calgarybride2015

We can't leave our location very easily - I had to pay for the golf cart to get our guests there!! They can catch the Disco's shuttle to get back to their room at the end of the night. I was going to do a 3:30 pm start time, but have decided to change it to 3:00 pm in case things don't start on time - we lose sun at 5:30 pm and I want to make sure we have enough time for photos. So.... 3:00 pm ceremony 3:30-4:00 pm - toast/appetizers, group photo 4:00 - 5:00/5:30 pm - cocktail hour (?mariachi band) for guests while we do photos, then go wander to reception area and sign guestbook/mingle 5:00/5:30 pm - 11:00 pm dinner/reception

I don't think anyone can attest there is crime in Mexico, but think about how much crime there is at home you know? If you pick the Mayan side you are picking the safest areas in Mexico. My fiance's cousin lives in Merida and has for many years - he raised his kids there. They are Canadian. (Merida uses the Cancun airport too). My fiance's brother and their family are also moving there at the end of October. I think at the end of the day, there is crime EVERYWHERE! And if you stick to the resort or the tourist areas off the resort you will be fine. Bad things happen to people in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that happens in your own backyard too. If you go out looking for drugs, or trouble, you will probably find it. If you just keep to yourself you will be fine. I have been to the Mayan. I went shopping in Playa Del Carmen and I also went on an excursion (XPlor) and had a fabulous time. I never once felt unsafe. I was scared at first as I had never left Canada or USA, but quickly realized I was fine.

Are the locations of cocktails and reception the same? or close? Personally I wouldn't worry about that unless they have a walk to a different location. I think people will settle quickly and your MC can move stuff along. People can sign the guestbook at various times during the night, etc. Have them announce all of that. I would go with your original plan, you could push off the start of the reception, but you will have to pay for that time anyways, so just go with the flow! Since our cocktail hour will be where our reception is, I am hoping people will sign the guestbook and settle then so they are ready for when we arrive - is this an option for you? Hope that helps.

The Bahamas is super expensive and when I looked to vacation there it was hard finding all inclusives. The ones I did were over $3000 per person. I would spend some time on Trip Advisor and Expedia looking at prices, reviews, etc.

Totally agree! So where are you doing your reception? I thought about doing it on a catamaran at one point but fiance's family (mom and aunts) are terrified of boats so that was out. I also did the free package but upgraded to the palapa/private beach as I didn't want to use an ala carte!

Now it says I have no permission Will try again later!

I also said to fiance, with us using wedpics, people will have their own 'candid' photos to share. He just thinks one done on a disposable camera will be crazier. We would do one per table at the reception. Considering people have their own cameras/phones, I don't want to spend too much money on it - if we do it.

Great ideas! Maybe once I'm closer to actually putting together items (rather than just buying them) I will have a girls night thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Was also thinking what we you have in the GM emergency grooming kit? For us I planned to buy a sewing kit and bring extra bobby pins, safety pins, scissors, etc. But I think I need to go back thru that thread on things people were glad they packed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Can't see it on my phone! Will check it out when I'm back online! @@candle23 we sent out reminder emails/texts/calls a couple weeks in advance then a week in advance. Some people still flat out ignored the msgs and didn't RSVP. Annoyed me too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome!!!!! She told me if everything stands we should be around $2000! I was using some for the photog but will have some extra so thinking mariachi band?!?! Worth it you think? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congrats!! Which locations did you end up choosing? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Our resort photog offers it at $600 for 2 hours. Ouch. We have considered doing our own as we have a camera and tripod. Fiance's cousin did one for her birthday and we figured we could ask to use the props. This wouldn't be our guestbook, just for fun. Fiancé is still asking for the disposable cameras lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What kind of things are they doing?Other than my one BM in town coming by to help with my dress or to come see items I need a second opinion in, I haven't needed anything. My one doctor colleague says it's because I am a control freak lol. Its true. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Of the people I asked, all paid for their dresses. I was a BM last year and I did get mine paid for by the bride's mom!! They have 3 girls who all married in the same year and were all apart of each others wedding and it was their gift to their girls to purchase our stuff. I was very prepared to pay and actually asked a couple times when I could. Then I found this out after. I sent a nice thank you. I also toyed with the idea of paying for BM and MOH trips and everyone I spoke to about it thought I was off my rocker lol in the end we just couldn't pull off the cost in the short engagement period. Thankfully we hadn't offered it out so it was a none issue I think people appreciate the gesture but no one expects it. It's a personal preference and up to each couple!! I felt bad our dresses were $160 after searching day and night for a cheaper option. So I helped them pay a little bit of the dress and one BM just gave me the entire purchase price as she said she was totally ok with the price. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Oh man!! Those sound awesome. I rarely go into winners!!! Awesome find. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Definitely Fossil is an outlet in cross iron. Went into the Fossil in market mall tonight and they don't even have the same stock!! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

My hair is naturally wavy and very poofy if I don't blow dry it and just let it dry naturally. Generally I can get my hair to stay straight somewhat in tropical places, but my bangs have NO chance, hence my wanting to sweep/tack them to the side. So thank you for your advice. I have no idea where to find a Brazilian blow out, but I will find out! What exactly is it? My friend also suggested this anti frizz product for humidity her hair dresser swears by - she is going to get the name for me. I also won't wash my hair the day of the wedding. EEK! first link when I search it for my home town! http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/cochrane-woman-joins-brazilian-blowout-class-action-suit-1.1144787 I'll see what my salon does when I am there next week! They have new formaldehyde free versions LOL!!

