MyTye2B

Hi Ladies! Chrestena I am just as you are with Friends lol – everything in life can relate to an episode somehow! I also have all of the seasons and if I’m ever in a bad mood I just put them on and laugh. Claire you are too cute I love reading your posts as I can just hear your accent! I’m currently reading a novel and the author is from the UK and the characters have mentioned a ‘fortnight’ quite a bit – I had to ask my fiancé what it meant!! I felt so silly I didn’t know! J It will be so cool that you’re there the same time as Jen. You girls got the date I originally was thinking of haha – I tried for a July wedding but it was all booked up. Becci – I bought a second dress online for cheap. I debated about it. I honestly wouldn’t have minded trashing my original because I’m sure with the sand on the beach it will be ruined anyway! I decided to do it since my original has a mermaid style underneath and I didn’t think I’d be able to safely swim in it lol. Also there’s a possibility I may want to wear it again at one of our At Home receptions. I researched a bit but ended up getting it from lightinthebox.com because a girl from work ordered a bridesmaid dress from there before and gave it a good review. The dress was only $200 and free shipping – even to Canada! But be warned – they do not tell you that you’ll have to pay duty. And it's expensive! I did read this from another UK bride on lightinthebox but for some reason I thought since it was free shipping I’d get away scott free on that too. I didn’t. L It cost me $67 and you have to pay them at the door when they deliver it. I was in Punta Cana and my roommate had to fork over the cash! I would have shipped to my friends in the US had I known. But all in all I do think it was worth it. The dress came REALLY fast from what they said – maybe 6 weeks. It looks better than online! And it fits as it should. I asked Vanessa about steaming it too, even though I’ll just jump in the water in it and she said no problem at all. She’s very responsive and very accommodating. For anyone wanting to bring floaties for the pool that’s a-ok according to Vanessa too. J Jen – welcome! I agree with Becci about the Portofino terrace. I honestly think it probably depends on how busy the resort is. I’m sure I’ve seen pictures with the same amount of people out there too. I bet they would try for you to keep others from sitting out there – she just can’t guarantee it. Honestly who would even want to sit out there if there was obviously a wedding party enjoying their festivities? That would just be awkward! I think you can totally do the speeches during dinner at Portofino. I went to a wedding at GP a long time ago (6 years) and that was how this party did it. The dinner took a long time back then so there was totally time and in fact it broke it up nicely. I’d ask Vanessa about the decorations but I can’t see a few of them being an issue. Better to check just to be sure before you lug all of that stuff down there. As for other things you could add in to the structure, you already mentioned cutting the cake. You could do a first dance, maybe even a bouquet toss if you have some single ladies in your party. I’m still debating on that one. I’ve been a bridesmaid a zillion times and I’m the last to get married! Well, time for Grey’s Anatomy, better be off! Talk to you soon, ladies!

Awesome!! Thank you sooo much for the info! You're right it's pricey but we all have the things we won't compromise. I think it will be so cool and I wish I could afford that too but I've already had my splurge. Lol, for me I'm a crazy lady and I really, really wanted the tiffany chairs so even though I could have easily had the chairs with white covers I hired someone to bring the chairs and the crystal backdrop for the beach pergola into the resort which is costing a pretty penny but I think it will be gorgeous. Probably no one will miss the chair covers and sashes if you don't have them. You have so many beautiful details everywhere else that's where the focus will be! $5/pp for the extra hour is not bad at all! I'll have to ask her about that too. I still haven't drafted my email haha - I swear I'm working today.

Oh your carousel is sooo cute! I really like that idea. Thanks for the info on your DJ - that is a super good price. I know that's last year's price but still not bad at all! I'll get in contact. That's one of the names I've heard floating around here. Did that price include the light up dance floor or was that an extra on top of it? It seems like it should be more! I love that he's bringing a bubble machine too - so cool! Thanks also for the timeline. Was kind of wondering where to put things in. I like how you've broken it up which is what the bride at this wedding did as well and it worked really well. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I am sure you are going to honour his presence in a beautiful way on your day. I didn't realize that 5 hours of reception was an option. I thought they only offered 7-11. I would prefer an extra hour since I'm sure the dinner will go longer than anticipated. We're doing menu option #10 with the beef orloff. And I think you should definitely get snacks delivered back to your room, haha. My friend didn't eat at all at her wedding - too busy. Make sure you do. Lol, I'm not worried about that myself. I eat a lot and no one can stop me, hahaha. Or else look out! Well it's my first day back at work today. I better start working!

