LPerry

That is EXACTLY the info I needed. I'm thinking of doing the cocktail reception as a welcome event so I can enjoy it. We have like two hours between the wedding and our dinner reservation at 6. When I didn't know if I would have enough rooms for the free event, Janessa suggested we just all go to the lobby bar since we have a small group. So I think that's what we'll do. Have the cocktail reception on Friday, wedding at 3 on Saturday, take pics and hang out at the bar, dinner at 6. Then I'm changing into a less formal dress and we're going out on the town with our group.

Mehgan... This is great info! I'm getting married next month...7/28! It's sooo close! How did it go with the cocktail hour being after the ceremony? I was thinking of using my cocktail hour as part of the "Welcome" activities and then doing dinner afterward. My fear was that if I did it after the ceremony, I wasn't going to have time to go to the cocktail hour w/my guests b/c we'd be taking photos. Also, what time of day was your ceremony? And finally....what did you think of the complimentary bridal bouquet? Thank you!! Lucy

NeeNee... How much were the lilies? It was $60 for three single roses at the resort. I almost lost my lunch when Janessa sent me that.

ahm777... Can I ask how much she charged?

What a great idea! Too bad you can't use them. My parents are both deceased, and my FI's father is as well. We are going to have empty seats for them on the front row. When he walks his mother down the aisle she's going to put a rose in the one next to her, and I'm carrying two extra roses to put in the two seats for my parents. We're also using "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as our recessional song - the Hawaiian version - b/c that song was special to my mom and they sang it at her funeral. I'd love to hear how other brides are honoring family members who are no longer living.

Nadine... Janessa told me they do not have an online portfolio...but if you go to palaceresortsweddingphotos . com then you then you can see photos taken by the resort photographers...and Janessa said that those weddings were all done on site (hair/makeup). My feeling is...they do A LOT of weddings there, so if you have a photo of what you want...they can probably recreate it. I'm having my stylist here do mine and then taking photos of that to the resort with me. I'm also going to do a run through the night before.

I'm completely sympathetic to her having a baby. I'm THRILLED she's having a baby. As a matter of fact, my bachelorette party turned into the Baby/Birthing/Breastfeeding Monologues and I didn't say a word about it. There are a multitude of options on the table, including...bringing the baby. I have a "everything will work itself out...I'll cross that bridge when I come to it" type personality. She is by nature, a worrier, neurotic, and flaky. I love her...but she is. My stress comes from the fact that we have no parents and no grandparents...so if she's not there...I have no family there at all. No one to walk me down the aisle and no one to be my MOH. My issue was that she was flip flopping all over the place from "I want to go and be there for you - but I'm afraid of how I'll feel about leaving the baby". I've also been given a list of 50 reasons why she's not going to have a good time on this trip. She's scared to fly into Cancun by herself. She's going to have to pump. She's going to be sad b/c her husband can't go. She's not going to look cute in a swimsuit. Ok I get it...so are you not going? That's what I need to know. Just tell me b/c as empathetic as I am about the baby...I deserve an answer. I plan it with her or without her. Now, before I start getting hate mail...YES I understand that there could be an emergency or issue that keeps her from coming. I understand that....THAT could happen to anyone right before the trip. But I need to know...no you're not going....or yes, you will do everything in your power, barring any emergencies, to be there. But it's in two months and she hasn't booked - which makes me nervous b/c I feel like she's doing that on purpose so she can say....oh wow, that's too bad I couldn't get a flight out or a room. Darn...sorry. Sorry I get a little riled up about this topic. It's been a hotspot for a few months now. We have very different personalities...I'm very direct...she's very indirect. I also helped raise her after our mom died. I feel like I've been there for all of her milestones...and now I just need her to be there for mine.

Yes..I'm using the new CC collection comp ceremony. I liked the brown pergola better, BUT I liked the bouquet from the old comp ceremony. I'm told though, they don't like to mix and match like that. So I figured I'd cross that bridge when I came to it. We are just going to have dinner at the steak restaurant. It didn't really make sense to have a reception w/only 11 people. The thing is...we'll be completely done by like 8:00...so w/no reception...what are we all going to do after dinner??

