brownsugarbride

Alexisinjamaica posted about doing that. I think it worked out really well for her.

You are welcome! Since I know I'll be spending a lot of money on a few things (photographer, food, entertainment), I'm trying to really cut back where I can (dress, invites, travel, hotel, extras for guests) without sacrificing impact and quality. I think an app will be a really cool and stylish way to get the word out---all while spending very little money. For me the rule is: a few choice investments that lead to huge impact are far better than trying to do a whole lot of small to medium investments for little impact.

One more thing about photo sharing. I'm planning to use this wedding website (featured in an article here on BDW): http://www.appycouple.com/about The nice thing is that for less than $30, you can get a wedding website AND a personalized app for your guests for each of the wedding activities. In addition, there is a free photo sharing app that allows you to collect (and delete!) guest photos on your website: http://www.appycouple.com/features You can get it for even cheaper by using a coupon code from Style Me Pretty: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2013/07/22/appy-couple-wedding-website-and-app-a-discount/

My 2 cents: You know I'm big on photography and would definitely recommend a professional, even if just for a few hours! People tend to only want to take pictures that THEY are interested in, not of the whole day! However, you can save money on the disposable cameras by using an app for people to upload their pictures. Most of your guests will likely have some kind of smartphone, and they will take better pictures than the disposable camera. There are a couple in the link below that are cheap or even free: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/28/wedding-photo-apps_n_3519413.html I hope this helps!

I have a question about transportation. Does anyone know how much it cost to go from the Cancun airport to Puerto Morelos? I was trying to price out taxis versus shuttles for my friends that are coming with their families.

I know that some of you ladies are using silk flowers. For those of you that aren't, you can also save by getting flowers delivered by an outside vendor. (Flowers at resorts are often insanely overpriced.) Just meet them at the gate to avoid any outside vendor charges.

I have to be honest, while I'm trying to stay on budget, my budget is definitely not in the $7000 range---it's higher and I'm working hard to stay on top of it. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that on this thread. One big reason is that I am splurging quite a bit with my photographer. He is not cheap, but he is definitely worth it!

Yes, number of people definitely matters when it comes to your bottom line! (I am watching mine like a hawk!) What's nice is with the Now Jade packages (the one I looked at the most before deciding to move off-resort) is that you get a lot included in the packages, which range up to $3000 and include up to $25 people. It just depends on what you want. I'm not trying to push NJ just because I may be staying there, I promise! There are lots of other resorts that will give you good value as well. http://www.nowresorts.com/jade/weddings.html

How many people do you have coming to the wedding total?

I'm glad that I could help in some small way! Depending on how much you want to spend, El Dorado Royale could be a great choice for you. It is an adults only resort and brides on the boards rave about it. (You may want to PM AllieH.) They do have some vendor restrictions, but if you're flying in your photographer, that won't be an issue. Have you talked to a travel agent about some possibilities? http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/el-dorado-casitas-royale-by-karisma-all-inclusive

I absolutely don't mind you asking! I will be getting married at the Blue Venado Beach Club in Playa del Carmen. Originally, I wanted to do the Grand Coral Beach Club, but the owner or owners decided to institute a brand new $2000 site fee, and my FH said no way! LOL With Blue Venado, there is no site fee unless you are bringing in outside food. Since from all reports (past brides and wedding planner) the food is delicious, no need for me to do that!

Yeah...I don't think I'll be doing a lot of DIY projects myself! My friend is making my invites (LOL) and I just 'supervise'.

This is an excellent tip!!! Do you know if any other airlines will do this?

Yes, Now Jade gives a very nice package for 25 people, and offer private receptions. Private outdoor receptions are a bit more difficult, as all of the beaches in Mexico are public. That's one reason why I'm going off-resort, but it definitely is not the most cost-effective option if you want something fairly straightforward.

Girl---that is EXACTLY why we didn't have this wedding in Jamaica! LMAO

You can still visit on the weekends! LOL LOL

I guess I'm lucky...my parents are like: "you invite who you want" and both of them have a fairly small inner circle. On the other hand, FH has told his parents to give him a list of quite a few people, so I am going to trust that he knows what he's doing (hopefully he'll allocate some to the at home reception!)

This is great!

Depending on your budget, a private villa might be a really nice option! I so wanted to do the villa below, but it just wasn't feasible financially: http://delsolphotography.com/juancarlos-juah-hacienda-del-mar-destination-wedding/ Even if this one isn't exactly on the beach, there are certainly others that are!

These look great! RSVP.doc Final Draft Passport.ppt

Congratulations and welcome curlygirl! I love those colors! (Mine are purple, aqua and silver.)

Welcome! You can be our honorary 2014 bride!

I think that part is key---hiring a local coordinator you trust will help you find the best options for you. What are some of your criteria for a wedding venue?

I agree...I'd rather devote more of my budget to showing my guests a good time than lots of flowers. I want to really take advantage of the fact that we will be in Mexico by embracing the food, the culture, etc..

I'm not sure if you wanted a reply from the OP, but I ultimately decided on the Blue Venado Beach Club, and I am quite excited!