JA2012

If hair is short or worn up, I think they look great. Long hair and one shoulder looks odd to me unless perhaps its swept to the side.

LOVE THE BLING BELT!! And the bow will look so good from behind during the ceremony. If in doubt, take it off for the ceremony or get a colour belt to wear for reception if you want to switch it up. But I def think the belt just adds to an already beautiful dress.

@Cherina HOw many children do you have attending? Did MDV recommend the nanny or are you bringing her or hiring her on your own? I love that idea.

If anyone is looking for flameless candles I think I found the best deal out there yet! I was in Michael's today (big shocker) and i saw that they are selling a 24/pk for $29.99. They are currently regular price in the christmas section but starting tomorrow they have a 40% off coupon available which brings the cost down to less than $1 per candle. These are perfect for paper lanterns, paper luminary bags, tables etc. Just thought I'd share. :-)

Ok so I was 95% ready to put down on a BEAUTIFUL dress that I thought was an amazing price of $1100 at Best For Bride here in Toronto (Def check them out if you have a chance) Online they have a lot listed too. If you're not fussy about the look of their small store you can get a good price on a designer gown. Having said that, I decided to check out David's Bridal in scarborough and was quite shocked at how low their prices are. Like I said before, I like a good deal, but I also like good quality. Some of their dresses are on the cheapy side BUT I did actually end up finding my dress there and LOVE IT! QUality is outstanding and fit is AMAZING! It's almost the same as the one I originally wanted but doesn't come with the detachable sleeves. I ended up getting my dress for $750. It fits even better than my original. My best friend was the one who finally convinced me to get it because she simply stated, "the dresses look almost identical...do you really wana pay $400 for sleeves?" So definitely give Davids a chance. I don't suggest going on a weekend because it's a zoo. But if you can go during the week you get more attention, feel less stressed and can actually breathe. Good Luck!

Do you recall what your total purchase price was?? Mine is about $150 and that includes the 10% off coupon they have going right now. If I need to break it into two orders I will. I'm a DIVA ON A DIME! I'll do anything to cut costs on foolishness like duty and customs charges.

OMG!! That's amazing!! Ok you just sealed the deal for them. I still have my shopping cart up online and I keep adding more and more to it. Their prices are fantastic! I was really worried about duty charges on purchases from the states. I once ordered a $150 swimsuit online from Neiman Marcus. When it arrived they charged me another $70 in duty. I was so annoyed I just had it sent right back! Lol. Thanks for your input. Getting excited now!!!

Regardless, Negril is beautiful and Moon Dance anything is probably stunning. I am struggling with the children at weddings thing at the moment. I have nothing against them but depending on the venue, I do have an issue with paying full price for kids to eat. Arghhhh! All part of the planning process though. It's best if the venue can offer some sort of entertainment or kids area to keep the children occupied. Cuz they will def get bored after a day out in the sun wearing their sunday best.

DO you mean Dwayne Watkins Photography? If so, I think he's prob one of the best in JA if you're looking for photojournalist style of photography

@ Cherina...I went to a wedding at Moon Dance Cliffs and it was AMAZING!! Just wait until you get your photos back. The property and the cliffs are so beautiful your pics will be STUNNING!!

@ jreist Yup...The 40%off coupons are amazing!! keep me going back for more. Lol! Have you posted your decor anywhere? I'd love to see what you're doing. I'm in need of inspiration for centrepieces at an affordable price. So far I'm considering this 3pc candle set I found at KitchenStuff Plus, along with a mirror base from Dollarama and rose petals and possibly one small vase with an arrangement on it. But all the flowers I like in JA are imported and so they're VERY $$$. Meanwhile here in Canada they cost next to nothing. :-(

My invites came from Michaels. They were on clearance. $10/box of 30. I just improvised and subbed in a fuchsia ribbon for the brown one it came with and will be using pink ink on the printing. Def don't sleep on Michaels!! I am hooked on that store now a days

Hi Ladies, Just wondering if any of you have ordered supplies/decor from Efavor mart or JustArtifacts? THey've got great prices online but not sure if the customs/duty charges will be out of this world. Also, if anyone has seen any deals on or has any fuchsia or grey/silver decor for sale, I'm definitely interested. Have a great day!!

I'd normally say you should wait until October/November, but after the Hurricane Sandy and storms that just hit recently I say go with Aug. In fact, I was in JA for a wedding at the end of Aug this year and it was INSANELY HOT! If you choose Aug be sure to have a few parasols to hand out to the guests as it will help them in the heat.

@Philanab...I LOVE THIS LOOK!! Very chic! This is my colour too, I'm going to check Le Chateau and see if they still have these shirts for groomsmen. In the photo this suit looks navy, which would also be a good option. My wedding colours are fuchsia and grey. Thanks for the post!

Did you have a makeup artist in JA for your day? Who was it, if you don't mind my asking? Looks beautiful!!

Love the photos!! I was looking at the same photographer and saw your pics on the website. Congrats. Beautiful wedding!!

Also, a recommendation for a nearby hotel would be Legends Beach resort. It's less than a 10 min cab ride. It's nothing fancy but the beach makes up for it. And the meals. Very affordable. But if guests want something closer or fancier I'd suggest Sunset on the Rocks. I think that's what it's called.

I went to a wedding at MDC last year. They had a fire dancer. I wouldn't recommend it. I found that most guests were talking and bored with it after awhile. he was good. Danced for about 10 mins but the novelty wears off after awhile and people are looking elsewhere. I'd put the money towards a band for the cocktail hour and perhaps even a band for the beginning of dinner. On a sidenote, the venue is gorgeous and your photos will be beautiful. There wasn't a lot of decoration at the ceremony i attended but it really wasn't needed if your using the gazebo. It overlooks the cliffs. BEAUTIFUL!

Does anyone have any promo codes or links for discounts on this wknd's bridal show in Toronto?? Please share if you do. Thanks so much :-)

Try 4imprint.ca I've definitely seen them there but usually they want you to order 100 of a particular item. They will likely do a smaller run if you call them up and ask them. They also do the personalizing of it on the side.

Have any of you tried a product called Kinky Curly?? Google it....it may be an option for you. My other suggestions would be: straw set cane row braids the night before wedding into a side part style. Undo the day of and leave it crinkly and put a beautiful big funky flower on one side Twists (then you can do a half up/down style depending on length) slick it back into a ponytail if its long enough and do a side low bun (you can even buy amazing bun pieces to put in) high bun. Make sure the sides are well slicked tho Gosh...I could talk hair all day. Lol!

lowfat yogurt & granola plain rice cakes with natural peanut butter - way less sugar than skippy or jiffy and taste the same to me celery, carrots and cucumber with hummus (afternoon snack) fruit bowl (morning snack) Lots of water with lemon

Glad to help. :-) For dancing you can also start your party with something fun like electric slide. That'll get everyone up. hahaha....do it to the song "Candy". I have been thinking about my reception party and how I don't want the "older folks" to get turned off by the music. I'm going to make sure I start with some old school tunes to get everyone up. Lotsa MJ and Lionel Ritchie. By the time they get tired and want to have a seat, the dj can break out the new music.

For the first dance I think it would be cute if the guests could almost like gather around the couple in a circle. Then they have a close up view of the dance....not sure if you'll find that weird for you guys or not. Lol. Another idea is to start the dance off with just the two of you and then invite all the loving couples to join you on the dance floor and have them dance with ea other as a symbol of wishing the newlyweds well as they start their journey together. Lastly, I have seen sparklers for the first dance and for the entry to the reception. If ppl gather around for the first dance they could hold sparklers or candles or something like that. Would make for amazing photos.