Lia33

@@calgarybride2015 That looks quite entertaining! I will definitely look into this a little more

@@calgarybride2015 Seems like there's a give and take for it all! It definitely seems that where ever it seems money will be saved, we end up having to splurge in another way. It is what it is at this point loll That's a great deal to have every 17th person free! And I agree about the personalization. I don't plan on personalizing anything permanently because I know it will just either become a souvenir or something never used. I will keep it simple when the time comes!

@@nadiakat17 - I guess we spoke to soon about the wonderfully supportive atmosphere on this forum! lol @@BreMarie - You're absolutely entitled to your opinion - and can probably share it in a less judgmental way. I went to a friend of mine's wedding last summer - even though she got legally married one year prior - it didn't stop anyone from wanting to attend since they were already legally married. MANY people have symbolic ceremonies, religious ceremonies, etc. Most people want to go to weddings - especially destination weddings - not always specifically for the watching of two people become "legally" united, but watching two people make a commitment and celebrate their love with everyone. For those that just get married at city hall - great! I've never heard of anyone call this their "wedding", more so legal ceremony, or just "getting married". But not consider it their full "wedding". The legal part is absolutely important - without this symbolic wedding doesn't make you man and wife. But for me, the city hall piece is what legally binds us. The wedding ceremony is my way of sharing this unity between us with everyone important to us in our lives. My dad won't be walking me down the aisle at city hall. Nor will I have a bridal party. Nor will there be dinner, dancing, and all of my friends and family present. The legality of the unity is NOT the most important piece to a destination wedding.

@@calgarybride2015 Strict rules are a must! At least until after the ceremony! It's just tough to manage when you or other guests will have been there for days already and we all know drinking tends to start pretty early when on vacation lol I love the catamaran ride idea! I'm currently bringing the idea to me fiancé - he says he really doesn't care about the bachelor party but it's more about his friends looking for an excuse to go all out lol

I haven't thought about the dress length issue either! I was debating a wedges for reception but yes if it's hemmed for me to be barefoot (and I don't want to trip over the dress walking down the aisle) I suppose I will stick with wedding sandals instead of wedges to avoid length issues. I will be more comfy anyway :-)

@@AllieH Although I think my dress is really pretty, I'm totally having the urge to check out this other bridal shop. @@Pablou It's totally a preference thing. I have a couple of tattoos also but I would prefer not to show them on my wedding day. Show what you're comfortable showing!

@@calgarybride2015 Our $125 per additional person does NOT include anything special. They gave me the break down - fee for them to be at the ceremony, fee for the dinner at reception, fee for more wedding cake, fee for more finger foods during cocktail hour - all summing up to 125 per additional person. A mariachi band is included in our package too so this we may have during cocktail hour! @@KAT2015 You ladies have some nice ideas for centerpieces! I have no idea what I will do for this but will also likely be using my bridesmaids flowers as centerpieces to save money. That's a great price for chair sashes! I might look into finding cheap ones here to bring with me but I almost rather use whatever I can from the resort just so I don't have to worry bringing it with me - even if it costs me a bit more. I'm afraid to see what the costs for me with the favors and OOT bags will be (in addition to my additional guest costs It's definitely easy for the charges to start adding up...

@@NotSoWitty Go for what you love! Extra Pouff it is! lol I will make some changes to my dress when the time comes (if I stick with the dress I currently have) but I'm continuing to have the urge to browse at this other bridal boutique for other dresses. I mean it doesn't hurt to keep looking right?

@@calgarybride2015 Lol you made sense no worries! My resorts photography is from Blue Lense. I checked out their site as well as chatted with people who have used them and no negative comments! Does your resort charge a lot per person once you're past the amount included? My resort is $125 per person after the 30 :/ This includes all festivities but it's a lot....really hoping we aren't that far beyond the 30 but we are budgeting for exceeding the 30 so it'll be fine.

@@NJBride2014 Exciting!!! I agree, even though you will technically be married already, it's all about the emotion and excitement of the full ceremony. I will already be married by the time we have our DW but also don't want us to see each other until the actual ceremony. Congratulations ;-)

@@nadiakat17 I totally wouldn't mind doing it together but highly doubt his friends would go for it loll I would love a combined thing, celebration just having a good time. At some point I will likely have a girls night but nothing crazy. I have a small group of close friends so I will likely keep this with just us (unofficial private celebration) and would like doing something with everyone in Mexico. Let's see what happens!

This is my dress (so far lol) Hopefully I upload this correctly!

@@KAT2015 I like the idea of an excursion with the girls! Just not sure who will want to pay and how many to include - just the bridesmaids? all girlfriends? I like the idea

@@kmk2016 Hey nothing wrong with that! It's great to spend more on the things that are most important to you and be able to customize/choose exactly what you want.For me, I've heard great things about the photography company my resort uses so I'm totally fine with using theirs. I prefer the packages as I do not want to add more planning for myself lol My resort has basic simple decor which is what I'd likely stick with other than the sashes and arch for the ceremony.

I have a lot to think about as far as the timeline! Is anyone breaking up the reception in any other ways or sticking to the more traditional things - speeches, cake cutting, first dance, father/daughter and mother/son dances?

I would worry about the wind! I don't think I will do petals on the runway since if it happens to be windy they will probably end up everywhere as this will be a beach ceremony. Maybe I will just see how it is on the actual day and decide.

My WC sent me a whole catalogue of arch options - some came with drapery, some flowers, some bother or very simple. Prices varied of course but it was nice to see the styles to choose from. Mine will have some white drapery with a flower arrangement in the top center. I will choose the flowers colors to compliment the wedding colors.

@@TinkerSofi I'm guessing this types of changes wouldn't be like a typical bridal shop alteration and I would have to look for a seamstress elsewhere? That sounds lovely what you will be doing to your dress!

@@calgarybride2015 I can't wear flats with elastic all around! My feet are a bit wide so these things tend to squeeze my feet and sometimes make them swell a little.....not too cute for me! loll I have to look into this bandaid roll on thing! I have never heard of this. My feet are sensitive - any new shoes (even flats) usually results in blisters for me Once in a while I find something super comfy that doesn't require me to "break them in", but overall, I dread buying new shoes for this reason.

Another topic I never thought about! I think I will definitely look into getting a personalized hanger on etsy. I definitely plan on changing my name! It will just be REALLY weird...it's like changing your identity But my fiancé and I are pretty traditional when it comes to this so despite how sad I will be to depart from my name, it will be done. His name is definitely more unique though...and will take some adjusting to lol

@@tygrrlily @@calgarybride2015 Everyone on both of our sides are drinkers as well....I'm just hoping no one is drunk for the ceremony! I've heard some stories from other destination weddings. Hoping my fiancé behaves at least until after the ceremony!

@@nadiakat17 I've heard of the Jack and Jill, but what exactly is it?? If many of you are spread out, it definitely makes even more sense to do it in Mexico. I think it will be cost effective to do it in Mexico - all inclusive food and drinks - people don't have to spend any more money for these events! I will bring it up to my fiancé and see what he says about it and maybe casually mention it to my MOH lol