TropicLover

@Sandy, I've just posted my boarding pass save-the-dates! It was a lot of work, literally an entire day (9am - 8pm) of folding, cutting gluing, embossing....but totally worth it in the end ;-) I used the same template as AnaS although I couldn't for the life of me make a proper pocket shown in her template so I started experimenting and ended up making one of my own. Here's the link: http://www.ayleebits.com/2006/06/10/diy-boarding-pass-save-the-date/ For the pocket, I embossed the leaf by purchasing a leaf stamp, clear glue "ink" pad, white embossing powder and I borrowed my friends heat gun (I helped her with her wedding invites and learned about embossing then). It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but after that it was smooth sailing. The inside pocket is open on the left side with the rounded corner. Here I used a rounded corner cutter which probably has a special name that I'm not sure of. The bottom is closed. And here's the whole package

@AnaS I'll totally keep you posted on my decorations! Right now I have a lot of ideas, but I haven't started nailing anything down yet. Overall my colours are green and white with touches of purple. What about you, are you including any other colours? The flower project sounds like it will work out smoothly. Who knew Walmart was in Cancun?! Lol the things I find out on this forum ;-)

@AnaS I'll totally keep you posted on my decorations! Right now I have a lot of ideas, but I haven't started nailing anything down yet. Overall my colours are green and white with touches of purple. What about you, are you including any other colours? The flower project sounds like it will work out smoothly. Who knew Walmart was in Cancun?! Lol the things I find out on this forum ;-)

Hi AnaS, What a great centrepiece idea! I love that you'll be using limes...green and white are my main wedding colours . I think the ones you've chosen will really make your tables "pop" - it has a refreshing look and you get extra bonus for creativity ;-) So with the flowers will the hotel charge you a vendor fee because you're bringing them in? Also will you be putting them together or can you hand them off to Ana at the hotel? I really don't know very much about flowers so this may sound like a dumb question, but will they last overnight without wilting from the heat? I like that second rooftop area too. I think I'll utimetly need to make the final decision when I actually get to see both areas in person. Happy planning!

@Chambers2011, I haven't heard back on the centerpiece pricing although I've been distracted with getting our deposit bookings in. 24 booked so far + bride & groom! $25 for a small square vase is a little steep. What type of flowers are included? I wonder if the cost would go down if you just paid for the flowers and supplied the vase. I'm sure you could get something reasonable at Ikea. I just found a picture of a centerpiece I love! I posted the inspiration picture below - we'd do everything except the crystals. My FI and I want a bit of a natural/enchanting vibe. At first all I could think of is twigs and lights (lol) so when I finally saw this picture it really summed up what we're going for. We're not sure how high or low to go with these things. I wouldn't want it to block people at the table and on the other hand I don't want it towering too high. And I'm not even sure the hotel would be able to get these fake trees, lol. I may need to pack them in an extra suitcase. So with the small vase being $25 I'm kind of scared what these bad boys would cost

