prettypigpig

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy Julie! My colors are olive green, brown and white. My theme is "Go Green" so everything I picked out from invitations to center pieces has to something to do with eco friendly. even my tote bags. How about you Julie? Are you picked one out yet prettypigpig? I picked blue and ocean/beach theme ( I guess not that original for a destination wedding..heehee). I will use sand dollars and shells as deco, seating cards, and guest book (guests will write on the sand dollar and shells, and I will put them in a wood display box with sands).

Quote: Originally Posted by kn1020 Hello everyone! My fiance and I are meeting with our travel agent this week to book our 2011 wedding in the Riviera Maya! I am 90% sure we have pinned it down to the Excellence Riviera Cancun, I am so excited, this forum has been so helpful in decision making! Very nice resort! One of the top rank ones on Tripadvisor!! No kids too! I looked at it too, but some of our guests got KIDS...sigh~ Linhy, I think Dreams is the sister hotel of Secrets (an adult only chaine)

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy Prettypigpig! haha yeah I don't know my friend seem kind of jealous that I am away ahead of her and she got like nothing done. hahaha! I hope she comes around and realized it. I think she is waiting for her fiance to to everything. I wouldn't want that then you won't really want it your own! hahah sure!! copy it!!! You don't think it's way too long right?? Nope, not too long to read! It will nicely spread on a folded brochure/pamphret. Hey, it is my wedding, so I want everything my way (the way I envisionned it!) Mouhahaha. I think most of the men have a general sense on the general things about weddings/receptions/etc , but I won't delegate the planning to my FI when it comes to small details (that can adds up to a lot like decor, centrepieces, giftbags, programs...).

Quote: Originally Posted by michelle2011 wow i've missed loads. lol Mexbride83 - thank you hopefully when the flights are out we will confirm us being date twins! I think i will do the same as you and get the hotel to put the OOT bags in the guest rooms and like you say those arriving the same day will understand if they are alittle late..... welcome Josietoms! Congrats on your wedding! Nice to see another fellow UK bride! Nicyx - love your sandals, your so clever! I can't wait to see what else you come up with! Linhy - I think your letter is lovely! From the heart and i'm sure your guests will be very happy and honored you invited them! We had a bit of a blip this week! the AHR room hire charge has gone up by £1300!!! going from £500 to £1800! ( I think this is around $2600) A massive jump from what we thought it would be. Thats without food, entertainment, drink etc... So unless we can get this lowered we will need a rethink on the AHR as everything is adding up fast and with not knowing what Mexico will cost it's a bit of a gamble! ( Also my dad is not coming. Not because he doesn't want to be there he just can't do the journey. He hasn't been on a plane for yr's now and he is panicing over it and i dont want him worrying for the next 14 odd months... I am upset but not going to dwell on it. I am going to ask my son Harrison (he will be 13 when we marry) to give me away! So on the day i wont be sad Dad is not there i will be proud my little man is doing the job!! x Michelle, I totally understand what u mean, especially the Sterling pound and USD exchange rate can swing and reception hall and food aren't cheap (small things like chair covers, flowers..all adds up pretty fast!) I am sure ur little man will do a nice job!! I guess your daughter can be a very cute flower girl!

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy prettypigpig- yep that's how my friend is too. She doesn't understand all that and bach. party and bridal shower are like. I was frustrated when she wasn't able to come with me to any of my gathering with my girls. But now I understand. Why.. like you said over there they got everything in package and all they need to do is show and they do the rest. LOL, don't worry, she will start to realize that some pieces are coming together by themselves! If her wedding is in November, she will start to "realize" it in the Summer, especially seeing you..planning everything! kekeke, my July 2010 chinese bride friend, was like oh...we have to print the seating cards? oh..we need thankyou cards?...oh...the centrepieces? WOW..you already done the whole program?!? I better copy and save it as an example! kekekeke!

Yeah COCO BONGO is a fun place!

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy Really!! I am Chinese too! Haha yeah for sure you have to have the right size! My fiance thinks I want to show off our reception table I said no! it just looks nicer with a certain amount of people. Wow you got friends that are busy! same here I got a good friend that is from Taiwan living in the state and she is getting marry this year in Nov. but.. she doesn't understand the concept of bridesmaid and MOH.. she's not even helping me with my wedding process (like there is any really major planning) haha since we are all doing dest. So does the number 3 mean is a lucky number? Do you believe in the Chinese zodiac signs? I try to be below average supertitious! heehee. LOL, I know, I have a friend from CHINA...she had no clue about bridemaid, MOH, gifts, decor, invites, themes ( because in CHINA, u just book a package deal at a chinese resto/hotel and they takes care of the rest)...now her wedding is in July 2010..and she is in the panic mode

