November 2011 Brides!!! All Destinations

[Aphrodite]

I am a November 11, 2011 bride at Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana, Dominican!

[Aphrodite]

If it makes you feel better...

My RSVP rate is July...the hotel needs my guest list by August so that's what I'm using that time!

My group rate has to be paid in full by September anyways.  We have already secured our group rate until then (for up to 30 people) by putting deposits down for 10 people within 14 days of making the booking.  We had the 2 of us, our bridal party (6) and my parents secure their spot right away.
 

Originally Posted by JenK 

Hi ladies!

 

I just needed to vent...it is SO difficult to make travel decisions, especially when booking group travel. I won't get into all the details-but I'm really frustrated that guests are telling me they are going to be all going different dates and not our suggested travel dates. I feel that I have put so much work into getting a group rate-and it is a really good rate!!! Some of them think that they can find cheaper deals, but I'm pretty sure they won't! Anyways, it is making this difficult for me because at this point-I'm worried about getting the minimum needed to secure the group pricing! Is anyone else going through the same problem?

 

Does anyone feel that June 30th is too soon for an RSVP date? I've noticed other brides have later RSVP dates so I am worried that mine is unrealistic!  My deadline is for paying the deposit only, so people don't have to book in full until 2months before.

 

Thanks everyone for letting me vent! I needed it tonight! Plus my glass of wine is helping

 

[Aphrodite]

Sorry for thread whoring lol...

 

Just wanted to mention a couple of other things because I saw them mentioned.

 

As of this moment, my dress is in, my bridesmaid dresses are in, my hotel and private reception there are booked, group rate is secured, STDs went out in January to give people PLENTY of notice and this weekend I will be doing my wedding invitations.

[clgriffi7]

So ladies I am starting to get a bit more excited about the wedding because I am finally less than 6 months away!!!  I got engaged last June, so it seems as if it has taken forever to get this far.

 

For an update, all of the attire for everyone (including both sets of parents) is in our possession.  I am sure there are a lot of alterations that need to be made, but at least we have the garments.  We sent out our invitations at the end of last week, so now there isn't a whole lot I can physically do for the wedding until I know a guest count.  However between now and when I know that number (hopefully end of August/early September) I will try and design everything (like programs, OOT bag tags, etc.) and find everything online (like chair bows and table runners) so I can just print and order when the time comes.

 

Oh - one very exciting thing from tonight...my fiance and I booked our honeymoon/1-year anniversary cruise tonight!  We decided that since we will already be in Mexico and with vacation days at work at a premium, that we would stay a few extra days after the wedding and have our official honeymoon in 2012.  So we just booked a 12-day Mediterranean cruise for September 2012.  I am super excited!!!  I am such a planner that part of me wants to start planning that trip now.  But I am going to try and make myself hold off so I have something to look forward to after the wedding.  I bet I will be one of those people that will be a bit depressed after the wedding and AHR, so this should keep me occupied.

[Vettiebean]

That's so exciting!!! I wish I had that much done so far, but new job, lots of life changes... things had to get pushed back in the planning process. We're sort of doing something similar with postponing the honeymoon though. We're at the resort 5 days pre-wedding, and then a couple days after. Wish we could stay longer!! lol 

 

But, we are having a huge formal AHR. And we felt like we'd be super exhausted after that bc it would be more work than our actual wedding. So, in January, after the AHR, we're taking off for another week! Not sure where, yet. But keeping options open. Any suggestions from you ladies? 

 

What's Europe like during that time of year? Thanks ladies!!! 

 

Originally Posted by clgriffi7 

So ladies I am starting to get a bit more excited about the wedding because I am finally less than 6 months away!!!  I got engaged last June, so it seems as if it has taken forever to get this far.

 

For an update, all of the attire for everyone (including both sets of parents) is in our possession.  I am sure there are a lot of alterations that need to be made, but at least we have the garments.  We sent out our invitations at the end of last week, so now there isn't a whole lot I can physically do for the wedding until I know a guest count.  However between now and when I know that number (hopefully end of August/early September) I will try and design everything (like programs, OOT bag tags, etc.) and find everything online (like chair bows and table runners) so I can just print and order when the time comes.

