flo628

@@GingerJ228 I heard it's not a good idea- your packages can get held at customs with no warning, the officials open all the boxes, and they throw things out if they think they were made in China. At least that's what I read in a thread on her somewhere. I wouldn't risk it, I would be crushed if anything got lost. I think I read somewhere that they open every pkg that comes into Mexico. Someone on here bought a large plastic tote (a cheap one) and put all the OOT bags, etc in them, and then just left it in Mexico. My hotel has a site in San Diego and is allowing me to send things there, and they will drive it over to their hotel in Cabo for me. Maybe your resort has something like this?

@@Shermul Thank you! I bought the tags here: http://www.idcardgroup.com/ I also still have 60 left if you are interested in buying less than 100.

@amarie4713 @moodyc82 I have about....60 left? Email me if you are interested: [email protected] They are 75 cents each. Here are pics of what I did with them: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/75616-my-diy-luggage-tag-save-the-dates-using-hard-plastic/ Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Mlite83 We did Mad Libs for our guest book and they are AMAZING! There is a perfect mix of heartfelt and hilarious - my husband and I were dying of laughter reading the responses! I liked that the Mad Lib gave people a chance to write more than their names and a brief congratulatory message. We had two different versions of the Mad Lib - we printed them out on brightly coloured card stock and they were set up when people entered the reception. I've attached a couple photos of the finished product below - so glad we did this, it is one of our favourite wedding keepsakes! I have to do this, especially we have a lot of writers coming to our wedding!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tinkerbell82 Okay- here she is! I'm sorry for the horrible pic quality, and please excuse the mess (we're moving and there's boxes everywhere). Sideways! Sorry, but this should give you a good idea. The bust detail Lace at the bottom Built in Bra and boning For the price I'm really happy with the way it came out. My only issue is that its a bit too long, and with the lace bottom I can't shorten it. Aside from that though I had a great experience with Babyonline! @Tinkerbell82 Wow, that looks REALLY good. I noticed on some dresses that lace edging is sewn in, but sewn so well you can't tell it's a separate fabric from the chiffon. You should check with the seamstress and see if it is indeed separate, maybe she can still shorten it. Or she might be able to shorten it from the waist. I think your dress actually looks better than the inspiration pics.

We are checking out hacienda Cocina y cantina and Baja Cantina, but they are both in the heart of downtown cabo San Lucas. Where is your wedding going to be?

Oh wow, what a fantastic job you did! I love your cork board map guest book- did you just have your guests sign all over it? I have a mini map theme going on, and my FH will really love this. Thank you for all the great detail! Just a beautiful wedding.

Quote: Originally Posted by robin439 I recently returned from my Cabo wedding (will post a full review soon), and used Maye as my wedding planner. Unfortunately my experience was not positive, and based on my experience I can not recommend her to other brides. It seems that the experiences with her on this forum continue to be inconsistent (some great, some not so great), similar to how they were several years ago when there was more feedback on her. In short, I found her to be disorganized, lack attention to detail, and on a couple of occasions dishonest/ manipulative. I found her to be very quick to initially respond to emails, but her follow through was very poor. I found her to be very reactive, and not a proactive and planful with our wedding process. It is true that she is probably one of the least expensive planners in Cabo, but honestly after my experience, I would have paid not to use her at all. Given my experience with her attention to detail, I probably couldn't even recommend her for day of wedding supervision. On a positive note, she was hard working, nice and does seem to mean well. Additionally, the vendors that we did use from her were reliable. Lastly, she knew I was very unhappy on several occasions and did work with me on price because of this. Working with her was one of the most stressful parts of my wedding planning process. I plan to write glowing reviews about almost everyone else we worked with in Cabo, but unfortunately this completely missed the mark for me. I will write a full review and provide further details/ examples, but if you have questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out by private message. Thank you for this feedback. I found I had a similar experience just in the short time I spoke to her when I was interviewing coordinators. This makes me very happy with my choice in Illeana, and so far she has been great. I can't wait to read your review on your wedding! I'm going for my site visit in just 4 days!

This might be the most impressive DIY I've seen yet.

Here's mine

HERE'S MINE!

Hi Ladies, I finished these a few months ago, but finally have time to post pics of them! I made up my own template for the front and back, downloaded some fonts, and printed everything using cardstock I "borrowed" from work, and a work printer. I "borrowed" the entire idea from @PynkLemonade so thank you PynkLemonade! Yours came out better than mine- you can't even tell yours was a DIY, I wish I had a crafty sister too. My colors are light blue/teal, peach and gray, so the ribbons were different combos of the colors. I got the starfish charms on Etsy, and luggage tags at the card id online store. Here is my word template for the STDs: After I made sure the size fit well, I converted it to a PDF and printed on cardstock, and used a paper cutter. **I have extra luggage tags if anyone wants to purchase the leftovers. I have about 60- $0.75 each, buyer pays for shipping (depending where, about $5-10). PM if you are interested** Happy planning, everyone!