Hi Ladies! Well I’m back from my few days in Punta Cana at the Dreams for my friend’s wedding. I’ll half review that trip as I write this email. It was a really great time even though it was only 3 full days that we were there for – and a LOOONG travel time. Lol, Claire I thought we might as well have been coming from the UK as it took us a 5 hour flight from Punta Cana to Toronto and then a 2 hour wait in Toronto before a 4 hour flight back to Calgary. By the time we hit our beds we had been up for almost 24 hours! It was well worth it though as the wedding was so beautiful and fun and of course I got lots of tips and ideas – and questions to ask – during my time there. It sure got me so, so, so excited for our wedding in August! Everyone had an amazing time. I did manage to read all of your posts from last week and I feel like I’ve missed so much! Mikeycelle I absolutely love your idea of putting all of your little wedding quotes on the items in your OOT bags! Super cute!! I also wanted to ask you about the postcard carousel. It sounds awesome. I get how you’re making the pictures with Vistaprint (and I just bought a new $70 for $17 Groupon and I’ve been wondering how to display my engagement pictures) but I’m not quite sure how you’re setting it up in a carousel format. What sort of structure thing did you have to buy? I keep picturing one of those Kuerig or Tassimo trees lol! And I’m certain that’s not what you’re using! Also how were you able to book your reception for the extra hour until midnight? I think I’d like to do that too if the charge isn’t too much. We’ll also be in La Laguna. Are you able to share what is Vanessa charging you for the sparklers? I seriously want them because I think it looks so beautiful for the entrance. Now here’s one major thing I realized at the wedding this week. I’ve been adamant that I wanted to wear my hair half up and half down for my wedding. I have that crazy Monica hair we’ve mentioned before. I was getting my hair dyed the day before I left for DR and my stylist was insistent that it was not going to work for me in August. She gave me this humidity blocker and wanted me to try it while I was there. Well I hate to ever be wrong, but my hair was insane. The humidity blocker didn’t help at all. I have come to the realization that I’ll definitely have to have it up for my wedding. It’s just waaaay too thick. But the spa at the Dreams actually did an amazing job for the bride and all of her girls. I also saw a few other weddings during the time that I was there and they all had their hair done really nicely in those Pinterest kind of interesting and modern new styles. It gave me faith in the spa at Grand Palladium too. I did find a price list for the spa somewhere online I think it ranged from $80ish for short bride hair to $137 for long but I’m not sure how current the price list is. I’ll have to contact them directly. I think makeup was $61 with MAC makeup. I am also going to book a couples massage for some time during the week. You can do it during the day with mimosa or at sunset with champagne. I think we’ll do the sunset one – somewhere around $190 if I remember correctly. For anyone looking for menus and all of the info you could ever need I’ve had a lot of luck with the Palladium Addict website. A former bride who also happens to be my admin at work let me know about it and it’s been a wealth of info. I also wanted to tell you all that while I was in DR I had 3 other people (one a TA) tell me that our resort choice is a fantastic one and that we will not have a problem in the world. I know we all know this, but it’s reassuring to hear again. J Becci welcome and I did want to tell you that I’m severely lactose intolerant and Vanessa has been wonderfully accommodating of my needs. I just told her I know everything has cheese, butter, etc. in it but I will just not eat it (like the cheesecake) because I don’t want to deny my guests of it, but she has said they’ll get me fruit, they’ll put different salad dressing on things, basically just not to worry. I’m sure if your guests have special needs they can accommodate to them as well. Oh I also wholeheartedly agree with Chrestena to ask for the terrace at Portofino. Beautiful! Claire I’m so excited to read that you’ve bought your dress!!! What does it look like?? So happy for you. What a big deed to cross off of your list. J Also I’m starting to wonder if I might have a cocktail hour too. The cost of it does not seem too much. I think I’d have it before the dinner and I’m wondering if you know what options for cocktail hours are nearby the La Laguna where our reception will be? I like the idea of having everyone together that way the reception will start on time. What happened at the wedding I just went to was that the ceremony was at 4 (although it started around 4:30 and we were all just sweltering in the sun!!) and it ended at 5. Well they did not have a sit down dinner, just cocktails at the reception that was from 7-11 but the a la carte restaurants didn’t open until 6 so quite a few people (including myself!) were late for the reception because dinner service was very slow and there was technically only an hour in between. It wall worked out because they had things timed out pretty nicely with speeches being a bit later so we didn’t miss that – but I do worry that my guests will get lost and not be there to start our dinner on time if we don’t corral everyone up lol. We also were planning on only using our iPods for the ceremony as well as the reception but after seeing the DJ in action at this wedding my fiancé now wants one. He hasn’t asked for anything and he’s been really cost