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The Running of the Brides is an event where "designer" dresses are on sale for $250, %500, and $700. I got up at 4am to drive to DC, stand in line for two hours, the second hour of which was as sardines and because there was no order to the progression of the line, people were "butting." When we finally got to the door, they let in a few people at a time which was an awful idea b/c this led to the first few groups getting like 40 dresses per group. By the time I got inside, all the racks were emptied and without one dress in hand, I couldn't barter at all. My mom and friend went off to try and find a nice person to offer one for no return. I had to stay put so they could find me. It was chaos and not fun. I finally got some dresses and was not impressed. They were definitely samples, some which had not been taken care of, and some looked like they were from the 80s. I am looking for a mermaid type or fitted in the top and then flowy type dress which every time I even asked a group who had tons of dresses, they said they hadn't seen many. Most I got my hands on were ball gown or Aline. Honestly, we probably didn't give it our best effort and it may have been a much better idea to go later in the day. We were over it by 10am. I really only saw 2 or 3 gowns that I would have bought and they were already on other brides. So, all in all, not an enjoyable experience for me. I was really hopeful and positive but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Luckily, I still have plenty of time so maybe my luck will change, and I will find that special dress that will make that dreamy man of mine melt! Staying positive ~ On a good note, Got my approval from Azul today ~ Definitely 5/2/11. About to leave for some shopping with my daughter who is 13 and a junior bridesmaid. Gonna look for some bridesmaid dresses and DIY/invitation type stuff. Have a great day girls, and thank you all so much for the "luck wishes!"

It's in DC tomorrow morning. Yeah, it seems like it's going to be quite chaotic and stressful, but hopefully fun as well - not too many BRIDEZILLAS! Ha ha Apparently, all the dresses are ripped off the racks within like 10 minutes and then it's bargaining from there to try and get a dress in your size. I'm trying to think positive! I really hope to find something I love. I'm a bit of a frugal bride since we are paying for everything ourselves. I have worked two jobs for the last four years to get out of debt and I'm really not trying to go back in that hole! So, a dress for a bargain is right up my alley! ) They say that if you go later, after all the chaos, your chances of finding a gown are still good. Maybe you should go check it out!

Thank you Beaz2be! I am taking my mom and a friend of mine. I sent them a slideshow of the types of dresses I am looking for and I think they are gonna make great team mates!

Wow, your pics are gorgeous! I love the playful one with you two and your cake. Congrats!

Wow, those are amazing!! Yay for crafty moms!

Ha ha, yes, it is a real parrot! My FI and I went to Mexico back in February (Dreams Tulum) and the resort photographers brought different animals around every day. We bought quite a few of their pictures. They turned out great! We have one with a tucan and then there were two of these parrots there. I had a co-workers photoshop this one for me. ) Speaking of, I need to learn how to do that so I can play with my wedding photos! We are still awaiting our confirmation but we are looking at May 2nd at Azul Sensatori in the Riviera Maya. I haven't done a whole lot yet. Most of my time has been focused on finding the resort. Now I'm trying to determine my color scheme, invitations, bridesmaid dresses, etc. For the dress, I've pretty much exhausted all my options at the reasonable retailer, Davids Bridal. So, I am going to the Running of the Brides tomorrow and I am hoping with all of my might that I find THE dress (and wouldn't it be fantastic if it was at the $250 pricepoint!) Whoo hoo!! What about you?

Thank you ladies for all the reassurance about the cocktail party. ) How long did it take everyone to get confirmation on your date when you sent in the deposit form? They were quick to let us know the dates available and to hold one but once I sent them my money, no more communication! WTH?? My FI won't do any further planning or talking without that confirmation so I'm kind of stuck. Then, my WC told me that they only allow so many groups at a time so I have to do that soon. I wanted to wait a month or so to do the groups b/c I figured that would be a good time for people to book (when all the airlines have their prices out and all). Ugh, I'm feeling very pressured to make many important decisions all at once and I want (and I believe am going to) take my time! Ahh, okay I feel better now. Oh, and I'm going to the Running of the Brides tomorrow! Please cross your fingers for me that I find my perfect dress!! ) That would just make my day! Great idea ~ just may have to steal this one )

Nice, when is your wedding? I see you are doing Beaches in Turks and Caicos. I would have loved to have gone there but thought the distance would make the cost too great. It is definitely a small world. Maybe we can chat online and maybe meet up sometime. I know non-brides sometimes get tired of hearing about all the planning! Ha ha.

