AllieH

40 guests. even at $5 per guest for everything else ($200) and then $150 for the lanterns, it's only $350.

hey ladies - I think you were asking about the straws I found. Groop Dealz has them up again - 50 for $4, and 10 different colors. http://www.groopdealz.com/index/index-home/bypass/1 I'm tempted to get more lol

ok ladies - those pics are absolutely divine!!! your smiles are gorgeous, and I just FEEL the happiness. thank you for sharing!! (I just love photos and I'm nosey lol)

See - this is what I don't get. Why do I get different service/quotes than you do? For the ceremony: -chair sashes -aisle markers (small paper lanterns) -parasols to set in front of the gazebo -paper lanterns to hang on the gazebo -programs w/ fans to lay on the chairs for the reception: -chair sashes -paper lanterns to hang around the edge of Tucanes (not from the super high ceiling) -place cards/favors -small centerpiece - probably a small bud vase with paper pinwheel stuck in it -wooden/painted shells and real shells to scatter on the tables if I had to guess, the chair sashes and paper lanterns are what's driving up the cost. but I don't know because she won't tell me what the deal is - not enough detail or information, and she didn't even want to quote me a set up price to begin with (even though Valeria has done that for many of you). Aside from their high prices/quotes, I'm most unhappy about getting different answers and being treated differently from other brides because of the coordinator I'm working with. I just don't understand this. And yes, I've gotten my TA involved, we've gotten the resort and Lomas' supervisor involved - it did little good (other than I got 1 reply in 48 hours...and then nothing for 5 days so far).

they look great!!

ok shan & Adesir - pics please!!!!! Congrats - welcome to the thread!!!!! DRC was our other choice for location.

thanks for the info Nikki!!! She quoted me $500 - $600. So divided between 40 guests (which is what we have told EDR for now), and that's $12.50 to $15.00 per person. We are only bringing stuff for the ceremony & reception decorations. I was expecting more of the $5pp at most. $5pp I can deal with. $500 or $600 isn't going to happen - I will deputize friends and family to help if that's the case. I guess we won't really know until we get onsite though. Which means I will not do many add ons at all, since I can't assess where we are with our budget without a realistic number for the decorations. DW planning is such a joy sometimes!! other than the pain with Lomas, it really has been pretty great so far. Too bad they are such a big part of the planning...

Amanda those are gorgeous!!!!!!!

those are really cute!!!! great job!

ok November brides - how's everyone doing??

you rock Melissa! thank you for all the good info!

I would just talk with them about it. I've already been joking with my friends that I would like them to be at most a happy buzz for the ceremony, but no drunks... If you have friends who are the type to start drinking at 10am and keep on going, then a frank and honest discussion is in order.

tkuzma - those are GORGEOUS. I have a bit of earring envy lol Chelsea - totally amazing statement necklace!!

thanks for all the great info!!! How much did they end up charging you to set up your decorations for the ceremony & reception? Or were those things you rented from them? I got yet another ridiculous quote from Lomas today. I'm rather fed up with them.

thank you!!! I'm not sure who did the bracelet - I bought it at a bridal shop. The etsy shop that had the headband had a similar bracelet, the center rhinestone piece and a pearl band. I'm sure she could probably create a blinged out bracelet instead of the pearl band. The center of the headband matches the bracelet I got (coincidence and fate I think!). I don't see the bracelet listed right now, but maybe you can convo her to see what she can do? Here's her shop: ChantalEveleen

thank you! yes, I think I can wear the earrings for a dressy event or a night out on the town. I also found this kate spade necklace on one of her sales and it's STUNNING: then when it arrived, those crystals are HUMONGOUS. so I may try it on with the dress and see if it's too much (I think that answer is YES), and then wear it for another wedding-weekend event.

I'm with you! I always wear big dangly earrings, and it's become a signature for me. I was having a really hard time deciding on jewelry just by searching the internet (etsy addict here!) I got lucky and went to an accessories trunk show at the bridal shop that is doing my alterations. So I got to try on jewelry with my dress which helped a ton with the decision. I was a wee bit sad to find that I didn't like the big dangly earrings with my dress. I still got some dangly, they just aren't as big as I thought they would be (I hoped for some nice chandeliers!). anyway - here's my jewelry: my necklace is pretty small, and the bracelet is chunky and totally bling! I also have a headband that matches the bracelet (part of the reason the huge earrings & necklace didn't happen). I can't say I'm in love with the necklace (even now), but it really did work with the dress and the other pieces. The first three came from the bridal shop (with 20% off due to the trunk show!), the prices were very comparable to etsy and some of the other sites I've seen. a close up of the earrings: and here's the headpiece I got: I found it a long time ago and drooled over it until I figured out the rest of my jewelry. it's from etsy seller ChantalEveleen.

you definitely can't take the knife in a carry on (even though we all know those things will barely cut cake...). I tried for a friend's wedding years ago (before 9/11), and they made me check it. I figure with even tighter security these days, you probably won't get it through in a carry on, especially if it has a serrated edge. to be safe, I'd go ahead and put it in a checked bag, not carry on.

these photos are AWESOME!!!!

I'm not sure where you live, or if you have a connection for import/export shipping, but when I looked into shipping a box down to Mexico, the cost was well over $500 for the shipping. And for giggles I priced one to DR, and it was $600+ for ups and fedex from the US. Guess why the resorts can charge you so much for the centerpieces...? because they can, because they are the only option. I'd say unless it's something simple enough to carry down with you in luggage (or have a guest take down with them for you), you're probably better off using the resort options, or shopping for something when you get there (if that's even feasible). Good luck!!

oh Nikki - I love the personal touches like the napkins, and the centerpieces came out nice, even if they weren't what you envisioned. But that cake - oh, I'm sorry! it's a bit sad!! Did you have fondant icing or the buttercream? the thing with the Tucanes bar being really low is a bit weird - they don't roll out another bar for events?? I'm concerned b/c I WILL have intoxicated guests trying to get drinks - that may not be pretty. thank you for sharing all of the details - it's really helpful!!!!! and CONGRATULATIONS MRS. WOLFERT!

looks amazing!! have a wonderful time! can't wait to hear about your wedding trip and your big day.

gorgeous wedding! I love all of the details.

here's another service that helps with the name change - I found a group on for it and got it for $10. I'll try it out after we get married in November. it's gotten a lot of good reviews. https://www.missnowmrs.com/

well I've officially bought my 3rd pair of shoes for the wedding, and I'm hoping these will be perfect!! found these on ruelala.com - Stuart Weitzman wedges.