bmadzia1

I think the 10 months is the way to go. We are getting married in Sept. 2011 and my invites will go out around the New Years. Keep in mind that we are booked, and the closest people (I required 10 people to put deposits down), are booked and now all the details. We sent out the STD in July. This way, everyone has heads up, they can do their research and know the approx. costs. We are going off to Jamaica, so I mean, the prices for resorts are within the close range. Plus, like you said, this gives the ones that you REALLY want to come, enough time to plan their time off work, and to put money aside for the trip. We are debating the RSVP cards, and just doing RSVPs via our website or by phone, but on the other hand, this may be a little uncomfortable for some.... so I may end up getting RSVPs at local store (to save on the custom made stuff), and just put it in the envelope.

Congrats! The resort is beautiful and the staff there are amazing. We found the managment to be a bit snoby, but the general staff was AWESOME. they made the trip a very memorable one. They are great with adults and kids... You'll enjoy it.

Hi Girls... So, me and my FI are not having a bridal shower/wedding shower. We have been living together for a LONG time, and we have what we need. Instead, I'm thinking of asking my guests to 'donate' a tip for the reception, which we are planning to have on the beach. Below is what I'm thinking of putting on our website. Please comment on how else I could word it so it doesn't seem so....... rude? Please keep in mind that we are having just close family, close friends, and some of my parents' close friends. "As you know, we have been living together for a long time, therefore, we have absolutely no need for a bridal shower or bridal registries. Instead of putting our family and friends through the addtional expense of a bridal shower, we ask that you kindly help us out with our reception at the resort. If you are able, it would be great if we could all pitch in $15 gratuity per person to have the dancing following dinner on the beach."

like - when others do it your coworkers LOL

Sapphire723 - LOL, that would solve everything... Got the issue resolved though. Had a heart to heart with both of them.

Thanks girls. Technically, you call them MOH, but I consider this as a witness duty in this case. I'm not having a bridal party - something I would do regardless its a DW or local wedding. So if I have two witnesses on the Bride side - who signs the paper?

Hello Ladies, So, I'm booking my wedding next week. Once booked, the waiting game will begin. I have to vent my little confusion here. I have 2 best friends. Friend X has been in my life for over 15 years. We have gone through a lot. Although I have not officially asked, she assumes (and me as well), that she is my Maid of Honour. Whenever I start talking to her about my DW, and the costs, she kind of goes silent. Makes me feel REALLY guilty that I'm asking her to spend so much money on the trip. Now my friend Y, has been a friend for 10 years. She has been there for me from the motherhood aspect (I had a kid very young). I have chosen her to be my kid's godmother. Now, when I talk to her about the wedding, all she says: We'll be there, don't worry about the cash. You're giving us 1.5 yrs notice. She was very straight up about 'filling in' in case friend X doesn't show up. I can have a converstation with her about the wedding and not have any guilt. She's alraedy talking about having a stagette for me when we're down there, meanwhile friend X is not saying anything. Not really expressing any interest at this point. I'm really torn here, because I would really like for my friend X to be my witness; however, I feel locked in a box not being able to talk freely to her. My friend Y is very understanding, but I feel that I'm sort of using her in the preparation process. I was very blunt with both of them about the situation, but I still feel that friend Y may be the better choice. Keep in mind I was her Maid of Honour (friend Ys). Should I wait it out and see what happens, and then decide and officially ask one of them. OR just leave it the way it is, and let time/faith establish what is to be. Sorry - had to vent. My FI doesn't want to listen to this any more. He says it's my decision. He's got his best man (friend's Y husband).

jrod07... don't wait till March.. get on the healthy train now. Remember; there are two major holidays between now and july. I got 20lbs more to go before Sept. 2011. Start now, and don't have regrets after! I find that when I'm stressed out, exercise clears my head...

We decided on skipping the 'favours' and doing thank you gifts (Oot bags?). We will do a customized drawstring bag, include 1 suntanning lotions, and aftersun lotion. We will attach a thank you card. This way, our guests can use the things on the spot, and keep the bag for other things. We bought a similar bag on our first trip south, and we still use it to carry our lotions/sunglasses around. If our finances allow us, we will get a small bag of Blue Mountain per couple.

I agree with all of you. How rude to ask. I couldn never do it. If I see people that are getting married, I'll comment, or ask how things are going, but I never HINT or ask - WHY YOU DIDN'T INVITE ME??? And I never hold a grudge. We are sending out 40 invites (which comes to 75 pple). We already know that 25% is not coming, but we think it's still proper to send them the invites. I had someone ask me the other day why they didn't get the STD card, and I just simply said that we are having a small ceremony among closest friends and family. And when they insist, I become very BLUNT and ask: "Seriously, how many times have we spoken this year?". And if they insist, I tell them the price of the package (adding a couple hundred per person). Then they look at you like you fell of the moon . They do not realize, that when you exceed a certain number of people, it costs you more money. And the reason for getting married DW style, is to cut the spending. Plus, I'm not big on being the centre of attention. I'm inviting people that I KNOW I can spend an entire week with ))))

LOL - reading this theard put a smile on my face.... What am I getting him???? Well, since you asked: A WHOLE LIFETIME with ME ))))) It's not in our customs to give the FI anything, so we are not doing this... but he definately getting a good deal; home made dinners, clean laundry, clean home.. and most of all a loving wife What more can a man ask for LOL

haha.. so I get to chapters yesterday..... and I TOTALLY forgot why I was there... instead of getting this book, I ended up getting Diary of a Wimpy kid for my son LOL

Would you be able to let me have the link. This would give me an idea of what the flowers look like.... thank you.

