amandamarieb

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Amanda, it all depends on your budget and what you want to spend money on. And how much stuff you want to lug down there with you (I can't imagine youd get many 26" chandeliers into one suitcase)!!! It would be gorgeous to have tons of flowers everywhere and those gorgeous chairs. I love the fancy weddings featured in magazines with flowers everywhere. I would love to have something like that but we chose to spend our $ on excursions for my guests, welcome bags, and a fabulous photographer. One thing you could do to keep the cost down, is to have cheaper flowers. I am having 2 large glass vases at the foot of the wedding gazebo thing filled with white gladiolas (which I love) and its $43 per vase. Thats better than a $250 planter and you could even have 1 vase per row at the foot of the chairs leading down the asile. Gladiolas come in lots of different colors if you wanted them to color coordinate. Just a suggestion! . Also, how tall are the vases you are renting? And are the flowers submerged in water? Or do they come out of the top of the vase?

[ One thing you could do to keep the cost down, is to have cheaper flowers. I am having 2 large glass vases at the foot of the wedding gazebo thing filled with white gladiolas (which I love) and its $43 per vase. Thats better than a $250 planter and you could even have 1 vase per row at the foot of the chairs leading down the asile. Gladiolas come in lots of different colors if you wanted them to color coordinate. Just a suggestion! That's great advice! And they are only charging you $34 each for the vase rental and flowers? That doesn't sound the Karisma resorts I know.

Has anyone booked flights with vayama.com? The prices are great but I am skeptical. Would love any feedback. Thanks.

Some days I am just crazy. I am throwing my budget to the wind. (At least in my mind.) I think I should stop stressing about money and just go for it. Doubt FI will agree with me though. Hmm...I guess it wouldnt be a good thing to just do it and not tell him. Right? Wink. I am getting married on the sky deck and as beautiful as it is, I really want to do it up with flowers. I think I will have about 5 or 6 rows of chairs. I am going to do hanging bouquets on every other row on the inner most chair. Then I am thinking about doing two large planters filled with the same flowers in front of the arch. Do you think rose petals on the aisle would be too much? Probably? Hmm..ok no petals. And I havent decided what to do with the top of the arch. Flowers? Fabric? I am thinking maybe if I do the planters (even though I got quote $250 each) I will not have to do anything to the rest of that monsterous wooden thing. What do you think?Hmm..I also found this gourgeous vintage/french crystal chandleier on saveoncrafts.com that is super cheap. I am think that would be really pretty to hang above us but not sure how to make that work. Paris Flea Market Crystal Hanging 26" Metal Chandelier Candleholder $28.99 To save money, I am moving all of the hanging bouquets and bridesmaids bouquets to the reception space and using them as centerpieces. I am going to get the gold blume boxes for each to go in. I also got some really great vinatge fabrics with cool floral designs and I am having them cut into the same size squares to go over the table cloths to add a little flare. I am going to use 3 or so different patterns. Also, I am really obsessed with the chivarly chairs. I want to order them and hedge my bets that if I tip enough, I can have the chairs moved from the ceremony to my reception location while the cocktail party is going on. Brides that have already had their weddings, what are your thoughts on this? Also, has anyone done or seen the butterfly release? I don't know why but all the sudden I'm interested. Not sure if it will be super inhumane though. Ok, enough word vomit. Sorry, not sure where this sudden surge of inspiration has come from. One last thing you so you can get a better idea of where I am going with all of this...my theme is antique'd romance. I am going to try and figure out how to post pics and I'll put up the images of the bridesmaids dresses, flowers and planters I am talking about.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Hi Girls!!! Thanks for the warm wishes I brought my laptop and am on to email the coordinator some stuff, thought I'd sneak in and say hello! (FI's napping) The weather here is perfection, not a grey cloud in site since we arrived!! Everything has gone completely smooth and my meeting with the coordinators today was amazing, they have their shiz in order for sure. The resort is gorgeous, the service is amazing, just thought you AS b2b's would love to hear some good news from onsite. Tipping is definitely how to get ahead here, just keep that in mind. I'm gonna get started on the OOT bags now.... I'm really already having a blast and guests arrive tomorrow and I can't even wait!! Stilll can't believe I'm really here You crazy girl! What are you doing on here? So gald you are there and everything is working out. Can't wait to hear more about the wedding and your stay at AS. Have an amazing time and remember to take your time and enjoy every moment. AHHHH! I CAN NOT WAIT to see your pics.

