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mstigger

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Posts posted by mstigger

  1. Allie,

    What a wonderful review and I am so glad to hear it all went really, really well. The ceremony and decorations were beautiful, you did a fantastic job.

    I can't believe I've only got 4 months, boy it sure snuck up on me but I CAN'T wait!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful experience!!

    Originally Posted by AllieH View Post

    We got all of our photos a couple of days ago (all 800!!!). I've now posted a review, including pics of the ceremony & reception sets up, and our reception food. Just thought I'd share it with the EDR brides! 

     

    http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/el-dorado-casitas-royale-by-karisma-all-inclusive/reviews/6756

     

     
  2. Let's do this again;

     

    700

    Invitation

     

    700

    All of the invitations :)

    Originally Posted by mstigger View Post

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year EDR brides!! Hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season. I've been busy, busy trying to get my invites done and ready to mail. Here they are......thoughts???

     

     

     

     

    And here is what I've been doing....man it was a lot of work, but worth it I think!!!

     

     

     

     

    Whew.....on to the next thing woot.gif

    post-59483-138622446875_thumb.jpg

    post-59483-138622446876_thumb.jpg

  3. Erin 1,

    I am doing the same as Lindsey. Keeping it very, very simple. We chose the D'Italia Casitas Gazebo because it is very close to the water and directly on the beach. I can't imagine we need much more than the beach :)

    I am doing chair hangers with starfish and buying the chair sashes from that website that Allie provided. We are doing the reception at the Health Bar and just the tables with colored runners from the same website and a few shells on the table.

    I'm not doing programs or menus. I am having a fan with a little card on it that has our names on it. I will post a pic once I am able to get one of them done.

    So I would say it's all about what you like and what you really, really want. When I first started planning I had wanted all kinds of things....sheers, chair covers, sashes, flowers, lots and lots of flowers.....but after some time and seeing other pictures I actually decided that for me less was more!!!

    Have fun with it and decide what's really important to you!!

    Originally Posted by CanadianLindsey View Post


    My set up and decor was super simple. The resort is so beautiful you don't need a bunch of stuff to fill it up like a regular hall or venue. We had gazebo sheers in our colours and the matching fabric runner with 2 $60 flower arrangement on the gazebo. Those 2 flower arrangements went to the reception for decor on the guestbook table and then the reception tables had a coloured fabric runner, 3 candles I brought from home(which didn't stay lit b/c of ocean breeze) and a vase each which we put the bridal bouquets in. That was all for decor for us besides the favors by each spot! And it was awesome! The resort had tiki torches with fire leading up the path to Tucannes where our reception was held(I never paid for or requested them!!)

  4. YAY!!! Well, we will have it with us so it's not a big deal but I wanted to make sure.

    I can't believe time is flying by so fast......so much to do!!

     

    Got everything together to start my invites.........have I mentioned I'm totally NOT crafty?? Not sure why I took on DIY invites, but oh well......here we go!! pinkie.gif

    Me and a glue gun...should make for some good entertainment for my kids!!

     

    Oh, I got my shoes......I will post a pic soon....OMG they rock!!!

     

    Originally Posted by TheWolferts View Post

    If you are doing a symbolic ceremony, Mexico/the resort does not need any documentation about you being married. Some people actually arent legally married in the States until they get back. SInce it isnt legal, you dont have to have a license.

  5. To all you brides who did the symbolic ceremony, did they make you show your marriage license?

    Here's why I ask...in SC you only need the signature and stamp of a notary public on your marriage license, then you file it and it's a done deal.....ceremony or not.

    A friend of ours is a notary and is coming with us. We were going to sign our license and have her stamp it that day......shhhhhhhhh don't tell the state of SC lalala.gif

     

    Soooooooooo......think they will care that our license isn't signed until that day???

    Thanks so much!!
     

  6. Originally Posted by LKocelko View Post

     

    Allie gave me a great website for the sashes and table runners. The sashes were $0.60 per sash, as opposed to the $4 per sash EDR charged. In addition the table runners were just like $3, instead of the $15 they quoted. We just ordered it all yesterday!

    http://www.tableclothsfactory.com/tablecloths-Table-Linens-Chair-Covers-Sashes-s/6.htm

     

    We also went ahead and bought our gazebo sheers, and will bring them down in one of those space saver bags where you can vacuum seal it so they don't take up much space. I couldn't stomach the $150 per sheer, but really wanted to have them. We got them for $20 each! A steal if you ask me.

    http://www.efavormart.com/tulle-and-organza.aspx

     

    Thank you SOOO much!!!