Quote: Originally Posted by amarie4713 I feel like I'll never make it to 150 posts. Clearly I just do not have enough to say! Try searching games- that gave me a lot...and you have a lot of time! So don't fret.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nov2013cabowed Hi again Flo I actually had a time share at Casa Dorada and considered hosting our wedding there but their coordinator last year (forgot her name) was so unresponsive. Prices were good, attention to detail and responsiveness horrible. That was the most frustrating part. Also, this hotel is on Medano Beach so there's a lot of visitor-vendor traffic on that beach. The hotel itself is beautiful, very modern, and their suites have a small kitchen with fridge, stove and microwave so if guests are up for a 5 minute drive to the Walmart Supercenter to load up on food and drinks, they will save a ton of money during their stay. Thanks for the info- I was warned about the vendors on Medano Beach so we are having the wedding in the resort on a terrace looking out to the beach so you can't actually see any of the vendors from there. The music from the bar next door is loud as well, but they say they turn it down when there is a wedding. We'll see! And thanks for the tip on Walmart!

Quote: Originally Posted by flo628 Quote: Originally Posted by magda26 I haven't had much issue with family and friends, knowing my European side of the family is appalled at how unconventional a DW is, and not wanting to spend money. Here's my issue with a bridesmaid instead... Prepare for a long story/rant (or feel free to skip ahead): So, I had always planned to get married in my hometown of Chicago. Then I met my fiance in Mexico (he was there for a friend's wedding), and it just made sense to get married where we first met. I wouldn't feel right making his large family have to spend money to come to Chicago, while mine can just drive over. (And his family would travel to the end of the world for us) When we still debated the location for our wedding, it was mostly because I was feeling the pressure from my "friends" and at one point I even asked my brother for advice. He got married in Europe, and a lot of people didn't show up that we expected to. What he told me is "make this day about yourself and what you want, not what people you see once a year want" which is true - my family who lives in Chicago never comes over for holidays, my college graduation, nothing. I actually haven't seen most of them in years... So future hubby and I decided Mexico is the right place to get married. Well, from the beginning I already knew who definitely would not make it. What surprised me was that a lot of my parents' friends actually started mailing me checks for deposits already, even though we don't know the prices yet! They said they will be there without a question, and I honestly did not expect that because they're Europeans and hang on tightly to their money. I also prepared myself for my brother and sis-in-law's comments because they didn't even go on a honeymoon because they think travel is a waste of money. However this is my brother and he said whatever I decide, he will be there. Here's something that surprised me the most. One of my BMs (I don't have a MOH, just 3 BM - my two friends and a cousin), ever since I said it will be Mexico, has just been mean about everything. She even made comments about my engagement ring, has been rude to my fiance, switches the subject when I bring up the wedding. I said I am paying for the BM dresses because I know the travel is already expensive for them, all three will just have graduated college when I get married. I also said I understand if they can't make the financial commitment and to tell me right away if they would just not be attending - I am not expecting anything, just an honest answer. The thing is, at first the BM#1 would just not care about anything related to my wedding, I even saw her rolling her eyes when I was buying my wedding dress. BM#2 (who is BM#1's roommate) could not have been more supportive. I know her money is tight, but she said there is no way she would miss my wedding. As soon as she got my save the date, she hung it up in her room and is always asking if I need any help. I told her that I didn't feel like BM#1 was being a genuine friend, making me feel bad about my wedding. BM#2 said not to worry about it... Fast forward a couple of months, BM#1's cousin gets engaged. Suddenly, she won't stop talking about her cousin's custom designed ring, her wedding that will be in Chicago, and her designer dress. I almost started crying when I visited her, because I asked how the wedding dress shopping for her cousin went. She starts telling me about how the dress is designer, custom made, handmade, etc. I say that is awesome, I'm happy that the cousin gets to get everything she ever wanted for her wedding (at the same time, I'm more than happy about scoring deals on my wedding because I'm a very frugal person and enjoy saving money). Then BM#1 starts talking about how she would never take her cousin to David's Bridal because "you know, she can't walk down the aisle in a David's Bridal dress." Well, my dress is from DB, and she is well aware of that because she was with me when I got it... I have been clear that I'd rather save my money on things like the dress, jewelry, flowers, etc, so I could get a good photo/video package, a good DJ, and be able to help out my guests as much as I can. I have been budget shopping for everything, and I don't see anything wrong with wearing a dress that didn't cost as much as a used car! Then, I started telling BM#1 and BM#2 about my ideas for the centerpieces (I'm using the free ones from my hotel, but adding tulle and seashells around it) and BM#2 is all excited about it, asking if there's anything I need. BM#1 just... ignores me. Then at one point she looks up, and makes a comment about how she practically will have to hitchhike to my wedding because she can't afford it. God, if the money is all that this is about, just tell me! Why ruin our friendship and my happiness with being rude when you're just upset about me having a destination wedding... There are other things that she has said and done that have made me reconsider her BM position (and our friendship), but criticizing my dress choice and budget wedding has crossed the line. I even began thinking about just having one person stand up with me since that would be easiest, but I just don't know if I'll make the situation worse by cutting her out. I don't want to lose a friend over money, but it seems like anything I decide at this point is going to be eye-rolled simply because it's a DW. And by the way, here's my dress. Who the hell is going to look at its tag on the wedding day anyway? So sorry for the rant! This has been bottling up inside me for the last year... @magda26 I feel so bad for you. I am a true believer that anyone who is negative or mean or unsupportive of your wedding isn't a real friend. For anyone to not understand that a person only get married once (well...you know what I mean) and it's YOUR DAY is unbelievable. I am in my early 30s and have been to a lot of weddings in the last 10 years and have always said to the bride that I loved their choice of whatever, and anything I can do to help, just ask. It's really that simple. A friend of mine got really angry at me a couple of weeks ago for not inviting her husband. Gasp, I know, but let me explain- he is very anti-social, has no filter between his brain and mouth, has very often offended people when he thought he was being funny (especially wait staff), and while he is very sweet to me, he makes many people feel uncomfortable. So I decided I wasn't giving her a +1. She made some comments and I was blunt with her- she is welcome to RSVP no if she likes. I know this sounds harsh, but I really don't think that I need to justify anything on my day. I also explained to her that I didn't appreciate her trying to make me feel guilty about not inviting her husband with her comments- if she wanted to say something, then just say it. I really think you should be honest if you want to remain friends. Give her examples of what she has said and how hurtful they were, and the fact that it's pretty hypocritical to complain she has no money to get to your wedding and then say you're being cheap on your dress, etc. If her reaction is nothing but regret and surprise and shame, then you should remain friends. If she's defensive and mad that you're mad/hurt, then drop her- she's not worth it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck, and try not to let people like that ruin what should be one of your happiest day. PS your dress is gorgeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by magda26 I haven't had much issue with family and friends, knowing my European side of the family is appalled at how unconventional a DW is, and not wanting to spend money. Here's my issue with a bridesmaid instead... Prepare for a long story/rant (or feel free to skip ahead): So, I had always planned to get married in my hometown of Chicago. Then I met my fiance in Mexico (he was there for a friend's wedding), and it just made sense to get married where we first met. I wouldn't feel right making his large family have to spend money to come to Chicago, while mine can just drive over. (And his family would travel to the end of the world for us) When we still debated the location for our wedding, it was mostly because I was feeling the pressure from my "friends" and at one point I even asked my brother for advice. He got married in Europe, and a lot of people didn't show up that we expected to. What he told me is "make this day about yourself and what you want, not what people you see once a year want" which is true - my family who lives in Chicago never comes over for holidays, my college graduation, nothing. I actually haven't seen most of them in years... So future hubby and I decided Mexico is the right place to get married. Well, from the beginning I already knew who definitely would not make it. What surprised me was that a lot of my parents' friends actually started mailing me checks for deposits already, even though we don't know the prices yet! They said they will be there without a question, and I honestly did not expect that because they're Europeans and hang on tightly to their money. I also prepared myself for my brother and sis-in-law's comments because they didn't even go on a honeymoon because they think travel is a waste of money. However this is my brother and he said whatever I decide, he will be there. Here's something that surprised me the most. One of my BMs (I don't have a MOH, just 3 BM - my two friends and a cousin), ever since I said it will be Mexico, has just been mean about everything. She even made comments about my engagement ring, has been rude to my fiance, switches the subject when I bring up the wedding. I said I am paying for the BM dresses because I know the travel is already expensive for them, all three will just have graduated college when I get married. I also said I understand if they can't make the financial commitment and to tell me right away if they would just not be attending - I am not expecting anything, just an honest answer. The thing is, at first the BM#1 would just not care about