andreann

We had an engagement party that was like an AHR minus the dinner and the ceremony. It was a cocktail that started at 5 and lasted until about midnight! We did it in Guatemala where most of family and friends are, because most of them will not be able to make the DW. We didnt expect so many of his people to come! But we actually had a group of 15 OOT.so I made OOT bags for them that included homemade bacon-fig jam, Guatemalan cofee, peacock earrings (we had a peacock theme!). In a way it was like an AHR and a DW in one. In hindsight, I would have hired some bartenders and servers, gone with the DIY route for the decor. We spent too much momey on the decor and I was not impressed (I said I wanted anything BUt roses and the centerpieces were all rose!). We had a major candy bar that was so pretty it was the focal point for the whole thing. We got a caterer to do it so that we didnt have to pay corkage at a venue. Did signature drinks and only one champagne pp for the toast. I would recommend having beer and some other manly drinks becuase although the women loved the tequila-watermelon, tamarind martini and blackberry mojitos, many of the guys wanted something different (we sent out to buy some extra stuff to have something on hand last minute). We had a live band and trust me, it is worth the investment. We only did a couple of hours to keep costs down, and had ipod to warm up and cool down... but it made the party. I would say skip the decor if you have to, forget oot bags, but have good music. I wore a white dress that I ordered from china for $125 and added some turquoise gemstones. In all, it was around $4,000. My mom had offered 3 and we paid the difference. It ended up being like a wedding a wedding almost, and it was amazing everybody still talks about it... although its alot compared to our wedding budget. I would have cut costs on the planner, food, and decor and used it towards the actual wedding. Aaaaaaand I dont think the oot bags really had an impact, nice as they were I dont think they were appreciated compared to the amount of time money and effort I put into them We had probably 115 people total, bit it was kind of coming amd going since it was a cocktail so it was nice my FI and I were able to be with everyone withhout feeling pressured or rushed. We really enjoyed the party as did everybody else. I kind of liked doing it is way because it was as exciting as an ahr but far enough apart that both events are given importance. We did invite everybody to both events but because of the different locations and the fact that we are from different places, there is not much overlap except for our close family. in summary: As long as you have great music, enough drinks, and good company it will be great. And make sure you have a photographer to capture everything for the future!

Do you still have shell for ring bearer? Pictures?

Thats the Dress I ordered already from wholesale factory. Fingers crossed. I hope it doesnt look too much like lingerie! I asked them to cover the back so there is no see through lace and tthe front thigh are have it not be bare. The second one I would like to order (depending on how this one turns out) is a replica of Aire Barcelona. Im thinking I might want em to leave the ruffles as raw edge instead. I dont want it too look to frilly and think raw edge might give it a softer look. Opinions? Based on these two styles, wht do you think is better for ceremony and for reception? Thanks everyone!

Thank you for your advice! Its really thorough and helpful and I appreciate it. What made you choose denias bridal instead of the other three? I love the Burgos style of dress from aire barcelona and am trying to figure out which of the four you suggested to order from.

US Shell is the best price wise... But they have a $150 minimum! I was all set to checkout! OT doesn't have all of the variety I am looking for. Any other suggestions?

Ok so for months I have had the following color scheme turquoise-primary golden yellow- secondary coral- accent Here are some of my inspiration pictures: http://pinterest.com/andreanovella/wedding-ideas/ I thought of using beach elements (shells, starfish, etc) because there was limited access to flowers in Labadee. I figured it would be a more affordable way to decorate using these elements, as well as some vases, etc. But now that we are doing the ceremony in Jamaica, flowers are a more viable option. I just found out that the restaurant where the reception is held has a color scheme that kind of clashes with mine. Its a dark, warm space with wood, kind of a rich feel. The fresh, bright, light color palette doesn't really work. So I am torn between changing the beach ceremony color palette so that the reception colors will look well at the venue, or leaving the colors different for the ceremony. Bronze- Primary Pewter gray- Primary Yellow- Secondary Green- Accent Or maybe throw red in there instead of one of the colors or in addition... As you can see, I can't make up my mind!!! I like the glamour and chicness of the more muted color palette, its more elegant and classic. But on the other hand, brights will pop much more! On the beach, the neutrals give it a more ethereal and romantic look because it kind of blends into the sand, etc. whereas the bright colors are bold. I like both! Fiance loves this but we both think it needs at least one color to make it pop. Comments? Suggestions? Help!!

