? 5. Clothes. What are you wearing to your AHR? Your wedding day attire or something else entirely? 6. Invitations. Formal or informal invitations? We are thinking about having it in the small town where I grew up and many people just put an announcement in the local paper for people to attend but then it is difficult to determine the amount of food you need. 7. Photographer. Are you hiring a professional photographer for the day? 8. Cake. Are you having a traditional wedding cake for the AHR? 9. Decorations. What kinds of decorations are you having for your AHR? 10. DW Photos. Are you going to have these on display and if so, how? That is all I can think of for now. If anyone else has any questions, then please feel free to add. Any advice is helpful.

This is an old thread so I have to wonder if this information is up-to-date??? I have never had an issue with an online travel site. My only concern is having those that book through online sites count toward my booking at the resort.

A few things I am learning on here such as the importance of a picture list, really being thoughtful with your invite list and NOT stressing are jumping out at me. I really appreciate this as I am starting to feel the pressure even though I have a little less than a year to plan. I want to enjoy this time so this list is very helpful to me! Thanks ladies!

Looking at other threads, some brides are choosing less expensive packages and then adding on what they want. Does anyone know if this is really cheaper in the end? I agree that it is cheaper for my FI and I to do our wedding this way but I still want to make sure that we aren't paying an arm and a leg for things that we could maybe get cheaper another way like through an outside vendor perhaps????

That is a nice idea of keeping it on the dl. I think I will look into the requirements for the legal ceremony more with our wc once we make a final decision on a resort. I like the idea of having one day and not dealing with having to do a separate legal ceremony on top of the DW. Thanks ladies!

I have not thought about wearing colorful shoes...as a DW isn't traditional then I guess the shoes don't have to be as well....Thanks!

Thanks Tammy. We haven't made a final decision on a hotel yet so that will be among the list of questions we send to the three that we have narrowed it down to. Good to know as that is a HUGE cost if you cannot get the deals from the online sites and can only deal directly with the hotel.

I checked out those websites and they are phenomenal! Thanks so much ladies!

KP that is a great thought to include some local goodies. Especially since Ceiba has such a lovely Mexican feel to the resort. I may have to steal your ideas!