 

Oh - one very exciting thing from tonight...my fiance and I booked our honeymoon/1-year anniversary cruise tonight!  We decided that since we will already be in Mexico and with vacation days at work at a premium, that we would stay a few extra days after the wedding and have our official honeymoon in 2012.  So we just booked a 12-day Mediterranean cruise for September 2012.  I am super excited!!!  I am such a planner that part of me wants to start planning that trip now.  But I am going to try and make myself hold off so I have something to look forward to after the wedding.  I bet I will be one of those people that will be a bit depressed after the wedding and AHR, so this should keep me occupied.

 

[acw271011]

we share a wedding date! 'cept we're gran bahia principe in runaway bay.

 

don't let the stores scare you. I did my dress and they said it would be in sometime in July - about 15 weeks.  ha ha - came in 3!!  so now I'm stuck with a dress hanging around for 6 months.  not happy about it but nothing I can do. guess I can be thankful I got one...

 

Originally Posted by JoanneIreland 

How are everyone's plans coming along? I fell like November is around the corner but yet I have so little done. SCARY!

Am I the only November bride who hasn't picked a dress yet> The stores are making me so scared by telling me it wont be ready in time if I dot order soon.

Everyone said you would "know the one", and i stupidly tried on a dress I could not afford today and I am in love. What do you do in these situations? Settle on second best for your wedding day? I cant justify the money to be honest!

 

 

[JenK]

Wow everyone is getting so organized! We have our groom's attire purchased, groomsmen attire picked out (and mostly purchased) and we sent out our invitations this week. Our deposits are due at the end of June so we wanted to get our invitations out with all the information. Next Saturday all of my bridesmaids are getting measured and we are purchasing their dress. So now my plan is to figure out mine and the bridesmaid's accessories and shoes, and start planning the menus, programs and place cards. I agree with clgriffi7-I'm going to be sad when all the planning fun is done!

 

We too are just starting to book our honeymoon! We are going right after Christmas (December 27th) to Australia for a month. I can't wait!!!!!!

 

Keep the updates going!

[Vettiebean]

All these exciting honeymoon plans!! WOW, an entire month?! JEALOUS. lol 

 

Ok, I laid down on this chilly night in LA while FI had to work and did some interwebs searching. Looks like so far, we're considering Thailand, Vietnam, DR, Costa Rica. Personally, I might be leaning toward Southeast Asia, but I'm a bit afraid of the travel time + jet lag issues. DR, Costa Rica, and anywhere else in the Caribbean is going to be peak season still, I think, and more expensive. But, not really worried about jet lag. Surprisingly annoyed with lengthy travel times and long layovers though. 

 

Suggestions? What do you ladies think? 

[JenK]

I absolutely LOVED Thailand! Although I have heard it has become more touristy since I was there (9 years ago). But if you like Thai food, you will absolutely LOVE the food there! I also really liked Costa Rica. I think it really depends on your budget and time frame! I wouldn't go to Thailand for less than 2 weeks. Long flights do suck but once you get there it is all worth it!

 

I'm so excited for you, sounds like some good choices! Keep us updated!!

[acw271011]

just an fyi that might help with the decision. november is traditionally what is called "shoulder season" so not really expensive at all.  high season most places doesn't usually start until mid-december.  you can get some UNBELIEVABLE deals if you can travel up to the week before Xmas especially if you don't mind travelling last minute and have a bit of date flexibility.

 

Originally Posted by Vettiebean 

All these exciting honeymoon plans!! WOW, an entire month?! JEALOUS. lol 

 

Ok, I laid down on this chilly night in LA while FI had to work and did some interwebs searching. Looks like so far, we're considering Thailand, Vietnam, DR, Costa Rica. Personally, I might be leaning toward Southeast Asia, but I'm a bit afraid of the travel time + jet lag issues. DR, Costa Rica, and anywhere else in the Caribbean is going to be peak season still, I think, and more expensive. But, not really worried about jet lag. Surprisingly annoyed with lengthy travel times and long layovers though. 

 

Suggestions? What do you ladies think?