amandamarieb

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I wanted to pass along some little tidbits of advice I got from some of my married friends that really helped me with my wedding day! Some not so glamorous advice... I had a bride friend suggest taking some Tylenol PM the night before the wedding to get a good night’s rest. I am the epitome of "too excited to sleep" so I took this and got a solid 8 hours of rest and felt fresh and energized all day long on my wedding, some of the best advice I've ever gotten. Another piece of advice was to not lose track of hubby for too long during the reception. We go to parties and social events and we basically arrive together and leave together and that it, so remembering to break that habit on my wedding day was something I was so grateful for. We danced, drank and enjoyed the night together without missing out on the separate mingling every once in awhile. Also, no matter what. Do not worry about ANYONE else except you and your soon to be husband on your wedding day. My wedding day was EXTREMELY stressful leading up to the ceremony. Just sit back, get ready and don't freak out. Don't worry about anyone but yourself all night long and you'll be fine. Just so you know, this is why I freaked wedding day before the ceremony. Friday actually forgot to put sunscreen on my face... I burn especially in that heat and I got to my room to shower and get ready for the rehearsal dinner and see my face all burnt. Nose red, forehead red with a nice little white shape of sunglasses over my eyes. I had a freaking meltdown... I started doing my makeup and I had so much different cover-up on it started caking so I had to wash my face and start over which made it more red and this is on my wedding day. So my girls took me on the patio, handed me champagne and a cigarette, put a wet cloth on my face and just changed the subject. I calmed down after that and my MOH actually found some green red reducing makeup that saved the day and my face. I just can't believe I did that... oh man, I worked out but wow what a heart attack. So don't be so excited to go to the pool that you sunscreen your entire body except your face Ha. Too funny. I was thinking about that because I will be there 5 whole days before the wedding. I want to have a nice glow but don't want to be too tan. Like a Jersey Shore Bride or something. Glad it all worked out and great save on the green make-up. Wherever did you find that down there? Also, great advice and some I will try to keep in mind.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart OMG... I can't believe I actually stressed over the weather at all. I was there for 12 whole days and not ONE drop of rain, not one cloudy day, it was just gorgeous beautiful skies. It was actually more like hot. High 80's for sure. The evenings only cooled down to 70's and were never COLD. I never needed a light cardigan or even a pashmina, I couldn't believe it. The weather right now is to die for, seriously you'll be so pleased! We had our reception at Zocalo al Fresco the covered open air restaurant patio and we were all sweating and hot all night because we were dancing. The whole wedding party even arranged with my photographers to do a group shot of them jumping in the pool afterwards which was hilarious. We even crashed the adult swim up bar for the after party to my wedding... since it was closed we all raided our fridges for the Tecate light they stock it with and hung out there for awhile to cool off, then partied up at the Mojito lounge until 4am. The cigar roller was great. It wasn't a surprise, FI actually insisted we get one I wish it would have been announced or something because he was so quiet and there rolling away and I didn't even know. I actually had to start dragging people over because they didn't notice he was there and people were asking me after he had already left where I got my cigar that I was smoking... the whole thing. They gave me boxes after he left so I just put them on my table and had them go grab whatever they wanted. My bridesmaid Shawna took that and 200 of the pictures that are up on my FB, she's a talented girl who uses a run of the mill camera if you can believe it. I was chatting with Katie on Saturday and she was still in Mexico supposed to leave Sunday. She thought she may have a couple day delay due to London airports being closed but didn't know. She should be back any day now. She told me she had a wonderful wedding as well and I saw a sneak of some of her photos, she looked gorgeous and is completely blissfully a Mrs. Amy, this all sound so great! I am so happy for you! I saw the pictures and it looked like everyone had a blast. I cannot wait to hear your full review but in the meantime, I have a couple of questions. How many guests did you have? (I think I'll have around 60 and was going to have the reception in the Zavaz plaza but your recpetion looked great...wondering if that's still an option and if I have too many people. I don't think my WC listed it as an option. Bummer.) How did you like your DJ? And the Mojito bar stays open that late? Did you just tip really well and they satyed? Thanks!!! And again. CONGRATS!

