richarsd

For those of you doing or have done a civil ceremony (thanks again to Chell for sending out that script a few days ago!!), are you making any changes? I'm kinda disappointed it, seems a little too basic for my taste anyway. We definitely plan to a sand ceremony so just wondering where that might come in. Would it be best to do it at the end before the judge leaves or after? I was originally thinking after but it might seem odd to to do the sand ceremony and then that's it - no final announcement as husband and wife since the judge already did that before he left. Thoughts? What're you guys doing? Anyone having someone read a poem or anything?

This is the last thing on my mind. I think Krys provided some very sane and sound information. Colera is generally (and I say generally because anything is possible) not spread from human to human direct contact. It is mostly spread through the water supply. The water supply in the more developed areas of the DR (for example, the resorts in Punta Cana) are treated and filtered. I'd say we have as much of a chance of getting colera from human to human contact in the DR as we do of getting Hepatitis in a restaurant in North America (which can happen but generally does not happen often).

Chicago - your flowers look beautiful! I love orchids! Kitty - I totally agree with Chicago regarding how your bridesmaids/MOH/groomsmen/best man can walk...two guys per bridesmaid, and best man and MOH together. And I think a lot of us end up having "issues" with our attendants due to the nature of our weddings...I had one of my bridesmaids backout AFTER I bought her dress and everything simply because she decided to take another vacation the month before to another tropical destination...apparenly my wedding isn't good enough?? And I am kinda anticipating another maybe getting pregnant...she'd probably still be able to go but there goes the money spent on that dress too, probably. But I tried to prepare for these things in my mind since a destination wedding can be kind of inconvenient for guests. It's frustrating but what else can we do? PS: Woohoo, FINALLY a Jr Member!

Nov. 19, 3:39 pm...same as jenandmark above me...minus the tic tac, lol.

Ok, so totally off topic but I just noticed (after waiting in anxious anticipation for months, hahaha) that I just made my 150th post and I am STILL a NOOB!!! It had better change after this one or I will be more annoyed!! Ok rant done... Lol

Since your wedding is in June, you can definitely wait a bit as it's a less busy travelling time. Our wedding is April and our resort is notoriously sold out a few months before but April is still peak travel season...in June, you'll be fine to wait until January or later.

My FI were going back between these two, as well. We're getting married at the Grand Palladium in April 2011. Honestly, our first choice was the Majestic initially and I have no doubt that it's an amazing, beautiful hotel and I've heard great reviews but two things swayed us to the GP: price and activities/nightlife. We were not comfortable asking our guests to pay $1800+ to go the majestic when for the same dates they could pay $400 less at the GP for an equally great hotel. Also, the GP is reputed to have more going on in terms of activities, music, shows, etc. and we have a very lively group so I think they might have been more easily bored at night the Majestic. Oh and just a little more detail regarding the post above concerning the a la carte's at the GP. If you stay at the Grand Palladium Bavaro as part of the Imperial Club (pretty sure ALL rooms on the Bavaro side are Imperial Club but they make it sound prestigious, lol), you CAN make reservations days ahead at the a la carte's but guests not in the Bavaro/Imperial Club cannot...so NO waiting in line, which I am definitely looking forward to as part of my package Goodluck with your decision!

Someone asked about blue coloured flowers...you may want to consider getting real touch or something. There are very, very few "real" flowers that are the coloure blue in nature. Most you see in a slower shop or whatever are died. They don't have a great selection for flowers anyway in the DR compared to what you could get at home although they do have a fair bit of variety (but be prepared to pay for an upgrade). But if you really want blue, email Carolina first to see if this is even possible there.

Princess, what a great website! Lots more inspiration!

You're right - spray tans don't at all prevent burning. They offer no SPF protections as you are basically just dying your skin. So once down South, you would need sunscreen. But like I said, I burn no matter I do so SPF 45 sunscreen is a total MUST.

Thanks for your input ladies! I haven't 100% decided but I think the white is winning out. I do like both though!

I totally know what you mean! We had Oct. 13 as our booking date. Most people trusted us that our group rate through the TA was a good one so they went ahead and booked (and I've been checking for over 6 months and the rate really is the best I've seen). However, like you, there were a couple guests (who were quite rude about it actually) who told us it was way too early and the resort won't sell out and they basically think they know better than my TA who told us that historically our resort sells out a couple months in advance. Anyway, those guests have missed out on our deal and now are complaining because everything they see online is more expensive. I'm totally stifling the "I told you so's" as well!

Definitely #2. The black on the 1st one is just way to harsh for a destination wedding.