Katie, I am not determined to hate this resort, but I am just not the type to book a resort for my wedding based on pics and brochures without a visit there and get all the issues (bed bugs and no diet coke...etc) settled first. I will go to check it out in June. So far 100% of previous OCT brides are super satisfied (which is a good sign), and I am very happy with Ana, the WC, she is very responsive and answered all my questions (another good sign too). 70% of Tripadvisor folks liked it (which is an ok rating), except the bed bug victims (it can be skin allergies, and not bugs), diet coke addicts (only privi guests can have them), the turtle season (the terrace looks nice and someone said that I can see baby turtles going into the ocean, which can be very cute), the picky eaters (I grew up and fed with hotel/restaurant food, so I guess I will test it once I get there), weird/funky mold smells (again, it is common in Mexico, I just need to bring a candle). Price is reasonable, kids friendly and their rooms aren't expensive. I am just doing the "avocat du diable". AGAIN, I won't book anything until I have a visual confirmation, again being an analyst, I tend to over-analysed everything.

Quote: Originally Posted by bride2b10 what about external dj? External DJ = a DJ u can hire from the region, but not on the resort's preferred list/ not the resort's DJ Usually, u have to pay a fee/day pass/book a room for a night in order to get ur vendors into ur resort.

Ok ladies, I just got an email from Aja, is the WC service so bad after I put in the deposit?!

Quote: Originally Posted by josietoms Hey, im quite new to this forum and just starting to find my feet and came across this thread..... I too am a 2011 bride. 17 of us travelling from the UK in January 2011 to Catalonia Riviera Maya. Everything is booked apart from the wedding date being confirmed which may not be available until August 2010. But I'm trying to remain calm; as we have been to this hotel before so know what to expect and have told everyone how great it is. Hopefully the TA will keep chasing for the wedding date. Josie, Welcome! Again, ThX to Nicola for setting it up!! Congrats on getting most of the things confirmed and set! I am one of the 2011 brides here, I am from Canada, but there are a lot of UK brides on this forum (must be because of the depressing weather in UK). January and Feb seem to be the most popular months so far ( I haven't seen any July bride so far)!!! Like most of the destination wedding brides, we are constantly complaining/or praising our WC, TA..and of course our FI. Showing each other ideas on OOT bags, Dresses, Shoes...etc...After all, we all want our day to be the fairytale day!

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy lol that's funny prettypigpig!! How much people did you invite? Yeah plus I am going insane with my reception table. I also want to have enough people that will fit the rectangle size haha since it'll look weird with less or too many people. I know what you mean! U see..I am Chinese...so ideally...I wanna have 38 guests! so 35 included in the package, and 3 extra..oh well...no big deal...but so far..I modeled my guests projection forecast model ( I am an analyst, that is why I build model for almost everything), we are at 43 already! U know, there are so many people that I "have to" send the invitation to (just to be polite), but I am 99% sure that they won't come all the way to Mexico from Hong Kong. However, there is that 1 % of ...probability. In addition, I have 2 friends (MOH candidates) who are getting married this year, and will try to get pregnant asap after...so....I dunno if they will get lucky by July 2011!?!?! LOL the rectangle table!! I saw the pictures of it...it looks so nice! but u will need the exactly amount of people to make it RIGHT! heehee

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy My fiance and I invited around 42 people. I have a feeling that not everyone is gonna go. We are debating if we should have a backup list or not. I want at least 25 people. That way it'll look like a completed wedding hahaa. LOL, we are on the same boat. I don't wanna pay too much extra for extra guests (not included in the package), at the same time, I wanna have a decent group size. Therefore I have a VIP list, following by the waiting list!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nicyx These are the barefoot i have made, The loop hooks on to 2nd toe and then comes up my foot and round my ankle. I need to take a better pic but hopefully you the the idea? x WOW, so cute! I ve seen some pics with brides wearing these! I also saw some were made with seashells (dunno if the seashells ones are comfy). Last year, Steve Madden has a pair of sandals with seashells (which would be PERFECT for destination weddings!), but I didn't bought them, because I didn't know I was going to get married!!! URRGGGG!!! On Alloy.com, they had an imitation version of the sandals at $9.99, and it was sold out as well!

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy I get agree with prettypigpig some hotels will get sold quick! Therefore, we have to make sure that our guests are not waiting til the last minute to book their trip, if not, we may spend extra $$$ on day passes to get them into the hotel!

