kathryn83

This means you get a dinner at Spoons for 40. You canot use an iPod or have any decorations with this.

At the least you should get 20 percent off. Are you getting 8 hours of total time? I bet not. And also, Karisma is running unlimited free private events right now. Push back.

You likely won't be able to have the ceremony that late. They only offer certain times and that won't work with the reception/Spoons dinner offerings. You should decide where you'd like to hold your ceremony and reception as that may dictate times available to you.

Ladies, I have to share my music solution with you. I've been hard at work at my wedding playlists since we're not doing a DJ. I'm a freelance iPhone app reviewer and I came across one called My WeddingDJ https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-weddingdj/id383243064?mt=8 So far it's great and definitely worth the $2! You just pop in the tracks you want under the preset categories, like pre ceremony or first dance, or you can create your own categories. The interface is super simple and since your playlists are stored in the app, there's no chance of the wrong song playing and you set the order of when music comes up. All the operator has to do is slide the bar to start. You can also select the option for waiting time in between moments. When you end a song or skip to the next the app also will crossfade it for you so you don't have do any of that work on the front end in iTunes. It also looks like there's an option for the app to take requests from your iTunes library during your reception, but I haven't started playing with that yet. Some of the reviews said there was an issue with DRM coded music, but since most of my songs are pre DRM or from Amazon, I can't tell if that's still an issue. Anyway, if you're bringing down your own setup or want to provide your own music for ceremony, I definitely recommend checking this out.

Have the most wonderful time! Can't wait to here all about your special day.

Thanks for the update, Rachel. I'm so happy you had such an amazing time!!

LOL, I know! I'm literally looking up bug spray right now to add to the OOT bags.

Reading through your guide now. May 5 is only a holiday in the state of Puebla and is not a holiday in Riviera Maya. Cinco de Mayo is really an American holiday

Have a great trip Rachel!

Yeah HOB is notorious for this. They're based in the Chicago suburbs so I've heard tons of local horror stories. Definitely call them, but based on what I know of them I'd start looking for a back up plan. I'm sorry. Black and champagne could look really chic if you only have the two bridesmaids and go with Murmel's find.

Oh no, what a headache! Was it from House of Brides, by chance? Have you reached out to the designer directly? I'm sure they'd want to know that they're dealing with a poor retailer and might be able to pull you a sample. You could also try calling other stockists. I can call around Illinois if you want!

Love Vistaprint. Have done so much from there already, most of it freebies Just finished making my menu cards last night!

Make sure you're using a GI travel agent so you can get the extra perks, like the free salon package, cocktail party or photo credit. A GI travel agent should also be able to get you 20 percent off private events.

You should still be able to reserve your wedding date before the room block is decided. I booked my wedding in February of last year for this May. You can also get the banquet menu etc. on your own, here: http://www.karismahotels.com/ImEngaged/Weddings/Choose

Have you been assigned a wedding coordinator yet? They'll send you a packet with this information.

I've heard it's best to have all receipts with you and documentation that you are a bride and not a vendor! Someone else on a board said the retail cost of goods brought in can't exceed $300 per couple, but I haven't confirmed that anywhere.

Yes, was going to say the same thing. With the Spoons reception you cannot have any "extras" - No DJ, entertainment, decorations etc.

Happy New Year, ladies! I'm sitting down to do some menu planning. Any past brides want to share what you served at your cocktail hour and reception?

I used this designer for our boarding pass invites. She's great!

Do you have Fabio's extension? PM me if not.

Are you using a travel agent? If so, I would involve them. I find that my agent can reach people at the office much faster that I can.

Hey Rachel, Elizabeth's been out of the office for the past few weeks -- her dad died this past weekend. I think she's expected back on Monday. Fabio has been handling her email, but I know they're very behind. I wouldn't worry too much about being past the deadline because of the situation.

Thanks for the in-depth review, Elaine. Congrats again!

Jen -- have you looked at any of the packaged table decorations from Lomas? They aren't cheap but I feel like your money goes so much farther because of all the extras like chargers and table lighting. With the one I'm doing we also get to keep a few pieces as favors for our guests. Might be worth checking out if you've only priced out centerpieces.

Been hard at work on sourcing items for our OOT bags. Am so stuck on what to get the MEN. Does the resort have any sort of innertube rental/pool floats for adults? Thought that could work if they don't offer anything.