JennyBenz

Hey! I'm so glad you were able to get some useful info from what I'd sent you =) I'd go with the bride above regarding the semi-private event & DJ/cigar roller. We are having the cigar roller & DJ, but our whole day will be private. I'm sure you can get an answer quickly with your WC, once they reach out to you. Oh girl I hear you! You feel so accomplished and then there will be a lull that you feel there isn't much left to do, then it'll hit you towards the end that oyu have so much more to do! I'm going through that right now, we have so much to order & finalize, but we're anxisouly awaiting our RSVP's! They're due in almost a week and still waiting on almost 75 people! But I'm sure it'll work out and I can get ordering- I'm so excited to get everything here and ready for the big day! One piece of advice I can give to you that's very important to remember [i'm sure many brides on here will agree]: Do not say you "know for sure" who is or isn't coming. There will be many surprises along the way, so don't adhere to a specific number. Be prepared to be let down, it happens to us all. For me, it was my closest childhood friend & some immediate family members that said they would be there 100% and then the RSVP came saying they could not attend. Just remember that as much as everyone wishes they could be there, some will not be able to attend. Feel free to ask any other questions =) Jen

Hello lovely brides & brides-to-be!! Hope you all had a fabulous holiday & a very happy new year to you all! [this is very long, sorry, I'm just super excited today hahaha] I had a lot of time off from work due to the holidays, so I really cranked up the wedding planning! I got tons done, and I'm so excited to say something unexpected happened... I SAID YES TO MY SECOND DRESS! LOL I can't believe it, I just randomly walked into David's Bridal with my friends to see the Vera Wang Bridesmaids dresses and this VW gown was screaming my name!!!!! I am just so happy- I mentioned a while back I saw my first dress that took 8 months to arrive, and broke down b/c it looked soooo very different & unappealing! I was unhappy & worried with how the outcome would be once it's altered- so since my heart wasn't completely in it, I guess my eyes went wandering!!! They are complete opposites, one is a vintage inspired fitted lace gown and the new one is modern and layered and dare I say puffy! LOL Now, my only concern is how funny I am going to look carrying two huge dress bags onto Jet Blue's airplane hahahaha I'm also working on centerpieces, I threw out the old idea-- Originally, I was going to do large & medium size square vases with floating candles and submerged orchids. Our reception is on the beach so I knew the candles would constantly be blown out and then the vases I received are gorgeous, but SUPER heavy. To bring about 25 or so of them down is just impossible- so onto the next idea! [but if anyone would like to see them in case there's an interest for buying a few LMK! It's just too many for me to bring down] I have an obsession with mason jars so I tested out an idea and love it! I'm going to do different styles on each table, so mixed materials like in the picture. I'm also going to get a larger size jar, so it would be 1 bigger jar & two smaller ones per table. Ignore the petals in the far right jar LOL I was trying everything that day! I have pomander balls for the aisle decor, so was thinking of maybe using them to sit atop the large mason jars? That way I have some color- either that or will be receiving individual stems from my flower vendor and putting those in the large jar. There will be large votive candles in each jar, to add more lighting to each table as well =) So many ideas- what do you guys think??? XO Jen [L to R: Lace wrapped w/ raffia tie, Burlap rope, Twisted cotton braid, & twisted cotton rope]

