diahr

Thanks for the feedback about Men's Wearhouse! Of course I got all excited, thinking that I had found a solution. I know this may sound stupid, but does the linen come in heavier grades of fabric? I am asking because I attended a beach wedding last summer where the guys wore linen. It was hot and they sweated like pigs at a bonfire. The linen color that they wore was light, so they had these huge wet spots in random place where the sweat gathered. I wondered if it was because the linen fabric was cheap????

Yaaay!!! My two maid of honors (i couldnt choose between my two bfs) have officially booked for the wedding. I now have 10 people, including myself and my FI. I know it's not a lot, but the people that matter the most to me have booked (aside from my FI's dad / wife ) Now onto the groomsmen....and all of the people waiting to get their tax refunds!

Hey Ladies - For anyone interesting in having their FI rent tuxes or suites for the wedding... I was hanging out in the 2011 Brides forum and one of the girls told me that she attended a wedding in St. Lucia and the groom and groomsmen rented and brought tuxes from Mens Wearhouse with no problems. They just had to rent them for a week.

Thanks Ladies - I love the Mens Wearhouse idea!!! Going to their website now to check our options.

Hey Ladies - I am getting married in April and my FI still has not picked out his suit. I am not sure if my FI can rent a suit and bring it to and from Mexico without issue. He asked me about this and I had no idea. We live in New Jersey (USA - for my UK / Canadian / Island / and anyone that I missed -brides). Can the other 2011 brides or past brides shed some light on this? Thanks a bunch!

Hey Nicyx! Do you know if your FI and his guys are buying or renting their tuxes / suits (if applicable)? Can the other 2011 brides or past brides also advise on this? I am not sure if my FI can rent a suit and bring it to and from Mexico without issue. He asked me about this and I had no idea. We live in New Jersey (USA - for my UK / Canadian / Island / and anyone that I missed - brides) Thanks a bunch!

Hey Bonnie - Yeah, it's Adrian. I really like the idea of the whole airbrushing thing, but when I saw MSGLAVE's review from her wedding a few weeks ago, I had to hit a major pause!!! Aside from the complaints regarding his level of skill, what really scared me was his work ethic. To tell a bride the night before that you will be several hours late without apology is horrifying to say the least. I can't see myself rewarding that behavior with continued revenue, especially when I was reccommended to Adrian by the Msglave herself. To further complicate matters, both of my bridesmaids have darker skin tones, so I need a mua that can work on various shades of skin. I will take any reccommendations at this point.

Hello Ladies & Happy New Year! I am new to this thread while I have "lurked" in it in the past. I am getting married on April 1st at the Royal Playa Del Carmen and I am seriously starting to freak out a bit. Does anyone have a checklist of things that should be accomplished 3 months out? Also, can any of you ladies reccommend a makeup artist in the Playa Del Carmen area besides Fernando (I think he may be out of our budget)? I had put all of my eggs in one basket for a mua only to have a fellow bride issue a very fair, but horrible review of my prospect. Help please! Also for the April / May brides - have your groom / groomsmen picked out suits yet?

Jenny you looked amazing! Who did your makeup? How did you come to pick Steve Cantrall? Can you send me his information and pricing if you don't mind. Thanks!

OMG MSGLAVE!!!! I am so sorry to hear about what happened with Adriane. I was waiting for your review before I booked him. Thank God for your girls! So glad that your quick plan of action worked out. My wedding is 3 mos out so now we have to fiind a new makeup option that will work. Me and my bridesmaids are African American as well and we are all different shades. Again, so sorry about the makeup issues. I am glad it didn't ruin your day!

Sorry for the late reply GC2008, but I can totally relate to the 1 hour away guests. My sister and aunt are trying to do this. They originally blamed it on finances, even though they both earn six figures and drive a custom BMW and Mercedes (respectively). They wanted to stay an hour away in CANCUN because it was cheaper than Playa Del Carmen. I think they just want to party. So my plan of strategy - I sent them prices for the Real Hotel in Playa Del Carmen (This is the cheapest hotel of the Real Family - Royal / Gran Porto / than Real). The Real is not on the beach and not nearly as nice as the Gran Porto or the Royal, but is much more inexpensive than its sister hotels. The response that I got back from my sister and aunt - Crickets...... What's your people's excuse for Tulum?

Yaaaaay!!!! So glad to hear that your day was perfect!!! How was the makeup guy? We need pics! I can't wait for your thread / review.

