Peach

Never tried pineapple mimosas, but like those two separately, so... like. Hunger Games series?

Hahaha! Yes, I love the spelling of my name, but it definitely seems to be the unusual way! Actually, there is another bride somewhere on this forum that spells her name the same way too!

Great! I also just checked my email... more free stuff! So I placed another order... SO addicting! This time I got a pen A notebook for recording thoughts and records and such while we are away (and maybe leading up to it too) A t-shirt for FI. He is a big gamer and I told him I was going to get him one of these. He said it was funny but I shouldn't spend any money on it. Okay, so I got it for free!!! I completely stole this idea from a bride on this thread. We are going to do a photo scavenger hunt, so I thought this could be part of the prize. Sticky notes. They were free; why not? And the first of our types of keychains. I want to do three types. All of this was free, except for the notebook. That was on sale for $2.99. So, my complete total, including tax and shipping, was.... drumroll please.... $11.67. Not bad, I'd say!

Really? That is so weird... I see them on my computer. Is anyone else having this problem? I will reload and try again. So weird!

Good point on the differing price points. I once saw a chart somewhere that recommended the quantity of items you should register for at each price point based on the number of people you are having at your wedding and shower. Of course, now I cannot find that chart anywhere! But the point is, to have a few at different price points. It seemed rude to ask for expensive things to me, since I am going to not have a huge wedding, but then I have to remember that sometimes a group will go in together to buy one thing. So do a variety of items at a variety of prices.

Great thread! One of the first things that FI's mom said that she would do is clear out some closet space so she can stock up on dresses for her to choose from.... I think she has a couple gorgeous contenders already! Love it! Great dresses here! Great ideas!

We will be doing a small registry, but we are having at least one shower and a AHR, and we know that people - specifically, my side - will get us gifts anyway. On the pre-travel brochure I will send out a month or two before, I will list a gift under the heading "what not to bring" with the phrase, "your presence is present enough!" We will just be posting our registry details on our website. I wanted to chime in on the topic. I worked for a couple years in a retail kitchen store that did a LOT of registries. Most of the people who came in were frantic. They did not know what the bride wanted, or what they already had, but wanted to get them something. Even if they did not purchase something from the registry, they were always happy to see the styles and such. I even had several people - usually older, which surprised me - who were upset when they did not know if the bride had registered. They said they would rather have the information included in the invite. They did not want to go to the trouble of tracking down the mob, or moh, especially if they were from the groom's side. I found this interesting.... I always thought it was in bad taste to put your registry info in writing on your invite? Anyway, I never once, in 2 years, had anyone say that they did not like the couple being registered. I did, however, see people getting really stressed when they felt like they HAD to buy something but had absolutely no idea what. So, with that being said, even though FI and I have lived together for many, many years by the time we walk down the aisle, we will register. And yes, if we can replace some of our hand-me-down items with new things, then so be it! (Although, of course, we would really love cash, but we will not say that.)

How are the Cayo Levantado brides doing? Anyone still out there?

Hi! I know this was posted a long time ago, but I wanted to let you know that I know of 3 photographers who travel to Cayo Levantado, if you are still interested. There is Karina Jensen, Michael Weiler, and Katya Nova. I would encourage you to look them up online. They have also been great about answering emails. I really like different things about all of them. I think we will be booking with Michael Weiler, though, but we will see once we get our date finalized. Hope that can help!

agreed... do what feels right for you and your guests. We are waiting to see who all books with us, but we might be forgoing the actual reception as well.... we are having a AHR though.... depending on our guest makeup, we might do dinner, first dances, then just go to the "club" at the resort, which, I believe, is right on the beach.

No kidding! Wow! The place we are looking at (cannot book until early 2012) will be slightly over 2000 per person for 7 days. That includes taxes, flight, transfer, and is all-inclusive. It is gorgeous - on its own island! - in the DR... most people have been good about the price; we have taken the approach that if they want to come, they will, regardless. It is tough though, because, while we want to be considerate, this is also probably our only chance to go all out, you know? The only people giving us a lot of flack is my parents, but they would regardless of the place or price. Oh yes, also to note... the DR is quite a distance for us. We are in Alberta, Canada. So, I think that it is relatively reasonable. I hope!

Beautiful dresses! I have a question... how early is TOO early for bridesmaid dress shopping? I am wanting to get something casual yet pretty, and I want to take advantage of sales and inventory and such in this summer, but my wedding isn't until 2013. Is it too early to have the dresses for a full year?

Wow.... SO addicting! I just received my first order from Vistaprint... actually, I got 2 orders in one. I got two t-shirts and a pack of return address labels that I am going to be using for our save the dates. I completely stole the idea from another bride, but I cannot remember who. I also have placed more orders (each time I get a free t-shirt offer!), so we will soon have one for FI, his best man, and both our dads. I also ordered this hat, and I will get one that says Father of the Groom too, once I get another free hat deal. And here is a notepad I ordered. I am not sure about it yet, but it was free, so I figured, why not. And I just ordered these today: business cards I am going to punch to make into luggage tags. I am not going to laminate them or anything, just find some simple elastic to use for people to attach. I will probably glue these onto cardstock first though, but we will see what I think about them when they arrive. We are also ordering a few type of general beach-scene postcards (going to try to get an image of our resort too), and we will be including them with our gifts to our guests. So here is the first set: And I have SO MUCH more left I can do! I have some designs saved, some planned... I am doing a "Game Over" t-shirt for FI, and envelopes for the save the dates, and envelope seals with our monogram on it, and a notebook for me and FI to write in during our trip. (we always journal during vacation anyway!) I also have a couple pens saved, and I want to do 3 different styles of keychains to act as souveniers for guests. I also like the idea of using the free mouse pad or whatever as prizes for our photo scavenger hunt. Anyway, I have lots of time, but I can really see how this new addiction would be very dangerous! And so much fun! Thanks to the wonderful brides on here for all their help!

Where did you find the boxes for these? We are hand-delivering most of them, and bought the bottles in a large case. Did you order the individual boxes online?

We have had the 20oz before and that is my favourite size. It's plenty. guests are getting 20 oz, female bridal party members and i are getting 34. FI and his best man are getting the gigantic ones! (52 I think?) He has had that size before, but they both enjoy their alcohol.

Thanks for sharing! We are getting these for everyone and wanted to engrave the bridal party's, so this makes me really excited to see it done!

I am just sending out invites for the AHR, but I am going to go with wording like this... _________ and ___________ will become husband and wife at Cayo Levantado on July 18, 2013. Celebrate in Alberta the vows shared in the Dominican Republic August 24, 2013. Hosted by ____________(bride's parents)_________ For more information, visit www.weddingwire.com/brandonandkrysta Ours is a full reception, I think, but will be a little casual still. Hope this helps give you an idea at least!

Yes, I think we will now be doing a small legal church wedding at home just for our grandparents, parents, and my siblings (FI is an only child). This is the plan, anyway. We are planning on running our new plans by my parents (who are responsible for the drama portion) at Christmas. Then we will see how it goes. But we really want to do this for my grandparents, but on our terms. Thanks, btw, I love DIY! I should really take pictures of more of the stuff I am working on...

Dislike. Christmas shopping?

Gorgeous!!!

Like! Peppermint?

Yay! That is awesome! Oooh, maybe that means my slow order I just purchased will come early too! So exciting!

Congrats to all the new 2013 brides! I am very jealous of everyone who gets to book now.... I have to wait until the new year! I cannot wait to book!

Awesome! Thanks so much... this totally helped ease my mind! Well said!