roxyqt

Quote: Originally Posted by islandbride317 Anyone heard of "gate checking" it? That might be the way to go for larger gowns... My travel agent actually suggested placing my gown (already inside the garment bag from the salon), folded/into a suitcase, and then asking at the airport if they can "gate check" it -- which is similar to when a passenger that uses a wheelchair or stroller has it taken just as the plan is finished boarding, it's stowed below with the rest of the luggage, and then it is brought to the gate immediately when the plane lands and given directly to the passenger -- pretty cool idea and although I'd rather not fold it, I'd prefer to do that instead of having something rip through the garment bag and tear the dress! Either way, good luck Island Bride ! Love the monogram!! So CUte!!! Hey girls! Some airlines will not let you gate check a actual suitcase on certain planes, they make exception for strollers, wheelchairs, carseats, medical needs, etc... but that of course depends on the size of the aircraft as well ... some planes require all rollerboards to be gate checked when the over-head bins are not large enough to hold them... I would be very cautious doing this though, the worst can happen and bags have been known to be left before, yikes!! Also you have to trust that the luggage people are not just throwing you bag around or crushing it! Which we all know what happens! Also take in consideration weather... if it is raining your bag will be subjected to being on the ramp in the rain so make sure it is water sealed so nothing can happen to it. In my opinion, I would not do this unless the size of the bag requires you to do this on the plane... Guard your dress with your life If you do decide to do this make sure you have your final destination address on the bag, a phone # to reach you and your resort or wedding planner and your email address, thus to insure your bag will not go back to your home town..., without a actual baggage tag they will have no idea where your bag is going, double yikes! (This happened to me traveling through ATL one time, my bag was sent to the baggage claim in atlanta instead of coming up to the gate. It took them 3 days to get it to me! Thankfully I was traveling home, but it was still an inconvenience.

I Love the look of Option 1, although I am bias because I'm not a fan of Calla lilies, to traditional for me. #1 says Beach Wedding to me!! Good luck with your choice

Quote: Originally Posted by justgotengaged...nowwhat? I think no matter what - NO BRIDE should have to be too far from her own dress while flying, guard that thing with your life! My seamstress really knows her stuff, so I am confident she is going to pack it correctly(how, I have no idea - but I am going to sit back and let her do it!) However, now I am limited to what I can actually carry on in terms of other items. I did see a good tip from another bride on this forum - to pack your shoes with your carry on as well. I am basically bringing ALL of my bridal gear with me on the plane, can't be too careful. MOST Definitely!!! Carry all your wedding day attire and accessories with you on the plane!! You never know when the worst will happen and if your luggage is delayed at least you have your needs for your wedding day, most of which can not be replaced on the fly. My best advice to anyone traveling with carry-ons is to board immediately when your seat, row, zone, letter is called!! This will help you find that precious space over head . If you have to tell them you need help in the boarding process so you can get on the plane after 1st class and frequent flyers. and if you are a frequent flyer board as soon as they they you you can! You will have a better chance to speak with a flight attendant at the beginning of the boarding process, when they arent as rushed!! Oh and my tip to making friends with the attendants... Magazines!! I will always pass on my People and US Weekly to the ladies, they are always thankful even if they have read it, they just pass it on to a friend! I travel a lot for my job and have flown with my own dress from Phoenix to Florida, there will be some people who go above and beyond and others who are just having a bad day. I really wish they was a set standard for each airline and AIRPORT for carrying your wedding dress. When traveling from Phoenix I had a plastic dress bag inside a 72" long breathable bag which when folded in half was 36" long, but when carrying it through the airport I didnt fold it in half just carried it as is. The airport never got a measuring tape out or anything for me, but I have seen it done. I did my very best to keep my dress from terrible wrinkles. Most of the wrinkles come from getting the dress scanned in x-ray. I would say if they allow you not to put it through there and have it scanned by a person do that!!!!! Helpful Tip: for strapless dresses: Place a white piece of paper over the dress straps and rubberband the paper over the straps onto your hanger, This will ensure that the straps dont come off the hanger and your dress getting smushed to the bottom of the bag

Quote: Originally Posted by Island Bride Wow, I have never heard of hanging your dress in the bathroom and turning the shower on hot and letting the steam get the wrinkles out! Thanks for the advice ladies! I opened my dress bag the other day so show my dad my dress and it was SO wrinkled! I have NO idea how! It was laying across a bed.. since when does that wrinkle a dress? I'm definitly gonna try that ghetto steam job soon as I get a chance! The shower steam will only get minor wrinkles out nothing major, and this method works on more than just wedding dresses , but again only minor wrinkles. Anything major needs to be handled by a professional.

