rachelia160

@@calgarybride2015 I think that's what I'll do--I can feel out the situation for my friend, who I know couldn't care less one way or the other if her brother's friends are invited to the ceremony, and then see if she'll pass along the info to her mom--he can bring whoever he wants to the resort to hang out for the week, but that does not make them automatically invited to the wedding or reception. I'm fine with the rest of the family coming and have been counting them in my numbers all along, but I gotta put my foot down somewhere. Thanks for letting me talk this out, my blood is now boiling a little less

I TOTALLY agree that every guest you invite should have a plus one--how can you ask someone to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and then expect them to come by themselves? I wouldn't spend my vacation budget for the year if I couldn't go with my significant other, or at least a friend. So I definitely get that angle. I feel like I've taken it a step further in allowing people to invite families instead of just dates and their non-adult children, but now it's being taken advantage of. Likely because I am so close to this person and they just *assume* that they have special privileges in regards to the wedding. And the 18 year old is my friend's brother, sorry that got a little convoluted! I'm planting my frustration more on their mom since I don't think my friend has anything to do with it. I guess that's why I see the distinction--he isn't coming as an 'individual guest' who then gets to bring a date, he is coming as the son of another guest...so he's ALREADY the guest of a guest, so his friends would be the guests of a guest of a guest....okay, now my brain hurts

I've read about dozens of destination brides on this forum having similar issues so I know my problem is nothing unique, but I just need to vent! I've been a little more lax about how who and how many people have been invited to our DW, because my parents are footing the bill at the resort (God bless 'em!) Because of this, my mom has invited some of her friends and co-workers that don't exactly fall within the circle of "close family and friends," but that's totally fine with me. My parents are kind enough to pay for that part of the wedding, so of course they can invite some of their friends to join in on the vacation, even if that means a little more expense for me for invitations, OOT bags, etc - no biggie. The entire process we've basically said "The more the merrier!" Last I checked we have 50 people booked, and it seems like a really fun group. Now....my best friend's mom/mom's best friend (they are one in the same), is bringing their whole family to make it their family vacation for the year--in addition to her husband, my friend/bridesmaid/her daughter and her boyfriend, they are also bringing her older son and his girlfriend, neither of whom I know particularly well, and their 18 year old son. Again, no big deal--my mom and I are very close to this other mother/daughter duo so I'm happy to have the rest of the family at my wedding, even if I don't know them quite as well. BUT, the other day my mom says "Did you hear that (insert 18 year old's name) is bringing two friends to Mexico?" Uh, no. I asked if she expected them to come to the actual wedding, and my mom said she think's that's what my mom's friend would assume. Excuse me?! You're inviting two random teenagers to my relatively intimate wedding without even asking me, let alone informing me? I was so furious (perhaps a little over dramatically, but UGH). I know that you booked trips for your entire family and I rolled with that, but that doesn't mean you can keep tacking on people I don't know! Especially when, to be honest, I'm not particulary thrilled that the 18 year old son is going to be there in the first place--he's constantly posting things to his social media pages that I find EXTREMELY offensive to my faith and beliefs, to the point where I had to block him so something wouldn't accidentally appear on my timeline because I found the things he was saying so upsetting. Considering that my and my fiance's religious beliefs will be a big part of our ceremony, it's already kind of annoying that we'll have someone so disrespectful in the audience who will probably be sitting there rolling his eyes...but ANYWAY, whatever, I can deal with that. But I just don't want two other random 18 year olds running around my wedding (probably getting drunk and obnoxious at the open bar if how the kid has acted in the past is any indication). I don't care if they come to Mexico--it's their vacation too and they can have whoever they want come down, it's no skin off my nose. But I don't think I should be required to have them at my ceremony. I know that most people say that you have to let every guest bring a date/friend, even if you don't know the person, but this doesn't feel like the same thing since he's coming with his entire family. How should I deal with telling my mom's friend/friends mom this? I've read a lot of posts with similar issues where people explained that they have a tight budget and can't just be adding people, but that's not so much my issue since they know that I'm not personally paying for it, and that we've been pretty easy going about adding other guests. Or should I just let it go? Is this one of those things that seems like a huge deal pre-wedding that won't make a bit of difference to me the day of? My mom told me not to stress about it too much since they're 18 year old boys and when push comes to shove they might not be able to come up with the money to go, so it might be a moo point (like a cow's opinion - it doesn't matter! , but I'd rather be prepared with how to deal with it if and when they book. WHEW, I feel better just writing all that out

Not that it really matters, but I imagine it might be a little confusing for all your guests if you celebrated the "legal" date--people are going to remember it cause they had such a great vacation and will might wonder why it's not on the date they remember celebrating your wedding!

I agree with @@kellymiller , ultimately up to you, but since my destination wedding is going to be the day I truly celebrate my marriage with my family and friends, it's the one I want to remember for years to come, even if it's not the "legal" date!