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Our group is 28 people - we have 3 vans which fit 12 people each. 3 vans in at 7:30pm 1 van home at 11pm and 2 vans home at 2am - total cost was $336. I dont know what the price per van would have been though! I used the same company I mentioned in my earlier post today. Awesome. Thank you!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Hi girls!!! I'm back a Mrs.!!!! CAN'T even believe it, it's been bliiissssssful <3 I got back Friday @ Midnight and have so much to tell you all. I have a few days to catch up, haven't even unpacked yet, yikes! Just wanted to give you AS brides a quick little.... OMG, my day was PERRRRRFECTTTT and just like all the past AS brides are right, once you get there all your worries will be alleviated, the onsite coordinators are amazing and bend over backwards for you. I felt like royalty, they treated me unbelievably well and seriously it was a better wedding than I ever could have expected. I am soooo excited you upcoming brides!! Any questions, ask away Yay! I am so glad it was all you'd hoped for and more. Can't to wait to hear more.

Amy! I saw some of your pics on facebook. You looked beautiful! I can't wait till you join us here again! I want to hear all about it. Congrats MRS!!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Amanda, we had the Free Wedding Package. It came with "a bottle of champagne in your room upon arrival." Thanks for the info! Champagne is not included in my package (the pearl package) but maybe I will order a bottle.

Quote: Originally Posted by meghan I sent out formal invites. I did not put where we were registered. People have found out through word of mouth. If you make a wedding website, you could put it on there, but I wouldn't suggest putting it on your invites. I sent my invites out to everyone who said they were coming and who had not said no yet. Same here. Well actually some people have simply hit the decline key on the DW.com website and since we haven't spoken to them about the wedding (and they are family) they are getting a formal invite too. No big deal if they can't come but thought that they might want the keepsake and also a I got a great deal on invites and it was $3 difference to get 75 or 100 so I went ahead and ordered 100. I've got to get rid of them somehow. Also, do not put where you are registered on the invites. A lot of people might frown on that. Let you bridal party and parents know where you are registered and they can tell people when they ask. People will ask. Also, I put the invite, response card and a card letting them know how t access my dw.com site and my travel agent's contact number. I wanted to include a card with things to do off the resort and the corresponding websites but there wasnt an option with the invite package i choose to add the extra card. I figured I would do one of two things: 1. email people as they book to say thank you and send along the information. or 2. make a "thanks for booking" card and mail to folks when they book ...it will include info on what they should bring, things to do in the area, etc... I love the 2nd idea but given budget and time constraints, it may just be an email.

wendy, question...which package did you book? wondering if champagne was a part of your package or if we can count on a little extra "love" from the hotel. Thanks.

I am doign Chalene Extreme. Has anyone else. I did 3 days this week. (Hard but no so so hard. I was expecting much worse.) I did take 2 day break becasue I have a stomach flyu of some sort. Here's a question for you all...has anyone done the owkrouts without doing the meal plans? I intend to eat healthy but being on a actual diet plan and working out is just to much for me. I already have no time between work, commute and a baby. But I worked out with a trainer for a couple of months last year and looked great. I ate whatever the hell I wanted.

How many of you girls that have had or are having the symbolic ceremony actually got wed in the states before you left? My WC told me that I had to but I def think some girls are/have waited until they got back. We are planning to do it a couple of weeks before we leave (the court house only does marriages on Fridays in Los Angeles and don't want to leave it to the Friday before bc I'll already have so much to do.) However, I am worried about already being married and some of the wedding excitiment wearing off before the big ceremony. I am probably just being stupid though.

Quote: Originally Posted by renee1811 aah, I am getting married in 14 days!!! I have SOOO much I need/want to do before then! sorry, the realization of this just hit me, lol So so so exciting. You'll pull it all off. Just make a giant check list so you are not forgetting anything and now (more than ever) is the time to ask for help. It will be here before you know it.