Quote: Originally Posted by meldal101010 Oooohhh...I LOVE that dress! I just bought my dress a couple of weeks ago & can't wait to wear it I love Paloma Blancas...they are so lightweight & perfect for beach weddings!! Love love love pockets!! The dress is so gorgeous!! Congrats I know you cant wait for it to come in All the best!!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by BostonBride2010 I'm a Paloma Blanca bride!! I bought style 4004 and I'm so in love with it. They really do make the most beautiful dresses. Here are some pics with a model. My last fitting is at the end of March and after that I'll post some pics of me wearing my actual dress! Boston Bride:) the dress is BEAUTIFUL and I LOVE the pockets and the back!!! So pretty, you must be so excited!! March is almost here!!! All the luck with the dress fitting!! Keep us posted

Quote: Originally Posted by sugaredviolets Has anyone used those carry-on sized boxes? I'm too scared to just use a garment bag. or anyone use a folding garment bag from the uk like this: WEDDING GOWN Dress CARRIER - Folding Travel Bag 1431-1 on eBay (end time 25-Feb-10 09:36:36 GMT) I used 2 cloth garment bags and a plastic one as well to bring my dress home from Phoenix, my thick plastic one came from the dress shop and was see-through and I bought 2 pink cloth garment bags, because I was unsure if you would be able to see through them and also felt they protected the dress more. I spend $10 on each, so $20 wasnt bad to keep my dress safe and sound

I think the chairs in the picture are great , you would most likely have to use satin (which of course will cost more) or something that is not see through to create the effect in the picture and if you are trying to be budget conscious maybe only do the chairs in the rows that your family is sitting in and the head table at the reception with the double sashes to create a special feel for them . I do think the runners will look great layered like that, but you dont have to necessary use them both for all the chairs, mixing it up will look great as well

Almost forgot, The bride actual aisle was in the front of all the guest. So she walking in front of everyone not down the traditional aisle down the middle, so no one was looking up at her as she made her way to the alter. Also, my friends wedding was very, very casual. Everyone was in surfer boy/girl attire, the groom & groomsmen even had solid dark brown board shorts on with nicer White button down shirts and most of the girls wore sundresses. It completely fit the two of them perfectly , they are surfers and actually moved to Costa Rica after the wedding .

I think it depends on the type of wedding you are trying to go for, if you want it to be formal then I say have chairs, but if it is casual then go for it but maake sure your guest are aware of the seating I have actually been to a wedding where they did this , I loved the idea, plus they made it so much more than just a mat in the sand. They placed a large paint brush to brush off the sand and sand buckets with champagne & plastic champagne flutes on the mats. We toasted the bride and groom after they were announced as husband and wife, pus they used this as their cocktail hour. So while the bridal party was taking photos, the guest drank champagne and they also had someone pouring mojitos . I didn't find it uncomfortable even in a dress, but I will say that 90% of the guest were in their 20's & 30's. I didn't get really sandy (paint brush was great idea to keep the sand off the mat and you). There were some guest that stood behind that mats as well and surprisingly the pictures look cute with everyone sitting with there champagne

Oh I almost forgot... To go along with our "Suntan In A Glass" We want to name things after our location... Key West the Southenmost Point of the USA. So the menu will look something like this, of course prettier ... "Suntan In A Glass" Southernmost Beer Southernmost Wine Southern Most Martini ....etc

Thank you everyone for all the great comments and suggestions!! Keep them coming!!! Now you know why it is so hard for me to choose!! All so different and each great! I have been leaning towards all for the same reasons 1: Fun & definitely different. (Cute story behind it... We only planned on make the drive to Key West from Miami once, then taking a flight home from Key West, but a hurricane was threatening the Keys and we were evacuated a few days early so we drove back to Miami since our flight was canceled!! So we got to know and love the Mile Markers and the beautiful drive:) ) 2: Very Classy and we could personalize it to match the things we love. We live on the beach and once it got a bit warmer here make a afternoon of taking pictures and have fun with it. 3: Something different than numbers and so classy and i really love the idea of people sitting at the Islands and pairing them up to each one that is special to us or represents them I'll have another month or so to get everything together and will for sure keep everyone posted on what I choose and posts some pics of everything!! FI threw something cool in the mix that might make me lean towards the Island Names at least for the Table setting cards or yet another idea to incorp somehow!... He suggested using the actual Latitude and Longitude location of Key West faded into the background inspired I'm sure by a Jimmy Buffet song ... I think no matter what I'll incorp all three designs somehow into the wedding/reception... That way all I have to choose is where Thanks Again Everyone!!!!!

