jszy10

haha I absolutely love it!

Banksnelson: Welcome!!! SO exciting to have another ASP bride!! If you ever get the time, you should go through this whole thread...it is AWESOME. THere are a lot of links to pictures and some really helpful info! Any questions you have, feel free to share! Â Â Skadow and Banksnelson: The fear I have about blocking rooms is don't you have to put a deposit down for every room you block?? Â Skadow: I thought I could use the palace resort credit for the spa too..but Yesenia told me they can only be used for YOU, not for anyone else's services. I may try when I get there, but she sent my a quote from the terms and conditions that stated allong the lines of 'they were non-transferable and may only be used for those staying in the specified room'. So no go there :oP

I am so excited to share my DIY Passport Invites!! With help from SO many girls on this forum, and Aylee Bits $10 template -- http://www.ayleebits.com/2009/03/09/passport-invitation-template/ -- I am finally ready to put them together and send them out! I used an orange metallic cardstock from Joann's for the cover and a thicker high-grade printer paper for the inside pages. I used VistaPrint to create my free reply postcards! Feel free to ask ANY questions!! The $10 template was the best money I ever spent!! Â I was thinking about finishing it off with a ribbon around the bind?? I've seen that done a lot and think it makes a nice finishing touch. What do you think? Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

I vote #1...I think it goes best with your dress!

oh...and this is my price list so far -- but keep in mind that I only have about 30-35 people and am having a full AHR when I get home...  $4000 - room and air (9 nights) $1500 - wedding extras (we are using the complimentary package and adding things on -- I am using the resort photographer) $160-320 - trash the dress photo shoot (again, resort photographer) $250 - OOT bags $350 - mani/pedi for girls and moms $400 - fishing charter for groomsmen an dads  and I am making my own flowers for the girls...  I hope this helps??? I am counting on the free cocktail party and not doing a private reception. Â

skadow: is that the working in your group contract?? I know what you are supposed to get, but yesenia specifically stated that my travel agent needs a "group contract" for me to get those things. I guess that's where we are stuck. I think my travel agent is wondering what the booking has to be like in order for us to qualify? Â There are so many couples staying late or coming early and so many people staying different lengths of time, that I can't possibly reserve a block of rooms. So my travel agent is just going to book people as they call her. That's where we are worried I won't qualify.

ashley: love them!!!

Can anyone tell me details on what this "group contract" stuff is to make sure you get the group perks -- like free cocktail party, free nights, etc.?? Yesenia said my travel agent needs to set up a group contract to make sure I can get these, but she is having problems?? What are the requirements??

want2gosouth: sounds like us!! my fiance is an electrician too, and he is SO handy with everything!!

good idea!! I would want that peace of mind too! If you ask for the measurement of that added 'sleeve' too...that will help to determine how it lays.

Bree -- as for the length...I would say, it's up on a pedastool, and the drop waist may also make it appear shorter? it looks great though! good luck!

I have never heard of him..can you find him on the forum anywhere? I looked into Octavio Montes -- his work is very good and he is VERY affordable. http://www.octaviomontes.com/home.htm

Nique!!! That was almost MY dress!! I actually said yes to that dress once!! lol its gorgeous and perfect for a DW!!! I ended up going with a Maggie Sottero dress very similar to that that had a mixture of more what I thought i'd always want.

Lolita: Thanks! You're definitely right! I think that is why I decided to go that direction in the first place. I told my bridesmaid I could get the dress for $150, and she glared at me and said "this is your wedding dress!!! Please don't buy a knock-off" and she was right! I think I just sometimes get dress "guilt" when I think about how tight our budget is...but i'm doing really well saving in other places!

Thanks! Very true!

haha definitely makes sense!! ) The #1 thing is to find your date and location -- once you have that locked down, you're good to start reserving everything else. Next I would say, find your caterer, DJ and photographer (if you're going to have one...I'm just hiring a friend to save money) Figure out your decorations...mine is 11 months away and I'm already buying things here and there -- I found my silk flowers in the spring sale at Joann's at 75% off!!! Secure your baker for your cake Start making a preliminary list of who to invite, so you can add/edit whenever you think of it Register -- people who are not coming to your destination, and maybe some who are, are going to want to get you sometime...especially if you're having a shower I feel like thats all I can think of for now?? I hope this helps!!

Now I sort of feel dumb for paying over 1000 for my maggie dress :oP Already put a 700 deposit on it!!

what kind of checklist are you looking for??

Some people just don't understand why people have DWs...and they never have to. I AM having an AHR, but that is because I really do want to celebrate with everyone, I just didn't want a big "wedding". I wanted to go away and enjoy a few days celebrating with my closest family and friends. I have even been told it is strange that I'm not leaving my wedding open to "whoever is willingl to come", but we are only inviting certain people. My FI and I both have friends that would come, but we just want to keep it very intimate. I don't think you should feel guilty at all if you don't have or want to have an AHR...you do what makes the two of you happy! Let them enjoy the pictures when you come back! If there are certain people that want to celebrate, maybe go out to dinner somewhere with them and share your pictures?

I think that sounds fine!!! I honestly think paying for their all-inclusive fees for three days is a gift all in itself!! So to me, anything else is above and beyond.

Knitgirl: LOVE IT!!!!

Go to vistaprint.com and sign up for their email list. Before you know if you'll be receiving emails for all sorts of free things!!! Let me know if you need help!

Thanks for sharing!! I didn't even THINK to go that direction with bridesmaid dress! I wonder if I can find a knock-off Bill Levkoff that I wanted for my bridesmaids!?

I purchased this book when I first decided to have a DW. There is all sorts of GREAT information in here for any newbies that may want some help with direction! It is in perfect shape with no writing/marks.etc. Best offer plus shipping takes it! Here is a link for more information: http://weddingshop.theknot.com/weddingwarehouse/ProductPage.aspx?pid=P1589(KnotShop)

I'm so sorry to hear about this....good luck with your sale!