@@calgarybride2015 I love how yours look so I'm going with the 2.5!

Thanks! They look like 16 ouncers from your pictures. I wasn't sure if I should get 2.5 or go big with the 4 inchers, but yours looked like the perfect size!

That. Is. AWESOME!! Your makeup is incredible!! Love having another Now Jade Disney freak around!

@@calgarybride2015 Kim, can you tell me what size stickers you got for your tumblers from Davet Designs? Did you have 16 oz tumbers? I know I should just wait to get my tumblers in the mail and measure them and then order my labels, but I'm too anxious!

Most people on here seem to set their book-by dates really early, or have early due dates from their travel agents cause they did a room block. I don't have a room block so I'm letting it go later. I've just verbally been telling people to be booked by April 1, but again, 99% of the people are booked as of right now. I bet yours will be the same way and people will be booked way before September 1 anyway so I think that's fine.

Beach ceremony, beach bar cocktail hour, and Castaways reception for me! I originally had my cocktail hour at the Orange Lounge as well but changed my mind after I went to visit--and there isn't a bar right there so I'm guessing drinks take longer since they have to go up to the lobby bar to get them, and it's a little less private since it's smack dab in the middle of one of the main walkways. I spied on a cocktail hour at the beach bar and it seemed nice cause the guests could still see the bridal party taking pictures on the beach and they were able to call down different guests to get some group shots, so I just thought it seemed like a better option for me. I think that's what I would recommend, but it's obviously up to you! Have your guests started booking yet? It'll be interesting to see how many people you end up with! We invited a lot of people too--pretty much whoever we would have invited if we were at home, I figured we'd just see who ended up wanting to go. So far we have 50 guests booked, which I think will be about it, unless a few surprise people book closer to the date. It's definitely more than I expected, but I'm thrilled! I bet you'll be surprised at how many people you end up having!

@@TinkerSofi Where did you go for bridesmaids dresses? I found mine at David's and my girls who have ordered so far received them in a month! I'm just asking them to order them by the beginning of March for my June wedding just to be safe. If you're worried about time, I'd say that's the place to go, but I think all places tell you longer than it'll actually take just so they're not liable if it takes a little longer than normal, so I wouldn't stress about it. I'm DREADING finding my FI's outfit, and even more so his groomsmen's outfits..finding something they all like, getting them into whatever store to try it on, then having them get around to actually buying everything....they're all so lazy that I feel like it'll never happen. I'm definitely more stressed about their clothes than any of the dresses, including my own!

@@breezie Fireworks would be so cool! And lanterns would be really pretty too but that just seems like an accident waiting to happen. I go back and forth about stressing out about the decor a LOT because I'm afraid I won't have enough cutsey stuff to bring with me, but all the brides on here remind me that you're in a tropical location having a blast (and drinking..) so no one notices that stuff anyway! Where are you having your ceremony/cocktail hour/reception?

I'd be happy to share pictures! In fact, I've been there twice, so I'm linking you to my Facebook album of all the pictures I took last time while I was wedding scoping. Let me know if you can see it. (You'll also notice that me and my mom completely stalked every wedding that we saw going on while we were there!) https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153956620015293&type=1&l=6c06a1d410 If you have any questions about the resort you can let me know and I can try to answer them, I'm not an expert or anything but I might know a few things that aren't listed on the site. What kind of special extras were you looking for? I totally agree about the decorations. I'm bringing some things with me, but table linens and chair covers and such especially just seem to me like a total pain to figure out how many you need, what sizes, packing them, reselling them...it just sounds like too much work. I'm trying to think off the top of my head of the different stuff I'm bringing down...my own center piecies (everything is expensive but their centerpieces seemed ESPECIALLY pricey, so I'm bringing mine even though I wish I could get them from the resort), Chinese lanterns in my colors, a cake topper, a seashell banner from Etsy, a card box and guest book....that's all the decor I can think of that I have right now, I'll probably end up with some more odds and ends along the way. I have seashell placecard holders that double as a favor since they can hold a picture. I'm also doing a little display with sunglasses at the ceremony with a "Don't be blinded by our love" sign, which is sort of another favor. I'm also doing OOT bags with quite a few things which I know will take up quite a bit of space, as well as my bridesmaid's special bags. See, even I feel like I have a ton of stuff, even though I seem to have a lot less than most brides! I guess I'd rather let the resort handle the stuff that they offer, and only bring the stuff I need.

Hi @@breezie , I'm getting married at the Now Jade too! I definitely had that exact same thought--it seems like everyone is bringing down a TON of stuff! Some brides pay to have extra suitcases, some have spread out their supplies amongst friends and family...for me, I'm just renting more stuff from the resort than most people (including chair ties). For me, it's worth paying extra to not have to deal with buying it, packing it, lugging it back, and reselling it. I'm definitely in the minority on this site for wanting to do that, and it might not be the most economical option, but it's just what works for me. Happy planning!

