brownsugarbride

On the bridesmaid you don't want: your FH probably just doesn't get that you don't share the same closeness with this woman that he does. One thing I'm learning about this process is that it really does become more about what OTHER people want, than what you as the bride wants. Ha! I'm clearly way more indecisive than you,because I still don't have a venue! I'm flying down next month (either with mom or FH) to make a final decision but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Coral Beach Club. I'm not wedded to a date, but wanted to pick a date where my university colleagues would be done with the semester, if at all possible.

On a more positive note, tyrebride, I just love your passport invitations!!

I really hate that you're being put in this situation. So unfair. I think it's time to sit down with your FH and have an honest conversation about how you feel.

You are getting married in Turks and Caicos! Your wedding is going to be fabulous just because! LOL In all seriousness, it is important to many brides on here, myself included, that our weddings be different and unique. One of my friends reminded me that my wedding will be unique simply because it's a destination wedding. The people that care are going to be there cheering you and FH on and having too wonderful of a time to criticize.

Oh, that's so awkward. Who in the world assumes that they'll be a bridesmaid? How many bridesmaids had you intended to ask? Perhaps you could put if off to wanting even numbers or something like that. Or maybe you could say that you didn't want to make both her and her husband incur the extra costs associated with being in the wedding party?

I am narrowing down my choices for my wedding and reception, and I'm strongly leaning toward places like the Grand Coral Beach Club. (I am also considering villas as well.). I would love to hear from brides that have done an off-resort wedding but had their guests stay in a hotel. Did it get too expensive in terms of food or transportation? On the flip side, I would also like to hear from brides that ended up staying at an all-inclusive but had all or part of their weddings offsite.

The Riu is lovely---someone I know got married there, and the ceremony under the gazebo was just beautiful!

Amber-This is one of my top location choices! Have you been down for a visit yet? Where did you decide to stay in terms of resorts?

Woo hoo! Have you decided on where you're going to have it (poolside, beach)? The venue looks pretty awesome!

Did either of you ladies make a decision on a resort? I am also considering off-resort options.

This is a fantastic idea! Has this board been created yet?

If anyone is looking for white chair covers, this consignment shop is selling them for $3 each: https://www.facebook.com/BlissBridalShop

Thanks Ceelou! There was a groupon or Living Social deal today for $389 for three nights (two adults) and that sounded like a great deal to me. I will definitely check out the other suggestions as well.

^^^^Reason #10001 that I love this board! Thank you so much for this excellent advice! (As it stands, I am supposed to go with my mom for a site visit, but if you recommend driving, I think I should go with my FH, who has driven in places like Jamaica! LOL) Right now, I'm working with a planner on a possible off-site location that I think will work better for my needs and allow a bit more control over the menu. I do, at the very least, want to look at AI resorts to make things easier on my guests (if not do the whole shebang there), so this is helpful.

I read this trip report a couple of weeks ago by chance: this wedding sounds epic! LOL Anything with a churro cart is my kinda party! The unfortunate catch for me with villas is that the vast majority of them have minimum stay requirements, and staying with my family and future in laws for X number of days in such close proximity would not help my stress level, or theirs. Anyway, this looks just lovely and I'm glad to know that we have such expert planners here at BDW.

I have been looking for a not-too-expensive hotel in Riviera Maya (preferably Playa del Carmen) to serve as home base as I check out possible wedding venues. Has anyone stayed here? Is it centrally located enough to make getting meals affordable, or would we be better off at an all-inclusive?

Sandy— What is the name of the hacienda that you mentioned above?

Welcome SammyAnna and congrats on your engagement! I personally do not consider myself to be great at DIY, but I am continually amazed at the talent and creativity of many brides on these boards. You will definitely find yourself in great company!

I just got the 2014 rates, and while I got some good perks, I was a little disappointed that the rates were just a hair lower than rack rates.

This process really is confusing---we brides only become 'experts' after all is said and done! LOL I ended up talking to a couple of different planners before I made my choice. I read reviews, talked to the planners and made my decision from there. Yazmin de la Mora, who is by all accounts a fabulous planner herself, has an article on choosing a wedding planner in Riviera Maya that has advice that I think applies to weddings everywhere, even in Jamaica.

Alexis: I love the pomanders and the way that you repurposed them for the reception---classy and smart!

Glad I could help!

Well...on one hand, my friends and family know that I am quick to fall asleep early in the evening. However, I am hoping to keep the party going for at least 5 hours---I'm only planning to do this once! My fiancé is primarily concerned about that bottom line, so it's going to all depend on whether I can pull of an off-resort event (which will have far more flexibility).

Welcome and congratulations on your engagement! I just love it here because of all of the great advice and support from brides and the vendors. Have you looked at Dreams Riviera Cancun or NOW Jade as potential options?

I love me some Costco, and I would love to patronize the one in Cancun if possible! (I'm a member here at home.) Yizzyep, Costco has a program where you can order wedding flowers online, but I'm not sure if it is valid outside of the United States. You may want to give them a call. They have all kinds of options for wedding-related stuff: http://addictedtocostco.com/2011/04/27/weddings-with-costco-flowers/