To save money, I decided to downgrade from the Silver package to the Pearl Package and build up. I am kind of sad that we are missing out on a few things. Does anyone know how much it is to get the following a la carte? Champagne delivered to the room? Private dinner on the beach? (After Wendy raved about hers I know this is something I don't want to miss.) Price to have the room decorated after the wedding? Thanks!!!

Wow. Sounds like you had an amazing time!!! Congrats again and again. I am getting married at AS but your review certainly makes me even more excited to use Karisma.

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Has anyone done the Family Dinner Option? I think that's what we are leaning towards for our reception. Pick & Choose Dinner Option sounds great but there are more choices on the Family Dinner Option. Any thoughts? Chong Haven't gotten married yet (obviously) but that is also what I am doing. We liked the pick & choose but Tiffany said that we could only give guests two options. I have a lot of foodies and a lot of picky eaters so 2 options wasn't enough to make sure everyone was taken care of....so yes, I am doing the Italian Family Style Dinner. Plus it is less expensive and seems like a lot of food. We are also doing a cocktail hour so we'll do our more "fancy" food then

Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 Yeah, some of the photogs in the area are ridiculously expensive. Our budget for photography is $2k, max, and that's even pushing it...it just doesn't seem like with a $500 plane ticket, plus $500 hotel cost (and honestly, I'm estimating there...it could very well be more with the rates out now) that only leaves $1k for the photography package, and I don't think I'd be able to get a very good package for that. Sigh. I know I'm kind of being a baby about this. I think the thing that galls me the most is that I feel rail-roaded into using their photographers, who really aren't that great. Plus I just got done reading the "Boycott El Dorado" thread which got me fired up all over again. I really don't want to switch resorts. I love Azul Beach and it sounds like everything else is exceptional, it's just this one rule that's totally bumming me out. I'll start looking around for US photogs who may be willing to fly there and work with me on the package options...wish me luck! Have you tried Craigslist? Maybe there's a photographer in your area that wants to start doing destinations and is willing to work with you for next to nothing in order to increase thier book and show other brides how they do destinations. I would certainly put up a post and see what you come back with. Also, try local colleges. Maybe there are some really great photog students (you can see their work and request a sample shoot before hand) that may do it for the free travel. What's great is that Azul is all inclusive so you dont need to pay for anything beyond air and hotel. And if you are paying for hotel you don't need to pay for the outside vendor fee. I think you can make it work for less than 2k. (You won't get a pretty book but you can get a disc of photos and make your own. I am making mine.)

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert We actually rented Gray suits from MW! They were calvin Klien It was a great deal, White shirt, vest, bowtie/tie , pants, socks and shoes and suspenders for $60. They looked great on the guys and went very well with our colors~ Seriously? Wow, I've got to take a better look at what they have to offer. The guys were going to purchase but it was about 260 before tax. (That's just the pants, jacket and vest.) Hmm...might have to reconsder renting but the problem is they have to rent for so long since many people are comeing for 4+ days. Did you have to deal with that or did they just charge you $60 flat?

Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 That is such a big bummer! I guess I won't hold my breath. Luckily it worked out for you though...like I said before your pictures are so amazing I guess I'll just have to try to get more comfortable with Caribe. At least I'll save some money...silver lining, right? I am flying in a friend who is professional photog and shooting for me. I am putting her up for 3 nights and do not have to pay the $500 fee. (It is almost the same because I think the 3 night room rate is like $469 or something like that.) But Tiffany is my WC and she's fine with that. Already marked it on my detail sheet and everything. Sometimes I wonder how much Tiffany and the other much hate this forum. I find out such useful information on it and armed with that info I often go back to her and push the issue. She's got to know I am referring to the girls on this forum when I say I "talked" to other brides and they were approved for XY and Z. Ha. Sometimes I wonder if they come on here and see what we are posting. Ha. I doubt it...too busy with all the weddings I suppose but funny to think about.Oh well.

