What I would and wouldn't do again...

[lsjhik]

Thanks for the helpful info! I made it through about 150 posts!

[MDLady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 Yes, we are at the Westin. I am just finding it so hard to plan when I can’t see things and talk to people. I emailed my WC over a month ago and I still haven't heard from him. He has emailed to say he will respond soon, but I am still waiting. I think I might have to call him. It might be easier to get an answer from him. I have asked him the same few questions a few times already and he hasn’t answered them. I have all the things I can do done (dress, OOT bags, favors, etc) except for one or 2 things that I am waiting on a final count for. My biggest issue I am kind of freaking out about it the time of the ceremony. My WC insists that it should be at 5:30pm and that is the best time for that time of year. But with a 30 minutes ceremony I only have 18 minutes till sunset and whatever time after till it gets dark. I just don’t think that will be enough time for pictures. What time did you have your ceremony? I am also worried about the wind and my cathedral length veil. I saw that you didn’t get wind on your wedding day, but was it really windy the other days? I just don’t want to be fighting with my veil during the ceremony.

He is not returning your calls/emails for a month? Hmm. I know that with destination weddings in general, the wedding coordinators do not want to get into all the details until 2-3 months before the wedding. So it is possible that they are just waiting until closer to the date. It would be nice if they told you that instead of just silence but I have a feeling that this is what is going on. I worked with Inge when we were considering the Westin and she was pretty responsive. It is scary for us, brides, but they tend to get most of the things done weeks from the wedding so just make sure that you are prepared when they do start asking you questions regarding flowers, decor, music, etc..

Regarding time, our ceremony was at 5:30 and we had plenty of sunlight BUT this was May, not November. If you are that concerned and are sure that you want it earlier, I do not see why they would not accommodate it! Will you be doing pictures before the ceremony? If not, then you have to explain it to the WC because they are assuming that you are! I would try to get in touch with the general manager or director of Food/Beverage if all else fails. Did you already sign the contract for the date with a certain time? Our ceremony was supposed to be at 6pm but our rabbi asked to move it to 5:30 since there was another jewish couple getting married on the island the same night and he wanted to do both weddings if possible. The Hyatt had no problem changing our time even though we already had everything signed. I have a feeling that with you, they are just busy with weddings that are coming up soon and do not want to get into details of Nov weddings yet.

Yes, we had NO wind at all at our wedding which was so strange. It was very hot which was unusual as well, record heat LOL. It felt more like Mexico than Aruba for sure but it was fine. Later in the week it did get windy, with some serious gusts of air. I think a longer veil will actually work better than a shorter one with wind, the short one would be flying all over the place but the long will stay put under its own weight. If you don't have beading on the veil, maybe put some beads at the bottom to add some weight. I'm attaching a pic of mine just for reference but we didn't have any wind..

[hat0112]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDLady He is not returning your calls/emails for a month? Hmm. I know that with destination weddings in general, the wedding coordinators do not want to get into all the details until 2-3 months before the wedding. So it is possible that they are just waiting until closer to the date. It would be nice if they told you that instead of just silence but I have a feeling that this is what is going on. I worked with Inge when we were considering the Westin and she was pretty responsive. It is scary for us, brides, but they tend to get most of the things done weeks from the wedding so just make sure that you are prepared when they do start asking you questions regarding flowers, decor, music, etc.. Regarding time, our ceremony was at 5:30 and we had plenty of sunlight BUT this was May, not November. If you are that concerned and are sure that you want it earlier, I do not see why they would not accommodate it! Will you be doing pictures before the ceremony? If not, then you have to explain it to the WC because they are assuming that you are! I would try to get in touch with the general manager or director of Food/Beverage if all else fails. Did you already sign the contract for the date with a certain time? Our ceremony was supposed to be at 6pm but our rabbi asked to move it to 5:30 since there was another jewish couple getting married on the island the same night and he wanted to do both weddings if possible. The Hyatt had no problem changing our time even though we already had everything signed. I have a feeling that with you, they are just busy with weddings that are coming up soon and do not want to get into details of Nov weddings yet. Yes, we had NO wind at all at our wedding which was so strange. It was very hot which was unusual as well, record heat LOL. It felt more like Mexico than Aruba for sure but it was fine. Later in the week it did get windy, with some serious gusts of air. I think a longer veil will actually work better than a shorter one with wind, the short one would be flying all over the place but the long will stay put under its own weight. If you don't have beading on the veil, maybe put some beads at the bottom to add some weight. I'm attaching a pic of mine just for reference but we didn't have any wind..

