katman

Thanks for all the feedback! This thread has been so helpful so far, you've all been great

Those photos are gorgeous!! I'm amazed by how real they turned out! The embellishments are lovely as well....the starfish add a real beachy feel!! For those of you using the silk flowers, what will you do with the flowers included in your resorts wedding package? Are you still using them as decoration or will you use the cost of flowers towards something else? I'm just trying to weight the pros and cons of using the silk flowers. Insight?

I've been wondering about this as well Jamielynn ...I know we are not expecting gifts, as those who are attending the DW will already be spending a lot to be part of our special day, but that does kind of leave those who are not attending the DW in an awkward position. I am not sure how I feel about putting a registry card in with the invitation, as that could be misinterpreted by some guests (especially those who will be present for the actual wedding), but I feel that many people will insist on doing gifts and may ask for registry information. So I think a registry is a great idea, just not sure how to present that information...wait until guests request it/use word of mouth, or make an official announcement. Hmm... Any past brides have words of advice?

I've wondered about that....which would you actually celebrate as your anniversary? lol

Thank you to all for sharing

Thanks everyone for the tips!!

love the idea of making the AHR as much like the DW as possible....make those who couldn't make it feel especially welcome

I love the sunglasses idea, but worry that due to face shape/preference etc...paying top dollar for sun glasses could make you see your bridal party never wear them I really do love the idea though...maybe if the bridal party could help pick them out? Otherwise...I do love the engraved jewellery box idea...or engraved bottle opener for guys?

Those pictures...aer they seriously silk? Gorgeous!! How much may I ask? I wonder...what will you them after the wedding? Quote: Originally Posted by JQLong Hello Everyone.... I was going to wait until they were complete and until I began my planning thread...but.....I can't!!! Like many brides on this site, I too am budget conscious as my honey and I are basically paying for our wedding on our own. Our resort offers pretty flowers but they are VERY expensive. As we are getting married on July 4th in Mexico...I began to wonder how long any flowers would last in the heat all day....and I paid WHAT? So...after seeing posts on "real touch flowers" I became curious and wanted to know what they were (it is amazing the lingo you learn as a bride...OOT bags, real touch flowers, MOH, DH, etc...) Ok, ok....so...I research online and honestly was quite amazed at how expensive even they could be. I had visited several sites but many were booked well into next year and also were still expensive despite the fact they are not real flowers. After extensive research...I found Sabella Designs! http://www.sabelladesigns.com/ Kimberly Zarobsky is the owner and she is AMAZING! She is extremely passionate about her work and has been wonderful throughout the entire process. She designs all the flowers herself so the attention is very personal. Our first conversation was over an hour long and I felt as if I made a friend instantly.

Great thread start...I'm looking for the same. My hair is thin and useless...I can't do much of anything with it including hold a curl, so am hoping for input on stylists/resorts that do a good job in this dept...let us know!! Thanks for posting morganclare!!

Such good stories <3

Thanks for everyones feedback!! FI and I are still arguing over this....

The Pixie Lott Cover is beautiful!! Sure to make the crowd cry lol

Allie, always swooping in to answer my questions lol (thanks to mmb117 as well!!!) I'm really tossing up with this one...most of our guests are (at least talking about) staying 1 week...so if we could do a weekday wedding to save some money and make it easier for vendors, sounds like that might be ideal. Do you feel that this makes it more likely to have your wedding as the only one that day at your resort? (I imagine weekends are more popular...)

I love the idea of searching high and low for BM's dresses.... clearance, used, etc....(how horrible is it that you can probably guess I'm buying my wedding party's garb...) I just wonder, are the cost of alterations worth it? Would I be better off to buy new (but still discount) and not have to change much or buy used/unfit and have to alter what I have bought?

Love those dresses!! Where from?!

OH my!!! Gorgeous!! And such a beachy feel1! I bet this was nice and light, and easy to dance in all night!! You look stunning hun!!

DOes anyone have a template for DIY barefoot sandals?! I absolutely love the idea!

Anyone doing/done photos of the wedding party prior to the ceremony? We are contemplating booking our photographer for the day, and getting the "getting ready" photos, and bridal party shots done earlier in the day, then have the ceremony. That way, we are free to do some group/family shots post wedding, but the bridal party can enjoy the cocktail hour (between wedding and reception) with the rest of the guests. How has this worked for others?

I think this would be a huge hit!!

Awesome ideas! We are thinking about organising a beach volleyball game as well as we will have a fairly young, sporty crowd. Your idea for the Tshirt awards is amazing! Love it I know someone who did a limbo contest on the beach during their bonfire welcome party which was a hit!

Nice to get some feedback on this issue. We are not picky with our date - nothing special/significant in mind, so are just trying to narrow down our resort first and go from there (which is so far seemingly impossible...lol) We are thinking Riviera Maya, Mexico, any suggestions on the best time of year for decent prices and fair weather? Also wondering if everyone recommends getting married on a weekend? Or as DW's break tradition, day of the week isn't as important? For those looking at a seven day travel period for most guests, is there a day you would suggest flying (eg, to get cheaper flights, or to be most agreeable with guests?) As always, thanks ladies!

Thanks for the tips everyone. This is something we are really struggling with. We have a lot of younger guests and people who will need notice of a date well in advance (either due to financial situation and needing ample time to save, or to work constraints), but we don't want to book too early and end up with super high prices. How do you decide :s

I love love love this idea! I think the tags are a great idea so your bags are still personalised and carry your wedding theme/colours/etc. but your guests are still likely to use them after heading home! Great post.

This is quite possibly the best thread I've read yet!! Thank you so so much to all the brides who have posted such thoughtful, informative and insightful reviews. The time you have put into your advice is very much appreciated Cheers!