JanineA

Quote: Originally Posted by sungoddess_08 Wow -- you gave them 1000 and they didn't even use it for the wedding? That is very upsetting. Unfortunately, the process of planning a DW has also tested some of my own friendships. Some people do not know how to handle situations like this, and don't understand that honesty works best. I had a friend tell me she and her husband could not afford to come on the trip, and it was devastating for her to have to tell me, she could not belive she had to miss my wedding etc., then I found out she booked a trip to Mexico with another couple -- I was speechless and we have not talked since. I sent her a not so nice email (immature on my part, I know - but I was caught up in the moment) and expect that to be the end of of our "friendship" I believe you have done all you can do in your situation, now you just have to focus on those who WILL be there to make your day wonderful! Wow, this is pretty similar to my situation. My best friend and BOH (I call her bridemaid of honor) told me she wouldn't be able to attend my wedding when I sent out the dates cause it was during hannukah. I checked and hannukah was weeks away from my wedding. I was pissed and pretty miffed about the lie but then her twin sister let me know the realy reason is cause she is going on 4 different vacations (Europe, Asia, South America which she just returned from and Australia.....all more expensive than my wedding). I was super pissed, I mean I was more than seeing red. I attended her wedding in Feb and was not only in attendance but took the time to go to chabbad with her when she was converting for two years (she is now orthrodox jew) I was made an integral part of her wedding and couldn't believe that she was being so flipant about my own. When I confronted her she admitted she had planned 4 trips with a couple they are friends with and that she just simply couldn't afford the 5th which would be my wedding. I was shattered and down in the dumps for days but this website and my FI turned my frown upside down. She and I have been close friends for 6+ years. I haven't spoken to her in close to a month! Girasole chances are your friend is just embarassed. I had another bridesmaid who was embarassed to admit she was feeling a crunch financially but I have done everything I can to help all my guests. I set up a discount code with the airline and actually looked for cheaper hotels for guests to stay at. Call her and let her know you love her and understand. Try to hold on to the friendship.

Quote: Originally Posted by NaM I did not pay for my BM dresses. But I also let them pick their own dresses so they could stay in whatever budget they were comfortable with. I think traditionally that cost is supposed to be paid by the actual bridesmaid/groomsmen but if you can manage it, it's always a nice gesture that I'm sure they would appreciate. I have to agree I am not sure but I know all the weddings I have been in the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses. My bridesmaids are buying their own dresses but I am purchasing their jewelry as my gift to them (I am down to two bridesmaids). I also let them choose the dress since they are spending $1200/pp to attend the wedding I wanted them to have something they were comfortable with pricewise and could wear again. I am sure if it is something you are able to do, buy their dresses for them that is, that is a nice gesture that they would undoubtedly appreciate.

I wish I had found this thread a few months ago when I was down in the dumps, but nonetheless everyone is right. Everything works itself out in the end. I started with 11 definites and now around 30 booked! Time heals all wounds, helps people save, calms the worriers and most of all time sorts it all out! I'm glad things worked out for you Cougs! As I am sure it will for so many of us on here.

Hi Daniela, I am so sorry to hear that planning your DW has become stressful. I know what it feels like though. As soon as my FI and I announced we would be getting married in Turks & Caicos 90% of the people we sent save the dates to responded by saying they couldn't make it! This was before invitations were even sent. I sent my save the dates a year out from my wedding because I wanted to give people a chance to save and get the required vacation. My MOH called to say she wouldn't be coming first and I was crushed I felt like it was too early for her to even know, or maybe she hadn't tried to even consider it. Second my next bridesmaid in line called to say very adamantly she wouldn't be attending. Literally for two days I was in tears. I didn't want to plan I just wanted to do something small with the 11 family members that we knew were going for sure. I am now 7 month away from my wedding and boy was I shocked to find out from my wedding planner and the TA that over 30 people have booked already. Your wedding is in 2011 and though people may not think they can afford it right now its the initial response that most people give. We have friends who actually admitted they didn't think they would be able to but some are using tax returns to take a vacation, some are saving and others said "hey we would have been taking a vacation anyway, why not let it be your wedding weekend". Alot can change in a year. Take heart and know that many of us have gone through similar situations but in the end it is your wedding day and you need to be happy. Choose a place that you and FI can agree is that one magical, memorable place you want to get married at, no matter who is in attendance. My MOH and BOH are still both not attending but I realize that its ok and as much as I want them to and have offered to pay for their tickets which they didn't accept, sometimes some people just won't be able to make it. Cheer up and I hope after taking a break and re-evaluating some you can get back to enjoying planning your special day!

Congrats and welcome to the forum. Happy planning!

Welcome to the board Jenny and happy planning you'll find lots of great resources on the forum, a wealth of information and lots of brides happy to help with any questions!

Quote: Originally Posted by theend903 I ordered my invites through Zazzle.com. The site is really easy to use and inexpensive. The only downfall was they don't offer envelopes through their website. I'm goign to order those through Cardsandpockets.com. I waiting for them to come in so I can post pics. Hi Theend, I also came across zazzle but they don't offer letterpress or thermography (at least not that I saw). But I do like them for my stamps!

Hi Tweets welcome and happy planning. Can I ask what features you are looking for other than it being a boutique hotel. Are you looking for great restaurants in the area? Snorkeling and outdoor activities? Just asking cause before deciding on the Turks & Caicos we considered quite a few Caribbean islands, some we had been to some we hadn't and everywhere from Turks & Caicos right down the list of islands to my home country of Trinidad and Tobago. I would love to make a few suggestions or help but if you can narrow it down to what else you want in the destination itself.

