Getting OOT bag goodies to the wedding

[AllieH]

We just were married in Riviera Maya...and I brought ALOT of stuff. What I did was first divide the stuff among 6 different bags and suitcases, using a luggage scale and receipts to organize appropriately and ensure not over the 50lb bag weight limit.  Then inventoried each bag and made a folder that indicated exact contents and the receipts, because each person can not exceed a $300 per person (or couple if married with same last name) maximum without having to pay taxes.   I gave a bag to 6 different people in our wedding party to bring down. I planned to give each of them the $40 extra bag fee (the first one is free on United to Mexico), but as it turned out they were all able to work it out and bring them as their free bag.   It was VERY STRESSFUL getting it organized, I  had to redo my inventory lists several times. But I made sure to make a template that listed the person's name carrying the items. The receipt with the cost. And I put our wedding logo and information on the top, with "ITEMS NOT FOR RESALE" so that there was not a question about anything. Turns out the only thing they really questioned was our little silver frames we were using for escort cards. They did not take them, nor tax them, but apparently had quite an interest in them. My maracas and starfish made it in effortlessly, which is what I was most woried about. PM me if i you have more specific questions!

We did something similar. Had no problems with any of our stuff coming into Mexico.

[nbateman]

put the smaller suitcase in a larger one if you have the option, that way you'll be able to pay less and have to handle less on your way back!

[Loreal30]

Thanks for the advice, I was also worried about this!

[elissae]

Originally Posted by jreist 

 

Im going to Jamaica, and there are particular luggage restrictions. I'm pretty sure that I read that cardboard boxes would be treated as oversized luggage and subject to an extra charge...But don't quote me on that! But it may be something you want to directly ask the airline or your travel agent. 

 

I have sent a message out to my family and friends to see if anyone is cleaning out their closets and plans on throwing out any old suitcases. Broken or whatnot, I'll take them. I plan on leaving the suitcases in Jamaica (and told them that lol). I had a huge response, I guess people just like to keep suitcases that are broken hehe. 

 

As for bringing them down, To Jamaica on my flight you are only allowed to bring MAX of 2 suitcases, and the second one costs $25. I plan on asking several guests to bring a suitcase of my stuff down as their second suitcase, and pay the $25. 

 

I have a LOT of stuff too, probably over 5 suitcases. Since I am leaving January 18th and will see about 80 of our 94 guests at xmas time I have decided to give out our Travel Mugs (favours) at christmas time, and include a packing list and thank you letter. This cuts down at LEAST 2 suitcases of stuff to bring. I will still need 3-4 suitcases for decor and our other favours though (survival kits, tip holders, and potentially totes). 

 

I was going to make a trip to the good will store & look for some old suitcases to buy.  Instead, I put up a Facebook Status asking friends if they had any old suitcases they no longer wanted or needed.  I plan to bring our wedding supplies in these suitcases and then leave them behind at our room at the resort with a note for the maid indicating to keep for yourself or a friend or throw away. 

 

Today we are at the 3 month mark & I am now in the process of organizing the loot.  Thank goodness I saved all my receipts.  I will do the same as the other brides suggested and put a folder in each suitcase with a spreadshhet of items and their correlating receipts.  Scary thing is I thought I only needed 2 suitcases for everything.  Now it may be 3 possibly 4.....I am going to start talking to some friends to help if I go over 3.

 

I look forward to hear how you make out - only 16 days until you depart!!!!

[missroxy]

Originally Posted by elissae 

 

 

I was going to make a trip to the good will store & look for some old suitcases to buy.  Instead, I put up a Facebook Status asking friends if they had any old suitcases they no longer wanted or needed.  I plan to bring our wedding supplies in these suitcases and then leave them behind at our room at the resort with a note for the maid indicating to keep for yourself or a friend or throw away. 

 

Today we are at the 3 month mark & I am now in the process of organizing the loot.  Thank goodness I saved all my receipts.  I will do the same as the other brides suggested and put a folder in each suitcase with a spreadshhet of items and their correlating receipts.  Scary thing is I thought I only needed 2 suitcases for everything.  Now it may be 3 possibly 4.....I am going to start talking to some friends to help if I go over 3.

 

I look forward to hear how you make out - only 16 days until you depart!!!!

Like the idea of old suitcase... gosh I don't know what I'd do without this forum ! lol it seems I can't think of that kind of stuff by myself thank you

[LoriGran]

missroxy, Totally in the same boat. When I first got engaged I thought how the hell am I going to plan a wedding? I don't know what I'm doing. Then I figured I'd have to depend on my sister who helped her friend plan a destination wedding. THen I found this forum... soo glad I won't need to depend on my sister now! LOL

[nbateman]

Originally Posted by elissae 

 

 

I was going to make a trip to the good will store & look for some old suitcases to buy.  Instead, I put up a Facebook Status asking friends if they had any old suitcases they no longer wanted or needed.  I plan to bring our wedding supplies in these suitcases and then leave them behind at our room at the resort with a note for the maid indicating to keep for yourself or a friend or throw away. 

 

Today we are at the 3 month mark & I am now in the process of organizing the loot.  Thank goodness I saved all my receipts.  I will do the same as the other brides suggested and put a folder in each suitcase with a spreadshhet of items and their correlating receipts.  Scary thing is I thought I only needed 2 suitcases for everything.  Now it may be 3 possibly 4.....I am going to start talking to some friends to help if I go over 3.

 

I look forward to hear how you make out - only 16 days until you depart!!!!

Great idea!!! I've been seeing a ton of them lately at my goodwill!!! AND REMEMBER the thing about goodwill is that there stock is constantly changing, so don't give up, check back often.  Trust me, I am a goodwill junkie : )

[MrzzMel]

These are Awesome Great job !

[DiggityDawn]

Great advice and ideas ladies, thank you!!

[elissae]

Hola Amigas!

 

It's time for me to finish packing and closing up the suitcases for Mexico.  We leave in 4 weeks.   I cannot believe the time is here!

 

I probably have a total of 4 suitcases of OOT Bags/Goodies/Favors/Mugs, puzzle books, survuval kits, maracas, etc as well as wedding decor.  So do I have to account (receipt wise) for EVERYTHING?  Or can I leave out stuff like the cake topper, chair sashes, table runners, picture frames for display things, baskets, straws, cocktail napkins,  etc?

 

I understand I should be able to account for stuff in mass volume, i.e., bags, mug, koozies, survivial kits, maracas, bottle openers, etc...but the wedding decor too?

 

With each packed bag, I plan to enclose a list of what is inside with their value and receipts for each. 

 

I have receipts for everything, I was just not sure how specific I needed to be.

 

Any insight you ladie could give would be SO AWESOME!

 

Gracias! xoxo