After reading some posts, I thought my CAD 10,000 budget was a fantasy. Now, I'm assured it's close in the range. Just like Islandgirl910 said, I will not spend money on uncessary things . I'm not having Brides Maids; just witnesses. And since I told her she is free to wear what ever dress she fancies, she said she'll just buy it. Same with the best man. We're not doing fancy wedding bands (if my grandma had it her way - we'd be wearing the yellow gold ones. it does not match my engagement ring LOL). I saw some on line that are very resonably priced too. Thanks Ladies.

Thank you very much for the info. I will be on my way to Chapters to pick up her book. It is so hard to find a cook book that has healthy recepies that are easy to follow (and I'm big on cooking) and are healthy.

I failed to mention; I've lost 40lbs so far and I have another 20lb to go. I have a list of 3 VERY selfish reasons why I want to do it, and if I fall of the wagon, my FI opens my book and shows me the reasons

Hi Aliciakeys1 I did the SlimIn6. That was my first exercise cd. It didn't really help with a BIG weight loss, but it did do a lot for dropping the pant size. Some people acheive the promised result, I didn't. But I did get motvated to do more! So that was good money spent. Follow the mitchi ladder they include in the book, and you'll do fine. My advice (one I should probabaly follow more often myself)... if you know it's bad - DON'T PUT IT IN YOUR SHOPPING CART. I noticed that I'm one of those weird ladies now, always checking the nutrition labels LOL .. but it does help. Once you've completed that, I would suggest Turbo Fire. It's more cardio intense, but I find it easier on the joints than Slim in 6 and more uplifting. Keep going - YOU CAN DO IT!

Hi there.. I was in the same boat as you two years ago. My mom got me a gym membership etc, spent over 2 thousand on personal trainer... and NOTHING. Just like those late night commercials, I was sitting and eating some crap and watching shopping channel. I decided to order one of the beachbody cds. Did the program (really had to motivate my self for 6 weeks, but I did it), and I lost only a few lbs, but 15 inches altogether. I was thrilled. I got another (different) cd, and did that one too. Another few pounds lost, and A LOT of inches. So I ordered another one! And got a puppy. Two years later, I'm down 40lbs, and 7 pant sizes. It may not seem like a lot for 2 years, but I am so proud. I have 20lbs left till my Sept. 2011 wedding, and I hope I can do it. I have a basement dedicated to doing it. But if you don't have the space for exercise at home..... walk to the store, explore your neighbourhood. Now that Xmass is around the corner, use an excuse "I want to see the Xmass decorations in the hood" LOL... Just walking alone for 1 hr will burn off those extra calories. I'm still stuck on having bad weeks - yes - weeks, not days... but I start feeling guilty and in my head, my ass is growning... so I get back on the horse. When you live through the first few weeks, and lose a couple of inches/pounds - you'll start missing the exercise after skipping a few days. Always imagine what you want to look like on yor wedding days. I'll tell you my honest secret. I have a friend who has a nice body (not perfect), but nice. When I exercise, I imagine two things: My wedding dress on me, and looking better then her )))))))))

Oh, I forgot to add (for those with sensitive teeth), get a tooth paste (sensodine etc) when you're doing this. Your teeth will be sensative for the first couple of days. And you do not have to finish the whole pack of strips. Just do it to a point where you are happy with the whitness of your teeth ... speaking from experience. And don't sell your self short on the 5 minute strips. In frank words - they suck.

the crest strips/tooth paste is the best thing out there... I used to get the special fitted forms from the dentist, but now all I get is the strips from her. The ones from the dentist (you can only get them through the dentist in Ontario) are stronger, and better. You can see the difference within 3 days. The store bought are good too, but it takes longer. Nothing worse then not having that perfect pearly white smile on your wedding day ...

these are really great pictures. Thank you for sharing and congratulations.

LOL... push him. He must know who wears the pants in the relationship )). Mine also thought I was a bit crazy (nothing new though:), but once I showed him the photos - he was all in, and asked if we can skip the regular photos after the ceremony

thank you tina82. As long as the WC has the capabilities of sending me pics... problem solved. I really do not have any desire to add flower cost to my 'stress free' wedding

These are absolutely fabulous...

I think the rules are simple. Not sure why some have a hard time following. Thanks ladies for all the hard work. Without this forum, I'd still know NOTHING about DW.