Wendy - Congrats! You looked stunning and I am so glad the weather held out for your wedding day. Amy - I mean, seriously...you have more dedication than anyone I know and I work with event planners for goodness sake. Congrats on getting all that done. I am curious though how much you are paying in bag fees. BTW your guests are so lucky! And if you miss the planning once you've officially tied the knot, you can totally start your wedding career with me. I mean I am only a couple of miles away. As far as my guests flights TA decided to send me some options. really not much better than what we already had but at least she is trying, sort of. She keeps going MIA and keeps blaming it on something different. This time (and a few other times) it was the bad weather in Nevada. Hmm....is it global warming or is she a really bad liar? he. he.

AMY!!!! OMG!!! Amazing. I don't know if you never sleep or if your just nuts. All I can say is, can I hire you to help with my wedding? Kidding, well sorta! Congrats. I can't wait to hear all about the wedding.

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps OH NO!!!!! I have 28 people booked on AirTran's straight flight from Baltimore to Cancun!!!!! Do you know what made them change the itinerary and when it goes into effect? My guests are leaving on July 29th. if you haven't heard anything I bet you are fine. (At least for now anyway.) My wedding is in October. Airtran said that they would refund the return portion of the trip if my guests wanted. They added a lay-over to both trips so I am not sure why they won't refund the going flight as well. I'm going to have to do some trouble shooting. My mom is a computer-phobe so this all has her in a tizzy to say the very least. On a positive note I did purchase my invites last night. (Again.)

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Oh that is so annoying! I looked at Cancun area resorts b/c USA3000 flew there super cheap from BWI - then of course in December they stopped their service to Cancun! I really hope that Airtran can reimburse people. I think otherwise you can look at United direct from Dulles (which sucks w/ DC traffic) or there might be US Air direct out of Reagen. Do you have a TA that can do this work for you? Its not fair for people to pu it on the bride. We brides dont need any more stress! Me too! I live in California so I totally would have booked a Cabo resort but decided on Cancun so it would be easier for my family. Ha. The thought of that is hilarous now. I have a TA but she's from DW.com and she's really no help. I've had some issues with her and she said for my guests to handle their own flights. I am going to call her this morning and beg her to help. Uggh this is so annyoning. Thanks for all of the good advice though.

Oh boo. 19 of my guests had booked their flights, non-stop from Baltimore to Cancun for a great price. Then today they get an email that the airline has changed their itinerary and they now leave like 4 hours earlier and on the way back they have a 5.5 hour lay-over in Atlanta. So not what they signed up for. Uggh, I can't believe that happened. Needless to say everyone is in a tizzy. My mom is stressed and it's become my problem the folks at AirTran don't have their stuff together. My mom has me researching the next best flights to book with a different airline and this is for 19 ppl many of which are leaving and coming on different days. Uggh so not fair. Like I don't have enough to do. Uggh. Sorry for the rant. I feel a little better now.

Quote: Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr Hey, I think we're doing our wedding and reception at the same locations. Aren't you doing the Sky Wedding? I just added it to my detail sheet last week. It took a long time to decide if that's what we wanted to do (considering the extra $ involved) but I just really love it. Do you have pics of the Terrace that you can send me? Cecile, my coordinator sent me some but I just can't really get a good idea of the setting. If you google "photos of Sky Deck" "Azul Sensatori" or just "Sky Terrace Azul Sensatori" a lot of people's wedding photos pop up. You should get a better idea of the location from there. At least I did. One couple who used Elizabeth Medina (photog) has some great pics on her site of the space.