Well he did send an email that he would get back to me. We have been making a few decisions already and the response time was fine up until recently. I am not too concerned right now since I have 4 months to go, but I like to have everything planned and organized and I can't if he doesn't respond.

The WC said he would move it up if it is what I want, but he insists on 5:30. I think I might still end up moving it up. I would feel more comfortable since we aren't doing pictures before the ceremony. I thought about it, but I really don’t want my FI to see me until I walk down the isle. I am concerned about getting that message to my guests, but I guess I can tell everyone at the rehearsal dinner.

Beading on the veil is a good idea. I also have a second veil that is about the length of yours that will go on top of the cathedral length veil. Each veil is only one piece and when you put it together it looks like one. I heard about brides using Hollywood Wedding Tape and taping the veil to the dress but I am worried the tape will ruin my dress.

PS- I love your dress!

[MDLady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 Well he did send an email that he would get back to me. We have been making a few decisions already and the response time was fine up until recently. I am not too concerned right now since I have 4 months to go, but I like to have everything planned and organized and I can't if he doesn't respond. The WC said he would move it up if it is what I want, but he insists on 5:30. I think I might still end up moving it up. I would feel more comfortable since we aren't doing pictures before the ceremony. I thought about it, but I really don’t want my FI to see me until I walk down the isle. I am concerned about getting that message to my guests, but I guess I can tell everyone at the rehearsal dinner. Beading on the veil is a good idea. I also have a second veil that is about the length of yours that will go on top of the cathedral length veil. Each veil is only one piece and when you put it together it looks like one. I heard about brides using Hollywood Wedding Tape and taping the veil to the dress but I am worried the tape will ruin my dress. PS- I love your dress!

Thanks I love my dress, too. I wonder if I can wear it around the city and not get wierd looks haha.

It's tough to be patient with destination weddings. I am a hands-on person in general so for me it was a little rough to do everything remotely but we managed. Just remember that summer is the slowest season in Aruba so maybe he is just taking some time off. If you absolutely have to get in touch with him, I would call him directly or even the hotel and get someone on the phone.

Go with what you want regarding time. He can say that 5:30 is best but he doesn't know your needs/reasons. So explain and then ask for the change. 5:30 is what they are used to so any change can create risk for them so they try to stick to the original time. But if you ask, they will be flexible I'm sure.

I don't know about tape.. I never used it. But I would not worry about it. Worst case scenario, if the veil really bothers you, take a few pictures and then take it off anyway. Mine was off right after all the pictures were done! And since you have 2 veils, at least 1 will definitely work.

Get ready for the gorgeous Aruba beaches and sunset. I have been going through the photographer's pictures and the sunsets are stunning.

[hat0112]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDLady Thanks I love my dress, too. I wonder if I can wear it around the city and not get wierd looks haha. It's tough to be patient with destination weddings. I am a hands-on person in general so for me it was a little rough to do everything remotely but we managed. Just remember that summer is the slowest season in Aruba so maybe he is just taking some time off. If you absolutely have to get in touch with him, I would call him directly or even the hotel and get someone on the phone. Go with what you want regarding time. He can say that 5:30 is best but he doesn't know your needs/reasons. So explain and then ask for the change. 5:30 is what they are used to so any change can create risk for them so they try to stick to the original time. But if you ask, they will be flexible I'm sure. I don't know about tape.. I never used it. But I would not worry about it. Worst case scenario, if the veil really bothers you, take a few pictures and then take it off anyway. Mine was off right after all the pictures were done! And since you have 2 veils, at least 1 will definitely work. Get ready for the gorgeous Aruba beaches and sunset. I have been going through the photographer's pictures and the sunsets are stunning.

Lol... I wish we could do that! I know I will be upset to never wear it again! Maybe we should all meet up and wear our dresses!