conscious so the fact that he definitely wants this means I’m sure we’re going to get one now. Mikeycelle I know you’re having one - is anyone else having one and how much is reasonable? The bride from this recent wedding was charged $875 and I think that’s standard. The lights really highlighted the dance floor. Although I do still want to be able to control what music is being played and I’m hoping I can give them a list to work with. Approximately how many songs will I need for a 4 hour reception with probably 2 hours being dinner and speeches? Oh by the way the speech that the bride made at this wedding was by far the most genuine and heartfelt speech I have ever heard at a wedding. Just perfect. J Any suggestions on who to go with for a DJ? I know there are a few threads on here I’ll have to look around a bit. Karen – best of luck to someone else from Calgary, AB! As for music to walk down the aisle to my friend decided last minute the day before the wedding. I am using the same song it was perfect length – Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – it is the island mix by Israel Kamakawiw’ole. I’m sure you’ll come up with something perfect. There are a few threads on here about ceremony music too. Search it and you’ll find a ton! Also I hope your dress fitting went well!! DanniiB welcome and congrats to you too! I can’t believe only a month left until you go. Please do come back and share your experience with us. J Tye and I are planning to book a trip down to Grand Palladium at the end of April just to check out some of the little things that we noticed being guests at this wedding and to familiarize ourselves with the resort. Although I’ve been there before it’s been 6 years and although I’ve heard nothing but good things I just want to check it out and familiarize myself with the grounds a bit. We’re lucky enough to be able to go for just a night or two because of our work benefits. From this wedding at the Dreams in DR there were some questions that I have come up with to ask Vanessa. For example, the aisle that they had to walk down was very, very narrow. They walked down with both parents (which we would like to do too) and there was no room for them! We’re getting married on the beach but I’m not the smallest person and I’d like to make sure I can comfortable walk down the aisle with both of my parents. Hopefully because it’s on the beach the chairs can be moved to allow a wider aisle. Also the iPod docks that they had in the rooms at this resort fit only an iPod, not an iPhone like I have with all of my music on it. I will still be using my iPhone (or iPod if I have to buy one!) for music at the ceremony so I want to ensure that whatever I go with will fit. I also love the idea that the bride brought a bunch of floaties for the pool because I love to just relax in the water and read my book. I know most resorts don’t allow floaties but I thought I’d ask Vanessa if they do just in case. The more negative things that occured at the DR resort were that many of us thought we were getting king sized beds – us included and we were given 2 doubles which were really, really small and hot and just not what we expected. We spent the first hour there (and we were only there for 3 days) trying to negotiate our way to what we were told we’d have in the first place to no avail. At 6pm the next day we were finally given another room although we had been told SO many different stories by that point, and I hate dishonesty - then the toilet didn’t work. And then someone was going to fix it but they didn’t. Then it was 1:30am when they finally came. Then it plugged again in the morning – just a lot of hassle that I don’t want our guests to go through. I’m going to ask Vanessa how the Grand Palladium will avoid things like this. Also be careful ladies, one of the guests at the wedding had a substantial amount of money taken from the safe in his room. And another had his laptop taken from his carryon bag sometime between leaving it at the checkout counter and having their suitcases loaded onto the bus to take them back to the airport. He realized when they got to the airport. L Just a head’s up to be really careful with your valuables. I’m also wanting to find some of those beach chair towel clips for cheap. Each morning the groom’s father clipped towels to chairs for our party which was wonderful because we could eat our breakfast without worrying. Don’t worry, we didn’t take up too many but there were 74 people there and he’d save about 20 chairs all around the swim up pool bar which was perfect! If not to save chairs but just to have towels that don’t blow away I’d like to find some cheap ones either to put in OOT bags or to have for myself. If anyone knows of cheap bulk ones please let me know. J My girlfriend who lives in Michigan was able to bring me down a few of the things that I’ve ordered to her house to avoid shipping costs and I brought them home with me. I am in love with the OOT bags (which were 99 cents each on cheaptotes.com!) and the memorial candle I ordered for my daughter. She also brought me a fan and a few of the Japanese lanterns I ordered. When I got home to Calgary my TTD dress had come in which I ordered from lightinthebox.com. It looks exactly as pictured but I was not aware that I’d have to pay duty on it which cost me $67 L extra. I would have just shipped it to Christine’s house had I known that to avoid such a hefty cost. Oh well, what’s done is done! It is beautiful!! But as I’m a very small bust and a bit of a large booty lol, I’ll be needing it altered to fit as well. Ladies I am getting just SO excited now! So glad I’ve found you all to chat with!

