Hi HCurtis,
We are bringing gold charger plates [bought from BB&B for $50 vs renting for 6-9 each], table runners [vs renting for $35 and up], votives with LED lights [never got a rent quote], menu/name card [they print generic menus for free but i wanted something unique and special], bride/groom chair signs [renting is overpriced], decor table stuff [frames, anchors, message in a bottle sign in, gold accents] that ties back into my theme. I also am bringing welcome bags for the guests.
Side note- I am renting glass hurricanes from the resort for $7 each because i feel like it would be a pain to travel with. I am reusing the bridal bouquets for centerpieces.
The lighting issue- I had to add lights because the resort is not bright enough for evening photos. I am adding a 20 light strand of lanterns for $300.00. You can bring your own lights but there is a stringing fee and again traveling with such fragile bulbs is not very appealing to me. I would have to get there and half be broken. What bothers me in the video posted to this thread is it looks like only some of the lights were actually working. You spend so much money on a photographer that it would be a bummer if your photos were not as good because of lighting.
~Tarah