Ugh! That's horrible. Well my wedding is two months away, and we have exactly 3 rooms (7 guests) booked...so I'm completely jealous of your 10! My sister (MOH) hasn't booked...my officiant hasn't booked. I just had to let the anger go. We scaled down everything...the ceremony, the reception. It's really just going to be more like a little group trip than a wedding extravaganza. And honestly....the people who have committed to going mean the most to me. For me, it kind of shows me who my real friends are. Oh and to add insult to injury...3 different people have offered to throw me showers/engagement parties. One was my aunt who recanted her offer when she decided she didn't have enough money to do it. And the other two just haven't said another word about it. Pretty crappy. But it just goes to show you that a lot of time, people aren't doing and offering you to do for you because they care about you...they care about what's in it for them. Hands down. On a positive note...I leave 60 days from TODAY to marry the man of my dreams and to start our wonderful life together. The two of us are on the same page, and that's really what matters.

Ahhh I'm almost 2 months away! Had my call w/Janessa today and it was really easy breezy. We're only going to have like 12 guests so I'm going minimalist....complimentary ceremony, and I actually had the choice of the Sky Terrace or the beach. I chose the beach. I know everyone wants to use BP b/c of the Sky Terrace, but it was just too big for what we were doing. I think small and intimate on the beach will be perfect for our group. I have to give Janessa props. She didn't try to push services or items on me. I asked about a cocktail reception, and she said I could absolutely plan one...but it would be $400, and for such a small group, she said she didn't see where that would be a great value. I really appreciated that! She said we could have the same experience just going to one of the bars together. You know, when I first decided to do a DW, I completely went into over-planning mode. Now I have to admit, I'm glad it's going to be so much smaller. It's so much less to stress over. Now I can buy fun stuff like gifts for my guests, and start planning my home town celebration!

For all of you crazy planners out there...to put things into perspective, I booked back in November and am getting married at BP 7/28/12...less than 90 days from now. Janessa and I are having our first planning call this coming Wednesday. When I first got started planning, I emailed her a lot...but then just realized they have to go at their own pace. So I relied on info on this site and said I'm not going to worry about it until it's time to plan with the resort. I think you just have to embrace the "it will happen when it happens" mentality of the Palace Resorts. Everyone I see on here who's had their weddings already said it all works out. So I just believed them and enjoyed being engaged.

Oh yeah...he was invited. Both of their children were invited as well. I'm sure it's finances that won't let them all come. But again...I told everyone 7months ago that they needed to book so they would have plenty of time to save and have these discussions. My wedding is less than 90 days away.

Funny enough, my girlfriend who is supposed to be performing our symbolic ceremony in Mexico (and doing the actual ceremony here at home) is about to back out b/c her husband thinks she will cheat on him in Mexico...FML.

I totally feel you! My sister, who is my matron of honor (and ONLY attendant) announced she was pregnant right after we picked our date. She's due 7 weeks before the wedding and we've had several meltdowns over it. She had major anxiety about should she come...should she bring the baby...will her husband let her come...is she going to be able to leave the baby...can she pump while she's there....is she going to healthy enough to travel...is she going to have stiches...what if the baby wont latch when she comes home....every single excuse in the book. I was so upset. She couldn't understand why I wouldn't change my date. It finally took my FI bringing me down to earth and calming me down. I was eventually able to look at her point blank and say, this is my date. I have a stepson to consider, and this is when he can come. I need a commitment from you. Either yes, you're coming (barring any emergency with the baby), or you're not. I need to know b/c if you aren't coming, I need to make other arrangements. She finally conceded and is going. Although we're getting married in less than 3 months and she hasn't booked her room. A few people have come to me and said...look I want to be there, I just can't. Two of my cousins are also pregnant and can't travel that month. One aunt just finished skin cancer treatment on her head and can't go near a beach/pool/lake. One friend's husband was laid off. And then there are the a-holes who just don't talk about it b/c they don't want you to call them out on the fact that they won't come to Cancun, but just got back from Europe and NY and are carrying around a new LV handbag. Funny thing is...just in the last three weeks, I've had a few random people tell me they've booked...or are really trying to get the funds together to go...and these are people who aren't exactly my BFF's...just good friends who I kind of felt obligated to send an invite to. It's going to be a small group and we're finally fine with that. It really lowers my overall costs at the resort b/c we don't have to pay for a full reception which is fine. We're having a big blow out party back home when we get back. I think as we get closer...we just have to say, it is what it is. It's our day...and we just have to focus on what's important and not get caught up in who is or is not there.