I know for sure one of ours is going to be my summer drink of choice:) "Malibu and Pineapple Juice on the Rocks" I have always called it "Suntan In A Glass" so all of our friends will get a little laugh that it is at our reception , totally me

Quote: Originally Posted by islandbride317 I would LOVE to see you give the all white a shot! I still think it's so timeless and elegant, and if you still wanted to incorporate the pink, save the pink sash and bring it along for a few shots with you and your bridesmaids AFTER you wear the all white for the wedding itself...you'll get the best of both worlds! Again, just a thought... Love that Idea!!! Use both!! One for the wedding and one reception! Then you won't have to choose Tip to keep your ribbon in place with out sewing it on.... Hollywood Tape! Hollywood Fashion Tape, Fashion Tape, Dress Tape, Apparel Tape, Body Tape This is just strips of double sided tape that is not damaging to fabric I use it all the time to keep a strap in place or a shirt from not showing my bra, but used it for a BM dress last year to keep my sash in place , this will keep either from showing the seam in the dress

Ok, I am starting to get all my printing items together for a friend of mine to design and make pretty for me . What to do about table numbers names!! I have 3 ideas and just cant decide which one I like best! I like them all for different reasons. Which do you like... #1, (each table will have a different number mile marker from The US1 in the Florida Keys the island we fell in love .) #2 (These numbers will be drawn in the sand with other beach elements in the photos, starfish, sand dollars, flip flops, shells, etc., each picture will be a different number and element) #3 (These will be named after different islands in the Florida Keys, there are so many to choose from but we have picked a few that really represent us or the keys we have visited... Key West, Fiesta Key, Friend Key, Panhandle Key, Pelican Key, Camp Key, Sunshine Key, Wahoo Key, Three Sisters Key, Sunset Cove, Long Island, Islamorada, Little Conch Key, Bowlegs Key.)

Any new updates on the dresses ladies!!! sjmacphe, I hope your fitting is going well!!! Keep us posted!! Any new Paloma Blanca or Mikaella brides !!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by future_mrs2010 Wow that is soo pretty!! I hope you are able to find it! Wow!!! Your sig pic is A-Mazing!!!!!!!!

Here is the link to the thread... I hope it works http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...st-here-54675/

Quote: Originally Posted by courtney_b00 Well I never got around to finding this dress in my budget, but I got super lucky and got a FREE Mikaella dress Now I'm just waiting to get it altered. I'll have to post pics soon. Any updates on you Mikaella dress that you won!! So Lucky I started a thread for Paloma/Mikaella brides... I know they are not many of us

I say shoes or at least flip flops I can trust that my groom has nice feet, but I am not so sure about a few of the groomsmen, yikes ! I will have this pics for the rest of my life More or less I would just want everything to look nice for the short ceremony and if you are really set on that maybe compromise and take some of your photos as a couple without shoes We are going to have to wear Flip Flops for our Wedding Ceremony. I am having the Flower girl throw shells, sand dollars and baby starfish before I walk down the aisle so some type of foot attire will be needed for my walk to the alter and the walk for everyone back. I hope that is not being sneaky , no but really I saw someone else do it instead of flower petals and I thought It was a nice touch to a beach wedding. The shells, sand dollars, and starfish will be white and a mixture of different blues died to match our wedding colors Good Luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by islandbride317 Hmmm...I guess I stand alone so far: I LOVE THE WHITE RIBBON/BOW! I think it just adds an interesting, delicate detail without detracting from how stunning you look in the gown -- beautiful! But, the pink gives the dress a fun and flirty splash of color, so you can't go wrong either way! I agree with IslandBride . My favorite is the white bow. I love the way the ribbon is tied, it adds a modern twist to the ribbon and doesn't make it look like just a ribbon. The white has a very classic beauty to it and if you are worried that it doesn't stand out enough you can always add a brooch or pin, maybe with rhinestones or pearls and you could always get one with pink rhinestones to match the pink in the bridesmaid dress , just a idea Just like quote, the pink adds just enough of a splash of color to give the dress a fun side. Good luck with your choice!! Either way you will be stunning on your special day!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by lalanyc I am still in the process of dress hunting (and made the mistake of not doing much dress research before going to the first shops... but that's another story). One thing that has struck me is the huge variability in the vibe and helpfulness of each shop. I dont know if it's a Manhattan thing but I've gone to "high" end shops w/ very apathetic assistants or with very dirty, messy assortments of dresses. I never know what to expect walking into each store! Also, in some shops, you can browse and pick out the dresses yourself while in others they only allow the assistant to choose them for you (unless you ask for a specific dress). Finally, just because they carry a certain designer doesn't mean they have the full collection. Sometimes, they'll only carry a handful of dresses!!! The entire process has been quite an experience... good luck! ** Oh, one more thing - definitely take a strapless bra unless you don't mind showing off your assets. While some places give you bras, most I've seen do not. Good call on the proper undergarment for undressing in front of the associate! You meet them for 5 minutes and they have already got your clothes off , so if you are modest make sure you have on covering intimates. Also Good Call on the salons not carrying the full lines, I found that true at many places I shopped at. I thought maybe it was because I lived in a small town/area, good to know that is true in a big city as well. I did prefer to look through the gown myself or have them walk with me to get a better understanding of what I was looking for I felt a bit taken back with the shops that wanted to pick them out for you after only asking a handful of questions. Though I trusted that they would only have my best interest at heart, a couple of the places associates only had my max budget in their mind, and 1 shop was so quick to get me in and out when I the dresses she selected didnt work... it was like telling me "I have nothing for you without you spending more!" Oh and more thing, dont get discouraged if you dont find the dress right away, I agree with what Shellk said, most people dont walk out of there first experience shopping and find "the dress", try on as many as you need to to find your dress!!! I went Shopping with my BFF for her wedding and she must have tried on almost 200 dresses before finding her dress! She kept a positive outlook and didnt settle for anything less than perfect for her special day.