Quote: Originally Posted by mexbride83 Linhy - Oh, you are so right, I didn't think about the fact that May is their low season. That makes sense then! Michelle - Let me know what you find out, I'm crossing my fingers for you and May 28th:) I think it's a great date haha. My planning is going great! Our contract is finally in and our deposit is down, we're all set with the resort! I booked the photographer today as well. Moments that Matter, they're so awesome and my fiance has been campaigning for them from the start haha. They've inspired him to move to Mexico and be a photographer, not that we're good at photography or anything:) For the people who arrive on the same day or before us, we're just still going to have the resort put their OOT bags in their rooms when we have the bags ready. So they just won't get them upon arrival, but we figured they'd understand! Be careful, some hotels still get sold out pretty fast in May. I am on the Royal PDC Thread, and a May 2010 Bride is facing this problem, her hotel is fully booked on her week, and most of her guests are still waiting for their tax refund before booking their trips! Congrats on booking the hotel and the photog! Moments that Matter are Canucks, I think...It doesn't require a lot to convince a Canadian to move to Mexico! no more -40C degree winter with 20 inches of snow! no more 40% taxes on income! Photog can make good money (from their pricings...) $300-$900 per hour, that is more than what a lawyer makes.

Quote: Originally Posted by mexbride83 Hey girls! I just posted this on the attire thread, but thought I'd post it here too to give you all a heads up:) I just saw on Gilt Groupe that on March 12, 2010, they are going to have a "Wedding Weekend" sale! For those of you who don't know what Gilt Groupe is, it's an online sample sale website, where you can get designer products for 50% off. You do have to be a member, but I think you can just go to the website and join. If not, send me a PM with your email address and I can send you an invitation to join. Here is what is says: The countdown’s on. Each day brings you closer to your big day but also closer to Gilt’s big Wedding Weekend. Are you still looking for The One? You’ll find it this weekend — the dress that makes your heart skip a beat, brings a smile to your face, and is as stunning going down the aisle as it is getting down on the dance floor. (Like this gorgeous gown by Carolina Herrera.) As for your girls, if you want them to stay your BFFs after the wedding, go for the sweet, stylish bridesmaids’ dresses by Thread, Amsale and Vera Wang Lavender. The little things count big-time, so max out the cuteness of your flower girls (without maxing out your credit card) and score an adorable dress by Pippa and Julie. Elle McPherson Intimates, Lulu Frost hair accessories and Hickey Freeman Boys are just some of the other designers you’ll see in our sales this weekend. In response to some questions, the Gilt rep said: We have everything from shoes to traditional and non-traditional gowns, dresses for members of the bridal party, jewelry, gifts for the bride and groom and bridal party, flower girl dresses, honeymoons, tuxes and more! Many of the items in the sale will be sold with our normal return policies, however some special items, including gowns, will be final sale. We have chosen these gowns so carefully for you, I am sure you'll be happy with your purchases. And the amazing prices mean you can afford the very best tailor... and STILL save a ton of money. Just remember to size up, as you would for any dress you are having fitted to you. - Cristina from Gilt Yay - this is SO exciting!!!! WOW....this sounds AMAZING!!! Thanks for sharing! Yeah, size up is the right thing to do. One of my size 0 friend, she barely fit into her size 4 dress, and one size 8-10 friend's bridemaid dress is a size 14!

I think u can hire an external DJ if u pay the extra vendor fee, or u can have the one on their approved list. On average, they charge $200-$400 per hour.

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbum1285 I feel the SAME way!! We had a similar talk not too long ago and while he thinks I shouldn't have to go thru this miscommunication, he also thinks it'd be a hassle for our guests to switch hotels. (I would be MORE than happy to call their TAs myself and switch, seeing as there's no penalties to switch which I have already looked into and there isn't!) When I get it, but this is ridiculous. I was *promised* a phone call by yesterday and never got it. It's not worth the energy stressing over this. I've sent the Michigan ladies 5 emails, repetative emails at that, and I haven't gotten a dang thing back. I even emailed the people in Mexico, and after they seemed to be helpful a few weeks ago, I got nothing. Seriously, I am almost at the point where I just want to say screw the WHOLE wedding idea, let me just enjoy my non-refundable plane ticket trip to Mexico (and tons of margaritas at that!) and I'll try to look into something else NEXT year. I just feel bad for those guests that have booked a trip expecting to see a wedding when I'm so not into it anymore. Ok, after like 3-4 weeks into this destination wedding search. I realized that it is "normal" to not to receive an email for weeks or months. The WC in mexico are working for $10 per day, and they are also working on site weddings (up to 3-6 per day sometimes). Unlike private wedding planners in Canada or US, like 2 weddings on the w-e MAX, these WCs are having like 10 weddings per week! As your date approaches, they will work with u more closely. I dunno what is going on with the Michigan chicks...but I guess they still have to coordinate with the Mexico WCs most of the time. However, from all the reviews I read, the on-site WC will make sure everything goes smoothly once u get there. Therefore, I think I will book my package, secure the date, and plan on other things.