Good luck! That has been the most disappointing thing for us to deal with...people dropping out. It's like they're really excited when you tell them you're going to Mexico...then the closer it gets...people start to drop out. In our case, it's been total avoidance. People I've known 20 years would rather avoid us or send an email with ridiculous excuses. I know, it's supposed to be about the bride and groom...but it still hurts a little. Especially when I can say that I've spend as much as this trip will cost on IN TOWN weddings. My future MIL hasn't even gotten her passport yet and we're getting married July 28th.

We paid about $4500 for my fiance and myself...and that's for 5 days at Beach Palace, and four days at Sun Palace for the honeymoon, including airfare. We are going with the complimentary wedding package. After putting pen to paper, and realizing we were going to have a small group, this just made more sense. Now that they've changed the rules on how you can use your resort credits...any of the packages will be over $1000 out of pocket. I wanted to put that cash into my photos. We've also opted to just go with dinner at one of the restaurants. But again, we are going to have a very small group with us of less than 10. My advice is, as easy as it is to want to go overboard with decor...I think less is more. The resort is gorgeous...and whether you're on the Sky Terrace or the beach....the ceremony will be spectacular. As my FI says...no one will remember what color chair coverings you had, and you're just as married if you pay $3500 or $0. In the end I know he's right. So that's my two cents worth. You'll do what's right for you.

Thanks so much ladies! I'm so glad I'm not the only one. And LalaJ...I'm totally with you. I decided I'm NOT going to stress about it. If people come, they come...and it will be wonderful. As a matter of fact, the fact that it looks like we're going to have a smaller group is working to my advantage. At my resort, if you have more than 25 guests, you have to pay $400 per table for a full buffet reception. If not, they just make reservations for you at one of the restaurants. At first I thought I wanted to do a big dinner...but now I'm thinking...WHY? Let's just do dinner at the restaurant! And I'm not worried about the decor anymore. I thought I was going to be shelling out a ton of cash for one of the wedding packages....now I'm like...let's just do the plain little complimentary one. The only think I'm a little bummed about is the fact that I did put down a deposit on an outside vendor for photography, and spent a little more than I would have on a dress. I mean...it kind of defeats the purpose if no one's going to be there. BUT....I've paid for it, and it's done. Just out of curiosity...are any of you footing the bill for any of your guests? We got the "whoa is me" story from my FMIL....so we're stuck with that ticket, as well as ours and my stepsons.

Hey Kabby.... Ok...do it with me....deeeeep breath. It's going to be fine...I promise. I know that when you are in the throws of planning and you are being bombarded with wedding emails every day from The Knot, BDW, Wedding Channel....and every other bridal site out there, you think "OMG...I must do EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW". And when you are in that zone, you want answers. But I can tell you, in my dealings with Palace Resorts....nothing really happens that quickly, and that's because they can't dedicate too much to you for your November wedding b/c their resources are being utilized for their March/April/May weddings right now. As far as booking...I did everything through my travel agent. She handled everything for me, and I would advise going that route. Find someone who has booked destination weddings before, and they will already be familiar with the contracts and rules that go along with booking this kind of trip. My agent did all of the communicating with Janessa in the Miami office; and when I had specific questions I emailed her directly. Try not to let the frustration get the best of you....they are going into their really busy season. But everyone I hear from on this thread says that as soon as you get there, the wedding staff is at your beckon call...and that's really what's important. That when it comes down to YOUR day, they are there for you. I haven't really heard anyone complaining. On the contrary, they say...."Wow I was so stressed out for nothing. Everything worked out great". I totally get where you're coming from. I started having a full on panic attack about ordering navy seat covers and figuring out how much it would cost to send them to Cancun until my FI gently put his hands on my shoulders and said "You have to STOP this. We are getting married in Mexico so that you didn't have to worry about this stuff" And he was right. We want to have a destination wedding b/c we want a gorgeous, casual getaway with family and friends. We did this b/c I didn't WANT to stress about decorations, or flowers, or nit picky things that I saw my sister and cousins go completely bridezilla over. At the end of the day, I realized, I'm going to be at a fantastic resort with all my friends and family on a gorgeous beach with the man of my dreams. Does it really matter if I have navy blue seat covers? Destinationweddings.com is a great service...I almost used them myself before my future MIL gave me the name of our agent to use. I think they charge a $50 fee that is then credited to your trip....but they can do EVERYTHING for you. They know the resorts...they know how to book the trips. Everything will fall into place. Find a travel agent and enjoy being a bride-to-be with your fabulous FI. Best wishes my friend!