June 2011 Alisa & Kevin~Aventura Cove Palace~6.11.11 Missy & Aaron (geminiwanderlust) June 11, 2011 Dreams Tulum Riviera Maya Adrianne & James (adridashanne) - June 17, 2011, Grand Palladium Riviera Lisa & Omar (lisa203) - June 21, 2011, Moon Dance Cliffs Negril, Jamaica Shari-Ann & Kofi (AfricanVenus) - June 25, 2011, Grand Velas Vallarta Resort and Spa, MX Heidi & Francois (heidilynn2 - June 28th, 2011, Valentin Imperial Maya, MX July 2011 Chris & John (sunstarsmoon) - July 8, 2011 Couples Sans Souci Ocho Rios Denedra & Eron (sorord) - July 30, 2011 Negril Jamaica August 2011 Sarah & Michael (Espejo2be) - August 8th, 2011 - Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Jamaica Tanya & Bob (mrssylvester2b)-August 10, 2011 - Beaches Turks & Caicos Mallory & Glenn (Mallory57)-August 13th, 2011-Moon Dance Cliffs-Negril, Jamaica September 2011 Kate & Garry (harkatea) - September 3rd, 2011 - Koh Samui, Thailand Heather & Marcus (hdinsmor) - September 10th, 2011- Grand Palladium, Lucea, Jamaica October 2011 Anthea & Alphonso (MrsJones2be)- October 9, 2011- Nassau, Bahamas Tammy & Ian (takelly) - October 21, 2011 - Grand Sunset Princess, Riviera Maya, Mexico November 2011 Eden & Eric (Eden) - November 11, 2011 - Michigan, USA Jeanine & Reuben-November 11, 2001-Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica Selina & Landerick - November 12, 2011 - Dreams La Romana, Dominican Republic December 2011 Jen & Nolan - (JMikla) Dec 3rd 2011 - Las Caletas Puerto Vallarta Mexico January 2012 Kristyn & John (perry1217) - January 6, 2012 (Little Christmas!!!) - Playacar Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico Stephanie & Alex (celticgirl) - January 7, 2012 - Breezes Trelawny. Kristen & Colin (BusyBee123) - January 11 2012 - Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica, Runaway Bay, Jamaica Jaimee and Ryan (Avens) - January 12, 2012 - Barcelo Maya Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico Jaynee & Mason (jaykay) - January 13, 2012 - Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica, Runaway Bay, Jamaica Liz & Robert (lizzdee)- January 21, 2012 - Beaches Turks & Caicos Kya & Mike (kya101)- January 25, 2012 - Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico February 2012 Tori & Patrick (torilynnsmith) - February 4th 2012 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Dominican Republic March 2012 Mackenzie & Eric (MJB3172012) - March 17, 2012 - Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic April 2012 Jamie & Mark (J-me) - April 21, 2012 - Aentura Cove Palace, Riviera Maya Gina & Jim (ginalynn22) - April 11, 2012 - Breezes Curacao Liza & Howard (schmizer) - April 21, 20012 Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui May 2012 Sharon & Dennis (Sharon99) - May 3, 2012 - Excellence Playa Mujeres Carolyn & Tysen (TropicLover) - May 11, 2012 - Ocean Coral & Turquesa, Puerto Morelos June 2012 Shannon & Kostya (ssapper) - June 9, 2012 - Dreams Riviera Cancun August 2012 Cathy and Charles - August 2012 Adrienne & Adam - August 11, 2012 - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic October 2012 Chelsea & Eric (DWBride615) - October 13, 2012 - Rome, Italy (Odescalchi Castle)

Hey ladies! So far nothing is set in stone, but here's what I'm thinking. I'm wanting to do the bulk of my pictures prior to the wedding so I have time to enjoy the whole night. 11:00 Bride Hair & Make-up 1:30 - 2:30 Getting ready pictures 2:30 - 3:30 Bride & Groom first look pictures 3:30 - 4:30 Wedding party pictures 4:30 - 5:00 Make-up & hair touch up 5:00 - 5:30 Ceremony 5:30 - 6:30 Cocktail Hour & family pictures 6:30 - 7:00 Bridal Hair Change (will be pinned up to the side) 7:00 - 7:15 Receiving Line (lol my mom is making me do one even though we'll only have 30 - 40 guests) 7:15 - 8:30 Bride & Groom entrance and 3 course meal (speeches to be done throughout the meal) 8:30 - 9:00 First dance, Father daughter & Mother son first dance combined, cake cutting 9:00 - 11:00 Dancing! We may extend it to midnight, but that will depend on the overall wedding cost as we'd need to pay for an additional hour for the bar, dj and we'd probably need to feed everyone again with appetizers.