That's awesome, Becky! Glad to hear you're so happy. I ordered a dress off Lightinthebox as well and although I don't have it yet I've also heard great reviews and it shipped within 2 weeks of ordereing - it's supposed to be here on Wednesday! Pretty impressed so far.

Getting married August 19, 2013 at Grand Palladium White Sand in Riviera Maya!

I love your simple logo and your room key card holders!

Oops I hit submit too soon! Thank you so much Claire for your kind words about the jewelry! It is very different which is why I liked it so much. I am nervous that the colour will be a bit off from the colour of the actual dress (same thing happened with my invitations but I'm trying not to be a stressed bridezilla and just let it go!) but maybe even if it is it won't be the end of the world. Good for you getting through the first month of Insanity!! That is so tough! I am still doing the Jillian Michaels and bought the banish fat cardio circuits ones today but being at an all inclusive resort eating and drinking like crazy for the next week isn't going to do me much good, lol!! It's awesome that you don't have a lot to lose - Christmas pounds don't count - so I'm sure you'll be able to accomplish your goal no problem. It's really cool that Peter is working on it with you. Tyrel has recently switched to a lower activity job too so he's started trying to work out with me and he eats whatever I make so that just means I have to try to eat healthier lol! Ok well I'd better go finish packing. I'll talk to you guys in a week!! Good luck planning!