    Now I just need to figure out how many I should get.....no idea how many guests we are having at this point. 12 for sure......hmmmmmm

    I'm not doing any sheers because we are using the casitas gazebo and I don't like the way the sheers look on it, but since we are right on the water I don't think we need much else.

    Yay, yay, yay!!!! cheer2.gif

    I'm going SHOPPING!!!

  7. Thanks so much Allie!

    No need to hunt those websites, it looks like you already found them for someone and she passed the info on to me :)

    I can't wait to see the shells you have available!!!

    Did you have to be pushy to get that $150 flat fee or were they reasonable about it? I'm not bringing much so I can't see paying $5 per person unless we don't have many people. Guess I will play that one by ear!!

    Thanks again!

    Gail

    Originally Posted by AllieH View Post

    Yes, they only charged me the $150 to set up everything - the ceremony site, and Tucanes as well. This included hanging all of the lanterns. She told me during our onsite meeting that they would normally charge $5 per person for the set up, but they would include everything in the $150.

    Quote:

     

    Hi MsTigger:

    1. I bought them from another BDW bride, so they were a bargain. I've seen them on a couple of websites for around $0.40 each though. I'll hunt around tonight and post the links for you.

     

    2. All of the set up (excluding the paper lanterns) would have been included in the $5pp. So menus on the tables, centerpieces, cake table, guest book table, place cards, chair sashes at both sites, menus for the reception, etc. would have been in the $5pp, if they had charged me that. The paper lanterns are $150 to hang because of the work involved, and would have been in addition the $5pp. Instead they just charged me the $150.

     

    3. I haven't sold the shells or starfish yet. I have a variety of sizes of both shells and starfish. The picture of the centerpieces will give you and idea of the variety that I have. I can try to take some pics tonight so you can see the volume.

     

  8. Hey Allie!

     

    Congrats on everything, it looks like and sounds like everything went REALLY well. I'm so glad to hear that!!

    I have a couple of questions for you.....

     

    1. Where did you get the chair sashes for cheap? I figure if I have to pay $5 per person for them to decorate I can bring what I want!

    2. Is this what you paid $5 per person for them to set up for you?

    3. Did you sell your starfish/shells/etc yet? I'm interested in seeing what shells you are selling.

     

    I'm so happy for you!!!!
     

  9. Hey Shannon!

    I am getting married in April and was lucky enough to get to visit the resort in September. Gazebo 55 is much more secluded and at the far end of the resort, but I honestly don't think you can pick a gazebo that is not incredibly beautiful!!!

    We are having less than 20 guests, so after visiting all of the wedding sites we decided to go with the Casitas Gazebo which is just like the Beach Chapel Terrace Gazebo, but is right on the water. Even having a small wedding we are going with the private reception because we want to have the donkey! :)

     

    Just know that you may change your mind 100 times and that's ok, have fun with it!!!

     

    Originally Posted by Shannon Burgess View Post

    AllieH...One more thing I am really curious about...I booked Beach Chapel Terrace Gazebo but after seeing that a majority of you girls picked Gazebo 55 I am contemplating a switch. If you have a chance, could you go by the beach chapel terrace gazebo and let me know what you think of the location? And pro's and cons of having the ceremony there verses Gazebo 55. I have only seen a few photos of each and I'd really like to have something else to base my decision on. I will be forever in your debt if you can do this for me. Thanks :) :) :) 

  10. Originally Posted by AllieH View Post

     

    We rode all over the resort this morning. The other gazebo I like is presidential or Fuentes, but I'm not sure which one it was. The next one north of 55.

    The wedding coordinators have been great. Our group dinner at cocotal was fabulous last night!

    The food was amazing, the kept the wine flowing, and brought tequila shots for the crazies.

    Hairstyle rehearsal with mirabel was great too. She did exactly what I wanted, and then fixed it before I went to dinner in a different style.

    IMO, it's absolutely worth it for the casitas. The villa rooms I've seen are much smaller.

    I can't tell you how much we love the resort. It is perfect.

    FYI, there were 5 weddings yesterday. If you have any flexibility, I'd suggest not picking a Saturday. There is only 1 today, 1 Friday and 1 tomorrow (mine!)

    If I can answer any questions, please let me know. Thankfully we have another week here!

    Oh Allie, I'm so glad you love the resort!! We did too and I cannot wait to go back and get married. Luckily for us we are getting married on a Sunday. Still planning on it being small, I think we will have 14 or 16 guests mostly just family.

    Enjoy your day and have a fabulous time!! Eat some guacamole for me :)

  11. I'm so glad someone else mentioned glow sticks!!! I just stocked up on pink and blue ones and while I was at it I got myself a pink glow stick wand, after all I am the queen that day!! 1-pray.gif

    Hahahaha, at least that's my story!!

