BusyBee123

Thanks Katelynn, I'd completely forgot about Jan's as an option. I'm going to go ahead and contact them as well for a quote just to compare!

I was going to order the organza ones as well because they match my colour of coral better. If anyone hears whether or not the BGP staff will put them on for us, I'd be interested to hear as well! A question about Tai Flora - they were finally kind enough to send me the sample bouquets, and I'm waiting on pricing. Just wondering if they were willing to subtract the cost of the bouquet and boutonniere that were included free in our package? Neither of the free ones are what we are looking for, but it would be too bad if they wouldn't just charge the extra to upgrade. Also did anyone order floral arrangements for the tables or gazebo? I've asked them to send me a catalogue for additional arrangements, but they haven't ever addressed that question. Just wondering if anyone has seen samples to use as a starting point? Looking forward to hearing about all the upcoming weddings! Good luck ladies, I'm sure they'll be perfect!

Hey Ladies... I have what is probably a really simple stupid question, but as someone who doesn't do a lot of online shopping I have no idea! We ordered a bunch of free stuff from Vistaprint and are only paying the shipping, but today I got an email saying that their is GST on our order. So, do I have to pay this amount on arrival, does it get charged to the credit card that I put it on, or is this something I need to save for my taxes? Again, such a simple question, but wanted to make sure before it is delivered tomorrow! Thanks!

Hey...just wanted to share that I found those Kate Aspen flip flop luggage tags that are so popular at "Things Engraved", the store in most malls that does the engraving! They were only $3 each and you save 10% if you buy 10 or more! Cheaper than the $4 at Micheals and definitely cheaper than paying the shipping!

Wow! I couldn't agree more with JayKay! Everything on here changes so quickly! So many brides leaving in the next few weeks! Best of luck to all the brides to be and can't wait to hear all of the amazing stories and see all the beautiful pics! All of your post wedding tips will be appreciated! Enjoy!

I wouldn't let it bother you Tris! Its only 2 weeks away! And the likelihood of you being able to book your entire group at that rate would be next to impossible! I still think you got a great price out of Winnipeg!

Thanks Ashely! I actually bought my fans and little tubes of bubbles from Micheals as well, but at the time they didn't have any of the flip flop luggage tags! Will have to go back sometime soon and see if they have them, or ask if they can bring some in for me! Thanks for the tip!

Oh I forgot to mention to you ladies that Vistaprint is having a huge sale online! Sale goes until April 14th. I was able to get 100 postcards, 25 magnets, 25 sheets of letterhead for welcome letters, a personalized stamp and 140 return labels that I'm going to try to paste on lip balm tubes. All of them are personalized and I only had to pay $26 for shipping! Definitely worth checking out!

Thank you so much Imarie! I really appreciate it! Will try them at this email!

That's a great idea Tris! I'm in the same boat where I really don't want to lug anymore stuff down! All the OOT stuff will be enough! Our group is going to be small as well, so that might be manageable. I was even thinking of taking the bridesmaids bouquets once they're done with them and using them as part of the centrepiece! Ashley: Love the luggage tags! Have been checking those out myself! Any chance they're from a Canadian place that didn't charge you a ton of shipping? That's been my dilemna, trying to find a place that won't charge me what they're worth, just to ship them! On the subject of photographers, we managed to find a photographer from home who was willing to forgo all of the fees for enagement, rehearsal dinner, wedding and trash the dress sessions in exchange for travel. That being said, they will be guests at the resort as well. I didn't want to ask in case they tried to charge me extra, but as they are guests with us for the week, there can't possibly be a vendor fee right? Hope all your planning is going well!

Sounds like everyone has their flowers on board! Guess I should get started! lol I emailed Tai Flora about a week ago requesting the catalogue with prices but have never heard anything back. Where did you guys get all of the info? Is there some kind of catalogue with pricing information that I should be asking Chadlyn for rather than contacting Tai directly? Thanks so much!

On the subject of centrepieces, has anyone asked Chandlyn about the options they have available there? Or is everyone just bringing their own? Last email she sent, she told me that all of that decor stuff could be arranged once we arrived. I've picked up some seashells and starfish, and a whole bunch of tea lights, but haven't really thought too much beyond that! Has anyone priced out floral arrangements as centrepieces?

Just wanted to let you ladies know that Vistaprint is offering a whole bunch of stuff for free right now! Sale goes until April 14th. I was able to get 100 postcards, 25 magnets, 25 sheets of letterhead for welcome letters, a personalized stamp and 140 return labels that I'm going to try to paste on lip balm tubes. All of them are personalized and I only had to pay $26 for shipping! Its a great deal!

Its usually in May...last year it was the Saturday of the May long weekend. Not sure if it will be the same as last year, but I'm definitely watching for it as well! Such a great deal!

Gorgeous! I love them! Have been looking around for something simple yet elegant! Thanks for posting!