Hey Ladies - I agree it is quiet around here. It's probably just the holidays. I'll give everyone a loooong status on where I'm at. First and Foremost - I am over budget for the wedding and the honeymoon combined!!!!! Not good since my FI and I are paying for everything ourselves. 1. Ceremony is at 5 at the gazebo. 2. Cocktail Hour will follow on the beach in front of the Gazebo (Our WC confirmed that they will not be setting up during the ceremony) 3. Reception - Private in the ballroom. I think I will need AC after being outdoors for so long. 4. Honeymoon - Staying the Royal and upgrading to a Swim Out Suite after the wedding I am hoping/praying that I can get 20 people to book so we can have a private reception. I think I will get close to it. Items Confirmed Flowers - Marvin Colors - Coral/Platinum with Yellow or green accents (not sure on the accent colors) Photog - Cecilia Dumas Favors - Picture frames that double as place card holders Chair Sashes - Raza Linnes: I am getting 50 for the cost of renting 25 from the resort. This way they can setup the reception at the same time as the wedding so guests do not have to wait (heard that happened in one review) Dress - Ordered and almost paid for. BM Dresses - Ordered and almost paid for. Items Pending Makeup - Going to book Adrian from Waves but I am waiting for MsGlave to get back so I can read her review. She used them for her wedding DJ or IPOD?? (No Budget) - with 20 people, not sure it's worth the expense, but I really want one. FI is against it though..He wants to do the IPOD and pay the Royal to operate it. Did I mention I am already over budget?? Videographer (Budgeted $700) - I really want one, but it seems ridiculous to spend at minimum $500 for the Royal package for 30 EDITED minutes. The next package up is $700 for 60 EDITED minutes. FI hates this. We both think it would make more sense to just buy a good camcorder and enlist our buddy to operate it. At least then we get all the footage and we keep the camcorder. I've heard not too great things about doing this, but I think we will have to chance it. After the ceremony we plan to play "Pass the Camcorder" so guests can record video from their point of view. Cheesy??? Welcome Dinner or Welcome Cocktail (Budgeted $500) - I was going to do a Welcome Dinner at the resort since it wasn't in the budget to do one of the surrounding places. Then I saw a review from a Royal bride who did a Welcome Cocktail at the Royal instead to save money. I thought this was a great idea since light snacks are included, but when I priced it out, it only saved us $100 usd. Not sure if it's worth it...but then again why spend $100 to feed people at an all inclusive resort. BM Clothes - I don't know. That's it for now...All I can think about is that I am over budget and the wedding is in less than 4 mos!! Yikes!

FutureMrsYak you looked soooo beautiful!!! Congrats to you and your hubby!

MsGlave...So I finaly got in contact with Adrian from Waves. Are you doing a trial? If so, is he charging you for it and how much? Also, he didn't seem to know anything about the free shuttle service? How are you getting to the salon? Of course, I can wait for you to get back and question the mess out of you than lol!! HAVE A FABULOUS WEDDING!!!!!

Awww Lisa!!! You looked so beautiful. I just went thru your fb teasers. Congrats again lady!

Okay, here is my good news ladies - I had 6 people book over the holiday!!! Yaaaaay!! They were my first. That makes 8 so far including the groom and I. (Of course, none of the 6 were family...) I was starting to get worried, but now it's official. 4 months to go. So excited!!!

Sorry so late FutureMrsYak, but I am sending positive vibes. Happy Wedding Day!!! I am sure everything will be perfect! MsGlave - Please make sure you try to take time to breath. I too have a very crazy/stressful job. Try and focus on the fun wedding stuff, not the awful work stuff if you can. I brought my personal laptop with me today so I could get some wedding stuff done here. The work will be there when you back so cheat when you can. I am cheating by being on the fourm right now! teehee! We are all so excitied for your big day. Please keep us posted. So glad to here the fittings and party went well! Bachelorette party #2 - so jealous! For the centerpieces can you get Marvin to do something for you? His prices are very reasonable compared to the Royal's and he's been very responsive to me. His info is below: (oh and I am following in your footsteps, this is my first multi-quote lol!!) Marvin Jose Ku Kinil Tel.998 8813397 / 8813852 Cel.044 998 144 4336 [email protected] Originally Posted by msglave Hey ladies, Sorry I haven't been on. I'm so f@#$^*g overwhelmed! I can't believe we leave next week. I still feel like there's so much to do! Had my shower and bachelorette party #2 and final dress fittings over the weekend. Awesome! Jenny, I hope you had a wonderful wedding day! Can't wait to here all about it! When does Lisa come back diahr, I hope everything works out. We are trying to get our centerpieces together. I remember one of the November brides (maybe runningbride?) found a floral store in the area. Does anyone know the name, website, phone, contact info or whatever for the store? Also brides who have been to the Walmart, what has your experiences been like? We are seriously considering purchasing glass vases there but the FI is like, what if the stock is limited, etc./ etc. I need some time off work! Screaming AHHHHHHH!!!!! Lisa - I am so happy that everything turned out great!!! I think I speak for everyone when I say you are one of the sweetest people on here! You deserved a great wedding. Can't wait for your review. Again, I am so happy that everything worked out for you!! Can't wait to tell my FI. He calls you ladies - "your girls on the blog."