Hi bikegirl all of it was new to me. I swear I have learnt so much planning my wedding and now helping friends. I thought it wasn't in my budget but Alexandra worked with me and my 75 invitations were a little over $300...a steal that I couldn't resist. P.S. I forgot to mention I took a peak at your blog...nice!

Hi Ladies, as usual anytime I come across anything good I share it with my BDW ladies and I just wanted to share the company I am using for my invitations. They are so affordable and chic and its run by a hip young husband and wife team. You can choose one of their ready-made designs or for a little more money ($100 more) you can have them design your own "Couture" invitation. Best of all they send you lots of different designs and options to choose from in different styles and color options when you choose "Couture". Alexandra is great to work with and provides fast easy reliable service. Once I receive my invites I'll for sure post pics. Aerialist Press - Affordable Letterpress Wedding Invitations - San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley

Welcome to the forum and happy planning Amanda! Whereever you decide know that there is lots of information on the board that can help you, even in narrowing your search for a destination. Like MichelleS I am also getting married in Turks & Caicos, but in November. Don't be afraid to ask questions and use the search tool it really helps because many times the question has been answered before! Congrats and happy planning!!!

Hi and congrats on your upcoming wedding!!! Love Little Palm Island....unfortunately couldn't consider it with the number of guests that we are having but OMG its the best getaway for us Miamians. Its like a hidden Caribbean paradise an hour drive away! I hope you find the board very useful in your last few days! Welcome!

Hi Angela, you're in the South so the Caribbean is a great place to head for a DW. I'm having mine in Turks & Caicos so of course I am partial to there but I did research a few other islands before deciding on it so if there are any questions I can answer please don't hesitate to ask. (I was also born and raised in the Caribbean and have vacationed on many of the islands growing up and still do today). Happy planning and good luck!

Congratulations on your vow renewals and welcome to the board. I'm sure you'll find lots of useful information, and helpful ladies. I love this board!! I'm getting married at The Somerset on Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos this November and this board has been an instrumental part of my planning and preparing. Good luck and Happy planning if you have any questions or need help let me know.

Wow, you're super close to "The Day"! Congrats and welcome to the forum. I'm also getting married in TC! Hope you find the forum useful, I sure have. Congrats and best wishes!

Mhartnett I know it may be frustrating not be able to reach the resort but I have to agree with Krys, try calling instead of e-mailing. I know calls can be pricey but try either using a phone card or skype. I am originally from the caribbean and my parents still live there so I am familiar that their service on things like internet are not always as reliable as here in the US. As for TripAdvisor don't believe everything that you read I've visited many resorts that have horrible reviews on there and they were quite nice. Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jackibeachbride I have always dreamed of getting married on a beach with bare feet. My parents and FH just recently got back from a trip to Bahamas to look at possible venues for an April 2011 wedding. We didn't find the perfect venue and are back on the wedding hunt again. We did realize we like all-inclusive or optional all-inclusive, a resort of about 400 rooms, a reception area that is closer into the main resort area, kids allowed, and a resort that is close to the airport. We live in the NY area and wanted an island that has a non-stop flight option. We are starting to look at St. Thomas and Punta Cana. Does anyone have any suggestions or been to resorts with this criteria? Thanks for any input or ideas Why don't you look into Beaches Turks & Caicos. It seems to fit your criteria in terms of being kid friendly, all inclusive, etc. Also there are non-stop flight from NY to TC. I'm not getting married their but there are ladies on the forum who have and are getting married there. I chose a different resort. Welcome to the forum and good luck!

Shucks!! I'm too late for the veil. Can you at least share where you got it? I am trying to find an ivory veil with that same trim that's affordable. Thanks!

Hi ladies, just thought I would post this website here that I came across that compares all of the honeymoon registeries out there today. This way you can look at them side by side and decide which works best for you. Honeymoon Registry Reviews (Creative Honeymoon Ideas) Happy planning!!!

Hi Ladies In found a website that actually compares all of the available honeymoon registeries and breaks them down in a simplified way. Hope everyone finds this information useful. Honeymoon Registry Reviews (Creative Honeymoon Ideas)

Quote: Originally Posted by lovelytlc has anyone used honeyfund? i know this one does not charge a percentage. Hi Lovelytlc I am using honeyfund. My bridal consultant at Priscilla of Boston where I got my dress told me about it and every single one of my friends has used it and had very good experiences. The weddings we went to in Jan, Feb, March the couples all used it and have all taken their honeymoons and said it was easy to use and easy to get the money through paypal so I signed up.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsLewistobe Thanks for all the nice comments everyone. I did realize those were google ads and I don't know what can be done to remove them. JanineA, I appreciate the info and I will check out those websites. I have less than a month, so I definitely have to hurry. I guess this is what we get for waiting to the last minute! Glad to help. Let me know if I can help anymore. I have still been looking around for other linen suit places, since linen is so popular here in Miami. Good luck I know everything is going to turn out fine.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lady_Di Janine! Your ring is BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks Lady_Di!! Though I can't take any credit at all, I'm just a lucky gal!

Thanks Tracy...I am in love with it. He sure did a great job, I couldn't be prouder. Can't wait to see what he comes up with for the wedding band.

I am not great at posting pics but I hope this works. All the rings on here are absolutely stunning, here is mine. It has 4 pink diamonds (2 round on the sides and one in front and one in the back if you can see the diamond shape facing me that has one and one in front has one as well). I couldn't be happier especially since I didn't help him with the design of it one bit.