I am very detail oriented and a DW isn’t something I can do that with. But my WC got back to me today and I can see why it took him a while. He sent a big email with all sorts of decisions and thing we need to go over and decide on.

The WC said we will actually try and start the ceremony at 5:15 and somehow that seems so much better, even though it is only 15 more minutes.

Yeah, the veil isn’t staying on after the ceremony so I don’t have to worry about it for long. Ha, that’s true. If one veil bothers me I still have another.

Oh I’m sure the pictures are gorgeous! I heard the sunsets there are amazing!

[MDLady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 Lol... I wish we could do that! I know I will be upset to never wear it again! Maybe we should all meet up and wear our dresses! I am very detail oriented and a DW isn’t something I can do that with. But my WC got back to me today and I can see why it took him a while. He sent a big email with all sorts of decisions and thing we need to go over and decide on. The WC said we will actually try and start the ceremony at 5:15 and somehow that seems so much better, even though it is only 15 more minutes. Yeah, the veil isn’t staying on after the ceremony so I don’t have to worry about it for long. Ha, that’s true. If one veil bothers me I still have another. Oh I’m sure the pictures are gorgeous! I heard the sunsets there are amazing!

I'm glad that you heard back from the WC! I had trouble being all hands-on but it worked out for the most part

I'm down for the wedding gown parade hahahaha. That would be something special

Just a little teaser for you until I have the review done.

[MsAmErika]

MDLADY Im also from maryland getting married in Aruba next month. I will be waiting for you full review please include restuarant and activity reviews, its so many things to chose from.

[MDLady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsAmErika MDLADY Im also from maryland getting married in Aruba next month. I will be waiting for you full review please include restuarant and activity reviews, its so many things to chose from.

Hi MsAmErika! Where in MD are you? I live in Chevy Chase and will be moving to Rockville in about 2 weeks. Where in Aruba are you getting married??

I posted a review in the Wedding Review section and will add activity reviews tomorrow. I didn't get to go onto any activities since I was playing hostess but many of our guests did so I can tell you about those based on what they told me.

[MDLady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 Lol... I wish we could do that! I know I will be upset to never wear it again! Maybe we should all meet up and wear our dresses! I am very detail oriented and a DW isn’t something I can do that with. But my WC got back to me today and I can see why it took him a while. He sent a big email with all sorts of decisions and thing we need to go over and decide on. The WC said we will actually try and start the ceremony at 5:15 and somehow that seems so much better, even though it is only 15 more minutes. Yeah, the veil isn’t staying on after the ceremony so I don’t have to worry about it for long. Ha, that’s true. If one veil bothers me I still have another. Oh I’m sure the pictures are gorgeous! I heard the sunsets there are amazing!

Do you want my photographer's phone number to ask about sun in November? She is the nicest lady ever and even though he is not doing your wedding, just tell her that you got her contact info from Zoya/Mariano and she will answer your questions. She has lived in Aruba for over 30 years so she can tell you anything/everything about photography there.

[hat0112]

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Originally Posted by MDLady Do you want my photographer's phone number to ask about sun in November? She is the nicest lady ever and even though he is not doing your wedding, just tell her that you got her contact info from Zoya/Mariano and she will answer your questions. She has lived in Aruba for over 30 years so she can tell you anything/everything about photography there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDLady I'm glad that you heard back from the WC! I had trouble being all hands-on but it worked out for the most part I'm down for the wedding gown parade hahahaha. That would be something special Just a little teaser for you until I have the review done.

Lol, I can totally see all these BDW brides in their dresses walking down the street! I think it would be great! We could make is National Wear Your Wedding Dress Again Day!

OMG that sunset is AMAZING! I can see all the beautiful colors in the background! I love love love sunsets (and I don’t get to see them much being in PA) so I can’t wait to see them in Aruba. Your cake looks really nice. I hope ours turn out that good! I am afraid of how they will interrupt what I told them we want in some weird way or the baker won't be very good.

Oh that would great, thank you! Just so I can ask her about the timing of everything and how long it will take and it being October. I think it will help me relax a bit about it having a second opinion.