sgreen99

We are also doing this. We talked about it, and it's just really inconvenient the stuff you have to do down there - what if something happens in your travel and you get delayed so you aren't there for 4 days prior, what if there's an issue with the paperwork etc etc. We both agreed that it's just easier to do it here as close to the trip as we can. We would only tell my parents (my mom would like to be our witness) and his dad. Everything down there looks the same whether it's "real" or not. It's still your wedding, it will still be beautiful and emotional!

My mom-/step-dad offered us $5000 to help (in that she wanted to buy my dress also), and asked if we would rather have them pay for something specific, or pay for one of my older brother's trip, who otherwise would not be able to afford to come. Obviously that's what we want, hopefully they'll be a bit left over that would could apply towards something else, but not counting on it. My dad cannot afford to help us, which I knew going in. I didn't expect his parents (also divorced) to help us all (even though they BOTH make more than either of my parents) because they never have. But his dad offered to give us $4000 which is amazing, that will probably cover our diner, which is great. Luckily we did not have to ask though, the parents that offered to contribute just did on their own. I think though at some point you just have to poll the audience and see if anyone had planned on helping. Maybe just come out and ask them? We are splitting everything else down the middle between the two of us (trips, photog, wedding package, extras), we both planned on contributing around $6000. We'll see how that goes. Good luck!!

Our guests are paying either $1460 all in from Edmonton, Alberta or $1530 All-in from Prince George BC. We were pretty pumped to have gotten free transfers for our guests, so I am OK with the price. It's not cheap to go in the high season so I think we made out pretty well. When you here from number of guests that "wow, that's a great price" than you know you're OK I think! At first it seemed hopeless as everything kept coming back like $1700 plus transfers, NOT cool. So we're super thankful about the pricing we got!

Thank-you! These are going to be our wedding colors: Coral, blue lagoon and grey. I've already started all sorts of projects, I'll be sure to share

I am in agreeance with the the rest here. I would be wildly offended if I paid $1500+ to go the wedding and then was asked to pay for my plate. If it means cutting the guest list or cutting costs elsewhere, then I think that's what you have to do. You don't want to spend all this time, $$ and effort to plan your wedding in paradise and then have guests be left with a bad taste in their mouth being asked to pay for their own supper, because it's likely that's this is what they will remember (human nature). I liked the suggestion of doing a cocktail hour instead. Really, if you haven't seen certain relatives in so long, are they really going to pay all that money to come? I know for myself, I'm only inviting one set of aunt/uncle when I have six but I'm not close with the others at all, so they just are not getting an invite. And you never know, just because everyone makes the assumption that a DW means no gifts, many folks feel it is proper to give a gift, and it will likely be a monetary gift since they are traveling. So you may end up recouping some costs in the same way that you would with an at-home wedding.

Fyi I checked these out yesterday, they look great, the dimensions are 35.5" x 71".

I saw these in the online flyer today, $29.99!! Pretty sure with the rampant shipping and customs cost for us in the North, it doesn't get much better. I'll go have a look in store for myself to see if these are any good. But they do look pretty decent. Different shape too which is neat. I shall report back with my findings in store!

We just offically put out deposit down with the TA today. We got $1460 (all--in) from Edmonton for Grand Sirenis is the Mayan. I think you're going to find that you're too early to get any really good rates. We were told a year out was really soon too, luckily she did find something for us. You may have to wait until 2013 when they start releasing some better packages.

Thanks for all your help ladies! Thanks to your feedback, I've decided to do a combo of 2 & 3, because I liked the one design better...So I think this will be the one Date changed because we've officially booked (yahoo). PS if anyone has photoshop and want a template let me know. I did them myself, I don't mind sharing!!

I'm Booked!!! January 30 2013 Grand Sirenis Riveria Maya!