Hi ladies, I thought I'd write a quick (or lets be honest, long) message before I leave for Punta Cana in the morning. Really looking forward to my friend's wedding at Dreams! My parents will be there too so I'm super happy to get to see them. I hate living so far away. Kmmathes, I am wondering the same thing about the spa. I was thinking of bringing my own makeup and I hope my friend Alison is able to do it because she's super talented at that stuff. I did find a price list for the spa on Palladium Addict - I think bridal hair ranged from 80 something for short to 137 for long. Trials were $50. Makeup application was $60 I think? I'm not sure how outdated the list is and I haven't heard any reviews. I had hoped to wear my hair half up half down and wavy but I just got my roots done today and my stylist really, really advises against it due to the humidity in August so I have a trial with her next month just to try out a few updos. I really don't like my hair up but it might be necessary in that heat! I still think I'll try half and half with the understanding that it will probably go up for the reception. I'd really like to hear some reviews on the spa since my hair is super thick! It does what you want, but once it's out in the heat it goes very Monica on Friends when they went to Barbados! Lol. As for your 2pm ceremony I don't think that's a huge deal - like you said people can really rest up for the evening! From what I've heard you don't need to make any last minute decisions until you get there. You can even try emailing Rocio or Vanessa to ask about changing the time of the ceremony if you really do want it to be later. I still have a gap of a couple of hours between our ceremony and reception too. I'm not sure what to do with it but my fiance says it's a resort! People will entertain themselves. I remember going to a wedding at Grand Palladium about 5 years ago and there was a gap too while the wedding party went and did their pictures and things before dinner and honestly we all just hit up a bar and had a blast! It's no biggie, don't worry too much. Shayla I am so excited for you that you got your tickets in the mail today!!! Only 2 weeks away, omg! Any last minute things you need help with/advice on? Do you feel pretty relaxed and prepared? I hope so! YYC is my home so I do hope you have a wonderful experience flying out. Do you have lots of people with you on your flight or are you leaving ahead of the group? You'll likely be gone when I get back from DR so I am wishing you such an amazing wedding!! Mikeycelle I wanted to ask you about the sparklers. Are you bringing them with you or getting them there? That's one thing I desperately want but since they're considered a dangerous good I can't bring them on the plane with me. Vanessa said unfortunately they sell for like $5 a sparker there which is way too much for me to justify since I imagine we'll be having a big group as well. If you found them in Mexico for cheaper than that I'd love to know! Thanks! Also I am wondering about your cocktail hour for those of you who are having one. Is this something separate from guests just doing as they want for the hour or two break? Where are you having it? Is this an extra charge on top of the $20pp for the ceremony and then the additional $50-$60pp for the reception? I'd love to set something up for the inbetween but things are starting to really add up. I hear you on the still so much to do thing! It sounds like you're super organized even with your large group and your cake sounds incredible! I am worried about getting a playlist together too. I have soooo much music I like, and I want it to be upbeat and danceable - just a lot to think about lol, but so much fun! Oh and thank you so much for the reminder about the baskets in the bathrooms with the toiletries in them. I totally would have forgotten about those because I was doing the OOT bags but of course people aren't going to be bringing those with them to the wedding, lol! I have now asked to have a rehearsal/welcome dinner the night before the wedding (our guests come in just the day before) at Portofino. I guess we'll have to have a set dinner. Do you guys have to do a set menu too? I am also thinking of a dinner another night just to have the whole group together but I'm not sure I feel comfortable choosing a set menu at the steakhouse for everyone either. What do you think the chances are that we'd all be sat near each other if we just waited it out? I definitely like the idea of the restaurant having the head's up that we're coming and being ready for us. I have to say that I feel sooo lucky to be working with Vanessa. She has been so responsive and helpful the entire time. What are you all doing about tipping? I'm also starting to try to think about bugeting for that too. Vanessa is definitely getting something good! I know there are threads about this but there's the photographers, the mariachi band, the bartenders and wait staff for dinner, the officiant - sp many people to think about! I'm kind of confused. Also what are you all doing for escort/place cards if you're having any? I'm not sure how our reception dinner will be set up. I've seen pictures iwth long, rectangular tables and also with round tables. Do any of you know what you're having? I guess it will probably end up depending on how many guests we have. I'd like to bring table numbers and table runners with me so I kind of want to know. Do you know if they will have a table available for a memorial candle, guest book, etc?

Awesome! I just bought this too. I have no idea what I'm making yet but I feel like there is a lot I can do!

Shayla how awesome!! I see you're in Alberta too. Where abouts? I wish you ALL the best at your wedding!!! Please come back and share your experience with us!! Claire, I'm at work now but I owe you another long response tonight. Like you said I want the time to comment on all of the amazing things you've shared. I leave to Punta Cana this weekend for another wedding at Dreams this weekend. Very excited to see how it all goes!