Hi Lil Sushi!!! Congratulations and welcome to the forum!! You will find such great advice, tips, and ideas on here! Feel free to voice any concerns, share your thoughts, or ask all the questions you have =) We're here to all help each other!! I know what you mean about being excited & nervous- Just know, since it's a DW, there will be hiccups, and you have to accept that. I would get organized, jot down everything you need to do as far as planning and have it all in one place. I put together a list of all the events we're having, vendor information, and all the extras such as decorations, printing jobs, DIY projects, etc and then included prices & balances. This way, you can see what's done, what's paid, and what needs to be taken care of. Hope that helps! The first thing you should do is review the reception & ceremony locations & finalize them with your WC ASAP! I learned this from experience, be sure they confirm it with you. I thought my WC at the time did confirm the locations and then found out they weren't so i lost out on them and have to move elsewhere on the resort. Your WC is there for any & all questions you have- don't be afraid to ask!! So here are some things to think about first: -What kind of ceremony & reception do you want? Will it be a private event [private area] or will you have a reception dinner in one of the restaurants? Will the ceremony be legal [following Mexican law, it's recognized in the US but you'd have to take the marriage certificate to city hall to be registered. Will it be symbolic? This means it's not a legal ceremony [you'd be legally married back at home or wherever you choose] - this way you can skip all the requirements of a legal ceremony & pretty much create the entire ceremony as you'd wish! -Vendors: Photographer & DJ- You can use one of the resort's vendors if you choose- If you happen to like someone else that's considered an "outside" vendor, keep in mind there will be a "fee" of $800 to allow them on the resort for your wedding day. One way to get around this is the can be booked as a guest [minimum 3 night stay], which most of the time is still cheaper than the $800- this is what we did and we were still paying WAY less than the house vendors wanted to charge- score! -Save The Dates; If you haven't sent these yet, you should send ASAP. This gives your guests a chance to plan ahead & determine if they can make it to the wedding. You can find lots of amazing ideas on the DIY forum! -Budget/planner: Definitely decide on a number, but be prepared not to stick completely to it. 90% of weddings go over budget, so what I did was account an extra $XX for those "just in case" funds. -Look into a travel agent who is also a "gourmet all-inclusive" agent. They can get you top notch group pricing, and provide you with worry-free bookings, as well as giving you some amazing freebies =) OK I'll stop now, as I'm not sure if you've already done all this- but if not, hope this helps =D GOOD LUCK & DON'T WORRY!!! It will be a beautiful day, let the days to come be filled with excitement & happiness!! XO Jen

Hi Bubblez! Congratulations on becoming a bride of the AS!!! Here is my advice for your questions below: I would like to make OOT bags. What did you guys put in them? And where did you get the bag and items from? You can go as big or small as you'd like to! There are specific forums for DIY OOT bags & ideas, check it out! Some favorites I've noticed that are most-commented about are: 1)"Hangover kits" that include items such as headache medicine & remedies to help alleviate the after-effects of a long night! 2)OOPS kits, for those unexpected problems that arise, include items like Tums, Pepto, Stain remover wipes, Sunburn cream, Etc. 3) Personal items in case guests forgot to pack something, such as travel size toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, sunblock... As for me, as much as I LOVED the DIY projects I just felt it would be too much to pack and bring down there for as many guests that we're planning on having [70+ guests] so I'll bring down brown craft bags that I'll personalize with a luggage tag stamped with our logo. Once we are down there, we'll go into town and purchase things "native" to the area, such as handmade [not Made in China LOL] novelties, maracas, tequilas, etc. It makes traveling so much easier! What did you guys do for a welcome party? How much did you have to pay? Do you have a travel agent already? If so, check to see if they are a "Gourmet-Inclusive Member" If so, one of the fabulous perks you receive is a choice of three services- a cocktail party for 1hour, spa package, or wedding day amenities. We went with this cocktail party for our "welcome party" Worked out great! Up to 50 people is free, after that it's about $10 extra pp. If you don't have this option, take a look at the banquet service menu on the Karisma website. It gives you all the information you need for how much a cocktail party would cost, depending on the type [standing, passed, buffet, etc] Did you guys come up with activities for the entire group to do? On or off resort? We were thinking of doing this, but personally we thought since we are having a welcome cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, and the wedding day events, we wanted our guests to have time for themselves. I have heard of some brides doing a catamaran ride including drinks & hor d'orves in lieu of a cocktail party. Look into this see what works best for you! You can book excursions & tours through Lomas or speak with your WC about this, I'm sure they can help you in providing options/pricing. Did anybody have their reception poolside at the resort? What did you you for decoration? Was it too hot,humid or windy? I LOVE the picture you shared below- it's almost identical to what we're doing!!! I LOVE the lanterns, and I found a GREAT website that is cheap, great quality [i ordered some to see for myself], and also sells little LED lights to throw in the lanterns for extra lighting =) http://www.justartifacts.net/roblpala.html I would strongly recommend bringing these yourself from home and have the resort set them up. The resort will charge an insane amount of money to provide so many lanterns. And they come folded, so it's a great space-saver!! Know one thing, the resort charges a "set-up" fee that can go as high as $250, depending on how much you bring from home. They won't tell you how much it will be until you are at your on-site meeting a few days before the wedding [cash only fyi] I am doing most of the decorations & DIY projects to bring down, so i just assume it'll be the max. fee and included it in our budget =) As for setting up as seen in the picture, again, you might want to do some on line research. Our ladies here bought tons of napkins, runners, table linens, chair sashes on line for extremely LOW costs! I can't comment much about the weather poolside; Except for when we went down to look at the resorts. We never had any "pest" issues. Unfortunately, almost every day we were there it poured [storm passing by, very rare, of course our luck LOL] and even then it wasn't unbearable. It will be HOT so be prepared =) Quote: Originally Posted by bubblez Thanks for all the information murel. Did you bring your own paper lanterns for the receptions? If so, how much did the resort charge for setting it up? I want lanterns too and I want it to look like the picture below (so a lot). Do they charge per lantern or just a flat rate? Does anyone know how much it cost for a bonfire?