@Wedding4Mexico, yes May 11, 2012 is the big day. I replied to your PM earlier today, did you receive it okay? The only people I know who have been to the resort are on this thread ;-) Actually I'm wrong, when we were looking for a new apartment I was in touch with a Landlord who had just come back from Mexico. Being in the process of selecting a hotel for our wedding I asked him where he stayed and he said the OCT, lol. He raaved about how great it was. He was a big man so he kept going on about the crepes and the little cakes they put out in the evening at the coffee shop, haha. Aparently he and his wife travel there every year. Very nice guy, but we didn't end up renting the apartment through him :-)

@AwayWeGo, we're doing the same thing! Symbolic in Mexico and Legal back home...although we haven't sorted out if we'll do it before or after the wedding. April 30th is our "anniversary" so we thought it might be neat to do it on that day (even though it's a Monday). I do however like the idea of having Mexico being the first place where we say our vows. There's a thread on here somewhere about at home legal weddings (I just can't seem to find it). On there I remember reading that you litterally go to London Drugs and pay for the legal paperwork ($50 or something). Then you bring that paperwork with you to the legal wedding, say your vows, sign the paper and poof you're marriedI heard it costs $75 - 100 to book the minister. We haven't found anyone yet, but I'll let you know when we do.

Thank you AnaS! The pictures finally appeared! Those are great photos and I love the different angles. That's good to hear that you were treated very well as a regular guest. I just recieved the upgraded pricing to stay as Privellege and I'm thinking we might just go the regular route. It really depends on how many people book through our TA. I never thought we'd have so much difficulty getting our guests to book with our TA, but people want to find a deal so many are waiting until the fall. I realize we can't force people to book with the TA (lol although a part of me wants to haha)...it's just frustrating not knowing the total number of people.

Hey ladies! So I don't want to put a big dark cloud out there, but I'm curious to know if any of you have chosen your "Plan B" locations. You know if it rains...which it won't but just in case. Talk to you soon!

Very small world indeed! I'm working with Keine, she's great isn't she. As for rates, define good, lol. Just kidding. Compared to the million of other quotes I've recieved yes I would consider our rates pretty good. I do love the hotel and the funny thing was it was only my top 5 list even before I started recieving quotes. Sometimes things just work out. Spring break must be pricy? Although I do have a handful of teacher invitees that probably wish our date was mid-March too

Hi AnaS! It's great that so many people have been to are are planning on visiting OCT. Since you're getting married in town how did you find Puerto Morelos? I'm toying with the idea of doing some of my wedding pictures there or on the pier. Most of our guests will be staying as regular members instead of priviellege. I'm not sure how you stayed during your visit, but how were the a la carte restaurants. Was it difficult to make reservations? P.S. if you have any pictures of the terrace please post away

Those photos are great and very helpful. Thank you for posting them! My FI and I were looking at them last night and we were actually starting to visualize how the whole day would good. I love that the pergolas are on the upper terrace. I think that would make a great spot for cocktail hour. I hope you have a great trip! Speak to you soon!

Hi Sandy! For our save the dates we did DIY boarding passes! They turned out really well, if I get a chance I'll post them. Our invites will go out at the beginning of November...they will be a little bit more formal with an rsvp to catch our guests who have chosen to book on their own. I've used My Publisher (the unique thank you card) when making a regular photo album for ourselves or retirement gifts, etc. I've only made the really large books (the Deluxe) and honestly they've turned out really well....so I can only imagin that the smaller ones would be just as nice. A good friend of mine made her wedding album through them and it turned out beautifully. That so funny you might use a guy from Vancouver, haha. Good luck on the photographer search, I'm sure whoever you choose will be great!

What a good idea! I love it! That will make for some good pictures for sure! BTW have you decided on a photograher yet? It sounds too me that you're going to have great ideas through the process, so please share! I found a really cool thread on unique Thank You "cards". I've actually made items through the company the bride used and everything has turned out to be perfect....and that's a comment coming from a marketing person who has very high standards when it comes to print quality Check it out: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/74938/my-amazing-and-unique-thank-you-cards-update-with-pics

Hiya! That's great that you're doing a site inspection! I had no idea there was even a lower terrace...I'm thinking that might be a better option for us as we're already doing the ceremony on th lobby terrace and it would be nice to have a change of scenery. Hmm if you manage to take any pictures of the lower terrace I would love it if you could share them. Also it would be good to know where the bride enters for a lobby terrace ceremony - I'm assuming it's through the lobby, but I'm wondering where that is in proximity to the aisle. Other than that I hope you have a fantastic time! I look forward to hearing about your adventure!

