calgarybride2015

I think it is fabulous and looks absolutely like you!!!

Our resort also charges per hour to extend. It's per person for open bar, the cheapest option being $8.45 per hour. We have 4 hours scheduled for open bar/extended time at a whopping estimate of $1450. The biggest cost of our wedding, besides our travel costs, is the open bar/extended reception time. I did just find out though that the resort will adjust the cost for the teenagers and non drinkers so that will cut the fee back some.

I got mine at David's Bridal for $10. It's a thick white material - it seems it would take a lot to rip it, because I wouldn't consider it thin at all. You can see there is a dress in it but no detail whatsoever.

The only thing about stopping your reception at 11 or 1130 is you don't give anyone time to party!!!! Only about 40 mins between your dances and the cake cutting. What if you did the toasts, then cake cutting, then opened up the dance floor until closing time? I would go more for 12pm.

I have sun spots which I am sure are going to be front and centre in that heat!! So a good foundation will be high on my list. If I can achieve the look thru someone showing me at MAC then I am all for that. I want to look myself too, but I also want a bit more than my normal routine (ie I NEVER wear lipstick but will for my wedding day) Also want some more tips on making my eyes pop. I may give fake lashes a try too.

I totally understand how you feel 100%. My friend never talked to me about my wedding, never RSVP'd or anything. Each time I asked her to be involved and she either declined or flat out ignored me it hurt a lot. At first I didn't know exactly what was going on, but when I confronted her and realized it, I asked one more time and again it hurt a lot when she was so cold about it, but I realized that I couldn't do it anymore. Why keep trying and make yourself feel like crap so much? What if you did stroke her ego and 'beg' her and it goes nowhere? how crappy would you feel? I think your plan is a good one. Good luck! EDIT: my friend is my neighbour.. so sad that if we are both outside she won't even smile or say hi, it's like high school. So ridiculous!

What is it with weddings and the drama!!! I have no sound advice because I went thru this myself, although our friendship was 5 years not 20! I don't stroke people's egos and I don't beg people to be my friend. So with that said, I hashed it out and thought we had moved forward - gave her one more opportunity to be involved and ultimately moved on. We easily haven't talked since late May/early June, and before that was very distant. I don't need the drama at this happy time in my life, or at any time in my life to be honest. It's a tough call - I see your point about her wanting you to use her out so the 'blood' is on your hands so to speak, but also her comments almost make me feel she wants you too because she doesn't have the 'balls' to say so herself. But on the flip side why be in a miff she is only a BM not a MOH, then not even care so much as to be a BM? UGH women, hehe. What I would probably do is this - you invited her to Keith Urban (which failed), you gave her a heads up that pricing was increasing (which failed), see if she comes to Katy Perry and then make a judgement call. Your efforts aren't appreciated, your texts/calls aren't friendly, so why put yourself thru all of this? I guess you could just move on, or you could end it politely. Why not see what comes of the Katy Perry concert, then bluntly ask her if she wants to be involved or if she feels your friendship is too distant now for her to feel comfortable? I never had the opportunity to ask my friend to be in my wedding party as she was clearly unhappy I was engaged so I didn't have to cut her off in that term. I am rambling now and like I said above have no firm advice but at some point you need to be done with it - you know? of course unless something turns around. I love how the poster above put it with respect on what to say to her.

I like the first dance before dinner - great idea!! Come in to the reception, have your dance, and eat!!! I think speeches can happen while you are eating, personally! This happened at my friends wedding and worked well.

I totally understand. I also have no close family here. Just one aunt. I don't want anything called a 'shower' maybe a bon voyage party... or something less formal that leads into the stagette for those older ladies who don't want to go out late at night with the shenanigans!

Sorry I don't have any sound advice. I know that my reception will be from around 530-1100pm. The reason I chose 11pm was because that was when the disco opened and if the party isn't over we can all head there. It's a much cheaper alternative then extending my reception time any further (ie we pay for the open bar at our reception and the disco has free drinks!). During that time what shall happen? Well I know we need to eat, have cake, do speeches, and dances. How those will happen - not sure? I plan to decided at some point and give the timeline to my MC to keep it moving but not at that point yet. I also emailed my photog to see what times he needed to get things done (IE my package won't go until 11pm I am pretty sure, so would he like cake before dinner? dance before cake? etc. Unsure if this is an issue but thought I would ask).

MAC in Canada and try to replicate!! keyword is TRY! Personally, if we get step my step instructions I feel it shouldn't be too hard to replicate it. There are a lot of women who do wonderful makeup on themselves, so I know I can be taught LOL!!! If all else fails I can use their spa!

@@beckys98 While it is still totally our decision, the crap you are taking just shows us that the people truly don't care and want to enjoy all your wedding that comes along with it (showers, bachelorette, the wedding itself, etc.) I also had people be like 'what?!?' you have to have a shower, what about us who don't get to come, we want to share in your day somehow. So I plan to have some sort of a party but still will decline gifts.

I also want to look like me but also want flawless photo skin ha! I know I can have both, but need some help! I am still undecided about going to MAC or doing it at the spa, but atleast with MAC I get the products to keep. My bridesmaid married last year and had the MAC lady come to her home to do her makeup - she was good, so if we do this we plan to use her. I have shorter hair (chin length) so there isn't much that can be done. I am going to get a trial at home with my stylist and we are going to take a lot of pictures and hope she can reproduce.