Thanks Bonnie! You are a wealth of information.

Thanks Wendy! Can you find out the day pass cost for external guests who are not staying at any Real Resort? Or any Royal brides, if you have this info, can you post it? I have some relatives who are trying to stay in Cancun and drive to Playa Del Carmen to save money (I know...bad idea, but this is the sh*! that we have to deal with)

Thanks so much for your support ladies. I knew my Royal girls would understand. I will keep you posted on what happens. The Royal is a beautiful resort so it is priced accordingly. Bonnie / Debbie - I am going to click my heels and pray that our relatives get it together before our big day. If not, I am going to focus on the fact that it is OUR day. As another bride on the forum put it..."The show must go on."

Thanks Bride2B22!!! I really appreciate your understanding. Sometimes I think I am seriously in the twighlight zone!

Hey Ladies. I hope that everyone had a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! With that...I need to do some serious venting and I think only my Royal brides and brides to be will understand. So after my father-in-law (and his wife - my FI's stepmom) guilted us into coming over to there house for Thanksgiving before leaving to go to Philadelphia to visit my family, they dropped the bomb on me that they didn't think they would be able to make the wedding. This is the very first "backout" that I have had. I know we would get some, but not my FI's dad for EFF sake!! I gotta be honest and say this is devastating to me. My father-in-law and his wife have known since we got engaged over 6 mos ago that we were doing a destination wedding. They were one of the core people that I considered before committing to the idea. We are extremely close to these people. And now....they backout?! The reasons (more BS to me) include "I can't get the time off of work" (my father-in-law works in the school system, his wife is a Realtor), "I have to equip my jeep with shocks and a trailor" (they are allegedly moving to TX in June and are driving), and "We have to get ready to move" (again, they are moving allegedly in June, our wedding is in April). WTF?! Am I crazy or is this complete BS? Please be aware that my father-in-law owns his home and he makes almost if not 6 figures. Come on....! They even went so far as to get their passports a few months ago further leading us on that they were going! I think at the end of the day, they are just scared. I would have rather been told that than the money bs coming from people that obviously have money. Did I mention that they tried to get us to go away with them for Christmas?! I don't know how to feel, but we are at the point of no return. The photog, wedding stay and honeymoon, and wedding date are booked. My MOHs are booking this weekend. I am so pissed. These people have been involved everystep of the way. I seriously have no desire to even speak to them, but my FI says that is being bitter. WTF ever... ! Than my father-in-law had the nerve to ask me to throw a AHR when we got back. My response - absolutely not! We (my FI and I) are paying for 100% of this wedding by ourselves. Our family has chipped in nothing nor have they offered and my 6 figure earning, BS spewing, scaredy pants father-in-law wants us to incur even more costs (we are not rich folks) and throw a party to make him and his wife feel better / involved?! Screw that!!!! I told him that I am paying for nothing else. If people can't come to the wedding, that's their business, but my FI and I will not be paying for anything else. We want to invest everything in our wedding day when we commit to each other forever. Jeesh!!! Sorry for the long post but I had to get that out. Woke up with steam still coming out of my ears!! So So pissed.

Congrats Karen!!!! I am so glad that you had a wonderful wedding. I think I can speak for all the noobies when I say that every great review from a just married Royal bride makes us feel so much better about our upcoming day. Can't wait to see your pictures.

Lisa and Jenny - I hope you ladies have a beautiful wedding day! You have been so helpful to us noobies! Can't wait to hear about it all when you get back. Lisa - Sorry to hear about your BM backing out so last minute, but as long as you FI shows up (which you know he will), you are a-ok! No one else matters.