acw271011

We were married in Jamaica in October and the weather was fabulous. One short shower on our wedding day for about 15 or 20 minutes and then if was done. due to specific circumstances we're renewing our vows in Playa del Carmen Mexico this October 20th which is our anniversary.

My husband and I are doing a vow renewal in October. We're staying at Azul Fives but doing our ceremony at Grand Coral Beach Club. We're only a few - about 8 max by the looks of it and that includes hubby and I. This is absolutely an awesome site to get your tips and ideas from. Cost wise I agree - if you set a budget you'll have to stick to it. We're using Samuel Luna for photos but no videographer. And we're off the resort for a dinner and using a restaurant in Playa del Carmen. For the number that we have it wasn't worth all the extra stuff through the resort.

Well I didn't say yes today, but I've at least narrowed down what I want. I went to the "Say Yes to the Dress Canada" salon today! It's ok. i was in no way interested in that tv stuff, but the reason I went was because from the tv programs the dress prices seemed reasonable. Not! I did get style choices eliminated that I thought I would like and confirmed one that I wasn't sure about. What I'm upset about is that when I asked about the designers I was told they don't know. She wrote down the 3 dress numbers for me and said I could go on their website and find them. But they aren't there. She was checking into something for me so when she called me I asked her about it and she said it's because the dress styles are so new they haven't made it on to the website yet. The thing is one of them that I really like is going to put me way over budget - almost $2,000 without tax and alterations. Can't do that nor do I want to. The thing is now with not knowing who any of the designers are I don't even know where to look to try and find the dresses somewhere else. I did manage to find one and it's the one that is going to cost me all the money because I want a piece to cover my shoulders. They want $350 to do that. The dress below they want $1595 for. It's the only one I could find on the internet and believe me I spent the whole evening tonight looking at all the designers that I could think of and couldn't come anywhere close. This is the one dress that I was able to find. I did look at labels while the sales lady was out of the dressing room and they all said Amanda-lina's on the label. Not designer names. Not even on the tags. I did find out that I'm totally in love with the ruffle bottom and that as long as I get a drop waist it works ok on my shape, which is old and short! lol I also don't like the strapless on me so my feeling about the keyhole back was totally right on. The other thing she didn't do was put anything on that was in my size. So nothing fit anywhere near the way it should. Everything was a size 8, a size I haven't worn in about 20 years. I don't know if that's intentional or not so that you can't figure out what size is going to fit you properly. So overall it was disappointing. One of the other styles I tried I really liked but it was still more than what I wanted to spend. When I asked her about getting something a little bit lower in price she did bring one that was nice. It was figure flattering and the top was exactly what I wanted but the bottom wasn't what I wanted. I also started on favour stuff today! Yay!! I found a really big Dollarama store and picked up some of the tumblers. I had to pick through because some of them were scratched up so I only got 6. I'll get them cleaned up though and I want to do the labels from Davet Designs. I got a Martha Stewart hole punch with a 50% off coupon so I'll try and do the maracas tags. I looked at sunglasses but they didn't have what I want. So again, if anyone is willing to share where they got theirs from, if they got them, I'd love to know.

Definitely find out about vendor fees especially if you don't plan on using the resort photographer. The outside vendor fee can run anywhere from $300 to $1000 depending on the resort. If you're interested in a DJ find out where they would set you up for dancing. Is it a spot you like. If you want your reception to go a bit later, what do you do for lighting? April still gets dark early so you'll want to know what they do for lights and how much it costs. Enjoy the vacation and the site visit. Be sure to report and post when you get back. I'm sure the information will help other NOW Sapphire brides. Good luck and happy planning!

Congrats and welcome to the site! It sounds like your planning is well on the way! You've definitely come to the right spot for tips and advice, and I see you're getting married at The Royal. There are forums here for that resort. It's beautiful. And congrats too on getting your dress already! The salon was right. It's one more thing out of the way. Take some time to read through the different things that are available on this site. You'll find the ladies here more than willing to share tips and ideas. Good luck and happy planning!

I'm hoping next week to take a day off (finally) and go and try styles and see what I like and what I don't so might try a short veil then. My plan was to do a half up half down so I just don't know if what I'm thinking will work. I have two Dollarama stores very close so I'm going to check them out and see if they have the sunglasses here. I only need 8 pairs but I figure since they're cheap I should get a couple of extras in case they break. How did you find the wear on them?

So a question. I'm trying to decide on a veil. Just a short one and the kind that sits at the nape of your neck. I've never worn one and I'm kinda thinking..... Thoughts? I found a really nice second hand one that she's only asking $30 for. Who got sunglasses and is willing to recommend the site where they bought them? I want the funky ones for pictures and I only need a few (the black and colour ones).

What about those round jewels? They're like clear ovals. My friend made our centerpieces for our AHR and she filled the bottoms with these clear oval beads. They're gorgeous and I think if you put just a few in the bottom it would be enough to keep the weight and stop the tumblers from tipping over.

lol it's a good thing you're all the way in Calgary! otherwise I'd grab some of the snow we still have and throw a snowball at you or throw you off the top of one of the 10 ft snowbanks that are still at the end of my driveway!!! lol

Ok I have a silly question. Why do you want to take the labels off? I think they turned out great first of all, and what better way to tie everything together than to just leave the labels on? Sorry - I just think it would be neat on the tables.