     

    Originally Posted by murmel View Post

    Make it a relaxed, casual thing! Do it by the lake, but make sure it's just burgers and beer, etc. Maybe make it an "all white party" to have a little fun? Have a few photo books around so people can see the wedding photos, and maybe a laptop with a video or slideshow running. We did a casual cocktail hour (2 hours) and yes, I wore my dress! People loved it. And yes, some brought gifts, but  most just came out to celebrate with us. And I don't think you should be worried about who to invite. People may not have attended the wedding for cost factors, but would love to be included closer to home!

    700This is our RSVP card (for the DW ), but you might be able to play with the wording...

     

     

    Most people will dance, since it's a relaxed environment. But I love the suggestion from another bride- get song requests! That way there is something for everyone. And if you think glowsticks will make the party, buy some at Micheal's craft store and have them available for after dinner to get the party started!

    So happy to hear you found your photographer. It is always such a difficult and expensive task. :)

  12. Originally Posted by AllieH View Post

     

    ok, this is for MsT! 

    now the "done" list: 

     

    chair sashes
    striped straws
    orange basket (for our guestbook/mad lib collection)
    various shells and starfish from other BDW brides
    my dress, shoes, and longline bra
    wedding night lingerie (woot!)
    base of our invites and envelopes
    monogram postcards
    return address labels
    inserts for key holders
    orange & white twine for various crafts + invite ties
    materials to make my veil
    starfish & shell stamps for our place cards
    wooden starfish & shells to be painted and put on our table
    our photographer is booked
    our registries are done (Macy's & Crate & Barrel)
    guest book/mad libs
    my sash & hair flower
    paper lanterns for aisle decoration & Tucanes decorations
    lanyards & pouches for key holders (40)
    Confirm reception location
    finalize our menu choices (so we can put them on the RSVP, wedding website, etc)
    my jewelry - necklace, earrings, bracelet
    need to paint the wooden shells & starfish
    menu for rehearsal dinner
    bride's hanger
    invite "sash" and envelope liners
    labels for the straws (mini-banners)
    my bouquet and his boutonniere, corsages
    bev. Napkins
    fans for ceremony
    shells, starfish
    oot bags
    his band
    embroidered date label for dress
    book our airfare 
    assemble the invites once I get the pieces
    bouts for men
    his attire 
    doorhangers
    thank you boards
    table # holders
    my veil
    cake serving set
    mugs
    favors (ornaments, windchimes)
    LED lights & batteries
    mug labels
    wedding weekend events timeline
    book Amber's airfare
    conductive tape
    vase/jar for centerpiece
    LED throwies
    tags for favors
    place cards (once we have the RSVP/menu selections back)

     

     

    The "to do list" that is left:

     

    table #'s/decorate holders
    playlists of music for ceremony (he's in charge of playlist for dinner & reception)
    write ceremony

     

    my OOT bag list: 

     

    OOT Bags
    antibacterials
    lip balm
    key holders
    tylenol
    advil/aleve
    immodium
    mugs
    shout wipes
    mints/gum
    band aids
    tums

     

    (we didn't end up getting tums)

     

    I have a few more that broke the above up into groups like "decor", "paper goods", "to buy", etc. 

     

    My friends asked me if I have a spreadsheet for packing - boy do they know me well!! I don't, but that's because I used to travel a lot and packing is pretty easy, even for long trips. 

     

    I have a tab of different music that I collected as I came across it or thought of it, especially while browsing pinterest. and another of various ceremony words and things I've found that I'll use to write our ceremony sometime in the next couple of weeks. For some reason that's been the hard part for me! 

     

    Anyway, I can share any of the stuff I have, just PM me your email and I'll send it along. I know I'm crazy... 

     

    elefant.gif

     

     

     

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!! I just started my lists today, got a bit carried away but hey I need all of these!!!

    I haven't even thought about music!! Are you writing your ceremony because you want to or is that what they ask you to do?

    We are just doing the symbolic ceremony.....I wasn't really keen on the idea of blood work in Mexico cool.gif

  13. Originally Posted by AllieH View Post

     

    ok, take a deep breath!! it'll all work out...

     

    we talked to most of our guests about a year out from our wedding. we sent out electronic STDs and make your deposits about 11 months prior to our date - it wasn't ideal, as we only had a short window to get those deposits down and hold the room block for the discounts we got. But it worked and we got everyone booked. The initial deposit was $50pp, non refundable.

     

    We have a website which has all of the details on cost, travel agent, resort info, etc. We put the website on the STD, and directed everyone there for more info.

