RonNMel

I can't think of one right now, but I'm pretty sure I know what my FI's pet peeve is with me. LOL Whenever we are in the car (him driving) stopped somewhere (i.e at the bank, to drop his daughter off, etc.) and he gets out of the car, I turn the engine off. I think it saves gas and makes less pollution, but I know it drives him crazy.

Hi Sheri, I think you should probably consult with another TA, if only just to confirm whatever info that first TA gave you. Doesn't mean you'd have to book with her, but at least you could get more information. I find it very weird that packages prices for November wouldn't be out before this summer, as my TA (I'm in Canada too, just a different province ) told me that the prices for 2011 would be out in April 2010, so a full year in advance. ETA Just for fun I checked an online travel booking website and, putting Alberta as my province and Calgary as my departing city, I was able to get packages for Caribbean places for as far out as October 2010.

Thanks Ashley! I am not doing any of that either. As Ashley said, I'll be in the tropics where they have beautiful flowers, so I'm sure whatever bouquet they hand me will be fine. And like Jennifer said, a big reason for us to do a DW was so that it was less stressful and less expensive. I was already married once, so I've already had a room done exactly the way I wanted, so no need to do it this time. Though even then I had a very tight budget and quite casual tastes, so it wasn't anything big. This time I'm letting the resort plan everything for me and whatever they do will be fine by me. As long as I get to marry my FI with the sand between my toes and the ocean as a backdrop, I'll be as happy as can be. Oh, and let's not the free alcohol (yay for all inclusive!!) and the big party until the wee hours. Hihi

This winter we will set up our wedding website with some general info about the date and place (i.e. Cuba, spring of 2011). We will let people know about this website through email and word of mouth. This will be our virtual STD. Once we get the prices in April 2010 and book our resort and flight, we will send out the formal invitation with all the booking info. We'll also ask people to RSVP through our wedding website to help us keep a tally of who is coming. Then finally a couple of months prior to the wedding we are thinking of sending out a "Get ready for Cuba" package (got the idea from this forum). This package would possibly include a welcome booklet and a resort brochure. Just to remind people and get them excited about the fast approaching wedding.

Love this thread so much!! GREAT and helpful advice in here. I have to have a Word page opened as I read through this thread as it gives me so many ideas.

Book looks awesome! Makes me want to do one for myself. What do you mean when you say you "bought" the pictures. How do you do that? Where?

If you find out about whether or not Laguna Azul does beach reception, and how much it would be, please let us know here. I'd be interested to know.

Was inspired by a similar thread in the Jamaica forum. I searched and didn't find any similar thread. Why did you choose Cuba as your destination? Why did you choose the city, the resort? We chose Cuba because it's probably the last expensive place in the Caribbean to fly to from Canada. Plus I've been there 3 times and LOVED it. I know the food can be bland, but the beach and the grounds are so awesome, the people are very nice, and the atmosphere is just great. Then we chose Varadero because we wanted to be close to the city in case some people would want to wander out the resort, shop, sightsee, etc. As for the resort, I wanted a nice beach, FI wanted a nice pool, and we both wanted a disco. Also had to be kid-friendly as FI's 12 year old will be coming with us. I prefer the bungalow look while FI prefers the "hotel" type, so we tried to find a compromise between the two. And of course, we were looking for one we lots of great reviews!

Thanks everyone. I'm still just as confused though. LOL Part of me likes the idea of sending a formal invitation to all who have replied yes (and those who have yet to book) a few months before, as a reminder. But part of me thinks it's a bit of overkill, and mostly a waste of money (we are on a tight budget). If they have already booked, then of course they are invited, so why invite them again?? I think what we will do is set up our wedding website sometimes this winter, as well as possibly a facebook event page, with general information (like the country and month of the wedding). We'll email this to everyone, and ask for people to spread the word of mouth to those without the internet (though most people already know the general details, thanks to my FMIL. She's so excited about this.) So that would be sort of an informal STD. Then once we book with the agent we'll send out the formal invitations with booking info, as well as a link to our website. We'll email or speak to those who have yet to book once we get close to the cut-off date. We can use our facebook event page to send reminders to people that our wedding is coming up. Now I have to figure out when to give the OOT bags, a week or two before or at the airport (don't want to bring them all with me over there. Haha)

Quote: Originally Posted by tiffandmarv I'm very BLESSED! My family and friends ALL LOVE THE IDEA of a DW!! I think some have packed their bags already. Me too! The only person who's said something is my aunt, but she's always questioned every single thing I do my entire life so it's not surprising. First she thought we were moving in together too soon, then getting engaged too soon, and then she questioned our choice of getting married in the psring instead of fall, as prices are even cheaper in the fall (hello, hurricane season, of course the prices are cheaper! Plus, FI's brother is getting married next fall, don't want to steal his thunder). Next she'll probably question our choice of country... Not surprising that I had my mom announce to her i was getting married, so I wouldn't have to deal with her remarks directly. Everybody else has been great. My other aunt's reaction was YES!!!!!!!!!! her only concern was that we didn't choose the one month that she can't take a vacation (we haven't). And then there is FI's mom, who went on and told EVERYONE about our engagement before we even made it official "so that they have enough time to save and prepare for our DW". It took the fun out of telling the news to everyone ourselves, but we know she meant well. She's so excited, it's cute. My wedding is still very far away though (a year and a half), so we'll see if we get any negative comments when it gets time to book...