I have cups sewn into my dress, as well so no bra for me (not a heck of a lot that needs support anyway, lol). As for the rest, I figure it'll be hot so the dress will be warm enough, so that means probably just a thong. If anyone has worried about chaffing or their thighs rubbing together (especially in the heat), try Body Glide. You can get different types but best is probably their powder-based lubricant. It's made for athletes and runners to prevent chaffing and friction. I have heard of a couple other brides using it and they said it was a God send! In Canada, you can but it at any Running Room. For the ladies from other places, check ebay perhaps?

Random people facebooking you asking for invites??? That is just ridiculous. Like, do people not get that it IS STILL a wedding!?

Msredbird - goodluck and have a blast!!! Looking forward to hearing the details when you get back. And no need for you to worry...part of doing this type of wedding is so you don't have to worry Sheila2011 - where are you ordering your OOT bags from? I found a website a while back with really nice canvas bags but can't find it again so I'm looking for some place to get them from.

I absolutely love all of you stationary! You've definitely put everything together well. Oh and your shoes!!! Awesome. Goodluck and congrats!

I think you have to choose your menu based on what you think people overall will like but, obviously, don't just choose something for that reason alone - you and FI need to like it too. We plan to decide on our menu when we get down there since we're not planning to print off menus or anything. I agree it's kinda hard to choose in advance without tasting it so it's a gamble. However, the menu question has come up a few times in previous threads and some of the past brides have reviewed it. I took note each time so here's what I have, lol: Appetizers: - Onion Soup - all good reviews (one bride said it was the best she ever had) - Minestrone - unknown - pasta (with shrimp, etc) - unknown - lobster bisque - unknown - Ceasar salad - all good reviews - Caprese salad - all good reviews - mastocholli - unknown - caneloni - unknown Main course: - T-bone - mixed reviews - beef medallions - all good reviews (by far this is the most popular choice too based on previous posts) - stuffed chicken breast - unknown - chicken tettrazini - mixed reviews - beef milanese parmesan - mixed reviews - loin of pork - unknown (I really want to try this though. Pork for some reason doesn't seem to be a popular choice but this is what I'm leaning towards. I like that it comes with roasted veggies!) - salmon fillet - unknown - grilled bass - unknown Dessert: - Tiramisu - mixed reviews - chocolate lazagna - mixed reviews (one girls thought it was "odd") - chocolate bomb - unknown - chocolate brownie - all good reviews (seems to be most popular) - apple puffed pasty - unknown

OMG I love your invitations...those are DIY? Well done - very beautiful. And your dress is perfect for a destination wedding!

Thanks for your thoughts ladies!! I guess white/green is the winner! Lizzdee that's a good idea with using a colourful ribbon to tie the bouquet and I was thinking of that, too. I agree with you that maybe a totally colourful bouquet is "too" show stopping...I want people to see ME not just the bouquet, LOL

The menu is the same whether you do a private reception or a semi-reception. All guests have to eat the same thing (unless someone has dietary restrictions, they can make an exception) and you pick one option from each section (appetizer, dinner, dessert, etc) to serve to everyone. Good questions about the cake flavours...I'd like to know that too!

Hi ladies, I am being indecisive! I can't decide which colour scheme I prefer for my bouquet...I think I am hovering between one extreme and the other - brightly coloured and tropical or elegant white (with green accent) and more traditional. Our wedding colour is turquoise. I will be dressed totally in white (including shoes). FI will be wearing a tan suit with a turquoise dress shirt. Groomsmen will be wearing a white dress shirt and tan pants. Bridesmaids will be wearing turquoise dresses and have white bouquets. I think if I went with the white and green ones it would definitely look pretty...but is it too much white and kinda blah? With the colourful one, I think there would be a definite pop and be very tropical but would it look out of place? Would love your opinions...here are my sample pics: Thanks ladies!

I think this is a great idea and good compromise. I totally agree with your reasons for not including them directly by being attendants (if 6 is too many for you and you're not close, you shouldn't have to pick them "just because"). Goodluck

This is a pretty personal decision and depends on the bride/groom (as can be seen from the different responses to this post). My FI haven't totally decided. He does not see the point of sleeping seperately the night before (we live together, our families aren't overly uptight about tradition, etc.). However, I would kind of like the whole "experience" of waking up the next morning alone in anticipation and not seeing him until the afternoon ceremony (of course, there's always a possibility of bumping into each at the resort...not like it's huge). I guess it will come down to availability of another room/bed for him to sleep in!

Thanks for posting the updated menu Chicago! The choices sound pretty good!