Mlite83

I did a STD with a note to RSVP on our wedding site. We had many people book (and RSVP) in the first week or two after getting the STD then it slowed down (as we figured it would for the fence-sitters). So when we had about 3-4 weeks left of our quote we sent out an electronic remind to RSVP by a certain date and WOW did that ever light a fire under people, we probably had about 20 more people put down deposits after they received the reminder notice. We found a nice "beachy" photo and adding text about don't forget to RSVP by July 20 if you want to join us in Mexico then we hyperlinked the whole photo to our wedding website and inserted the photo into the body of an email so that no one had to click to open a file or anything. It was pretty fast (ie no more than 45 mins) to do and we found it really got people excited again.

If you are considering Linen suits check out the linen suit collection from studio suits, they are about $100...our GM are all happy as that is cheaper than renting tux!

I saw a post from DelSor to try for your ceremony 1.5 hrs prior to sunset to have the best sunlight for photos (and also avoid peak-day heat!). Check online for when the sunset is projected for your date and that should help you figure it out!

are you ladies bringing down your own knife and whatnot for cake cutting or just using what they have available - assuming they do??

There is the PDF that Pilar used during the webinair though, I think it is posted on the first page of the Offical Now Jade thread.

Congrats! I decided to go with Now Jade for lots of reasons including how modern and luxe the resort looks (instead of tropically themed for lack of better way to describe), lots of very positive reviews and a big one for us was the actual wedding package (what was included, number of guests, price). I can't recall too much about the Grand Sunset but I know it also has an active thread on here, make sure you read thru it to see what current and past brides have to say. Good luck!

Great - thanks for sharing that, I'm definitely leaning towards buying one and then deciding day of if I'll actually wear it!

Good question - although short of having servers simply ask while they server the entrees I have no ideas! Sorry, hopefully someone is more creative than me, I'd be interested to hear some ideas! I know people frequently colour code entree options - ie with menu card or napkin colour...but without assigned seating that wouldn't be much help either I guess.

I am 100% for trying to DIY your veil...I think the scattered beads will look awesome and catch the sun beautifully! I don't know if I'm sold on the idea of a veil for myself yet (or DIYing it) so I bookmarked this Etsy seller who has some reasonably priced veils, thought I'd pass it along incase anyone else was looking for a veil for less than bridal house pricing. http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaBridalVeils?ref=seller_info

Just to add to it - if you haven't already check out the wedding packages and compare what they provide to what you want and need. Some resorts have packages that cater to smaller crowds (ie under 10 people) so having a larger crowd could get pricey. On the other hand if a package is set for 25 and you only have 8 guests you may be able to get more bang for your buck else where. My parents have been to the Barcelo 3 times and LOVE it but we didn't think their wedding packages suited our needs so we opted to try some place new for everyone! Congrats and good luck - its the most stressful part so don't worry it all gets easier!

Just to clarify - if you are doing Eternity or Devine you do NOT have to pay to rent a terrace or private room (ie Bamboo room) for your reception - that is part of the package. If you wanted to rent a terrace for a private dinner outside of the wedding package (ie welcome dinner) then you would have the $500 fee (this does not cover the cost of any food - rental only). The $20pp is for semi-private group bookings in the restaurants...it goes towards dedicated wait staff, setting up tables together etc. There is no charge for groups at the buffet so that is a great option for welcome dinners or a rehearsal dinner if you care to have one. Hopefully that makes sense?

Thanks for sharing your findings - no doubt that will help save some money! Just a question for photobook users - I have tried a few different websites in advance of our wedding so that we know which company offers the best quality product for our wedding album. I have used My Publisher and won't be doing that again! I have also used Shutterfly and well it is usually pretty good I notice a couple little things in each order (ie pictures cut off a little bit). I haven't used Photobook Canada yet, that's the next one I'm going to try. Any thoughts or suggestions on other companies to use or avoid?

There is a website that sells $99 linen suits - lots of brides on here have used it and written very positive reviews (there is a thread) - that's what we plan on doing. Website is studiosuits.com If you feel more comfortable going into a store I saw linen items at Le Chateau ($$) and Old Navy ($) as mentioned as also at International Clothiers ($), Banana Republic ($$$) and Tip Top Taylors ($$)...it is definitely the time of year to be looking for them so good luck!

wow, that looks great! i love the colour of your ribbon around the stem and the brooch just sets it off perfectly! way to go!

Secrets is in the same chain of resorts as Dreams and Now (all part of AM resorts) - maybe one one of their other resorts would fit what you are looking for? We loved the Secrets resorts too but the prices we were quotes were just too high to ask guests (it was around 3k pp) so we went with Now Jade. So far everything has been great - and from other reviews I have read previous brides rave about it, and it was less than half the price of Secrets!

i love what you have done so far - can't to see what else you do!

I just went with my sister who tried on the Dessy version of this (they call it the twist wrap dress) - it comes in 3 different lengths (short, long and hi-low). The fabric was very nice feeling (matte jersey) but we didn't go with it as the short with this brand was still 2-3 inches past the knees and the hi-low was almost too high (a few inches above the knee). They were definitely high quality feeling and looking though. At the store we went to they range about $150-170 depending on length. For an extra $35 bucks you could also buy a bandeau in the matching colour to wear under the wrap part for greater coverage. Thought I'd share my experience in case anyone else was considering them from Dessy!

wow, looks like i have some online shopping to do! thanks!!

I remember seeing that too - I think its the "fine print" on the package info that lays out what you get in each of the three packages.

Thanks - I love the one you have here - very Mexican feeling!

I actually found it at Winners (so it was a steal of a deal) -- but I don't think you have Winners in the States Try searching for it, I did see it listed at a few different retailers (ie Zappos, 6pm). It's called the "Twist Bust Maxi Dress" and comes in these colours or a more muted green/grey/black combo. Good luck - I love how comfy and flowy it is! Will be super easy to dress up or down.

I'm thinking about wearing this for my rehearsal dinner - it is so light and airy and the colours are vibrant, the picture does not do it justice! It's a Jessica Simpson Twist Maxi dress

to anyone who has already order their henkaa dress - how heavy is the fabric? my BM love the idea of the dress but are a little concerned it might be too warm in mexico? thanks!