AllieH

Are you going to do a first look or pre-ceremony photos? If so, I'd totally move up the spa times. I had noon appointments for my 4pm ceremony and we were rushed. She took longer on the day-of than she did for my rehearsal, and that was just for my hair. By the time we got back to my room, ordered room service and ate our lunch, we were running behind schedule. We had to quickly slap my make up on and dive into the dress. We wanted to do first look at 2:30, but it ended up being closer to 3. My groom was with me when the WC came to pick me up and take me to the ceremony lol they took him, and sent another cart back for me. So it was just a little rushed...and we didn't get to do as many pre-ceremony/couple pictures as I had hoped. Quote: Originally Posted by LKocelko You suggest moving up the spa times?

La isla has a fondue menu, but you have to ask for it. Yummmmmy!,

WOOHOO!!!! Just 4 short days and you'll be in paradise! I'm so excited for you. And aren't all FI's the same? Darling creatures...but not so timely... don't worry, they'll have champagne ready for you when you arrive at the resort.

Personally I would be offended if I paid/traveled to Mexico for a destination wedding, and then was asked to pay $100pp to go to a club/show as the reception. I wouldn't ask an invited guest to pay for their dinner at the reception, and I really don't view this differently. Just my opinion... Quote: Originally Posted by laurissa37 Hi there going to Playa del Carmen, Grand Riviera Princess.When we were there last spring we went to Coco Bongo (club/show).A wedding party was there.We thought that was awesome and are doing it as well instead of traditional dance after dinner.Its about $100/pp for the full deal there is grp discount but not sure how much yet.Whats the rules with this? We pay?Pay 50% or have guests pay? Please advise thanks

so pretty Courtney!! you're gonna rock that frock on your big day.

Bingo! http://www.themonastery.org/tools/wedding_laws/?wide=usa&narrow=texas http://www.ehow.com/how_8620305_become-ordained-minister-san-antonio.html It almost seems TOO easy, but it says you can contact the county, and then provide them with whatever certificates, etc. they require (which you can buy from that organization fairly cheap!). Let me know what you guys decide to do. I'm curious!!

depending on where your wedding is - more than likely you can't bring back real flowers (any agriculture - plants, herbs, food, etc). I know customs won't let them come back into the US from Mexico, and I seem to remember that's true for Jamaica and other international destinations. Now if you're going to Puerto Rico or St. Thomas - US commonwealth/unincorporated territory - no problem. Not sure what the rules are for Canada.

PS - in the practical column: splurge for the photography. These are the memories of your day. And long after your dress has been preserved (or sold), and your suitcases are unpacked - these are what you'll have as reminders of this super wonderful and exciting time in your lives.

This is my best advice I received, and what I try to share too! It is so true - this time is so special y'all. The stress in the end just isn't worth it. It will all come together, you will be married, and it will be amazing. If I had to choose a 2nd piece of advice - it's also cliched. Do what YOU want. It's your day - for you & your groom. Everyone has opinions, but ultimately it's about you. Want that big ball gown for a beach wedding? Do it. Don't want to do a garter toss or bouquet toss? Don't do it! Don't want to spend money on a DJ (or video or sit down dinner, or whatever)? Don't do it! Want to splurge for those ultra cool centerpieces? Do it! you get the idea...

More than likely you will be just fine. Take it as your carry on bag, in a decent dress bag. Hopefully they can either hang it in the 1st class cabin or in one of the closets for you - just ask nicely when you board. The flight attendants are the ones who will determine where it goes. If there's no room to hang it, then plan to put it flat in an overhead bin - and close it, guard it closely!!

I really don't think you can go wrong with either resort!

Thanks AllieH ! Now my dress needs a clean, it's hanging in the den... And I feel like I want to wear it again ! So I have suggested to some work colleagues who also got married this year that we have a high tea in our gowns later this year ! That's a great idea! Mine is cleaned and hanging in the closet. I'm not ready to part with it and definitely want to wear it again!

