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And we found cute wedge sandals at Payless with braided straps - they all got the same ones, in different colours. We're probably going to add coloured seed beads to jazz them up a little

AlexisinJamaica, those are really cute I love the colour! Here's what my MoH and 2 BM are wearing: Sakura Convertible dress by Henkaa. I really like the flowy fabric (very forgiving), the vibrant colours, they can each wrap it however they like, and they will legitimately be able to wear them again.

I'm fairly tall myself - 5'8" - but my FI is almost 6'4", which is good because I LOVE heels! My dress has a gorgeous delicate lacy hem and train, and with about a 2" heel it's the perfect length - I wouldn't dream of having it altered for bare feet, although before I fell in love with my dress, that was the plan I got mine from Stepsss - this isn't them exactly, but very close. They are silvery-white. I'm debating changing the jewel it came with for a jewelled starfish and maybe a delicate blue bow... Then for reception/rest of the week, I found a super-cute pair of white wedge flip-flops at Walmart with a cute white bow. I bought some white bridal satin fabric and pearl beads to dress them up a little more.

I was originally thinking of bringing a local photographer whose work I really liked, but decided to see if I could find a Riviera local who would theoretically be more experienced with the region. I am really excited about TakeIt Photo, they're a couple and they have good prices and amazing reviews and work - but I've just found out that my resort wants to charge me a penalty plus a large vendor fee which will amount to almost as much as my photo package!! If I had known earlier that this was the situation, I would have put a lot more consideration into bringing someone with us... Is this a common practice in Mexico? I'm so glad for you that it all worked out

Wow- this never would have even occurred to me to worry about! I don't think we'll be taking quite so much with us as that, but still - good to know and now I can be prepared. The idea of a note stating that it's for a wedding - I will make sure to do that!!!

Our wedding is this January. We found a great group deal, and our guests' deposits were due end of July. Most people waited until the last minute to put down the money, and we still have a handful of people who are still on the fence about going for various reasons. Including ourselves, we have 19 right now. My travel agent is trying to help us out by holding onto a couple of spaces as long as she can. Most of our guests are my fiance's mom's side of the family, plus his siblings and our parents and my bridesmaids. Besides my parents, none of my family are able to go, which is a bit of a bummer. But like others have said, the only important people are you and your fiance - everyone else is a bonus. We're also planning a small AHR for early next summer. Truly, don't panic about lack of deposits - it will work out! And don't worry if at times you feel like you're losing your mind or making the wrong decision. It's normal for every bride, and as long as you're doing what you truly want, then it will all work out and you'll have an amazing time

Hi NSinyerd, 1. There is a tourist tax, but according to my research it should be included in the price of your flight. You will get a tourist card to fill out on the plane, and you must keep it with you with your passport, and you have to give it back at Mx customs when you come home. There are fees to replace lost tourist cards, and not having one can cause unnecessary headaches. Make sure your guests know it's an important legal document. As for the rest of your questions, I'm curious to hear what others advise - I was under the impression that US dollars are preferred, or else Mx currency?

Also, they seem to have just "updated" their wedding packages for 2013 weddings.

We are booked through Transat vacations. We also keep running into all these extra little costs. We booked our own photographers months ago, and I've just been informed that the resort will charge us a penalty for not using the resort photographer fotocaribbean, and an addititonal fee to bring in our own photographers. I have no problem paying for day passes for them, but the amount that I've been quoted seems outrageous, never mind the penalty. Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Hi MJHK, Sorry, I wasn't asking anyone specific for prices - just if anyone might have that info, it would help me out a lot. I've been considering the non-fresh flower option, and may end up going with it - I'm just concerned with weight limits for luggage. I'll wait and see how many I actually need, it may make the most sense to bring everything as so many have done. Your thoughts on the Walmart have me thinking too

Oooh, catalogues?? The wedding coordinator at the resort is taking forever to get back to my travel agent/wedding planner about cake and flower and decoration options and approximate pricing... we've been asking for months. I'm on a budget and I need to figure out our options! Our wedding is Jan 20, 2013. If anyone has information, I would be truly grateful. Also, has anyone worked with any good florists off-resort who are more reasonably priced?? I did get a pricing answer back about centerpieces, and the price was ridiculous

Hi Marls, The package info is here http://www.weddingmexico.com/riviera-maya-weddings/hotel_wedding_packages/grand_sirenis_riviera_maya.asp you just have to convert from MX pesos to Cdn $ For the Silver and Gold packages, it's about $20/person for extra guests, according to my wedding coordinator.

Ooh, you're staying 2 weeks, nice We're also using the palapa, it's so nice! And having our ceremony on the beach.

We're officially booked at Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach! Countdown to January 20, 2013 begins We're leaving Jan 17, and will be travelling with my fiance's brother & sis-in-law and a brand-new baby!!

Thank you so much for sharing! You had some very lucky guests - all those goodies How did you keep the chocolates from melting in transport? Also, where did you find those card/money holders?

Janette34, Thanks for your input and sharing your experience! Did you like the photogragher, were they expensive? Did you upgrade anything for your wedding decor? Was pricing from the resort reasonable for customizing the decor?

We're looking at Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach/Riviera Maya for Jan 2013. What is the difference between the two halves? What wedding packages have you ladies chosen? I'm reading reviews about the beach being rocky -- it's still pleasant to swim there and walk along? We're not able to do a site visit so I have to rely on others' experiences!

Hi dee dreams and other fellow Canadian brides I'm also planning on putting hand fans on our guests' chairs - it seems like such a practical yet pretty thing to do! We're having about 30 guests, in February 2013. What are you ladies thinking about for flowers/bouquets? I've been looking at "real touch" artificials as a possible alternative to fresh, but that's another thing to pack!

Finleya, what a gorgeous dress! I also have somewhat of a straight-across bodice, and am going to make it a slight sweetheart - I was amazed at what a difference such a slight alteration can make!

That's me on the right. I went to a sample sale with my girlfriend from work who's also getting married It's not what I thought I would end up choosing (I was trying to be practical and thought a flowey sheath style) but I just fell in love! I went back the next day to buy it with my Mom (thank god it was still there - meant to be). It has little flowers and crystals all over the bodice, and it fits perfectly And it's light and airy, so hopefully I won't cook too badly LOL I must've tried on over 20 dresses between all the places... I can tell you, when you've found "the one", you definitely know it!

Please disregard the previous question, I just got the confirmation email, thank you. I would like to find out the resort's ability to handle food allergies - both my mother and myself are Celiac/gluten sensitive, and so I need to know how she and I can be accommodated with regard to cocktail appetizers, wedding cake, reception dinner, and general meals. Also there are a few other allergies/special diets (ie vegetarian) in the group. Much appreciated - Ashley

I was originally going to look for silvery white wedges to match my dress as we are planning to do both our ceremony and reception on the beach... however I recently stumbled across these really interesting things called heel buddies or something like that - they're like a little platform that your high heel slips into so you don't sink into the sand! I'm going to order a set to try, and then I can get a cute pair of heels because my dress is a little too long for bare feet, plus the hot sand...