Thanks so much murmel! Yes, I do want to go down to the market in Cancun and buy vases, but I'm nervous b/c what if they don't have the type I'm looking for. I planned on using real touch stems submerged in glass square vases [various shapes/sizes] with floating candles. Do you think I'd definitely have a variety to choose from down there? If I purchase flowers off the resort, do you think they'll have an issue with me using them? But actually if i picked them up that means going off the resort the morning of my wedding, never mind LOL Also, do you happen to know anything about the legal ceremony in Mexico, and if it's legal in the US? I see you're in Canada, so not sure if you'd know, but I'm at a loss here. Everyone i talk to seems to give me a different answer. If it won't be recognized in NY, I would rather just do a symbolic ceremony. I heard somewhere all we have to do is get the Mexican wedding license registered at our city hall and it's legal in US, but not sure if this is true & it's really the only step I'd have to do. I appreciate the help, if you can =) Thanks!!!

Murmel- Congrats on your new position with BDW! I have a question, hoping you can help me... I don't want to pay the crazy high prices for centerpieces from Lomas, especially b/c we'll probably need them for about 10-12 tables. Would the resort allow me to bring in centerpieces I purchase off of the resort, or they won't allow any real flowers? If they do, where can I go to get fresh flowers or find a local service who can make something up? I was thinking of doing real touch submerged flowers but not I'm loving the look of something more vintage & with real flower. I just don't know ! LOL Thanks for the help! Jen

I'm with LCB on this one- I looked at basic wedding budgets on theknot.com and weddingwire.com but there's so many more expenses for a DW. I did the same as her, started an excel sheet and every time I thought of some other expense, I listed it. It also doubles as my "to-do" list bc I have a budget column and then details column & a section for things left to be done. Keep it organized, by maybe putting it in sections for ceremony, reception, welcome bags, stationery, etc. It'll keep everything in one place and be a great reeference =) I get ideas or find a good website to buy something, I jot it into that sheet so I know where to find it when comes the time! I find it very easy to keep up to speed & a great handle on my budget =) Some items to jot down that will go into your budget: -stationery costs such as invitations/save the dates/ DIY printing/ postage -Decorations, flowers & welcome bags -Favors and novelties to give to guests -rings/attire for both of you -travel expenses for you and whomever else [if anyone] you will be helping -reservations for spa, and hair & make up trials/wedding day -special events you are planning for guests, such as a welcome party or bonfire [be sure to know what it includes for how much!] -transportation expenses while you're away [taxi/cabs] -tips- don't forget to make a list of who to tip & bring lots of ones & fives down with you, so you won't have to keep breaking big bills. -"outside vendor" fees, if this pertains to your resort's policies and depending on who your vendors are. -Keep a note of what balances will be due, what type of payment is accepted, and make an envelope for each. So if it's for your DJ, put DJ on front of envelope with dollar amount due & payment method on back or in the corner to remind you. Add it all up before you leave and then all you have to do is put the payment in envelope once you arrive Hope this helps=) Jen

Hey! OK first thing first, I would check w/ your wedding coordinator to see what kind of chairs they can provide for your ceremony/reception. When I inquired, the only chairs they use are white and foldable. If you are looking for something like in the picture [which i LOVE] the resort will definitely have to get through Lomas and they are NOT cheap! But look into it, maybe you can even do the covers with the white chairs?? This is beauitful though!!