So I've been pretty stressed out lately about my hair. I have a short bob, which I love, and really don't want to change! I am very much on the stance that I don't want to look like someone else on my wedding day! This is me, why isn't that ok? I do understand that is leaves little ideas on how to do your hair! I do want to grow my bags some so I can sweep them to the side and not worry about them curling up in the humidity! but my hair dresser suggests I grow it some so I can have some soft curls. I am not totally against it, but I FLAT IRON my hair everyday for a reason, I hate myself with curl! (not sure how well curls or blowed out will handle the humidity - I don't think I can win!) None the less, I was considering a rhinestone flower shaped hair clip (in dress thread) but I went into a bridal store today to find some pieces on alligator clips (a comb just wont work) and the lady made me try one I would have NEVER looked twice at. It's a bit over the top for me, but I LOVE it!!! I'm of the mindset, my hair piece can be the WOW not my hair! I am not wearing a veil and feel this can pop with my dress as it's fairly basic in comparison to others. It's $110 which was a large gulp but I am seriously considering it. What do you think? The feathers will be cut shorter and the smaller flowers/pearl pieces under the main flower move around as I would want them too. An idea if what my hair looks like 'done up' haha Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2 years - I agree they should have their kinks worked out.

Hi I thought it might be a good idea to have a thread where we can post great deals and/or sales we see! We have one for DIY projects, but not for other items. I found some great finds today while out shopping. 1. La Vien Rose's swimming section had a variety of beach bags on sale, one as cheap as $3.99 each. I bought myself and all my bridemaids one in pink. They had a variety of colors. 2. Fossil in our outlet mall (Cross Iron in Calgary) - not sure if the Fossil is an outlet but none the less they had men's leather shaving kits on sale from near $100 to $30! Fiance was thinking of doing that for his men, so I jumped on it and bought them all one, plus fiance! They had canvas ones for the same price. will post pictures in a minute. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup!! 1.5 ish months after we return from Mexico we will be heading to Vegas. We are super excited. Fiancé has never been but I love it there. Was actually my First choice to get married at but Mexico was a better option for everyone. I agree, we also want to do it right away so it feels like a honeymoon. We will also pick a nicer hotel than I'd normally go for. Still not sure the Wynn will be in our price range lol. I think if you are within 2 months of your wedding and can prove it, you can get upgrades Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My inner layer isn't satin, but to be honest - no matter what you have on, you will sweat!! I sweat in my bathing suit, so it's something I have come to accept. I hope it isn't horribly bad! Could you wear tight biker shorts or something to help with it? (and slip them off before the night is over - thinking they aren't so sexy hehe) My friend suggested 'chub rub' but that's more for friction not sweating. I am just going to go with it, cause I can't easily change.

I'm curious which resort and how new? you've intrigued me

I am sure I am not alone... Stress about wedding all day - dream about me stressing about wedding... I never get a break from stressing about wedding LOL!!! and at 4.5 months out, what is that last month or so going to be like AHHH!!!

I tried to take reviews with a grain of salt. Some people complain about EVERYTHING and are so hard to please, other people are laid back and it takes a lot to ruin their trip. When I went to Cuba I was SOOOO nervous because I know it's not the same as other destinations due to trade, etc. I researched until I was blue in the face. Our resort had great, good, bad, and VERY bad reviews. OMG it was awesome there. Cuba is beautiful. Sure the food was never hot, and there was some mold, but who cares... enjoy your surroundings and go with the flow. This lady was b*tching there was french fries served at breakfast - really? that's all you have to complain about. She was walking around snapping her fingers at everyone - I can assure you she left a nasty review. So try to cut out the great reviews and the bad reviews and focus on the middle ones. Every brand new resort will have kinks, it's the name of the game. How new is it? We have a bride on here who just married at one that is 1-2 years old in Cuba and she had a fabulous time. You chose it for a reason, so try to remember that ok? Is there a thread on here for that review to put your mind at ease? I know it's stressful because you feel responsible for everyone's happiness, but remind yourself even if it was PERFECT someone will still complain. You can only do so much. Good luck.

Awe hugs, I am sorry you had to make such a difficult decision. I am glad you were able to figure this out with your fiance and wish you the best of luck moving forward. Like others have said - maybe do a vow renewal in the DR? or do your honeymoon? Have you considered other cheaper destinations like Mexico? or is that 100% off the table. There are lots of great options in Calgary. I know someone who recently married at Heritage Park, and next week at the zoo. Was a BM for someone who married at the Lougheed House, lots of great ideas. Even the Deerfoot Inn and Casino for a reception! We are always here to chat, help out, and the like... please keep us posted.