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Hi. My name is Chong. My fiance Darryl and I are getting marry at Azul Sensatori on October 10, 2010!!! I need some help planning the wedding. I have no idea where to start setup, music, photographer, reception, welcoming bags... there is just too much. anyone would like to share some pointers? greatly appreciate it/ Hi Chong! We have the same wedding date! I guess we'll be bride buddies. I'm getting married at 4:30 on the Sky Deck, how about you? Just wondering how long ago you booked? If it was very recent I think that there may be a third wedding that day as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by dirtymartini I think you mean Blumeboxes, and I am getting those too! They are so cool!! Shop wedding, shower and entertaining flower vases and decorating ideas : blumebox.com These are amazing. I had reserachng vases to rbing down which was going to be a nightmare but these look great! When I had originally looked into these I must have found a different company and there were not nearly as nice. Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by dirtymartini I'd like to do a cocktail hour before dinner, but it seems like everything they have on their Banquet Kit is minimum 2-hours. There the International Open Bar to extend the bar after the 4-hour Private Dinner, but I wonder if I could do this beforehand. They charge you by the type and number of canapes so I don't think that the time really matters. I am doing my cocktail recpetion before the recpetion and only hosting for 1 hour and then doing the reception. All in all, I think that they party part will run 4-5 hours. I liked the Italian dinner, but I thought to myself "We're going to be in Mexico. What's the point in going to Mexico to have Italian food?" Plus my FI's family is 100% Italian, so they are hard to please Italian food-wise since they make it so well themselves! I really like the Petit Gourmet or BBQ Deluxe, since that is supposed to be great option if you're having your event on the beach (as I think I will) and it has so many choices. I might also just choose from one of the set Group Menus. That makes sense. The Deluxe BBQ sounds great just sooo expensive. Yeah and I am Italian too but at least I know that my picky Italian family will be comfortable with the food choices **After your weddings, can you come back and tell me what your cakes were like? What flavors did you get to chose from, which style did you chose, how did it look & taste, did you think a cake was necessary? I didn't think a cake was necessary either but my mom insists. So cake it is. Also, where do they have the bar? Did you have dancing, if so, where did you have it & how was it set up and how did it go? I am doing a bar and dancing. I am having my reception in the Zazva plaza so the dance floor will be under the plaza canape and the tables will be in a circle around it. Ask your WC to send you photos of the space and explain the layout.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I'm doing the Donkey Cocktail hour with the 5 Mexican passed canapes on the yoga palaps on the beach, which may or may not be offered anymore. I'm doing a private reception on the Zocollo Terrace with the Surf & Turf, steak and lobster, appetizer is a trio of ceviche & dessert is chocolates with raspberries. It was the only thing I could think of that all my guests would like. Yeah I thought about that too. But about half of my guests love good food and there are quote afew (basically my entire side of the family) that's picky and won't try new things. That's why I think we are going with the Italian Family Style. There are a few appetizer options and side dishes and then they can choose from salmon. shrimp, chicken or beef for the main course. I think I am going to "fancy it up" for the cocktail recpetion so I can have the best of both worlds. I am so glad that they are letting me pull canapes from each of the different menus and create my own. I also wanted to have the donkey but then my co-worker started getting into the logistics of that. (I won't go into the points he brought up bc I don't want to deter you) but either way I am anxious to hear how that goes for you. OMG, can you believe you are just over 2 weeks out? After 2 years of planning muct feel like a relief!

Quote: Originally Posted by dirtymartini Ok, well I just spoke with Kiara and she is going to try and straighten this out. On another note, I'm doing a private dinner event. Is anyone having a separate cocktail hour before their dinner? I'm also doing a private reception and a cocktail hour. We're leaning towards the fmaily style Italian dinner for the reception and mix of the canapes offered on the different cocktail menus for the cocktail hour. What are you planning? Amy, how about you? Food was the most important thing for me going into this but had since changed a bit. Eager to here the menu options other's have chosen.

Quote: Originally Posted by dirtymartini I did not read the fine print that the promotion is only for the fewest amount of nights booked.... that is really shady if you ask me. What if I had 50 people book Deluxe rooms for 7 nights but 2 people in the Superior Room for 2 nights (that's really not how it will really be, but for example) so I only get 2 nights free?? I should just tell the people who are only staying 3 nights to not come!!! Argh! Believe me, when i found out I was really upset. I thought it would be the average number of nights. I have a handful of ppl coming for 7 days so I was really annoyed. Let's just say the whole thing did a number on my budget. RGGH. I totally yelled at my TA because she led me to believe it was not that way before I signed the contract but I guess I should have looked at the contract a lot closer. Either way, it is plain annoying and just one more way for them to get ya.