Congratulations on hitting day 3! Good for you! I can see I posted last 2 weeks and 2 days ago on day 3. I am (kind of) bummed to say that I didn't continue past day 8 but I didn't give up completely. I have been doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred which is more attainable for me at the moment - I'm 31, 5'7 and 180 - yikes! Once I can successfully complete all three levels of this I'll try for Insanity again. I have 7 months left. But I do feel a sense of accomplishment and I haven't missed a day yet except last Sunday which I rested on. You will absolutely be able to do it in the next 60 days especially since it sounds like the first few days have been going well!! Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Hi Ladies,There are a few of us getting married at Grand Palladium in Mexico in 2013. We'd love to hear about your plans and share ideas and questions. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/27733/any-grand-palladium-brides/1290 Lauren

One last question for you Chrestena. You've been to the resort before. Do you remember what the door handles on the rooms are like there? Are they big, round door knobs or are they like a straigher latch that you push down on to open? I'm trying to figure out how large to make the hole on my door hangers. Lol - weird question I know. Let me know if you remember or if there's anyone else out there who has an idea! Thanks!

Hello Chrestena and Claire! Oh my again I'm going to warn you that this is going to be long! Chrestena I am not sure also how I missed your post over a week ago, lol - I'm on here almost every day at least once just going through the recent posts. Anyway, I had a chance to look over your wedding website which is WONDERFUL! And I signed it too. I hope you don't mind I love a lot of the wording that you've used in describing the resort and the things to do around there and I hope to update my site soon. If either of you ladies want to check out our site so far you can find it at tyrelandlauren.ourwedding.com. Enjoy! Chrestena I have to say I cannot believe you have 5 children between the two of you! What a beautiful wedding you guys are going to have. I also checked out Amols and looked at the maracas. I think those are perfect and they are sooo cheap! They definitely look so colourful and fun. Have you received them yet? That is so exciting! I don't think your OOT bag sounds boring at all - in fact I think I may steal another idea from it - loved the tequila shots idea! So cute! Claire great idea to think about the plug adaptors! We won't need those but I can see it being a huge problem if they were forgotten. I like your idea of making the cards requesting people not share photos on Facebook until you do. I haven't made a thing on VistaPrint yet although I hear such good things about it. Was it hard? How can you personalize the cards more, I mean not use the backgrounds that they have? I'm not really sure how it all works. And there is sooo much to choose from I'm overwhelmed lol. Do you have a Michael's in the UK Claire? That's where I got the bubbles from and they were SO cheap. You can also always find a coupon for there. The Japanese lanters travel very well if you can get them to the UK. Claire I hear you about the cost of having things shipped out of the US. I am in Canada and if I did not have a bridesmaid who lived in Michigan I wouldn't have half of the things I do now just due to shipping cost. And I'm sure you've noticed that a lot of places don't even ship out of the US even for lots and lots of money. And sometimes I'll come close to finishing a transaction and they say that they will ship out of the US but then you need a US billing address which obviously I don't have in order to pay for it so I can't go through with it anyway. I am so thankful for my bridesmaid Christine who has even ordered things to her house for me with her credit card and I just transfer her the money. She was able to purchase my memorial candle for me for my daughter who passed away 7 years ago when she was a baby. It will be hand painted and it's flameless. I ordered it from a wonderful woman named Dorothy at Covenent Lights. Christine also did that for our OOT bags (Chrestena you may try from there) for cheaptotes.com where I got 30 bags (for now until I can get accurate numbers) for 0.99 a piece! Christine says that they're perfect. They are just natural coloured canvas bags and I am going to iron transfer on a generic design for most guest (1 per room) but make special designs for the bridesmaids and mothers of the groom and bride. I feel much more confident knowing that there is no charge for the extra little parties. I am going to write Vanessa an email tomorrow and ask her about (and the golf cart transfers etc.) that although we still don't (and probably won't for a while!) know how many people are coming. I think we are definitely going to have a brunch the day after but we might not do a welcome dinner just because our guests are all flying in on the Saturday and our wedding is Monday so we want to let them have the day to themselves. I was thinking we'd just put something in the welcome booklet that meets them in their rooms saying that we'll be having dinner at so and so and if anyone wants to join us than they are more than welcome to. Chrestena I love what you mentioned on your website about the rehearsal dinner and I was thinking something like that since technically that will be the rehearsal night. I thought they didn't do rehearsal dinners? I will ask Vanessa about that too. Are you doing a run-through of your day? I love your mom's idea about the love letters to each other. Very cute and I personally think it would make me less nervous too. I am really nervous about writing personal vows but I know we probably will. It will just add to the personalized feel. I was worried that there may not be a microphone at the ceremony and I definitely want people to be able to hear what's going on. At the wedding I went to here 6 years ago there was not and it kind of sucked not being able to hear anything. Vanessa assured me that there will definitely be a microphone. Did she assure you both of that too? I also asked about having a few fans at the reception area but she said that they don't have any. I guess we'll just be VERY hot lol - August in Mexico and dancing and drinking and in a heavy dress, haha. Oh well, I don't think I'll care by the end of the night how hot and sweaty I am I think I'll just be too happy and hopefully most of the pictures will be done by then. We did manage to get the save the dates out and I LOVED them. People have had them for about 2 weeks now although I think they won't actually start booking until they have the actual invitations in hand. That will be better for us too because then we can get the