     

    Formal invites weren't absolutely necessary, but I wanted them b/c I had to do an electronic STD. we also needed to get everyone's entree selection for the private dinner/reception, and RSVPs for the welcome dinner at Cocotal. I sent these out in late July, with a September 1 due date (and got most of them back from our "yes" guests, and a few back from our "no" invitees).

     

    make lists, and start checking things off. prioritize the things that matter most to you, and let go of some of the small things. No matter what, your wedding will be amazing!! oh yeah, and take another deep breath!

     

    Quote:

    Thanks Allie!!! Your message helped a ton.....I finally got control and that overwhelming feeling of impending doom is gone! flypig.gif

    I have found an invitation I like and have decided against going with a DIY. After comparing the costs, this was much cheaper and I really like the ones I picked.  Should be getting the sample early next week and will post a pic.

    I also picked out the MOH dress and she ordered it....$26 from Lulu's....very cute and tropical and she can wear again!!

    Found some decorations I like and the bouquet, so now just to work out the details of those.

    I feel so much better!!

    Thanks again for the support!! Crazy how you can feel so overwhelmed!!

  14. Originally Posted by chiquita8302 View Post

     

    http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/65502/teiras-diy-passport-invitations-lots-of-pic/90#post_1779175

     

    Hi there! I did the passport invites, but I included pictures of each page (i think i forgot 2 pages actually) but it shows how I laid it out. Let me know if you want any add'l details. :)

    These are great!! What a neat idea! So you already sent your invitations out? I haven't even started mine.....I was thinking of a DIY message in a bottle invitation, but just feel like I am in a time crunch and won't have time to get them done. I'm thinking of a traditional invitation that requires a LOT less work, but worried I won't be able to include all the information, etc.

    BangHead.gif This is how I feel right now.....like I have so many decisions to make and things that need to be done and I just don't know where to begin. I think I asked this before of all of you, but how far in advance are you sending out invites and are you sending out a reminder after that or is the invite it? I'm a hot mess right now!!!

  15. Hello ladies!!!

    We have returned from our romantic getaway/check-it-out trip to EDR. I'm SOOOO glad we were able to make this trip. The resort is absolutely beautiful and the food is so much better than you can even imagine. We toured all of the wedding sites and I'm so glad because we changed everything that we had decided on.....imagine that!!

    I will say that when we first arrived there was a bit of a problem and we had to wait FOREVER for our room and I was not so certain I had made the right decision as far as wedding location, but once that was resolved we had an absolutely amazing time.

    I will post some pics soon and more details.

     

    CONGRATS Oneill12......your pictures are great and I love how you kept it simple with only white. Just BEAUTIFUL!!! I love your starfish as well.....I'm thinking of doing something similar!

  16. Originally Posted by ONEILL12 View Post

     

    We leave at 6:30 Wednesday morning !    woot.gif

     

    mstigger- It's too bad you won't be there this Saturday, you could come watch our ceremony! We'll be there until the 21st too, maybe we'll run into each other. We'll be staying in a casita, but we do have guests staying on the royale side. We've been counting down this trip for many months so if you see a rowdy crowd from Indiana having a good time, that may be us :)

     

    After having my first dress ruined in alterations, I bought my second dress and I am happy to say that it now fits just the way I hoped it would!

     

    My to-do list seems to be growing even as I check items off of it! We still have to pick our ceremony music, finish packing, and run last minute errands. I almost don't want Wednesday to get here because I know that our time at EDR will go so quickly once we arrive sad.gif

    YAY!!!!! Congrats!!

     

    Oh, it would have been awesome to see your ceremony!! Hopefully we will run into you while we are there.

     

    Good luck with your last minute errands and have a wonderfully, fabulous time!! Hope to see you there! smile123.gif

  17. Originally Posted by amanda50388 View Post

     

    You are going to have so much fun, we did the same thing, but we toured all the Karisma resorts and a couple of resorts in Cancun till we picked El Dorado Royale. You also, can take tours down there and end up enjoying a free massage and dinner on the beach for free, alot of our guests did this and i believe it last a couple hours, but getting some of that stuff for free was worth it to them. I am sure they will personal tour you guys like they did with us, which is nice and i am sure you will see some rooms too. Also, i see that you are getting married on April 21st, that is so close to our one year which will be on the 30th, were looking forward to going back next year. Enjoy yourselves and try as many things as you can. :)

    Thanks Amanda!!! I'm so excited!! I have basically put everything on hold until after this trip, that way I know for sure exactly what I want and if it will work or not.

    I feel like I'm falling a bit behind in the planning process, but it's almost here so it will be fine......or so I keep telling myself!!

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