J-me

If I was doing a wedding at home, I probably wouldn't be paying for the dresses (I've paid for my BM dresses in every wedding I've been in - which is a lot haha). But as we're asking them to travel, we are paying for their dresses and 3 nights of their stay. However long they want to extend their vaca beyond 3 nights is on them and they're paying for their flights, so I would think the flight alone is more than what most would spend on the dress in a 'normal' wedding. Granted, hopefully they'll get a fun vacation out of it as well but...we wanted a big portion of our budget to splurge on taking care of our wedding party; as a way of saying 'thank you' for loving & supporting us over the years. But every DW is different, so I don't think there's a right or wrong answer.

Wow - you can tell you put a lot of time, effort, & love into these! Thanks for sharing!!

This was the case for me too! I asked all of mine within a few days of being engaged and now kinda wished I had asked them in a cutesy/more formal way - oh well, I was just eager to ask!

Love Penny's - just wish they had them in my colors (coral/brown)! Thanks for sharing!

Lol I hadn't heard his 'recalculation' yet! The shirt ideas are too funny!!

Sharon99 - thanks for your helpful input! I didn't ask for RSVPs on our STDs either, so I guess I'll just send the invites out to everyone. WE'RE so excited, but I guess I can't expect everyone to be AS pumped and book their trips right away haha...and I've heard the same about not receiving a significant amount of RSVPs back in the mail, so I'll just wait & see who we'll have joining us. The anticipation is harder than I thought! Thanks again for putting it in perspective - no matter who's there, it will definitely be the best day!!

I've been thinking the same thing! I'll check out tapatalk right now!!

Congrats!! Glad everything was perferct!

Congrats and welcome to the best website of your life! Definitely utilize the 'Search' bar above to find out more info on GP Jamaica and EVERYTHING else you can imagine - advice, pics, info, etc. I just joined a few months ago & can't imagine NOT planning my wedding w/out this site!

Need some insight ladies: I'm working with my invitation lady and I'm not sure the quantity to order - I sent out 76 save the dates in April and while I've heard from several people that DO plan to come, I haven't heard yes's or no's from the majority of my group (other than the 'we got your save the dates! Yay!' type thing). So after sending STDs, I hear that it's best to send invites to just the people you know are coming and not send one to those you know aren't coming (I like this idea too - not to sound cheap, but it saves time & $ too). So if I haven't heard a solid 'no' from anyone yet, should I just order the same quantity as what I mailed for my STDs? Or should I panic because no one's booked yet? Haha I guess I was naive thinking ppl would book as soon as they received the STDs... Any advice is MUCH appreciated not sure why I'm worried!

This is great!! I love the passport idea for a welcome book!

Too cute!! Borrowing!

These templates are GREAT! 'Borrowing' a few and promise to pay it forward Thanks for sharing!

Save the dates have been sent, got the dress, booked the photographer, website up & running, just ordered a few lil things like our cake topper, my 'mrs' hanger, BM bags, and my garter Right now looking around for BM dresses, researching DJs, and working on the invites (when are you ladies sending yours out btw? I've heard everything from July of this year to December! lol). Look forward to hearing how all of your planning is going!

Great brochure! I'm so glad you started this thread - I was searching last night for a good welcome template and they seem to all be scattered - hopefully other brides will follow suit & post theirs too! And then I'll pay it forward when it's time

Aww Alisa, so glad to hear you're feeling better! I can't imagine going through that right before the wedding! Annnnd.....I REALLY can't imagine getting to leave in 4 DAYS!!! You must be so excited Congrats, have the best time, and look forward to hearing reading your review when you return!

Congrats beachbum21 and welcome to the forum!!

Thanks! No...actually I was ALSO set on a Maggie dress, bc I absolutely LOVE her dresses but after visiting 2 bridal stores, neither of them had the Maggie dress I originally wanted....but then my mom and I saw this Simone Carvalli and (cliche as it sounds), I KNEW it was the one! Plus it's so light and comfortable, I didn't want to take it off

DEFINITELY use a TA! And...ideally, one that works specifically with Destination Weddings. I have a GREAT one through All About Honeymoons & Destination Weddings and she has already been such a lifesaver!!

So beautiful!!! I love the lace detailing!

Great job! I love all the DIY projects!!

No worries - I just sent mine out a few weeks ago, so I'd say you're still fine! And feel free to ask any questions - since our wedding is just a day apart, I have a feeling I'll have some similar questions over the next few months!! Good luck on your labels!

sxcT - love love LOVE your dress - stunning! And I like the asymmetrical lines Amber - yours is beautiful too! I love Maggie dresses!! And...well...because NO bride can resist showing her dress, I just HAVE to share mine with my fellow ASP ladies (sorry, then we can get back on track lol I'm just so excited for my 1st fitting!!):

Definitely go to Staples (even Office Max/Office Depot should have) - I bought the clear labels for the addresses as well as our return address labels (just FYI, print from a laser jet printer and get the laser jet labels, I heard from another bride that the ink jet ran when she tried w/hers). I think I spent around $20 and I bought enough to cover all of my save the dates AND invites (just in case) - I got custom stamps from Zazzle & will personalize in other areas, but for me, this was less time consuming (I wanted to get them out ASAP) and more cost efficient

Yaaay! I made it to 150!!! I'm in template heaven!