Ok, so then you just need a minister who is able to sign your license for TX (or a justice of the peace, but those are generally judges). Let me look around and see if I can find the requirements for TX to be minister and perform marriages. Stay tuned!

so pretty!!!!! corset backs really are a wonderful thing.

hi! for some reason your question stuck with me last night, and I was mulling it over all night (I know, weird - blame my anxiety...). Where are you doing your legal marriage/paperwork? US? I know here in the US, every state's laws about who can perform the legal ceremony are different. BUT..I was wondering if you have a friend who gets their marriage license (in some states it's an ordained minister - very easy to obtain online! or a notary public in other states), I bet you could get your marriage license in the city/county/state where you will file it, and have your friend/guest at the wedding sign off on it the day of your Mexico ceremony. then just file it with the appropriate govt. office (do they necessarily have to know EXACTLY where it was signed..? hmmm maybe not). You'd have to look into the timing of getting the license and the deadline to file it - for instance, TX has a 30 day limit on the license, so if you don't get married w/in 30 days of the issue date, it expires. anyway - just trying to think out of the box, while still meeting any legal requirements that you'd need to get married. hope that gives you some ideas!!

Hi! I'm an EDR bride, and we used DJ All Music for our wedding in November. They were great!! They followed our requests and playlists (we filled out a detailed spreadsheet at their request before the wedding) and they made the whole dinner/reception flow nicely. The difference between the two (DJ All Music and Mega DJ) seem to be the level of set up. DJ All Music included the MC and a DJ - so we had someone announce everything for the reception (that was nice not to have run/worry about it). There are some videos of the DJs on the Lomas site too if you'd like to check them out. I'm happy to answer any questions as well - just let me know. http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/gallery/video.php?category_video=Dj_Music#&panel2-1

looks gorgeous on you!!!

sooo much prettier on you! I love the black flower too. unique touch!

They can steam any dress for you - fairly inexpensive. I think it was like 120 pesos, which is about $12!! They steamed my dress, and it was perfect. I had tones of organza and a satin-base, not a simple dress at all. Just take off anything detachable to ensure it doesn't get lost (corset strings, belt, etc.). When you meet with the onsite WC, they will ask you if you need the dress steamed, and let you know what to do with it.

hi Keri - congrats on your engagement, and welcome to BDW! This site is a treasure trove of info on destination weddings, the resorts, and what to expect. Wedding planning in general is overwhelming, and when you take it international, it has its own set of challenges. BUT the end result is AMAZING. I honestly couldn't have planned my wedding without this site. Good luck with all of your planning!

WOOHOO!!!! don't worry, it'll all come together and be AMAZING. hopefully it'll be isolated showers, if anything! I know our extended forecast also showed rain the entire time we were there. fortunately we only had 1 rainy day though (and they have golf umbrellas in the closet that you can borrow at the resort!).

Hi Shelby! Welcome to BDW! I'm in Fort Worth, and ran across a couple of TA's when I went to different bridal shows. That said, the great thing about living in the age of the internet is that you don't really need a local travel agent. Email and phone calls make it easy to get everything done, no matter where they are physically located. I'd also recommend using a TA who has experience with destination weddings. it makes a difference, especially if you aren't sure which resort you want to go to. Many times they also have additional perks and incentives with the resorts, because they book so many groups with them. Tammy & her team at Wright Travel (who own the BDW forums) have a number of great reviews: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/wright-travel-agency-destination-wedding-and-honeymoon-specialists Hope that helps! Happy Planning!

aw Gail. It's so hard to let them go, and even more so when you know they may be in harm's way someday. I know you're proud of him though. and he's a handsome kid!! I will keep him in my thoughts as he makes it through basic. hang in there lady!!

I love that Gail!!

Hi Carla - congrats!!! The first thing is to figure out where - Mexico vs. Antigua. Both locations are gorgeous!! I don't know much about Antigua, other than it's amazing, so I'm not much help. But Mexico has a bunch of lovely adults-only all inclusive locations. We chose El Dorado Royale for our wedding, and it was just a dream. If you don't have one yet, I'd highly recommend working with a travel agent, regardless of your group's size. It'll make your planning much easier, especially if they are destination wedding specialists - they know the ins and outs of the resorts and the event planning aspect. If I can answer any questions, please feel free to ask!