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Thanks for the info. I think we will be making the trip to Men's Wearhouse this weekend. Chong Quote: Originally Posted by chong I thought we got the best deal... it's about $160 per person per night for the Jr Jacuzzi Suite at Azul Sensatori after the group agreement (20%). We booked through the destination wedding. Anyone got better deal? I am curious... chong Same for me and I also booked through DW.com. Good to know that they are giving us the same rate, especially considering we'll be there the same time. How many guests are you expecting?

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Thanks for the info. I think we will be making the trip to Men's Wearhouse this weekend. Chong That's funny. I think we are also going with the calvin suite from Men's wearhouse. But we are doing the khaki color. And we are doing the vest under the jacket. I want the guys to look a little more formal but not in tuxes. Also, this way when we are dancing they can take off their jackets and but not just be in shirts. Chong, we went this weekend and MW is running out of that style. I guess with summer weddings coming up. Also, they probably won't have in the fall so smart to do now. We are going to another MW this weekend. Hopefully it works out. Also, MW is running a sale right now. Buy 1 suite get 1 for $100. We are ordering them all together and letting the guys split the difference. That's assuming the groomsmen get me their measurements this week

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Thanks for the advice!!! I am a very organized person but I am having a log of trouble with the wedding. What I can't see...hard to make the decisions. I started to make some moves... I am struggling with the location too. I am set on the beach wedding and beach reception... but I also saw some wedding receptions done on the terrace and looks very nice. I am not sure what I want to do... Did you pick a photographer yet? I see many suggestions but I am not sure what to do. I decided to downgrade my Silver Package to Pearl Package. We really wanted Silver package for the non-private dinner reservation but I decided to have a private cocktail party instead of dinner reservation for "rehearsal dinner". Just an opportunity to mingle and meet everyone... I see that you are in New Orleans. I am in Houston. I do travel to New Orleans often for my work. Thanks for the help and keep in touch! Chong Hi Chong - I am getting married same day but on the Sky Deck and I am having my reception at the Zavaz Plaza (I think that is what it is called). I am also doing a cocktail reception prior to probably in the same area or the pool deck. The beach receptions look like so much fun. Just not really my style for the ceremony. I'm not sure what terrace you are talking about. I don't think that they do recpetions on the terrace unless you are talking about a dinner reservation at one of the restaurant's. I think there's an outside area for one. Also, I am not sure if you have a bridal party but the bridal salon my girls are ordering dresses from need the orders by mid-May to get the dresses to the girls (granted they have be to shipped from Los Angeles to Texas, Mass and Maryland) by September. May be something you want to think about fairly soon. You have so much time to figure out the menu. I don't think you need to give them your choice on that until 60 days out or so. I would focus on things like invites (if you are sending them), bridal party outfits, flights and passports...those sort of things take far more time. I hope that helps.

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Sorry to hear about your situation. I only have reception options for 2009/2010. Do you need it? I attached it to this email just in case... What's up with Tiffany? I have her too. I haven't had any issues with her. Is there someone I need to be cautious about? Let me know. Thanks! Chong I also have Tiffany. She was slow and would often skip over questions I asked but for the past month or so has been so much better. I think maybe she's finally got some help so she gets back to my emails faster. I hope she also steps up for you guys. Also, I am saving all of my correspondance with her. If she gives you a problem (and assuming you have the original emails promising your details) I would send them back to her and push the issue. If that doesnt work you can always email a supervisor but I would start with her first. Good luck all.

I am by no means the most organized bride out there. I have some things done but not nearly enough. And I have a 9 month old which makes getting anything done feel almost impossible. Happy to give you some suggestions but I promise some of the other girls will have much better suggestions. If I were you I would set up a countdown on theknot.com and follow their lists that should help you at least find out what should be working on?

Here is the picture I said I wanted my gazebo to look like: I must have looked at 200 weddings on the beach pictures to finally decide so I know how you feel. That look sbeautiful. I hope they come out just right for you. I will def check out your pics next month. ah...you are so close. so exciting.