EDIT: 400-430 is toast appis 430-530 is pictures for bride/groom as the sun sets at 530pm! Then the reception. We are giving the MC a timeline to move things along. Also confirming with the photog that this timeline is ok! Hoping after the sun sets the palapa is bright enough for shots!

Our price list is very extensive and shows set up/ tear down for things like Tiffany chairs if I want those instead if the ones provided in my package, etc so I feel they would list it. You know? It shows everything you could imagine. But I'll throw it out there to find out forsure. I also asked if I could rent centerpieces and was told to bring my own - you'd think the cost would come up there but possibly not. Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hope you are ok! It's tough there is always an excuse to be lazy or an 'I'll start on this date' I'm not immune either. Last weekend I went gulp and was a bit embarrassed by my weight gain so I forced myself. I also love food and beer. Do you use the gym or work out at home? I go to goodlife and just do the classes. It's 30-1hour so not daunting. I like the Jillian michaels videos (30 day shred. Body shred. Killer buns and thighs). Play your own music to drown out her voice hahahah Good luck. We will all do this. The looming wedding is such motivation. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel your pain 100%. I found myself at 280 after a twin pregnancy. Yo-yo'd for years and hated myself. Something finally clicked !! I joined my fitness pal and really started looking at what I was consuming. I also found exercise and have grown to love it. Never would have thought id be going 3 years strong at the gym. I've lost around 125 lbs. but I fail often and I feel discouraged often. I always gain over summer. It seems like from April on it goes up and up. It's a 100% forever battle for me because I know how easy I'll gain it back. I posted some pics in the other 'anyone use weight watchers' thread. All I can say is you've done it before and you can do it again. Habits take time, ease in slowly (don't go hardcore overnight) you've got this!!! Ps - I'm all for the old fashioned band wagon. Count calories, eat at a deficit and exercise. And throw in some splurges. I used to have a cheat day all thru my weight loss journey. Wedding countdown boot camp allows a cheat meal lol You need to be realistic and you need to do something you can stick to for life. I can't give up everything I love so I have it in moderation. Like I said I fail too. And I have bad days and weeks. I feel discouraged but I get back on that horse. That desire and drive will push thru. You have it in you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I find threading hurts so much more so I don't do it !!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can see if you bring oodles of stuff Forsure. I didn't read this anywhere in mine and I've went thru it numerous times to ensure I didn't miss something big. I'll keep it in the back of my mind just incase and won't be caught off guard. I have just the basic stuff nothing over the top so would also negotiate if need be. Was yours clearly listed in the price list / contract? It's tough cause I read all I've been provided by the resort but then you hear things on here so I email and get clarification. Usually the way I read it to be was true but you second guess yourself as each place is so different and things can be interpreted so differently too Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hmmm I didn't read anywhere in my contract or extra price list that I had to pay a set up fee. Only if I ordered different charges or extra tables etc. I shall look into it farther. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used WW numerous times and was able to lose weight but never kept it off. I think for a couple reasons - I didn't exercise and I didn't change my habits I just eat bad within my points range. The program works though. After trying everything known to man I joined MFP (my fitness pal) and the gym and I've lost around 125 lbs!!! I've been maintaining this since 2012 ish Slipped some this summer but back on track and down 5 of the 12 I set out to do before my dress fitting. I gained 80 lbs with my twin pregnancy and struggled for so long. If you ever do make it on mfp let me know and I can send you by username. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Some pics for fun. Healthy BMI but pregnancy shot stomach. Having this surgery was the best choice I ever made. Well other than to date my fiancé lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I drink 3 liters a day. Then I get my diet coke. Addiction yes Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What are you thinking for your centerpieces? I was told we can't rent them either so I found beachy stuff that works with my theme that's not breakable. Other than the flowers I splurged on each table is under $7-8 each Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree 100%. I would trim the guest list itself not the other half. Especially with a destination wedding. I think at home may be different but only for singles. Someone with a spouse or fiancé or long term partner should be both as not to insult. Just my opinion. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

These are the photo packages they sent me when I inquired about their services (I can email you the actual document if you want). Complete coverage with trash the dress $2100 USD Full day coverage $1600 USD Three hour wedding coverage $1200 UDS One hour wedding coverage $700 USD All include pictures (more pics with bigger packages) some with photo albums, some with canvas prints Photo and video packages range from $2895-$5795 TTD $499 Then there is lots of extras - more photographers, photo booths. etc. I know you didn't ask me, but this is what we have planned for our wedding -- I know a few ladies on here plan the same thing. 330-400 ceremony 430-500 toast/appies and group photos 500-600 open bar for guests - bride/groom private photos 600-1100 reception/dinner We are doing the private beach/palapa. At this point I won't be doing the mexican trio but have considered it. We will see how the budget goes. We have close to 50 guests as well, as our 'not sures' look close to coming! I am aiming for 1 cart, but may get them to start the pick ups earlier - like 1 hour before?? We are upgrading from the free package - my numbers sit around $4600 right now, and the pres package is like $5500 before all the food, decor, flowers, etc. so throws us way over budget. But looks nice! EDIT: I have a friend who also married at GS with the resort photographer and her pics aren't the same style as the ones from okotoksbride. While both beautiful, it surprises me they are so different, so what I decided to do was make a list of shots I really want to have and give it to the photographer and also someone in my bridal party to make sure I get some of the ones I really want. I like 'posed' shots but I know during the ceremony that is hard. So I plan to make that list to help! We opted for the $1600 full day package. @@Okotoksbride how did 25 people only cost $500? The beach bbq I was quoted at $32/pp. So 25 x $32 is like $800, then all the open bar after what is included. Am I missing something