Also, I thought I might share what I've gotten so far from Areceli, in case anyone needs it for quick reference! EXTRAS CEREMONY Minister $ 4,500 pesos Judge $ 5,200 pesos Apostille $ 1,200 pesos Blood test $ 220 usd Priest $ 5,000 pesos FLOWERS Hanging corsages $ 770 pesos c/u Centerpieces $ from 450 pesos Large Bouquet $ 800 pesos Bouttonier $ 200 pesos Bride’s maid bouquet $ 500 pesos Corsages $ 396 pesos Flower petals $ 200 pesos per bag Palms $ 250 pesos DECORATION Fabrics for gazebo different colors $ 600 pesos each one Ribbon for chairs different colors From $30 pesos each one Sand or red runner $ 325 pesos Yute runner different colors $ 500 pesos Rose petals runner $ 2,000 pesos THE FOLLOWING IS A SNIPPET FROM AN ACTUAL EMAIL I SENT, BUT IT'S GOT REALLY GREAT INFO IF YOU NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PALAPA FOR RECEPTION! What is the cost of the Palapa Rental for our dinner and reception and what does this include (Open Bar? Dinner? DJ or use of sound system for IPOD? Dessert? for how many hours)? Palapa $ 11,050 pesos Menu per person $ 500 pesos Dj $ 650 pesos per hour or sound system $ 450 pesos per hour Includes: 4 hours of national open bar, white fabrics around the palapa, round tables, chairs with cover chairs and blue ribbons and waiters If our package includes dinner for a number of people, are those free inclusions transferrable to the Palapa? No, if you want the palapa you have to pay a banquet menu for all the guest What is the charge per person for dinner? From $ 500 pesos How long do we get an open bar in this cost, and what is charge to continue open bar for longer? 4 hours, extra hour $ 60 pesos per person per hour

Hi all! I'm officially a Grand Sirenis bride!! Woohoo! Booked our wedding day, January 30, 2013. So, so excited to finally get to go hard on the planning So far this has been immensly helpful to me, and I can't wait to get to really start.

Yeah do it! I actually saw the poem portion of it put on a wine bottle as a little neck card thing (on Pinterest, where else!) and made it my own

Super cute! I think we have similar wedding colors

Oooh, very classy I like, I like!

Ahhh so many fantastic logos! I've been puttering around in PS all weekend and have come up with a few. Thoughts? Which one has the za-za-zoo?

bump

I couldn't agree more with this!! I made the mistake of attempting to join a Knot forum and the women were just viscous, I couldn't believe it! There was actually a disclaimer in the rules before you join to understand that they allow this snark to go on, and if you're easily offended YOU should be the one to leave Not cool IMO. I absolutely love this forum, it has been nothing but helpful so far and I know it will be such a treasure in my next year of planning! I'm so thankful that everyone on here is so helpful and actually has there eye on the point of this forum: to share helpful info, not to be snarky and b*tchy when someone asks a questions. Cheers to all of you!

Thank-you. I just got my appraisal yesterday actually, so I'll be all insured which I'm sure is most important. I think I may wear a 'fake' just up until the wedding so my ring is nice and clean....

Thanks gals

Wondering if you would mind casting a quick vote on which STD I should use? I'm planning just to print these on 4" x 6" photo and attach a magnet on the back, so there will not be any info on the back. I threw some stuff together in Photoshop and I just can't decide... what do you think - votes for your favorite? C&C?? NUMBER ONE NUMBER TWO NUMBER THREE I know the first one is very "beachy" and suiting, but I think the other two are classier, and as they will affixed to our relatives fridges for the next 12 months, perhaps not a photo of my in my skivvies?? lol. The only photos I have of us from Mexico are swimsuit pics so I may just have to go with a standard photo, which I don't mind at all.

Ever the bargain hunter that I am, I check Dollarama a lot for random crafty stuff. They were putting out all the Spring stuff today and they had paper lanterns c/w the lights insides for $2! I believe they had red, green, teal and orange. Trying to figure out if I should grab some, but color is coral..hmmm... maybe some orange of these and then order some coral ones online? Anywho, I love to share a good find!

I adore this dress on you. I love how it has the elegance of lacy top, but stil a fun floofy bottom (I went for the floofy bottom too, it just feel "Spanish-y" to me! Glad your mind is at ease, you look stunning

I just saw one thread on this and it didn't really answer my question.. Curious what past ladies have done? My mom mentioned that she didn't really feel good about me bringing my ring to the resort, even the "safe" isn't "safe" she says. Is she being super paranoid - what did everyone else do? I saw a few ladies say they got a fakey for lounging and going in the ocean/into town. But again, the real rock would be sitting in my room safe this whole time. I like the idea of leaving it off so it's nice and shiny for pics, but it would sit in the safe. Please help, I'm sure this must be a thought lots have had?

Oh, and my Recessional is "I Do" by Colbie Callait!