response cards back and get an actual REAL count of who will be there. There are only 4 people who have officially booked thier trips other than Tyrel and myself right now. Both are bridesmaids and their husbands. Obviously our parents/families are booking but our TA has all of their info and when there is enough to go ahead with the group rate she'll put it through. I hear you on the cost of things. To answer your question Claire, yes the chairs and the crystal backdrop and the bamboo sticks and flowers all came from the same place. On their own they are not too expensive and very convenient since you don't have to bring your own. I'm happy that I got them but they do have a minimum order (which is A LOT) and honestly you're probably better off going with what the resort offers. I would have met the minimum because of the chairs I'm renting but I don't know that you would if all you're interested in is the backdrop. The woman Saku was so wonderful to work with though and I think I'll be happy in the end, although I'm really going to have to cut back in other areas. Man do things add up quickly! weddingcancun.mx is their website and they do have a lot of really nice things if you wanted to take a lot around. Have either of you made your appointments at the spa yet and if so what are you getting done? I'm still not sure if they'll be doing my hair or if my sister will be. I think my girlfriend will be doing my makeup. I haven't even looked into what having those things done at the spa would cost. I can only imagine, lol. We definitely want to get a couples massage while we are there! Are either of you doing anything just special for the two of you while you're there? There's a lot going on right now, work has been busy and I hope that I'm not starting to slack as we're building a house and the last few weeks we've had to go to all of the vendors and choose things like our hardwood colour, granite, carpet colour, paint, literally EVERYTHING and it's super exciting but super busy. That's another reason I'm really trying to save as for some reason we thought it was smart to buy a house and get married in the same year, hahaha. And speaking of the money thing, I did not end up getting a second dress from the Brideses place!! Hahaha, I still can't stop laughing at that. I just read too many terrible things. I did get one from lightinthebox.com where a friend of mine has ordered from before. Again, not high quality but like you said who cares when you're underwater anyway and rolling around in the sand which I intend to do. But they had a fantastic sale (55% off it was $450 regular and on for $218 then I googled a coupon code and saved another $20 and then FREE shipping to Canada!) so in total it was $200. I would have honestly just trashed mine because like you said I'm never going to wear it again (although I haven't decided if I may wear it at one of our at home receptions when we're back) but it's mermaid style underneath so in the sand and water I don't think I'd be able to move in it nor do I think it would look very sexy or flowy in the water. Claire I'm glad you've gone Pinterest crazy I did too! I think it's great you have a few totally different styles. I was kind of stuck on one style that I had pinned a whole bunch of and ended up with something totally different. That's the way they say it happens usually. You're on the right track being flexible with styles! So excited for you to go shopping with the mums next week! Thank you for the suggestions on the guys' attire. I don't think it was that Island store you were talking about but maybe I'll have a look there too. I like the idea of the striped and solid tie contrast. Tye hates stripes so he would probably have to be in the solid one but I don't know how he'd feel about 5 other people having stripes on in all of our pictures lol! The battle continues. I think your colour scheme sounds perfect. Don't worry about it being too bright - it's a destination wedding and bright is beautiful and the reason for the lilac/purple is so great. I mean, terribly sad but such a nice, sentimental way to honour his mother. I just ordered my bridesmaids jewelry off of Etsy too (from Melissa at lakeshorecreations4u) and she is SOOO nice and great to work with. I'll attach a pic here - I wanted something totally unique and fun and bright, so here they are. I'll also attach a pic of my bridesmaid dresses again to jog your memories lol. Instead of the pink flower it will be yellow to match the earrings. I kind of liked pink better and we're having the bright pink flower petals on the aisle instead of the aisle runner but Tyrel like the yellow so he wins. I don't have a videographer and I won't be getting one. I wish I could help you decide. I have heard really good things about Claire's photographer. Maybe they do videography as well? Worth a look! I see that someone posted on this thread. Wondering did you contact them? I am at peace with our photography issue now. My future SIL did our engagement pics for free here. I'll post a couple of my favourites below. Excuse my terrible roots on my hair. I was getting them done the next week but Miranda was ready to take our pics then and being 6 months pregnant, hanging out in the freezing cold and climbing around railroad tracks I wasn't about to give her any trouble, lol. My next biggest battle is losing weight. Tye and I are off on Saturday to a friend's wedding in Punta Cana. I'm so embarrassed to have to wear a bathing suit right now. If you read my wedding website you'll see that I used to work on the ramp at the airport and when I did I was about 30 pounds lighter. That's because I pretty much got paid to work out for 10 hours a day and then I would go to the gym too. I am naturally a very hippy type person but I've really let myself go over the last 2 years. Lol - I just changed my phone screensaver to a super skinny picture of myself in a bikini from 2 years ago as motivation! I have tried Insanity but gave up after a week. I didn't feel like I was accomplishing much because it was so hard. Right now I'm on day 5 of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred which I am actually loving! It is easy enough that it's do-able but hard enough that I'm sweating and I feel accomplished because I can actually get through it. I was kind of happy to have our engagement pictures done outside with big winter coats on and by the time the wedding is here I'll be in tip top shape again! No excuses anymore. Ok well I think I've gone on long enough tonight! I actually did have some work stuff to do but I figured if I didn't write back now I'd be doing it at work and getting in more trouble. Talk to you soon ladies!! I have to say I'm so happy to have found you here. It's great to talk to some of you who are working with the same resort. xo