Quote: Originally Posted by dirtymartini Soooooo, I just learned from my travel agent that Azul is being a stinker and trying to not give me the bride & Groom Stay Free promotion that we booked under. We booked under a promotion that B&G stay free as long as we book 16 rooms... well we booked 22 rooms. Also, we were supposed to receive the free Honeymoon package, which includes a free room upgrade. Apparently, they're not giving us that either? I am not sure why this process is so difficult for me!!!!! Has anyone else had any problems like this? Wait what? What reason are they giving you exactly? I am also booked under the same promotion and everything seems to be fine on my end so far. You do know that the B&G promotion is a refund after your stay? And that you get the lowest level of room for the fewest amount of nights booked by any guest? So for us that means simply getting around a $950 refund after the fact.

Okay Amy, one las thing for today. I PROMISE! I just friend requested you on FB and forgot to send you a message letting you know who I am. So when you get a request from Amanda in Los Angeles....that's me. Thanks.

Amy F- Another ? for you... the chairs that you are using for the ceremony. How much did they quote you per chair? And are you also using them for the reception? Are they making you pay twice? I really, really want them and can't justify the expense. FI would kill me if he knew how much I spent renting those chairs. Trying to figure it out. Don't know why I'm so obsessed with having to have them. Thanks!

Ok, you know what is really sad? For some reason I can't access this forum from my home computer anymore. I don't know what the heck is going on. So here I am at work sneaking on. Problem is, I have been way over my head at work so I haven't been on much. I decided to take a much need work break this afternoon and tune back into wedding stuff. Looks like things are coming along great for you ladies. Also, Amy I know that it is late but can my to-do's be added to the list? They are: 1. Get BM's to order dresses this week 2. Call Wilshire Bridal and make appt for BM to try on dress 3. Figure out invitation situation (I had ordered them and then got a proof and hated them, now waiting on more samples) 4. Take FI to look at wedding bands 5. Continue to research paper mache planters for wedding flowers 6. Find out from TA if I can change my silver package to the pearl package with Sky add on 7. Find out from TA about getting a family room on the 1st night 8. Start researching custom beach towels 9. Keep looking for flights 10. Register for gifts 11. Look for suit for FI and groom's party 12. Find mini frames that fit new polaroid photos for "photo booth" 13. Make sure "photo booth" stand will work 14. Get a quote on custom table sqaures made from vintage textiles I got at sample sale (yay!) 15. Get Shalen (sic) Extreme from BM

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Ok girls, finally updated some pix of my hair trial... excuse the cheese smile in the last one and my nose looks huge... anyways, here's the rough idea: OMG! Love it! Looks great! Where did you get it done..maybe I can try them too.

LOL Amy! This crossed my mind too but it's Khloe who's married to Lamar and Kourtney who just had the baby! I'm ashamed I even know this but that show is totally a guilty pleasure It's not sad. Those gilrs are everywhere. Whta's sad is when they are your clients. Well sorta. My client is QuickTrim the diet supplement that they are all spokepeople for. (I also rep ShoeDazzle....one of Kim's companies...and if you don't know about it you should check it out because it would make a great gift for your bridesmaids.) Anyway, I could go on and on with stories regarding their lives and booking hair and make-up for them but I am going to be the bigger person. I am actually going to start taking QuickTrim this weekend so I'll let you girls know how that goes.

Revising my budget and decided to do a more updated "guest count." I put that in quotes because right now I have 15 rooms booked so about 27ish guests and we had originally expected close to 80 ppl. Now reviewing the list, looks much more like we'll have around 50. That's fine...actually helps a ton with the budget BUT looking at the guests who have confirmed or told us that they were going to attend...it's pretty much all my side! AHHHH! I feel so bad for Stephen. I don't know why his family all the sudden can't make this happen. He isn't home right now but he is going to be heartbroken when I tell him that his cousin declined. What should I do about this? Should I encourage him to invite more people. (He had originally wanted to but I discouraged him bc of size and budget.) Should I email some of his friends and tell them to start booking. Maybe that wil even things out and make him feel a little better. I totally expect atleast a handful or more of his friends to make the trip but with none of them having paid, make me really nervous. Has anyone else experienced a lop-sided RSVp situation?

And GIRLS...can I say OMG. I went away for a day or two and I can't keep up with all these posts. You are posting like mad women. I know, there's a lot going on which means so much for me to catch up on.