kmk2016

Don't be- lol...they only recently opened!

Hi! . I was at the BDR in June and saw the cement in the ocean, it solidified my decision to not get married here (as much as I loved it) and chose sensatori instead (which has it's own beach issues with it being an Eco-preserved reef and not as blue/green as I like). When talking to staff there, I heard that they did a similar thing at el dorado that are mostly under sand now (but still visible in some areas) and it took 3+ years to get there. It's a great concept- but it's not a quick fix. (They are simply waiting for the ocean, movement to push sand over them and recede the ocean making a deeper beach since it's where the cement is that they are hoping becomes the coastline. I just want girls to be aware that they will likely be there for some time yet... And not to expect them to get covered quickly. It's a gorgeous resort though and the pier was pretty!!

Hahaha i will probably be ordering online but will be ordering swatches.... So when I do I will get all the pink shades. I've decided this is what I'm going to do. Blush pink for ceremony and off white for reception (with a fucshia belt that I have already purchased.) guys in grey with pink socks and ties. Since I only have 4 girls I'm still not sure if I want them in different shades of pink or if I would rather them all in fuschia and then either all in strapless sweetheart long dresses with MoH in a one shoulder version.... Or let them all be in different style (all same length) of same color. Will go group shopping before ordering to see what they think.

A tip that many don't think of... Take a measuring tape with you... It's good for taking measurements of any areas that you are doing DIY projects for or are wanting to plan out. (Gazebo dimensions if you bringing your own fabric... Aisle length so you can plan music etc).

I used the ayleebits template too- she has amazing ones (most brides here use a similar version)... And I used them for my invites and am working on my passport pretravel mailers slowly as well! Glad you got the link to those so you can start on them!

I think you may need to work with your WC locally and access them direct through resort. Not cheap... But may be the only option!

Trust me... It's not "a pity that you have to so so much posting to see the templates". If people didn't participate in these forums and build the community that is here, there would be no templates... With a bit of digging around online and google-ing templates you can get pretty much anything out there... But this community is about sharing, learning and supporting other brides more than the templates (IMO) I have learned soooo much about my specific resort, the planning process and ideas for the perfect DW that I am thankful for the 150 posts! I would have missed out on so much if I would have just come here, grabbed what I needed and left! It's worth it!

The entire Elite Plus section of the plane has been reserved by members of our wedding party on sunwing and this increases our baggage allowance permitted per guest. (It's their equivalent to first class) Between my kids and everyone else- we should more than cover the room needed to bring my decor!

I'm actually wishing I had put a password on mine now! So I could see who from my inviteee list has actually accessed the website!

Well of course I think it's all fabulous since I have loved your taste since the first post! Haha awesome! Can't see it all come together!

That may because there are less "low star" resorts in DR... Did you try comparing just the same star level/month and choose same type of region? (Punta Cana and Mayan are similar, whereby Puerta Plata and PV have more similarities). I have been to both countries in most regions several times and personally find the food and people better in Mexico (when comparing 5 star). Jmo

Did you do the comparison on tripcentral.ca that's a good starting point

I agree, you are working with laurielee right? Did you call her? she can most definitely offer you opinions on what would be cheapest but still give you the look/feel/qualities you are looking for.

That's a great price on cards! Artscow.com usually ends up being about $.80/pack that you can customize with your pic or wedding logo etc if you have time.... I think it took about 3 weeks last time I ordered from them and their quality has always been amazing and never been disappointed! There are always coupon codes for them too (free shipping etc)

Has anyone seen a convertible dress that's NOT made of that jersey stretch material? Or is that kind of a requirement of the fact it's convertible? Lol.... I just think they will be heavy and show sweat if made of jersey material... Or has anyone gotten a swatch from the companies who make these to see if they have a lighter airy feel that would be appropriate for the heat of a DW? I want to do these dresses... But don't want them to look or feel heavy!

I thought I would start this thread in hopes it keeps going... Rather than post a thread on a specific store that's having a sale that becomes outdated shortly there after, we can post here as sales come out that we can refer to for deals in doing our DIY projects. Post the sale dates coupon code etc! I will start- this Saturday (August 9 2014) Canadian Brides- Michaels has a 4 hour coupon for 25% off total bill including sale items! This is way better than the usual 40% off one item if you have a few items to pick up!

"Unplugged" weddings are becoming more and more popular.... And it's a personal choice whether you want to ask for people to stay off social media/cell phones at your wedding. Others create hashtags and promote everyone in attendance posting in hopes of having the wedding trend on social media. I think we will be somewhere in the middle. I have my FB setting where you can't tag me without permission- and my FI isn't even on social media... So we can control it somewhat... But know that our friends and family will likely be posting the moment we touch down in Mexico- and it would be too hard to stop them.

I would never put any reference to a gift (or no gift) on the invite. I would use word of mouth to get the message out there that their gift in attending is gift enough.

Website RSVP here. I made my booking deadline the same as my RSVP deadline so that helps me keep an eye on numbers too.... A week before the deadline I will send an email out to anyone who hasn't replied yet and remind them to RSVP.

If it's part of your official wedding events/ you should pay.... If it's an optional excursion you are suggesting, then it's ok to have guests pay. IMO

I love the addition of playing cards! I am going to steal that and order them with our wedding logo via artscow.com Out family are big card players and I can picture them using these at the resort as well as long after returning home!

My FI hates being the centre of attention and only hits the dance floor after a few drinks... I find the whole "everyone stare at us as we pretend to have this quiet moment together as we dance" totally akward and staged (for me) so we aren't doing one! No "scheduled dances" at all actually, it will be dinner with a few speeches and then hit the dance floor, get the drinks flowing and let the party start! It's my second marriage so my dad won't be crushed that he doesn't have the father/daughter dance... And I'm sure we will dance together over the course of the night- but I don't like the feel for the "required dances"... It usually results in a bunch of bored people sitting around wondering when THEY can dance! Haha

I would call her. I know some of the tour operators have been slow to get back to her on the written quotes (the ones outside a year)... So she may be waiting for an answer before she calls you- but if you call her and ask her for an update I'm sure she will update you. We were needing to add room only rates for a few US guests as well as add a second contract both with sunwing/signature and they were soooo slow getting back to laurielee I felt bad for her! But call/ she is very good at calling people back if she doesn't pick up immediately.

Getting a good deal for your guests is only a small part of what a quality TA can do for you when planning a DW. The perks they can get for you and/your group at the resort, credits for bridal events and the organization of guests itineraries and needs are all ways they make your planning easier and sometimes cheaper! Totally wouldn't plan a DW without one!

Replied on your other post that was similar, it really is beneficial to have a TA IF you are working with a good one, there are many benefits that matter in a DW keeping your travel group together and booked as a wedding unit can earn you perks, can sometimes result in a lower price for guests and eliminates issues with overbooking and coordination of your guests over your DW travel dates. Not sure how your TA is being pushy but sometimes they are privy to much more info (ie they may know that the resort you want it almost sold out and if you don't book ASAP you may be out of luck... Etc). Work with someone that you get along with, has great relationship with the resort you are interested in, and who specializes in DW.