rosieposie

thanks Heather! they were easy and fast to make, i've attached the template in case you or anyone else wanted to use it. only thing is you shoudl test it out on regular paper first to not waste your cardstock. The template is one i re-vamped a bit from another BDW bride (sorry - I don't remember who anymore ). I cut mine into 2" x 6.5" long strips. they were really fast with my real touch order, I had sent them a couple photos of what i liked back in september/october. got in touch with them in December, then they called me to discuss what i wanted, what they have in real touch and what suggest based on the ideas. then they sent me a rough photo of the flowers just held together to give an idea. then when i said ok to those flowers and colours, they put it together. they sent me another photo and i asked them to change a couple things. then they resent a photo and i ok'd it. my girlfriend was in Hamilton at the time visitng her BF, so she was able to pick it up for me to save the shipping. But they told me they don't mark up the Canada Post fee. The bout and the bouquet cost me under $100....plus it's nice that they're Canadian so now worries on customs. I'm not sure what their workload is getting like but if you email them, I'm sure they can give you a quote and timeline. Pat and Debbie are really nice ladies. hope that helps! matchbooks.ppt

wow! kshows, those are some hot pix! your FI is going to love 'em! another day closer!!! can't wait to read your planning thread and about your wedding! =)

congrats murmel! glad to hear it all went smoothly!

i completely understand! FI had 3 guys wanting to back out a couple weeks ago after their army friend said he wasn’t coming with them because his lieutenant advised against it “due to the current state that country is inâ€. I couldn’t believe it, I was so choked at first, because I’m pretty darn sure the brides who just had their weddings in Mexico didn’t get married in a freaken warzone…..but we were trying to be understanding and not push them. they were genuinely concerned for their well-being. So we let it go, because how they feel is beyond our control. They started to cause a stir between some other guests which really ticked me off – so you’re thinking of not going – why the *beep* are you trying to get others to not go too??? Since then, 2 out of the 3 have paid their 2nd deposit while one is still “on the fenceâ€. Try not to let it dampen the excitement of your wedding! It’s nothing we can control. Try focusing on aspects you can control – flowers, music, etc….or a fun DIY project.

congrats and welcome! beautiful resort you've chosen! for our wedding we decided on the royal in playa and like many ladies here, we used a TA. once you've chosen a date, put a deposit down for it to save it, they should then connect you with a wedding co-ordinator to help answer questions, help you select a package and book flowers etc. you can have a peak into their packages and such on their website, if you "pretend" to start to book a wedding on it, it lets you get into seeing pricing and options - just don't complete the transaction. happy planning~~~

congrats!! those are some cool dates you have

happy planning! this place is addictive!!

yay canada! welcome to BDW! Your date is coming up! be sure to check out the other May 2011 brides here: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/57904/may-2011-brides/1000#post_1537928

maybe it's my camera or the flash or something....they're supposed to be and look more tiffany blue in natural light bought them from http://www.weddinglinensdirect.com/sasaaq.html they're closer to that picture in person....

great contest! thanks for giving back, it's so great for vendors on BDW to do that. good luck ladies~

once i figured out the size i wanted (2" x 6 1/2"), they were quite fast and easy to do! having a real matchbook out for reference helped. i used cardstock. a trimmer with a scoring "blade" made things so much easier. Quote: Originally Posted by kitty25967 I hadn't thought about the DIY mint matchbooks...that's a new project for this weekend LOL Did you use cardstock or regular paper?

Ok, so I finally got around to taking some photos of what i've been working on + ordered! DIY Satin Flowers - 4 BM Bouquets (haven't wrapped the stems yet) My real touch bouquet - i know they don't match mine, but i had already deposited for real touch bouquets before discovering instructions for these really cute flowers so i decided to buy mine and make the BM ones. BM Dresses Satin Chair Sashes + Table Runners from weddinglinendirect.com Semi- DIY (Pre-Wedding) AHR Invites DIY Mint Matchbooks more to come - lol, as FI says "what are you making now?!"