Hi VJ! I'm in the same boat as you, I won't be doing a site inspection for our wedding May 11, 2012. I am lucky enough to have my TA/coordinator traveling to the Mayan Riviera and she's going to pop by our hotel. From what I've heard a lot of TA's do mini trips throughout the year to check out different wedding locations. So even if yours can't make it there may be another person in that office who has or will be traveling to your particular resort. Good luck!

Thanks Simba, it sounds like bubble envelops are the way to go! Good point about the pictures, I totally agree with you by ensuring all the guests were shown throughout the book. Oh I'm so excited about doing these, I just need to remember to be a photographer outside of the wedding day. Thanks again for this great idea! You should buy stocks in the company as I think from this point a ton of ladies are going to bombared their site

Absolutely LOVE the idea! I've done books through My Publisher in the past and I never thought of mini thank you books. Everything I've done through them has turned out to be amazing! Such high quality! I saw that you posted the mailing costs, but if you don't mind me asking how did you mail each book? Were they in individual envelops? Did you buy extra sturdy ones instead?

Hmmm I can't really help you on that one, but if you find out let me know I guess brides are willing to pay a higher amount for their wedding day...it's almost like you're guaranteed to look beautiful. Are you lucky enough to have a make-up artist in the family? Maybe they can help out? Also are you paying for your bridesmaids make-up too?

Oh wow, I never really thought of that. Ivan you make a good point! So is it really only $300 per person? Does that mean you need to split up your items between guests? Or can you have it all in one suitcase and then tell them how many people are in your party. Does anyone know how it works for guests traveling out of a different location than the bride? My mom is in Toronto and she'll most likely bring wedding items as well. Since she's not the bride will she have any trouble?

Well it's definitely a small world because I'm also using Blue Petal Destination Weddings! Who are you working with? The beach location looks very nice for a wedding. One of the other brides on here (Sandy) mentioned that the Coral side of the resort is the most private beach location. I think we're going to do ours on the Lobby Terrace. I'm not 100% sure where the reception will be as we're waiting to see if we can do it in one of the restaurants and if that doesn't work out I think we'll remain on the terrace for the whole event. I'm waiting to back on the food options, however I'm not sure if 2012 is out yet. Have you chosen your menu items for your dinner? Or have you seen the 2011 menu? Favors are tough one. From all the weddings I've been too it's mostly been editable. I've had truffles, personalized m&m's, chocolate, etc. I guess for Mexico you need to have heat friend favors.

Wow you're so ahead Sandy! That's great, it's better to get a head start with everything then waiting until the last minute. I love your welcome bag ideas! A personal note is such a nice too...I think I'll use the idea too It might sound lame, but I'm really looking forward to putting the OOT's for our guests....I guess it's because I've never heard of them until chatting with people online. For your wedding are you arriving a day prior to your guests? I'm thinking of doing that only so I can have the hotel put the welcome bags in each room before they arrive. I think that would be a nice surprise. If I can't manage to arrive earlier I'm not sure how I'll do it. I've heard of some brides handing them out at the welcome dinner/cocktails. Do you think that would be weird?

The website looks great! I love the theme you selected! Are you going with blue for your bridesmaid dresses? BTW I'll keep you posted on the favors. Have you thoughta bout OOT bags yet? I keep seeing these great ideas, but I think it's still too early for me to buy everything. Our guests have until mid-month to put their deposits down and after that they're on their own for booking....my fingers are crossed that people don't forget. Lol so paranoid. Quote: Originally Posted by Sandy Borie Btw, I forgot to send you the link to my website! It is www.weddingwire.com/szeluga It is not finished. Just need to spell check and wrap up some loose ends. I just viewed yours. It looks great!!!!!