These look awesome! Where did you purchase the Avery packages? I haven't seen them at Staples or Walmart or anywhere I've looked actually. Did you design the label yourself and if so what program did you use? Thanks for the help! They are great!

I'm getting married in Riviera Maya at the Grand Palladium White Sand. That's awesome that the resorts are close to each other - you're probably right that it's right next door - so I can definately snag pics. Katie (my friend who is getting married there) has only had positive things to say about the Dreams. It's a bit pricey for us as guests, but you know the Dreams will do it right. She is not having a sit down dinner, rather a cocktail party which is great because the guests can mingle and chat and at the same time they're able to save some money (they have 70 people booked so it will be big for a DW. Also she is super crafty so I know she's doing a lot of DIY as well. Apparently the resort has been really flexible about swapping things out for other things which is always a plus for brides considering where to go. I have never stayed at a Dreams before but I have stayed at other AM resorts - NOW Jade in Mexico and my cousin has stayed at the NOW resort in DR and loved it. I think you're definitely safe to go with one of them.

Hi Caroline, I'm not getting married at NOW Jade (although I was there in April and LOVED the resort - your wedding will be beautiful!) however I did rent the crystal backdrop for my wedding from Saku Wedding Cancun who has been awesome with her communication. Weddingcancun.mx is their site. Here is a picture of what I am renting - it was just over $100. Keep in mind though that they do have a minumum order and there is a delivery charge. I'm getting a lot of extra stuff so it was worth it for the ease. I do know you can buy this stuff online too, although I haven't personally ordered anything and I'm not sure how you would hang it up or if Pilar could do it for you. Good luck! Lauren