Hi there!! I heard about it through another bride [believe it was murmel], there are markets in Cancun.Market 23 and Market 28 offer supplies & favors, decoration etc. It's a "local" area, so not as tourist-y but you can negotiate price for sure! I would say bring cash and if possible use pesos, so they can't get you with coverting to US dollars =) I just googled those two markets and a lot of useful info. came up check it out!! Welcome back and congratulations!!! I'm sorry to hear about all of the hiccups you had with cooridnators. I work w/ Lynda as well and I think most of the planners in that office take FOREVER to repsond! It's one thing when it's months away, but when final payments are due, you'd think they would be on top of it! Also, I must have asked them a hundred times about set up fee and I knew there was a way they'd find to charge more, which is crazy! But atleast it was only $100 more and not another $250! I'm sure it all turned out lovely even with the few headaches throughout the day. Can't wait to see some pictures!! Oh and also, I really think you should email or call a manager regarding the issue you ahd w/ the decorations being returned in such a terrible state. I would definitely not let that be forgooten about so easily, there's a reason you're bringing them home, so you have momentos! What a shame =(

Thanks so much murmel =) I'll figure it out, I still have a few months LOL Also- from what i understood, for the marriage to be recognized in the states, you just have to bring the marriage certificate to the city hall and have it registered. That's not the case from your experience?

Hi Elaine! Welcome back and CONGRATULATIONS!!! Hope you had an amazing time, can't wait to hear your feedback =) Sorry to hear about having a rough time prior to the wedding =( It was crazy, we are in the same area in Queens so I know what you went through. But glad you were able to make it down there! Hope all is well & that your family/friends were safe! XO

Hey Murmel- One more question, I know I'd asked before, but need a little more info if you can help =) The markets in Cancun [23 & 28]- You said they have a party supply store that has everything, including vases. I'm having a hard time finding acrylic vases [so they don't break] so I'd rather buy vases down there. Do they have a big variety, or just basic ones? I'm debating on lugging the glass vases [all 24 of them] from home or just wait until I get down there? Thanks so much!!!

Thanks so much murmel!!! I am in NYC, so I'm assuming we haven't been receiving much mail at all lately due to Sandy that hit two weeks ago. So I'll see if I start getting RSVP's again in the coming weeks. I think I'll start to contact some of those "definites" a few weeks prior to RSVP date so I can be a bit more comfortable knowing I have that many less to contact when the date arrives. I know for sure there will be guests who don't RSVP on time, so I'm anticipating that but hopefully I'll have a good idea of how many guests we'll be having soon =) I will be sure to share pictures as soon as I see it! I decided to go try it on Dec 1st when I go with my BM to look for their dresses. I can't wait, nervous to see it and try it on again, since I've waited 7 months for it to arrive! Thanks for the helpful advice =)

Hi ladies!!! It's been a while that I was away, so busy with work & everything else! So it's been about a month since I sent out our invitations, and have so far received about 20 RSVP's [140 sent]. I am anticipating many late RSVP's going by others on here who seem to all have that problem. But, i am a bit concerned.... I was worried about the font I used to address the invites b/c the numbers are scripted so could be potentially hard to read. But after asking for opinions, I thought it was fine... I heard from a few guests that they never received their invites and then I received a handful at once in the mail with my return address written with an incorrect address [down the block to a neighbor] I'm thinking our neighbor was kind enough to drop them in our mailbox, so now I'm worried. Am I not receiving RSVP's or returned invites and they're going to someone else? I don't know what to do, I'm nervous of waiting until the RSVP date b/c I only have about 6 or 7 invites left =( AND to top this off, the lady who made my invites is on maternity leave A little advice would make me feel way better thanks =) On a better note.... MY DRESS HAS ARRIVED!!! I was nervous b/c it was set to arrive a day or two after Sandy hit our area. So I think worst case scenario and when I didn't hear from them the day it was supposed to come in, i thought it may have not arrived in good condition. but glad to say it did, I can't wait to go see it!!!! YAY!!

Thanks SO much Murmel!! I knew I've heard about it, but wasn't sure where it was!! I'll be sure to check it out when I get down there =) Did you purchase a lot down there in the markets? I'm thinking of even doing a candy table and buying vases/containers to put it in, but I don't want to plan on it if there isn't much selection. LOL Of course there's a Walmart haha! Love it! Thanks again =) Congratulations Lara!!!!! You looked AMAZING!! Thanks for sharing the pictures, beautifully done! I'm sure we will all go through withdrawals when our weddings have come & gone! BTW I love your hair, did the spa do it for you? It's almost exactly what I was thinking of doing.