I got them from Enchanting Memories http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/54759/real-touch-flowers-enchanting-memories Very easy to work with and I am very happy with the bouquet. Prices are very reasonable. They're in Ontario, Canada but ship to US as well. www.enchantingmemoriesstore.com Here's the picture they sent me to approve - the "draft" bouquet. I had changed a couple of things thrroughout the process and ended up liking this. I will find some time and take some photos of the actual completed bouquet to show you. I was only going to do a vase or small bottle at first, then found these instructions and it seems easy enough, so I figure, why not - we're going to have pictures in frames anyway Quote: Originally Posted by kitty25967 Those were great instructions! I am really thinking about doing the frame now...I think that is so neat & a keepsake!

i bought the Ether frame by Umbra on amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Umbra-8-Inch-9-5-Inch-Picture-Nickel/dp/B000FHHAU6/ref=pd_1) i bought it in the brushed silver because i didn't like the Espresso colour it also came it. I also bought Flora Bond from Amazon to glue in the panels - have also seen at Michaels. (this awesome gal on this other forum i'm on posted great instructions on gluing http://forums.weddingbells.ca/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1733695&page=1) at this point i'm not sure how much sand is needed, i'll keep you posted once i start "operating" on the frame =) then i'll test out some sand too. TLGnhci, love the candle, so pretty!

i just received my bridesmaid dresses, chair sashes, table runners, sand ceremony frame, favour ribbons and raffia fans!!!! so excited!!!!! unfortunately the fans are much smaller than i expected......still usable but my measuring must have been off......oh well. and recieved my real touch bouquet and bout over the weekend!!!

Our ceremony is on beach with reception in the garden the day after yours! We also went with the free wedding, just seemed more flexible, one of my bridesmaids is a hair stylist and the other is a makeup artist which definately helps. our photographer will be staying at the resort so like the other ladies have mentioned, that will "by-pass" the $350 vendor fee. depending on whether you're doing first look photos or not, 1/2 hour might not be enough and 2 hours after the ceremony might be too much..... i asked about the tres leches cake too, but was told they cannot do it for outdoor receptions during that time of year as it will melt. i did read some time ago that a bride was told she couldn't have it prior to her wedding, but requested it upon arrival and got it.....i figure it doesn't hurt to ask when we get there, but in case, I'm going to choose another flavour that i'd be ok with too. i've heard great things about the beef and the paris chocolate shell =) hope this kinda helps! See you there~~ Quote: Originally Posted by violagirl Wow, what an incredible amount of helpful info to be found here! My fiance and I are booked at the gazebo for the wedding,cocktail hour and reception on May 21. We decided to go with the free wedding, as it didn't seem like much more money to pay the extra for the hotel, given the cost of the wedding packages...also, we wanted to choose our own photographer, bouquet, cake, etc, and didn't really want the options that came with the wedding packages. I'm very lucky to have three guests (one is family) that are professional hair stylists...so, no worries there. Also, I plan to do my own makeup (I have been researching and shopping for several weeks already But, the one outside vendor issue I haven't seen addressed on this forum is the photographer. Does anyone know, will we have to pay the $350 vendor fee to use an outside photographer? Has anyone had any luck adding their photographer to the guest list, or finding another way around the vendor fee? With the photographer--how have people divided up the time? We have a four-hour package with Blue Lens Caribe. I was thinking a half hour before the wedding, the wedding, 1-2 hours after and then 1 hour of the reception. Anyone have suggestions on how to best use the photographer? Also, what have people experienced as far as guests staying outside of the The Royal? Can guests staying at the Gran Porto get into the The Royal, or is it true that all individuals not staying at The Royal can only come in for the wedding and reception? If my family and members of the wedding party can't get in, it will be pretty daunting to not be able to get ready together. Last, any thoughts on the food choices for the reception? We are having a private reception, and I'm just wondering if anyone has recommendations for the menu? I keep reading about a cake--tres leches--but this does not seem to be on the menu. Sorry for the long list questions. And I'm sure there are more to follow Jen

i went to chinatown, but that was before christmas, colours were dark and wasn't much selection. i was thinking to try again after chinese new year. or checking out aberdeen or parker place in richmond. i did find a seller on ebay selling them for $5 each, but i haven't ordered yet (they're away until feb 10) still looking at all my options because i don't need that many. if you want 24 or more and willing to drive across the border to pick it up, http://www.pioneergroup27.com/ has been recommended by lots of ladies here (http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/56503/new-pashmina-order) it's about $75 for 24 with shipping to Blaine, WA. hope that helps =)

we needed 10 rooms to get a group rate. didn't matter if they're single or double. discount is for everything and we booked through the same TA. there's still time, and i'm hoping they'll get over themselves. i hope you're doing well and your MIL and SIL don't drive you TOO crazy