@@TinkerSofi I'm glad this helped you too! It's just overwhelming thinking about everrrything you should/could be doing, but it's easier to break it down into little manageable pieces.

It can be any floor, it basically just means your room overlooks the pool/garden (more towards the inside of the resort) instead of being ocean front or ocean view (which is more towards the front). We're having a little cocktail party in the lobby, Pilar said that it's no additional cost for them to set aside a space for you in the lobby!

You better believe I clicked through every single one of your Facebook pictures! Everything looked beautiful, especially you! Can't wait to hear all the details!

I know what you mean, it's so hard to see my FI bummed out about his friends not coming. The other day when his parents' asked who his groomsmen were, he said "None of my best friends cause they're not going." He then felt bad and backtracked because he still has five groomsmen going--his cousin (best man), my brother, his friend (but far from one of his closest friends), his friend/coworker (again, a friend but not someone he really sees outside of work, who is going because we're friends with the entire family), and my friends' boyfriend, who he's getting to know but he basically just asked because he's already going to be there --but I know he's still really sad about his two best friends not going. One of them has a baby on the way in March (surprise!), which is obviously understandable, and in theory the other one might still book, but he's basically just not putting the time or effort into figuring it out. Every time we asked if he's coming he just says "I dunno, I dunno." There's no "issue" behind it--to be frank, he's just too lazy to call, book, get a passport, etc. It's frustrating feeling like we're being strung along--if you're not going to go, just say "No" so we can start getting stuff ordered! To an outsider, it would probably seems rude for me to be upset about people not spending over a thousand dollars to be at our wedding, and maybe it is, but it's still hard to see my FI so upset that his best friends won't be at his wedding

I've never met you and yet I'm so excited that your wedding day is finally here! Have an amazing time, enjoy every moment, I can't wait to hear about it!

Hell and congratulations! Here are some of my favorite things about having a DW: 1) It's so much simpler to plan since the resort does so much for you. I don't know about you, but I'm NOT the type of girl who loves planning stuff and doing all kinds of cutsey DIY projects (I wish I was though!) Getting a "menu" where I basically get to check boxes for how I want my wedding to go is ideal for me and has already made things so much easier. If that sounds kind of like you, you can tell your FI how much easier it would make things on you since you're the one doing the planning! 2) You get to have the people you really want there and not so much worry about your mom's distant cousin twice removed. Of course, you should have who you really want at your wedding no matter what, but having a DW makes shaving down the guest list a little less awkward. 3) As the previous posters have said, going on vacation with your closest friends and family is the coolest thing ever! Whenever I talk to friends who are going about it, they are literally giddy with excitement. I'm so excited to have quality time with these people in my life! Plus, since I'll have so much time with them throughout the week, I feel like my wedding and reception can be a little more about me and my soon to be hubby, instead of having to spend the entire time socializing and thanking everyone--they'll be plenty of time for that throughout the vacation! (Not that I'm going to blow all my guests off during the reception or anything, but you see what I mean). 4) Like you already mentioned, you get to have your "wedding' essentially last an entire week! Like @@TinkerSofi said, at the end of the day, it ends up being about the same price (I also thought it was going to be cheaper too, but it adds up quickly) but I'd much rather spend the same price and get to celebrate for an entire week than all that money on one day! Not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited that I get to ride out being "the bride" for that long 5) As far as putting people out, I think the best thing to do is just to run the idea by the people closest to you (parents, siblings, BFF's) to see if it would be plausible for them. Our friends and families have all been SO EXCITED about it from the beginning and still are, so they're the exact opposite of put out! (We just hit 50 guests booked, plus us is 52, way more than i expected!) So it would probably help to feel out both of your friends and family to make sure the people you want to be there would be able to make it. No matter what you decide, I hope you get the wedding of your dreams!

That makes me feel so much better!!

Did you like how the Vistaprint invitations turned out? I'm just in shock at how inexpensive it seems to be! I bought the Groupon for $100 for $200 worth of invitations, and it looks like it's only going to cost $100 bucks anyway for a two sided invitation and RSVP so I'll have some left over for other things! It almost seems too good to be true!

Hi all! Hopefully this isn't a repeat post, when I searched they were all old posts, but there's a Vistaprint Groupon happening right now! Options $24.99 for $50 worth of custom invitations and announcements $49.99 for $100 worth of custom invitations and announcements $99.99 for $200 worth of custom invitations and announcem https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-vistaprint-invitations-announcements I bought mine and am probably going to buy a template from Etsy and print them through Vistaprint since I find there invitation services a little confusing (It's hard to find the entire suite).

OH MY GOSH that is the cutest thing ever!! I don't think I could even dance with my dad do that song, I'd just end up crying in the fetal position on the floor!