Ladies- Thank you SO much for your input on wearing heels on my wedding day =) Yes it's SUPER exciting to be designing my own shoes, I do it every day so it's no different- well actually it is, I'm never this picky HAHA!! And thanks for the advice =) Elaine- I'm so glad it worked out with ordering more sashes, one thing to cross off your list =) Wow, so you're bringing quite a lot down there with you! Do you plan on having friends/family help in bringing some things down for you> I think we will ask for some help, instead of bringing 15 bags down with just the two of us =) I'm sure it'll work out fine! I want to go into the towns & purchase OOT bag items & also maracas, I'm just wondering how much we'll be spending. I have heard there's a "party supply" area down there, just can't seem to find out any info. as to where it is! I know that when you buy a lot in bulk you can haggle, so don't settle for price tag costs! I'm going with " real touch" flowers as well, I couldn't justify spending so much on Lomas designs! Your flowers are beautiful!!! Sounds like you have a wonderful wedding planned, can't wait to see pictures when you return =) Hey girl! I think this is the most common issue with DW!!! I read many posts similar to yours below in the forums. I think many guests just seem to forget a "verbal" RSVP is not the same thing as an actual RSVP. I actually sent our invitations out a few weeks ago and heard some guests didn't get them! So I had to contact everyone to be everyone got their invitation- You wouldn't believe how many people responded saying they got it and completely forgot to RSVP! So funny, you'd think those that def. ow they are or aren't coming would RSVP right away. But, that's how it is almost all the time! I would send out a friendly reminder to those who haven't RSVP'd, I'm sure most of them simply forgot to. No worries =)

Hi Ladies!!! So I'm on the fence with one thing in particular that's very important to me- my SHOES! LOL I work for a shoe company, where we design & produce shoes for stores allover the world! So of course, I'm working on designing my own pair to wear on our wedding day. But, I need some advice- Are heels in the sand really impossible? I really would love to wear a gorgeous high heel and add some height to this short body of mine [i'm 5'3"]. Any past brides with advice? I'd love to hear what you guys think, thanks =) J

Congrats Jen!! Welcome to the forum =) This forum is super helpful & also a wonderful support system!! Feel free to ask any questions, vent about something, or share your happiness- that's what we're here for!! Best wishes & happy planning!! Jen

Elaine- What a great pic!!! Hope you had an awesome time in AC =) Don't freak out over the sashes! Where did you get them from? Perhaps you can order more with rush delivery? If you got them from eBay or online with a seller that's overseas, not a good idea. But, you can always find them locally & get them here in time! Or, if you don't want to order more, just decide where you'd want them. I would say put them on the reception chairs, so they get more use! The ceremony flies by, and if you have other ceremony decorations, I don't think you'd even miss them! Glad to hear you're starting to pack early, it'll help to take off some stress the closer it gets to your departure!! Don't stress about anything, enjoy the next two weeks & soon enough you'll be celebrating in Mexico!!! I booked w/ Doremixx as well! I think you can provide him with a list of songs you definitely want to hear, as well as any songs you definitely DON'T want played. Other than that, I'm sure he'll fill in your playlist with popular songs & "mood setting" music. I believe he said they meet a few days prior to review everything, but don't hold me to that LOL I've heard only amazing things about him so I'm sure he'll do a great job =) What are you bringing down with you? Did you do your own flowers or decorations/centerpieces? TTYL!

Hi Kay, We are one in the same! I have the same type of relationship with my mom & thought this whole experience would be wonderful... But it's making things worse. Although she doesn't have much say about our guest list, she's completely opposed to this whole DW, and is furious [as is FI mom] that we aren't going to be married in a church. At the end of the day, it's YOUR day, so be sure to stay true to what YOU and your FI want. It's nice they want to have a say in planning, but only constructive criticism is helpful. If they want to take plans into their own hands, or make demands, it surely isn't going to get you anywhere. I would explain to her that this is your day & you and your FI want everyone that is special to you, to be there to celebrate. One way you can tell her in a non-abrasive manner is to say you don't want to make anyone feel excluded, so you're inviting all those people who she doesn't want you to invite. This way, there's another point well made & maybe she'll see past it. I've tried telling my mom how I wish she'd be more supporting rather than argumentative at every moment, but moms always will have that "I know what's best for my daughter" mentality. So try to make the best of it, maybe give her something else to help you with, and that way she might back away from the guest list issues. Hope it works out, i know exactly how you feel!! -Jen

Congratulations ladies! I had one question for you both: Did you do the legal ceremony? If so, how was it? We decided to do a legal ceremony, but the script isn't allowed to be changed according to my WC i.e.., we can't do ouw own vows =( . So I'm wondering if it's OK or if they allowed you to include some other details? Thanks!!

You're up next Elaine!!!! How are your plans coming along? Hope everything is going smoothly =) What day are you leaving?? xo

Welcome back and congratulations!!! Thanks for the advice below =) Hope you had an amazing time!!!