anything related to my wedding, I even saw her rolling her eyes when I was buying my wedding dress. BM#2 (who is BM#1's roommate) could not have been more supportive. I know her money is tight, but she said there is no way she would miss my wedding. As soon as she got my save the date, she hung it up in her room and is always asking if I need any help. I told her that I didn't feel like BM#1 was being a genuine friend, making me feel bad about my wedding. BM#2 said not to worry about it... Fast forward a couple of months, BM#1's cousin gets engaged. Suddenly, she won't stop talking about her cousin's custom designed ring, her wedding that will be in Chicago, and her designer dress. I almost started crying when I visited her, because I asked how the wedding dress shopping for her cousin went. She starts telling me about how the dress is designer, custom made, handmade, etc. I say that is awesome, I'm happy that the cousin gets to get everything she ever wanted for her wedding (at the same time, I'm more than happy about scoring deals on my wedding because I'm a very frugal person and enjoy saving money). Then BM#1 starts talking about how she would never take her cousin to David's Bridal because "you know, she can't walk down the aisle in a David's Bridal dress." Well, my dress is from DB, and she is well aware of that because she was with me when I got it... I have been clear that I'd rather save my money on things like the dress, jewelry, flowers, etc, so I could get a good photo/video package, a good DJ, and be able to help out my guests as much as I can. I have been budget shopping for everything, and I don't see anything wrong with wearing a dress that didn't cost as much as a used car! Then, I started telling BM#1 and BM#2 about my ideas for the centerpieces (I'm using the free ones from my hotel, but adding tulle and seashells around it) and BM#2 is all excited about it, asking if there's anything I need. BM#1 just... ignores me. Then at one point she looks up, and makes a comment about how she practically will have to hitchhike to my wedding because she can't afford it. God, if the money is all that this is about, just tell me! Why ruin our friendship and my happiness with being rude when you're just upset about me having a destination wedding... There are other things that she has said and done that have made me reconsider her BM position (and our friendship), but criticizing my dress choice and budget wedding has crossed the line. I even began thinking about just having one person stand up with me since that would be easiest, but I just don't know if I'll make the situation worse by cutting her out. I don't want to lose a friend over money, but it seems like anything I decide at this point is going to be eye-rolled simply because it's a DW. And by the way, here's my dress. Who the hell is going to look at its tag on the wedding day anyway? So sorry for the rant! This has been bottling up inside me for the last year... @magda26 I feel so bad for you. I am a true believer that anyone who is negative or mean or unsupportive of your wedding isn't a real friend. For anyone to not understand that a person only get married once (well...you know what I mean) and it's YOUR DAY is unbelievable. I am in my early 30s and have been to a lot of weddings in the last 10 years and have always said to the bride that I loved their choice of whatever, and anything I can do to help, just ask. It's really that simple. A friend of mine got really angry at me a couple of weeks ago for not inviting her husband. Gasp, I know, but let me explain- he is very anti-social, has no filter between his brain and mouth, has very often offended people when he thought he was being funny (especially wait staff), and while he is very sweet to me, he makes many people feel uncomfortable. So I decided I wasn't giving her a +1. She made some comments and I was blunt with her- she is welcome to RSVP no if she likes. I know this sounds harsh, but I really don't think that I need to justify anything on my day. I also explained to her that I didn't appreciate her trying to make me feel guilty about not inviting her husband with her comments- if she wanted to say something, then just say it. I really think you should be honest if you want to remain friends. Give her examples of what she has said and how hurtful they were, and the fact that it's pretty hypocritical to complain she has no money to get to your wedding and then say you're being cheap on your dress, etc. If her reaction is nothing but regret and surprise and shame, then you should remain friends. If she's defensive and mad that you're mad/hurt, then drop her- she's not worth it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck, and try not to let people like that ruin what should be one of your happiest day.

Quote: Originally Posted by J0hanna Quote: Originally Posted by flo628 Just curious @J0hanna - did you end up changing your venue? Hi! I actually did, I went Villa Del Arco. the only thing I am a little concerned is the sales team when they try to sell the time shares to the guests at check-in. I keep hearing its gets really bad lol But other than that, it fits within our budget, the location is beautiful, and its kid friendly. Where are you having yours? Keep us updated! -Jo That's great! I'm glad you guys found a place that you were both happy with. I'm having mine at Casa Dorada- a pretty new resort in the heart of Cabo. Everything has been pretty simple so far, and their dinner prices were actually REALLY affordable for supposedly great food. I'm going on a site visit in 2 weeks (right after Thanksgiving) so I'm going to do a tasting then- we shall see!