Good luck! Have an awesome wedding and absolutely can't wait for pictures!!! Happy flying!!

LOVE the jewellery!! The earrings are stunning!! Ok - details please lol Where from? Did they have necklaces? Gorgeous! How long are the earrings in length? I always love styles like that on other people but not on me.

I'm totally on the fence about bridal parties at a destination wedding. I'm not sure I really understand the need for them unless you're getting legally married there and need the actual witnesses for your marriage certificate. I agree that it really does add extra stress and expense to people that might be planning to attend so unless you're willing to pick up the dress/shoes/jewellery/makeup/hair tab for everyone, I wouldn't be inclined to bother. If anyone is feeling left out, just set up a special event to have with just those friends so that they feel included. We needed the witnesses because we actually did get married in Jamaica, but when our guest list fell apart, we had the wedding coordinators sign the marriage license. it was weird because they're strangers but now, it is what it is. We got married. That's what counted the most.

Well done!! That's a marvelous packing job!! lol And now I get to see what the bags look like! Very cool. Mine has been shipped so I'm anxious to see it when we visit my son at Easter! Have a great time!!! Please pack up some of the warmth and sunshine and send it here. We desperately need it!!!!

Congrats on being a Mrs! It sounds like you had a fabulous wedding and it all turned out beautifully. Definitely post pics! Would love to see them!

I found two. No idea if they're any help or not but maybe worth a look? http://www.cvlinens.com/beaded-round-charger-plates-silver-p-3613.html http://www.koyalwholesale.com/p25834/matte-silver-charger-plates-bulk-24-plates.html Good luck. Sorry it's not more help than that!

Welcome to BDW! You've come to the right place if you're looking for destination wedding tips! I have no idea what your price point is, or where you're flying from etc. And I highly recommend a good travel agent to help you get started. There is a great TA associated with this site - Wright Travel. They're DW specialists! Having said that have you looked at the Karisma properties? Azul Fives and Azul Beach both have a Sky Deck that is private and gorgeous. You're high up and not right on the water if that's what you're looking for, but check out their website. There might be something you see that you like. I'm the same. Not interested in sand. I want to wear shoes, but they're are a lot of ladies here that's what they're planning. So it's an individual choice. The other thing you may find helpful is to look through the resort reviews and see what past brides have said. Look through the gallery too and see some of the photos that have been posted. Good luck and happy planning!

Good luck tomorrow! Happy flying! So excited for you, and absolutely can't wait to see your pictures after you're a Mrs!!

There is one other resort you have your TA look at for you. It's one that was one of my finals. I did manage at last to get it down to 3. Look at Ocean Maya Royale. It is a bit smaller, it's adults only. The price point might be around where you want depending on what time of year you're looking at. Good luck!

wow. The pricing is definitely reasonable. There will always be people that are unhappy whether real or imagined.

My first reaction is that there's something else at play here. But obviously something she doesn't feel able to share. It's so unfortunate that friendships go by the wayside over wedding planning. I think you've done everything you can and she just seems to have decided she isn't going. I'm sorry you're going through this. I've lost track of the number of times I've said this here but there isn't anyone that is going to be happier for you than you. It is what it is. Perhaps wait until after the wedding and reach out to to her, when there's no pressure especially if it's a friendship you value. You may be absolutely right and it can't be salvaged but better to find out when you aren't so stressed and busy with wedding planning. I can absolutely sympathize but don't let this take away any of your happiness. The end result is what counts the most and that's marrying the love of your life in a tropical paradise. Good luck. Get in touch with your resort right away and explain the situation. I'm sure they'll be able to line someone up for you.

Congrats and welcome to the site! This is an excellent resource for planning a destination wedding, and the ladies are always willing to share tips and advice. Have you looked at any of the forums, specifically for Secrets Capri? Do you have a travel agent yet? That is definitely recommended if only to take some of the stress from you when your guests start asking questions! Plus, you never know. There may be perks that you're entitled to for your group that only a travel agent would be aware of, and of course you want the best pricing available! The only thing I've heard about Secrets Capri is that its an older resort and that there is a distinct musty smell in the rooms, plus they could use a facelift. I looked at this resort and really liked it. In the end we are going with another resort. Good luck and happy planning!

Mine is an embraceable so my e-ring already sits down in the middle with a band on either side. But I was thinking some kind of eternity ring for the renewal given everything we've been through. Doug has lost so much weight that his wedding ring doesn't fit anymore. We have to have it sized but it's tungsten so they've said its a one shot deal. If he gains weight back his ring will be toast. I was tempted to just let him keep it on the bigger finger that he has it on now and buying him a new one for October. I found a site that has them at a very reasonable price so definitely thinking a lot about it.

Nice job Kristy! I love your page with the photo scavenger hunt. Cool thing on the wedpics. I'd never heard of it. I was looking back through your thread Kristy and realized you're going to do the same as me with your rings. I want another band to add to stack them. I'm just trying to decide on the style.

lmao it's not nice to gloat!! we're supposed to finally get a bit warmer this week.... at last. tired of it now