Just realized that I have not thought about this at all!! For my first wedding I had my grandpa walk me down the aisle. I've always been closer to him than my own dad, and respected him more as a father figure too. But he passed away last winter. So now I don't know who to choose. I could choose my brother, but I think it might hurt my dad if I don't choose him again, especially after all his attempt at reaching out to me ever since my first wedding. Things are not so rough with my him anymore, so I guess I could choose him to make him happy. I really like the idea of having both parents do it though, as my mom is really the one who has been there for me all these years.

No veil for me. It's my second wedding so I want something much more casual. I do want a flower in my hair though, as I think it looks beachy.

Nov 2009 itsfinallyhere - November 16th, 2009 - Sirenis La Salina, Varadero Blooroze (Beth) - November 25, 2009 - Iberostar Varadero Dec 2009 ltoxopeu (Lori & Don) - December 3rd 2009 - Playa Pesquero, Holguin Niclec - December 16/09 - Melia Las Dunas Santa Maria Cuba Jan 2010 Melissa & Kent - January 5, 2010- Playa Pesquero Kat & Daryl - January 17, 2010 - Tryp Peninsula Amelie & Chad - January 20, 2010 - Breezes Bella Costa C & I - January 22, 2010 - Playa Pesquero K & G - January 26, 2010 - Iberostar Daiquiri Feb 2010 Kevin and Dwana Feb 03, 2010 Bella Costa Varadero Tracy and Colin Feb 03, 2010 Iberostar Laguna Azul, Varadero Mark and Lolita Feb 12 2010 Iberostar Laguna Azul, Varadero Lori and Travis-February 14th, 2010-Barcelo Marina Palace Erin and Grant-February 16, 2010-Melia Las Dunas Erin and Francis-February 18, 2010-Melia Las Dunas March 2010 Jenna & Derek - March 1, 2010 - Barcelo Marina Palace Lillian & Mike - March 4 2010 - Blau Varadero Jennifer & Kris- March 17, 2010- Iberostar Laguna Azul jackobelle - March 17th 2010 - Blau Varadero Michelle and Jason- March 17th- Location to be confirmed soon!! April 2010 Lana&Craig- April 28th, 2010- Iberostar Varadero Krista & David - April 2 - Melia Varadero Siobhan & Robin - April 27 - Iberostar Laguna Azul Bethany & Jon - April 14 - Playa Costa Verde Jenny & Casey - April 15 - Barcelo Marina Palace Julie & Justin - April 20 - Brisas Guardalavaca Eric & Sylvie - April 27 - Melia Las Dunas Stacey & Ron (staceyg) - April 27 - Iberostar Varadero Melidell- April 28th - Melia Las Dunas May 2010 Anandie & Peter (Mrsaiello2b) - May 3, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas Krista & Josh (K'osh) - May 4, 2010 - Playa Pesquero Amanda & Adam - May 4, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria Jessica & Jason - May 4, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria Lisa & Paul - May 5, 2010 - Iberostar Laguna Azul Grace and Adrian - May 6th, 2010 - Iberostar Laguna Azul Mandi & Mark - May 11th, 2010- Melia Las Dunas, Santa Clara, Cuba Jill & Alex (JTAlberta) - May 19, 2010 - Playa Persquero Chantelle & George - May 18, 2010 - Melia Varadero or Iberostar Laguna Azul June 2010 Stephanie&Luke - June 2, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Santa Clara July 2010 truelove4life (Rhea & Curtis) - July 2010 - exact day and resort is yet to be determined Sarah&Shaun - 12th July 2010 - Iberostar Varadero Oct 2010 Crystalballl - October 20, 2010 - Playa Pesquero, Holguin December 2010 Krishna69z - December 1, 2010 - Iberostar Laguna Azul April 2011 Janet and Larry(JNL)- Unknown May 2011 Ron and Mel - Iberostar Laguna Azul (or Iberostar Varadero, not 100% sure yet)

We didn't want summer because why travel to a hot place when it's already pretty warm here anyway? Plus, we didn't want hurricane/rainy season, so that eliminated a whole lot of months. Holidays are too expensive, and in the winter the ocean and general temperature can sometimes get a little chilly. The prices can be quite expensive in those winter months, especially around March because of all the different school breaks. April is usually a great month to travel to Cuba because it's warmer than winter and it's still dry season. However that did not work for us as it was exam weeks for the few who are in college, including FI's brother. June is out of the question for me because I'm a teacher and no way am I missing the last month of school. So that left May. It's the beginning of the rainy season, but we figured we should be pretty safe if we keep it to early May.

