Sheaka

@@smileitseb you will be so beautiful that the rain, even if there is some, won't dampen your day. No worries. It will be as God has planned it.

@@OL88 I don't think you can extend beyond 11. I think that is resort policy, but you can start earlier to have longer time for reception.

@@phdtck1 I will post it. Yes it's probably best to ask the TA.

thank you @@calgarybride2015. I'm getting a little anxious.

The limit for customs per person is $500 if arriving by air, $300 if arriving by car. It's a little confusing, because the website also says that personal items are duty free including wedding party items. So, i''m going to be safe rather than sorry and have my receipts and guest list. @@calgarybride2015 did you declare your items or did you have the receipts only?

@@phdtck1 thank you!

@@calgarybride2015 thank you. That makes sense. I will definitely keep up with my receipts and keep track. I'm definitely over $300.

@@phdtck1 I used 24hourwristbands.com We created a monogram and I got the drawstring nylon bags from here. We ordered 36. here is the monogram.

@@phdtck1 I got my linen at tableclothsfactory.com they were inexpensive and quick in delivery.

@@smileitseb thank you. I recall you mentioning that before I think. In that case, that is one less thing for me to lug. I will sell mine or donate it or something. Mine isn't personalized so I'm not going to worry about taking it over. Thank you a million. I'm trying to be organized. This is the only organized thing in my life right now. Because it's destination I couldn't run the risk of not trying to have some organization to my life. I also don't want to receive another thing in the mail for this wedding after May 15th. ugh! I have to start packing those things now as well.

@@phdtck1 yes, my centerpieces for 5 tables cost me $212, and include my candles, tea lights and holders . My 3 friends will carry them on in their carry on luggage. Because the lanterns have glass to avoid them breaking in transport. I need to find out who will purchase my items while I'm down there. Also, my lanterns will line the aisle at the wedding. So we will get double use out of them. Dreams wanted to charge me $40 per little pot for real flowers! NO WAY. I'm getting silk. My aunt is having those made and will bring those with her. I didn't get a robe for my shower so I definitely have to get one. I will start on Etsy. I got my veil on Etsy, after the bridal dress store wanted to charge $250 I said no ma'am. Let's find another way. And I paid $25. I love it and guess what if it doesn't make it back from Mexico I won't complain. lol. I am not willing to pay $35 per linen or $3 per napkin when I ordered my napkins and linen and it cost me less than $70. Those items are so light that I will pack them with my out of town gift items and use them as a bit of cushion. @@Dec2015 I have the ultimate package, so I'm thinking much like @@smileitseb that I'd rather have a longer reception OR use that money towards something else. Another thing that I'm doing is instead of one of my centerpieces, I am going to exchange that for roses petals down the walkway. I need to find out if I need a aisle runner. If not, then I need to sell the one I have. Decisions decisions.

@@phdtck1 for my bridesmaids I purchased their dress and jewelry. For my out of town bags I purchased personalized bags, tumblers, advil, gum, sunscreen, chapstick, tissue, sanitizer, personalized luggage tags for each guest is their special gift and their place setting. I am also bringing my own décor. I purchased linen to include overlays and table cloths and, napkins, and chair sashes, tealighs, and lanterns. I will try and post them. I will take the out of town stuff and the linen etc. my friends will bring the lanterns. I just spoke to my friend whose friend got married in Mexico 2 years ago, she said we only have to declare on the customs form what we are brining in and advise that it is for a wedding. We don't need receipts. So if someone else is bringing in stuff for you, then they have to declare at customs. And don't bring sparklers. they almost got arrested.

@@smileitseb yeah, that 's what I was thinking as far as the receipts. I mean if they aren't checking dress receipts why would they check other receipts right? I think that's if we are selling stuff. I pray. I have some receipts but not all. I'm not going to stress. Also, I'm thinking of cancelling the cocktail hour as well and sending my guests to the lobby bar for drinks and doing the same thing you are doing. I will talk to Elisa to see what she can do, I'm not sure how close everything is on the map so I need some clarity from her on that as well. Also, I want to have some pictures with our guests as well so maybe a few group shots. Which photography package did you guys go with? Is anyone using Wedpics app? We are going to use it to get some candids. I'm so excited. @@phdtck1 that is a great idea about the guest list. We may have to do that. I don't want more than 35/36 including us. I want to keep it small. Manageable etc. So far we have 31 paid. But there are at least 5 more who said they are coming. My uncle and aunt and cousin and my fiancé's friend and his significant other. But I'm ready to shut this down!

@@smileitseb that headpiece is giving me life. Beautiful

I am having a bit of a slow moment. Does anyone remember the issue about customs and receipts? Is this only relevant if we are selling items or even if we are bringing items in as gifts? If so, how would that work with our dresses? Those alone exceed any limit customs could give right? Am I being paranoid? @@smileitseb my wedding is June 14 at 6pm at the gazebo we are doing the reception inside because I am concerned about my guests dying of heat exhaustion. We are doing the cocktail hour on the deck, I think. I have to look. Is anyone opting out of the cocktail hour and going straight to reception?

@smileiteb who is your coordinator? My is Elisa. I need to send her my stuff, I've been holding on to it. I just found out that a friend is coming that didn't go through the travel agent so now I gotta add her and her crew into the mix. I'm nervous that I will have to order extra gifts ugh.

I'm glad you posted this. Will be adding to my to do list. Lord! @@smileitseb

@@smileitseb I love this picture. My coordinator better not show me anything. I don't know how strong I will be!

@@Lbrennan0 yes you can have tea lights if you are in the ballroom. You can't light flames outside as I recall. @@phdtck1 I think it's hard to keep your budget reasonable, but you have to remember that the reason you are doing destination is to save money. I'm definitely spending a little more than I planned with out of town bags and such, but other than that, I'm keeping the wedding itself within our budget. I'm also having a gazebo wedding because I wanted the benefit of the beach, since it overlooks the water, but I didn't want sand in my toes or dress. Good luck in your planning and ask as many questions as you'd like. This is an awesome thread.

@@pddcmc Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to hear how amazing it is!!!! is there a link for us to watch it?

@smileitseb~2 long table sounds beautiful. Where is your reception? We are in the ballroom. I thought about long tables after my bridal shower this past Sunday, but I'm not sure how that would look in the Ballroom with sooooooo much space. I'm scared that it will be hot as hades outside when we are down there. You are less than 30 days away. Have you started packing? I'm getting nervous even thinking about it.

Yeah, but I wanted some color. We are having our reception in the ballroom. Are you going with their linens only?

Yes, I am. I ordered overlays 90 inch. I ordered from tableclothsfactory.com. They came really quickly and they are way less expensive than the resort. Also, I ordered napkins, chair sashes, a table cloth, table runner, and cake table overlay. 90 Overlay $7.59 per 72 Overlay $6.39 Taffeta Table Cloth for our table $15.99 Napkins $2.79 for 8 Chair Sashes $.99 per Table runner taffeta $2.39 @@smileitseb I love your mailer. Great! I'm going to borrow some info from it. I'm getting married at the gazebo, and I have purchased a runner. Does anyone know if we will need a runner?

@@hsocorso oh ok. I wonder what the limit is and whether they tax us upon entering. Very interesting. I'm super excited for you!!! I can't wait to hear about how beautiful it is.

Why do we need receipts? Customs? Ugh.