Ok so for months I have had the following color scheme turquoise-primary golden yellow- secondary coral- accent Here are some of my inspiration pictures: http://pinterest.com/andreanovella/wedding-ideas/ I thought of using beach elements (shells, starfish, etc) because there was limited access to flowers in Labadee. I figured it would be a more affordable way to decorate using these elements, as well as some vases, etc. But now that we are doing the ceremony in Jamaica, flowers are a more viable option. I just found out that the restaurant where the reception is held has a color scheme that kind of clashes with mine. Its a dark, warm space with wood, kind of a rich feel. The fresh, bright, light color palette doesn't really work. So I am torn between changing the beach ceremony color palette so that the reception colors will look well at the venue, or leaving the colors different for the ceremony. Bronze- Primary Pewter gray- Primary Yellow- Secondary Green- Accent Or maybe throw red in there instead of one of the colors or in addition... As you can see, I can't make up my mind!!! I like the glamour and chicness of the more muted color palette, its more elegant and classic. But on the other hand, brights will pop much more! On the beach, the neutrals give it a more ethereal and romantic look because it kind of blends into the sand, etc. whereas the bright colors are bold. I like both! Fiance loves this but we both think it needs at least one color to make it pop. Comments? Suggestions? Help!!

Ok so for months I have had the following color scheme turquoise-primary golden yellow- secondary coral- accent Here are some of my inspiration pictures: http://pinterest.com/andreanovella/wedding-ideas/ I thought of using beach elements (shells, starfish, etc) because there was limited access to flowers in Labadee. I figured it would be a more affordable way to decorate using these elements, as well as some vases, etc. But now that we are doing the ceremony in Jamaica, flowers are a more viable option. I just found out that the restaurant where the reception is held has a color scheme that kind of clashes with mine. Its a dark, warm space with wood, kind of a rich feel. The fresh, bright, light color palette doesn't really work. So I am torn between changing the beach ceremony color palette so that the reception colors will look well at the venue, or leaving the colors different for the ceremony. Bronze- Primary Pewter gray- Primary Yellow- Secondary Green- Accent Or maybe throw red in there instead of one of the colors or in addition... As you can see, I can't make up my mind!!! I like the glamour and chicness of the more muted color palette, its more elegant and classic. But on the other hand, brights will pop much more! On the beach, the neutrals give it a more ethereal and romantic look because it kind of blends into the sand, etc. whereas the bright colors are bold. I like both! Fiance loves this but we both think it needs at least one color to make it pop. Comments? Suggestions? Help!!

Ok so for months I have had the following color scheme turquoise-primary golden yellow- secondary coral- accent Here are some of my inspiration pictures: http://pinterest.com/andreanovella/wedding-ideas/ I thought of using beach elements (shells, starfish, etc) because there was limited access to flowers in Labadee. I figured it would be a more affordable way to decorate using these elements, as well as some vases, etc. But now that we are doing the ceremony in Jamaica, flowers are a more viable option. I just found out that the restaurant where the reception is held has a color scheme that kind of clashes with mine. Its a dark, warm space with wood, kind of a rich feel. The fresh, bright, light color palette doesn't really work. So I am torn between changing the beach ceremony color palette so that the reception colors will look well at the venue, or leaving the colors different for the ceremony. Bronze- Primary Pewter gray- Primary Yellow- Secondary Green- Accent Or maybe throw red in there instead of one of the colors or in addition... As you can see, I can't make up my mind!!! I like the glamour and chicness of the more muted color palette, its more elegant and classic. But on the other hand, brights will pop much more! On the beach, the neutrals give it a more ethereal and romantic look because it kind of blends into the sand, etc. whereas the bright colors are bold. I like both! Fiance loves this but we both think it needs at least one color to make it pop. Comments? Suggestions? Help!!

Hi everybody! Just wanted to say "hello" and tell you a little bit about me, my fiancé dave, and the wedding! We are going to do a wedding cruise on royal caribbean Liberty of the Seas. Originally we were going to do the ceremony in Labadee, but Dave's brother can't make it (his wife is pregnant and wasn't allowed onboard!) so we moved it to Jamaica instead.So we will have the ceremony in Jamaica and then a cocktail/reception onboard later that evening. Our ceremony is just a symbolic ceremony that we are writing up based on our favorite readings, traditions, etc.Dave is catholic, I am half jewish half catholic, I am originally from Guatemala, he is Canadian, we both have italian families... So we are incorporating a little bit of all of that into the wedding. We just decided to do this about three weeks ago... So the wedding is kind of last minute in terms of planning, although we have been engaged since August of last year. And the last minute change to Jamaica also switches things up. I am having a hard time making decisions so this site is really helpful! My fiancee is great but "whatever makes you happy honey" doesn't really help me to choose among all the infinite options! Thanks in advance to everyone for all of their help and support! Andrea

Thanks so much! Do you have any pictures?!

Best luck! Let me know how it turns out! Do you have a plan b?

I just ordered an Inbal Dror inspired gown from dhgate (wholesale factory is the seller). I am nervous to see how it will turn out. Anyone have any dhgate experiences to share? Any particular sellers you recommend or recommend against? Thanks ladies!

Thinking about orderi g this from dhgate Any feedback? Seller is wholesalefactory

Hi! Im also thinking about ordering through dh gate and wondering what seller you used? Were you happy with the result? Thanks!

Hi Im getting married on the same port and ship and date. Lets connect maybe we can help each other out somehow.

I am also getting married at Labadee and were doing Liberty as well! Are you still doing the beach wedding? What time will your ceremony be?