Thanks Lisa! There's lots of flip flops to choose from! I remember your shoes, they were very cute! Yes, I'm afraid I'll either get stuck and fall, or step on my dress because if i hemmed it to shoes or step on something painful (lol, yea, i worry a lot) wholy moly - FIVE DAYS?? wow. PS: looked like your AHR was so much fun! and once again, you looked so happy and beautiful! Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa DSO LOL I had platform flips because i was nervous to walk in anything else (you couldn't even see them lol) I got mine here: http://www.bridalshoes.com/wedding-flip-flops I liked them because they have white or ivory Then I got high heels by Pour La Victoire from Zappos to put on for pics and when he took off my garter. BTW, i loooove Pour La Victoire because most of their bridal shoes have blue heels for your something blue and already have " I DO" under the arch in rhinestones :-) http://www.zappos.com/brand/2835 I lost a bridesmaid FIVE DAYS before because of this. I would reassure them that this is very true for BORDER towns, but not so for riviera maya areas. LOL you're right =) i hope the overreacting doesn't spread to the others. Quote: Originally Posted by prettypigpig Rosie, People in the Canadian army are usually ...drop outs, commercial pilots wannabes, don't know what to do with my life people...seriously..I don't think they are that bright, and thx god, USA is next to Canada, if not I am sure some other countries would have gulp us a long time ago!!! Do you know that Israel is a tourist destination too? is that a country in war?! no! in fact, it is pretty safe. Wedding decor, In addition to going out with a blackberry ?!?! +$700 cash. Did u see the pic of that Canadian victim?! Not only the rape kit came out negative...but ..Seriously, I don't think cops based in Cancun/PDC have low self-esteem! They could've pickup sexy cougars, drunk students...instead of..getting this madame from Thunder Bay.

there's crime everywhere, being careful and noticing our surroundings can go a long way in keeping ourselves safe - at home and travelling. well, they're missing out if they decide not to come =) Quote: Originally Posted by wedding decor well said! a war zone?!please!!! and do yuou really believe that Canadian?it turns out she got " rapped" while with her husband and she was carrying $700.00 with her....when do you go out in Playa carrying $700.00usd in cash with you....strange storry!!! Down here there is a doubt about this story for all the things around not making sense. aww, thanks so much yes, this experience definately brings out true colors in people. i am so grateful for those who didn't even think twice. happy friday~~ Quote: Originally Posted by diahr Sorry Rosie - I hope it all works out. Having a DW really brings out people's true colors. On the flip side, it has taught me the relationships that I really do need to value. I am sending a hug your way!

wow! they're fast! $74 w/ shipping for 2 dozen with shipping to Washington. (i'll drive over and pick it up) hope i don't get taxed on the way back.... thanks ladies!

those are so lovely! thanks for the instructions, i might have to attempt it. i know it's been a few months, but how did you make the stem? thanks =)

....just when i thought things were starting to fall into place, people start to get worried about the safety in Mexico. SHEESH. It's like there is an invisible list of "things that will eventually come up when planning your DW" .... and i thought i wouldn't have to deal with this because those that booked have been getting so excited to go. these 3 guys (yup, guys) already put their deposits down, with 2nd deposit due mid-feb, they'd better decide asap. i have a bunch of gals paid in full, booked flights and all with less worries than they do. It's not about the money because i know they have it. without these 2 rooms, we won't have enough for the group rate, or we'll have to split a couple of the double rooms into singles to cover or find replacements! a BM's BF already can't make it this all started when they asked a friend who's in the army to join them for the week because they needed an extra person to make a room double occupancy instead of single, he spoke about leave with his lieutenant and was advised against going - "allowed to, but highly advised to not go due to the sheer amount of violence going on in that country". (WTF, i'm pretty darn sure none of you ladies who were just there got married in a freaken war-zone). Hearing all that and the media hype about recent violent activities makes them "uneasy", plus they aren't very experienced travelers. Vancouver was portrayed as a "city full of gang violence" with shootings and stabbings at clubs. didn't stop them from going out to the bars and clubs at night. ergh.

thanks =) i think i'll start looking for nice wedge-platform flip flops, haven't found my shoes yet, but i know they won't be a wedge heel....lol, i was thinking it'll look so funny if i kicked them off before i went into the sand part.

thanks ladies! i've been hunting the internet, browsing through ebay, running around chinatown, even called my aunt in china to look for cheap pashminas. being in canada makes it so difficult to get a good deal! i finally found something that i thought was a good deal on ebay at $5 each with free shipping (gee, things add up so fast) but after reading everything on here, i'm thinking i should call/email Pioneer and see what they can do for me. I'd rather order 24 for $60-70 (ship it across the border and pick it up) than $120 for 24. (that's 1/2 price!) will let you know how it goes!