Well thank the lord, I'm not the only one! We've invited friends who's children play sports w/my FI's child...and they walk right past us at games...not even acknowledging that they got the invitation. Or even..."Hey I would really love to go...but I don't think we're going to be able to make it"...I'd be fine with that. One of my FI's best friends called last week and said..."Um I know we said we'd go to Mexico and take all the kids, but something came up"....WTF? No explanation. That's just sorry. Now, even his mom is being wishy washy. I just wanted to have a stress free wedding and then an awesome party when we got home. Thank you for letting me know I'm not the only bride going through this!

Hey ladies. I guess I just need to vent...or maybe just find some voices that agree with or are going through some of the same things I am. My fiance and I are getting married in July at the Beach Palace in Cancun. It's #2 for both of us, so the big church wedding just didn't make any sense. We've both been divorced 6 and 8 years respectfully. We took a while to find The One. Getting married barefoot on the beach has been my dream for a long time, so now that I'm a grown up and it's my wallet....I'm having the wedding I've always wanted to have. We are both extremely excited and very much in love. Honestly, I would marry this man in a Walmart parking lot if that was the only choice. I really thought my friends and family would be on board, and psyched that we're having a destination wedding. Like...hey it's a chance to take an awesome vacation with my favorite friend, cousin, niece, sister, etc. But, I have to say though, I'm dealing with a lot of disappointment from my friends and family. I've been to destination weddings...and I LOVE them. The second I get the invite, I'm rearing to go! I start saving up...book my trip...and try to be as supportive of the couple as possible. I mean...that's what you do right? Well it seems that everyone in my circle doesn't really see it that way. I get the idea they're all put out that I would dare make them TRAVEL and to MEXICO of all places. (I mean, haven't you heard about all the crime and kidnappings??) Come on...it's not like I didn't give people 10 months notice. It's not like I'm making them spend $1000 a night. And I guess what's most upsetting are the ones who on the front end said "OMG...you should get married on the beach! I am SO there. We're all coming!" are now avoiding us, and giving crappy excuses for not coming. Is anyone else getting this kind of push back? I know I shouldn't be comparing my wedding to the weddings of every other bride here on BDW, but I see the little tags at the bottom of posts that say "30 rooms booked!". 30 rooms booked?? For your destination wedding?? How did you get that many people to come? I can't even get people to email my travel agent! It's really frustrating, and my feelings are getting hurt. Oh, and BTW...every one of the people we invited can TOTALLY afford it! As a matter of fact, my friends who really can't afford it are making the biggest effort to try to go. Crazy! Ok...of the soapbox now. Feel free to b*tch and commiserate with me!

Same thing happened to me. I never guessed I'd ever wear anything strapless...and that's what I got too! I also swore I'd never buy my dress from David's Bridal....which I did as well. It just goes to show, you really don't know until you try different kinds of styles. I thought I wanted a flowy dress too...and when I put them on, it looked like a nightgown on me. I needed the structure. LOVE the new choice....congrats!

Am I the only crazy person here whose FI has already seen the dress?

Ladies, I cannot tell you all how much this thread helps me. I am doing this wedding all on my own (no mother or grandmother around to help)...and I am not a shopper...or crafty...or a wedding visionary. If I could afford to, I would gladly hand over the styling of my wedding to someone else who loved to comb through the internet looking for little things like this. But I can't. I know what I like, but sometimes I just don't know how to find it. I couldn't even maneuver through Etsy the first time I saw it. Now I have so many great ideas. If I can give each of you credit for whatever I do, I will do it.

I dig it! Just enough structure at the top for the girls...but beautiful and flowy on the bottom. Perfect for a beach wedding! Looks fantastic!

Girl, are you ok with that? Those would be fightin' words in my house. I'd tell him to learn to like it, or get an "I am married" tattoo for his forehead. LOL I'm kidding, that's just met. Probably because my first one used the excuse that it bothered him at work, so he took it off, but then pretended to not be married. And what do ya know....a new girl moved into my house 2 weeks after I moved out. My FI is surprisingly very excited about getting a new ring as well. He even wants a little bling in his. I was shocked. Tell your FI there are some really awesome men's rings out there now...that have really stylish, comfortable cuts. And pretty reasonably priced too! Who knows, you might turn him.