As I've posted in another thread (probably should have posted it here first), I have been told (or read, don't remember where. I think it may have been the first TA I saw) that you have to be in Cuba 3 calendar days, meaning that week-ends would count. I have also read in some places that when you have been divorced for more than 2 years you need some single status affidavit. And then two days ago I read in yet another place that when you have been divorced you need the birth certificate of your previous marital partner. So many conflicting information... I don't know what's what.

Congrats on setting an official date and time!! I have been told (or read, don't remember where. I think it may have been the first TA I saw) that you have to be in Cuba 3 calendar days, meaning that week-ends would count. Don't know who to believe anymore...

Quote: Originally Posted by JNL2011 hello all ILA BRides:) I am so excited that I finally found a forum with brides that are getting married at ILA. Ive changed my mind so many time about the location but FINALLY this is the ONE!! All your responses have been very helpful so far and have answered so many questions for me. I was wondering there are a lot of brides getting married MAY 2010. How early did you speak with WC at the resort? and book a wedding date and time? Im getting married MAY 2011 and not sure if now is to early to email and set a date? congrats to everyone again and thanks Congratulations! I too am planning on getting married at ILA in May 2011 (early May). We have already started emailing the WC just to get general information. She is suppose to send us pictures once the first wedding has happened (should be soon, I believe it's end of November). I know that prices for flights and stuff are not out before April 2010, so can't book that yet. As for booking the actual wedding date with the resort though, I'm not sure if we can do this before or if we need to wait for an official reservation. Good luck with your planning!

Need some help. I haven't been to many weddings and before last year I did not even know Save The Date existed. I *think* I've gathered that you send Save The Date to everyone you want to invite about a year before. The guests have nothing to do, no need to reply to you. Then a few months before the wedding you send the actual invitations with a RSVP date. Do I have it right so far? Here is where I get very confused. With a DW, you can't really send the official invite only a few months prior, you need to do that much earlier so that the guests can book their trip. Would the booking be sent with the formal invitation, and then Save The Dates would be sent even before just as a heads up to guests to start and save money? Or would the booking info be included with the Save The Date, then a formal invitation would be sent only to those who books a couple of months before the wedding to *remind* them? But then, do you send a third thing before all of that to tell them to save money? Or do you do that by word of mouth? My DW is in May of 2011 and we can only start booking in April 2010. the thing is, we have a fairly large guest list and I'm pretty sure a lot of them won't be able to come. So I kinda want to ask them before April if they *think* they will come, just so I make a fairly good estimate of how many seats/rooms I need to block. So I guess after all this rambling (sorry if it's a mess, but it's kinda of a mess in my head in the first place. LOL) my question is: What should I send and when?

Wow!! Those pictures with the flowers are amazing!!!

If Disney weddings weren't so darn expensive, we might have done it there. LOVE Disney, the attractions, the atmosphere. Though I think for a wedding week, the more relaxed atmosphere of the beach might be more appropriate. And yes, the Laguna Azul is so gorgeous!!

I'm thinking of giving just a simple beach bag with a stadium cup and a welcome booklet, instead of a full OOT bag. Our thinking is that by coming to our wedding, everyone is getting a beach vacation out of it, so we don't have to give such a big wedding favor (plus, our budget is small). We were also thinking of making a little video montage of pictures of the resort and the wedding, putting it on a CD and sending it to the guests along with the Thank You cards. Would they appreciate such a video?

Let us know how the wedding goes! I'm thinking of getting married there too in 2011, and would love to read reviews before making an official reservation.

Thanks for the information. We discussed it, and decide to go ahead with our plan anyway, and just hope that the worse does not happen. :-)

Yes it's Mel writing, Ron is my FI. Thanks for the input Sjm and Meli. After sleeping on it, I don't feel comfortable with the idea of getting married in such a secluded place. As for the Melias in Varadero, they are either adults only (we have a 12 yo coming), or not very interesting. But thanks for the advice anyway!

Well, though I've known it's coming for the last couple of months, I think I will be surprised when it actually DOES happen. At first it was a bit hard, always wondering if it was just around the corner. But known I'm back to my comfortable routine and got more used to the idea of waiting, so I don't expect it anymore. Though I'm guessing I might start to be more on the lookout for clues he will do it once the Christmas Holiday rolls around. And if he doesn't do it then, then the next big time would be Valentine's Day. So basically, as long as he strays away from those too obvious times, I will for sure be surprised.