Brandy, when I clicked your name, I noticed your color scheme. Do you have any pictures or inspiration ideas? Those are the colors I have been considering as well! Great minds must think alike!

I live in Newburg, it's south of Waldorf. Are you from or living in So MD?

Hi ladies, Southern Maryland bride here! I'm coming to DC for the ROTB tomorrow and I'm very anxious. I really hope to find a dress amidst all the chaos. I decided to go ahead and do the crazy morning part just to say I experienced it. So, I'll be leaving my house about 4:30 tomorrow morning! Yikes! Fingers crossed.... And this is completely not wedding related but does anyone know of any available jobs? I'm way down in Southern Maryland though so DC/NoVA is doable but the southern outskirts would be best for me. I'd love to work for the National Center for Missing and Exploited CHildren or something in investigations. I have a very broad background and a degree in teaching. If anyone can help out, that would be fabulous!! Thanks so much and best of luck to all the brides going tomorrow!

I was considering going to the El Dorado for a night or two as well. Girls, when you get 20% off a private event, say your reception - what exactly does it take 20% off of? And I read that someone asked about the ceremony flowers, are they transferred to the reception site? And, is it lame to not hold a cocktail party and just have guests mingle at a lounge/bar for an hour?

Great pics!!! I love the b&w ones with the pop of color!! Congratulations!

Wow, great stuff. Can't wait to see your wedding pics. I think we may have almost identical tastes! )

Great job and thanks for the information. Definitely copied some of your comments to "borrow!"

WOWZERS!! Most definitely the best I've ever seen! Great job

Congrats on your confirmation Lauren! I submitted ours last week and still haven't heard back. Stinks just waiting! I feel like I have sooo much to figure out before the ball will even get rolling. The water is a bit of a downer for me as well. Some pics are good and some are bad. I guess it just depends on the day. So, hopefully all our wedding days will be the better days )

Just sent! ) And hey, I was just wondering ~~~~~ Where are all our recent Azul bride reviews? I've seen Amy's recently and then the remainder were back around May

Looks like bridal hairstyles are $85 - doesn't give any other up-do pricing so I would assume that would be for all members of bridal party (kinda pricey) edited spa_menu_sensatori.pdf

Okay, so we have plenty of people coming. I would assume you can't get both the B&G stay free and the premium suite stay with the "free" $2500 wedding, correct? Or maybe our rooms will add up to be enough for that, I don't know!!! I'm so confused!! And what kind of upgrade did you get? I participated in the webinar before I booked but like you said, I didn't book within the 10 days. Man, you are sooo organized!! I need to snag your brain for the next ten months! )

Yay, congratulations!!! Hope you have a fabulous trip with gorgeous weather! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

Congrats on booking Laurern1564! Welcome ~ I'm still a newbie myself and on the learning curve as well ) I am using BestDestinationWeddings.com for a travel agent and they offer the incentives amandamarieb mentioned above. I do have a question regarding the bride and groom stay free though - my FI and I are interested in a premium suite but I'm wondering how that works with the B&G staying free. I would assume the free room would only apply to a standard room but I will look into it with my TA and let you all know when I find out. If anyone knows now and could let me know, that would be fabulous too! We would like to get the stay for free and maybe just pay the difference in rooms if possible. Thanks!!

Beautiful pics Taylorwd!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by SDSteph Try working in Powerpoint! once you pull up the picture you can change colors. Good luck! Here are some of mine! I have not decided yet! I also have to change the date because were not getting married this june anymore! ha ha Love love love these!! All the ladies on here do such a fabulous job with everything. I need to figure out my colors so I can start working on a monogram!!

Such an amazing thread Amy!! Thank you soo soo muc for sharing! Can't wait to steal/borrow some of your fabulous ideas!