Quote: Originally Posted by SoontobeMrsBerrios thank you Katie... so i think we goin with shooting star... and we have about 60 guest.. so thats 40 x 65.. but my worry is the extras like for centerpieces.. sashes.. decoration for gazebo on beach and rose petals, reception liquor/beer, extra for cake.. im so nervous about budget i could cry lol One of the reason, extra guests can cost $1000-$1500, that I put this resort my 2nd choice. Plus $400 for external vendor too!

Linhy, I know what u mean by the price and the other considerations, that is why I think I will go with Royal PDC, adult only resort with a sister hotel, GRAN PORTO REAL next door for "budget constrainted" guests and guests with kids/monsters. They can come over on my wedding day, and I can cross to their side when I wanna see them. I don't have to pay extra or day pass for them! I am 5ft2, and 87 lbs, my FI is 6ft3...so I don't think a high heel will make any difference. I usually wear the Cole Haan Air heels, and even with the air cushion, I get a bit tired after 2-3 hours, so I will wear sandals. I think I will think about the welcome letters..and gift bags once I get put down a deposit to secure the date and the location! heehee...

Quote: Originally Posted by c.peaslee Hello Brides, My fiance and I are planning to get married in Riviera Maya in February 2011. We have narrowed it down to Grand Palladium Kantenah, Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, and Ocean Turquesa. Do any of you know any reasons why we should or shouldn't go to a specific one? We need all the details; staff, service, beaches, rooms, wedding locations, reception locations, kid-friendly, accomodates larger parties (we're thinking between 30 and 60 ppl). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Thanks, Christine Dunno a lot about the Grand Palladium. I went to the GBP in Sept 2009, nice resorts, ok food, rocky beach (with sand bags and protected reefs). PROS: - kids friendly ( I saw a lot of fat kids, binging and having a blast) - Ok food (a lot of choices, and I didn't have to starve myself because I am a picky eater) - a lot of resto to choose from, so u won't eat the same stuffs over and over - Close to Tulum, awesome Tulum beach and amazing Akumal beach - Friendly staffs, I saw them carry drunken guests every night, make sure that they are fine. CONS: - Very far from the airport, 2-2.5H from the Cancun airport - VERY HUGE resort complexe, every night I saw lost people...trying to find their room. Make sure ur guests stay within the same area, from GBP Coba to GBP Tulum, u have to take 2-3 shuttle trains. - NO AC in some resto. - Sometimes, they host wedding reception next to the pool, so...be aware if ur room is next to the pool - VERY FAR from Playa Del Carmen and everything! OCEAN TURQUESA I am also looking at this resort too. PROS: - Ana, the WC, is the most responsive WC in the whole region, u won't have to wait months before u get a reply from her. - Good price range for their wedding packages, room price, and very nice menu. - Nice venues, amazing Terraces - Modern decor, and amazing beach (right in front of a protected reef too, so a lot of fish/turtle/other sea creatures) - Close to Puerto Morelos, a quiet little town, like PDC 10-15 yrs ago. - Close to the airport and Playa Del Carmen - Kids friendly CONS: - According to Tripadvisor, there are bed bugs in building 6, so avoid building 6! - there are dual social class in this resort, if u want to have diet coke, premium liquor, and a decent steak + Lobster tail...u need to be in the upper class. - need to pay $3 to play watersport ($3 is to protect the reef) - No night life...so u have to goto PDC - No beach reception from May-Nov, because of turtle season (no applicable in your case)

Quote: Originally Posted by Linhy I remember one of the bride telling me about them. They are amazing!!! they girls! yeah I'll def. post my shoes! It's black. It'll look great with my ivory dress and since my fiance is going to wear a black suit it'll be perfect. I got it at saks fifth avenue yesterday downtown! whoahoo it looks a lot better then the pics though. this is the only pic I can find online right now. nice dressy shoes! and you can wear them again and again after (unlike white shoes)are they comfy? I plan to go barefoot, or wear flat sandals, because of the sands and hours of standing up/walking.

Quote: Originally Posted by michelle2011 Prettypigpig. I think your Mum is right..... As soon as you have your own kids you will see things differently. I have two. Harrison 12yrs and Scarlett 2.5yrs. They are my world! I think if i didn't have kids i might have thought about an adults only resort just to make the most of it before i have kids but then again i love kids and to me it wouldn't be the same without kids around. Some parents dont keep their kids in check and then it gets a bit noisy and distracting for others. I make sure my children are respectful to others and considerate. But i do see where your coming from..... Michelle, I am sure your kids will be respectful ;-) If not, just ask them if they want a trip to the washroom?!? (hahaha...my mum asked this question whenever I was naggy and fussy) Yeah, AHR seems to be a great idea, and you are right on wearing the dress again! heehee, but I will see how the budgeting goes, before adding extra burden.

Quote: Originally Posted by LynnieS Wow is it really that bad? YES, between the moment from when u pick up ur luggages and got out of the gate, to....the transfer van, there are 20+ timeshare+tours vendors in between that 30 secs walk!