Congrats Ahehr! We'll be there in January as well, from the 7-14th! I would suggest getting in touch with the resort to book your date before booking your travel! When I contacted them their was only one day left during the week we wanted to get married! Thankfully it was one of the 3 days I was considering! Its surprising how quickly they fill up! In terms of rates, I'm a little bit different as we're flying out of Toronto and Ottawa. I would however, suggest that you try Sunquest as they have a deal right now on reduced tax. In the end, we were able to get the 7day package taxes included for $1363 out of Toronto and $1436 out of Ottawa. We're also getting every 11th person free, which means we'll be able to fly out two photographers down for free! Good luck with your search! I went through a few TAs before I settled on one, so don't worry! We've been there. If you would like, I can put you in touch with my TA who has been amazing to work with and has spent forever trying to get us the best deal out there!

I would suggest Sunquest too! There's a deal on reduced taxes right now. For January 2012, which is high season, we were able to get the 7day all inclusive package for $1363 out of Toronto and $1436 out of Ottawa. We're also getting every 11th person free, which means we'll be able to fly out two photographers down for free! If you would like, I can put you in touch with my TA who has been amazing to work with and has spent forever trying to get us the best deal out there! Good luck!

Congrats Stephanie!!! You made it to the big day! Have a fabulous time and we can't wait to see the pics and hear the stories when you get back!!! Enjoy!

Congrats Shimmer! Welcome to yet another the January 2012 bride! There are so many of us already! No wondering almost all of the dates were booked! We're getting married Jan 11 2012! Best of luck with your planning!

Wow...I'm so glad I found this thread! This is exactly the kind of motivation I've been looking for! I'm getting married in January 2012 and would ideally like to lose 20-30lbs prior to the big day! As someone who often works 80+hr weeks, its super tough getting to the gym, but I'm going to try to do at the very least some cardio 4-5 days per week. I also recently started eating a low carbohydrate and higher lean protein diet. The first two days were tough, but now I'm feeling great! And after just a week and a half, my clothes are fitting a little bit better! Here's hoping I can keep it up....for the next 9 months!

Its shocking how quickly they book up! When I contacted them a few weeks ago about January 2012, I could not believe that they only had one date left the week we were travelling! We're also in a similar situation that our travel with Sunquest has been booked and our guests are slowly putting down their deposits, but we've been told the date and time are subject to change! Very frustrating! I'm just praying it doesn't affect our wedding date! I also recommend contacting Donnalee - she usually responds within a few hours. She's definitely around, because I've already heard from her twice today! Good luck!

Hey Mkanabr, My wedding isn't until Jan 11 2012! We have a long way to go! We just finally got the date, gazebo for the ceremony, Dolce Vita for the dinner, the gazebo for the reception + bar and the steel drums booked. Then I realized I had no idea where to go from there! I felt like I should still be keeping in daily contact with Chandlyn or Donnalee as I have been for the last few weeks, but realized I was right out of questions! lol! We've got some of the stuff for our OOT bags already, our wedding website is up to date, we have a photographer, my dress is hanging in the closet, and we have some small decor items. We're working with our TA to accommodate all the guest requests and our save the dates came in today!!! We've still got guys and bridesmaids attire to go, which has been a challenge so far! That's a good tip about organizing flowers early! I've heard from a few people than Jan's Flowers has been much less expensive than Tai Flora. Are they easy enough to work with and willing to create arrangements and bouquets from pictures? I'm guessing they take care of all of the delivery and have worked with the Gran Bahia before? Perhaps I'll send them an email. Sounds like you've been much craftier than I, sewing and everything! I'm impressed! Although I have to admit I'm more interested in checking out this shopping website you sent! lol! Take care!

Thanks Aphrodite...They definitely ship to Canada so it might be an option! I'll look around at the rest of their products and see if I can get enough to make the shipping worthwhile! Thanks a bunch! Thanks mochamakes3! I'll make sure to look into this option too! My gosh, the number of bookmarks on my computer and just multiplying! And its all wedding stuff! lol! We'd thought about just using return labels on lip balm too, but were concerned that they wouldn't stay on! Have you had success with this? Might be a cheaper option as well!

Has anyone been able to find personalized sticks of lip balm at an affordable price? I know a lot of the american sites have it but the shipping is through the roof or unavailable. A lot of the Canadian places seems to have these little clear tubs, but I'm hoping to find a stick with some SPF in it. Any thoughts?

Thanks for letting me know Ashley! I emailed her back regarding the gazebo booking and she explained that it is because they often have two weddings per day and didn't like to reserve things as many brides cancel at the last minute. All that being said, she agreed to place it on hold for me, and that if any other bride requested it that she would tell them it was taken. Not sure what the difference between that and confirmed is, but at least I feel better about the whole thing. Question for you ladies...once you have your date, restaurant and reception booked, then what? I'm working on the side to get a photographer and think about OOT bags, but what else needs to be confirmed/organized by the resort? I'm assuming that there's no point confirming flowers or decor until at least 2-4 months in advance? Any tips for other things I need to clarify with Chandlyn/Donnalee in advance? Feels like all the big excitement is over! lol! Happy Planning!