ChocoTaco7568

Yay... Congrats on getting these done, Ali! I love seeing all the pieces/details finally come together and these are awesome. One DIY project down, many more to go.

Between you and Aynat, I finally found the confidence to book my boudoir session and I can't wait!

Donna it's beautiful and you look stunning. The detail in sash is amazing too. Im glad you finally had your moment. Congrats!

EVK - This dress is without question one of my favorites on BDW and you looks stunning in it. Congrats!

Pretty snazzy!

Assuming OCT = Ocean Turquesa & Coral I would suggest posting this question directly in the dedicated thread if you haven’t already: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/33243/ocean-turquesa-coral-brides/1710#post_1840747 Also regarding CUN customs processing of OOT bags and miscellaneous wedding items I would check here: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/41422/customs-in-mexico-an-effort-to-gather-the-info-in-one-thread Obviously I’m not much help since I have a different venue and haven’t gone through the customs process as a bride with her bag of goodies, but these two threads should be very helpful.

Ali, for a first attmept these look great! I agree with Tulumbride and think that sewing the beads on and using a few smaller size options may give you the look that you're trying to achieve

I hope you're right. Flights for my Fi's parents went up $75/per person in the past 4 weeks they're debating whether they should book now or wait until after the new year in hopes that it will drop back down to the price that it was...

Hey Cupcake, do you have a particular venue in mind. If so, it would be helpful to know because every resort/venue will handle these specific items differently and fees will vary.

Quote: Originally Posted by brownskingirl can someone pleaaaaassssseee tell me the name of this dress?? pleeeeaassse i love it!! Easy.. Allure 8815. Happy Shopping!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jessica4LUXE We usually tell our clients that 20 - 30 percent of their invited guest list will attend the wedding. Wow, that's a really low return rate. I always assumed it was closer to 60%... of course this isn't based on anything factual.

i love the understated elegance of this dress and it's perfection on you.

Organized and on top go everything... That's a nice way to put it. Thanks for not making me feel like an obsessive head case

I think you're singing my song. This is more than likely my reality and I anticipate that a large number of my guests will book between 8-12 weeks prior to the wedding. Aside from our parents and siblings (the only family invited) no one has booked, not even our BM and MOH (married couple), which is truly frustrating. But we also realize that we're the most straight laced among our friend and most just fly by the seat of their pants. They're the spontaneous type and planning is not in their DNA. But like Uhara, I have no intensions of babysitting anyone through this process. if it's important to them and a priority, then they'll be there.

For BOA you want to scout out Banco Santander (or Santander Serfin). Most USA banks charge a foreign ATM withdrawal fee of $1-5 per transaction and sometimes an additional foreign exchange fee of 1% to 3% of the amount withdrawn. BOA is an exception (at least is was during our trips in 2009 and 2011. They won't charge either fee if you use one of those 2 ATMs. Also, only use ATMs that are located at bank branches...just a safety precaution

Ooohh, good to know. Thanks for the update, Lynn!

Quote: Originally Posted by cherany Thanks! When you went to the appointments, were you upfront about your budget, or did you fib a little so they would show you more dresses? Amy is definitely the type who can be talked into something in a store, so we'll have to go into it with a very clear mindset that we're not spending over a certain amount, but I don't want to limit her to so few dresses that she can't find anything, either. As previously mentioned my bridal consultant wasn’t too bright, and I took full advantage of this when she F'ed up and showed me a dress that was over my budget...in the end I got a discount the made up the difference (15%off). I have no shame in haggling or making a strong argument based on principle and in this case it worked to my advantage. Obviously this is a risky angle and I wouldn’t advise going wedding dress shopping assuming that the same would happen. But I mention this to bring up the fact that different bridal salons often have varying mark-ups and on occasion can adjust this mark-up to meet you financial needs as long as it’s within reason. An alternate option if you’re open to a sample dress is to fib about your wedding date, and get a deal on an off-rack sample dress. Most bridal salons are more apt to sell a bride a sample if they know they can’t order anything in time for the wedding date. Selling a sample is better than not selling anything depending on how old/popular the sample is. But if there is time, then they aren’t as flexible with selling off the floor.

Quote: Originally Posted by danak71 However, because clearly I have nothing else to do with my life but stay online and research all things wedding.... LOL... It's funny cause it's so true. This statement sums up the past 9 months of my life. Justin always asks how there could possibly be that much stuff to research and look at, but somehow there always is! Especially for the frugal minded brides like us who refuse to skimp on quality but need to find the cheapest way to execute our vision. He has left me alone since he's realized that we have come under budget on most items

These looks great, and for quicker viewing and those who can't open attachments ...

Quote: Originally Posted by cherany A bridesmaid of mine has been recommending she try a shop where they sell dresses that were ordered and then not taken by the bride, for whatever reason (wrong style accidentally ordered, wrong color, wedding called off, etc.), since they are supposedly much cheaper than regular boutiques. I don't know the name of the shop, but will report back if we check it out. The white bridesmaid dress is definitely a good option. There are also a few online options for buy wedding dresses that would be similar to the store your friend referred you to and since it online they would have a larger inventory…new dresses, pre-owned and samples anywhere from 20%-70% off retail prices. But you would have to know what you’re looking for. But if you went to a couple bridal appts and got a sense of what would look good or a few specific styles then it could be a viable option: Preownedweddingdresses.com Recycledbride.com Oncewed.com

Bridal Exclusives is where I found my dress (which I love and am totally obsessed with). Their pricess for bridal are between 1K and 3K with most inventory between 1.5K-2K. My bridal consultant was friendly but not very bright or knowledgable, so I was hppy that I knew what I wanted and understood a few basics. For instance I tried on a dress and the boning was very obvious in an unflattering way and she told me that alterations could take it out...um, then what support would there be. the dress would have totally lost it's structure. But they have nice stuff so it would be worth setting an appointment. She's still alive and kicking! I still correspond with her and she's good, and I beleive things are for the better.

Quote: Originally Posted by JA2012 Just curious what the proper protocol for dealing with guest list is.... I have a max capacity of 100 at my venue. I really only want about 80 to attend. Between my family and FI family we will easily reach that number. I don't want to exclude anyone from invites so out of respect I'm sending to everyone. BUT...what happens if everyone replies, everyone brings a guest and everyone attends?? I'm screwed!! How did others handle this? I've heard about doing A and B lists but as I've only got 5months left and am just now sending out the invites that can't really happen. HELP! Any suggestions?? I'm way over my head. all i can do at this point is LOL! There really isn’t proper protocol or etiquette when it comes to the guestlist, especially for a destination wedding. You and your groom need to do whatever is best for the two of you. However, if you have already sent STDs, then I think it would be best to send invites to the same people. And I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but considering that you’re planning a DW, the chances of everyone coming and everyone bringing a guest are slim. It’s rare that all invited guests attend a DW unless your guestlist was on the smaller side

Quote: Originally Posted by bride81 I need HELP!!! i need to know where to start with my passport invites, and get them out ASAP! I am in panic mode..... Who knows how to do these? I don't know what your specific needs are, but I've helped both ANGELA2013 and MsBubbles (no longer active memebers) with their templates and designs: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/81439/missbubbles-britney-diy-passport-invitations-sample-print I'm more than happy to help if I can. And I know Britney was interested in doing some invitation work on the side, so she may be a good resource dependent on what your needs are. Or try to find other brides on BDW who have done passport invites that you like and ask them directly for tips/help. Good Luck.