Yeah!! I wish you lots of luck!!!! I went with just my sister for my 1st trip. I knew she would be honest and tell me how it was:)! My sis lives in NY & me FL, we both got engaged around the same time so it was something we were able to do together!!!! We chose a salon close to her. The salon let us take pictures to share with our mom (she lives in FL) and friends. So definitely ask if that is allowed . I went into the store expecting to love one designer and picked a few dresses I had seen online, but had the consultant pick a few out that would flatter my figure. I mean, they see people all day long try on dresses and I am sure learn what looks good on different body types. Boy was I right! They had me try on a Paloma Blanca first and I loved it!!! I tried on 5 from her collection and 6 from another, nothing compared! I went to a few salons at home w/friends and tried on about 15-20 dresses, at 4 different salon, but kept thinking about the first dress. When I was back in NY helping my sis w/BM dress and tried on the Paloma again and 4 others. Yep it was the 1st! The shop should have shoes to try with the dress, but maybe bring your own strapless bra , they will have some to try on I just liked having my own and dont let them talk you into doing anything you are not sure of!! They want the sale, but you don't want to walk out of there unhappy or having buyers remorse. Good Luck and all the Best!!!! Keep us posted on your search!!!!! ***OH! I almost forgot, make sure you SIT in the gown!!! Wow, that was a deciding fact for a few of the dresses I tried on!! It was impossible to sit in a few of them!! and though I plan on standing and dancing the majority of the night. I felt sitting comfortable was a requirement.

Yeah!! I wish you lots of luck!!!! I went with just my sister for my 1st trip. I knew she would be honest and tell me how it was:)! My sis lives in NY & me FL, we both got engaged around the same time so it was something we were able to do together!!!! We chose a salon close to her. The salon let us take pictures to share with our mom (she lives in FL) and friends. So definitely ask if that is allowed . I went into the store expecting to love one designer and picked a few dresses I had seen online, but had the consultant pick a few out that would flatter my figure. I mean, they see people all day long try on dresses and I am sure learn what looks good on different body types. Boy was I right! They had me try on a Paloma Blanca first and I loved it!!! I tried on 5 from her collection and 6 from another, nothing compared! I went to a few salons at home w/friends and tried on about 15-20 dresses, at 4 different salon, but kept thinking about the first dress. When I was back in NY helping my sis w/BM dress and tried on the Paloma again and 4 others. Yep it was the 1st! The shop should have shoes to try with the dress, but maybe bring your own strapless bra , they will have some to try on I just liked having my own and dont let them talk you into doing anything you are not sure of!! They want the sale, but you don't want to walk out of there unhappy or having buyers remorse. Good Luck and all the Best!!!! Keep us posted on your search!!!!! ***OH! I almost forgot, make sure you SIT in the gown!!! Wow, that was a deciding fact for a few of the dresses I tried on!! It was impossible to sit in a few of them!! and though I plan on standing and dancing the majority of the night. I felt sitting comfortable was a requirement.

Quote: Originally Posted by *Heather* My dress is a Mikaella! I'm probably going to sell it, so if anyone is interested, let me know! Heather! The dress is beautiful!! I really love the belt!!! Perfect! I am sure you wont have any problems selling your dress.