Any other 2014 brides here getting an early start?

[Cherina]

I just sent out an invitation packed with info 14 months in advance. With the web address and TA info. My venue requires 50% deposit 6 months in advance so that in itself is an RSVP. Check your venues policies and they may lead you

[LoriGran]

I'm reading all these posts and makes me a little jealous since I still haven't picked a resort. I didn't know how difficult it can be. I just want to fast forward a few months so I can get started with the actual planning!!

[Lyman]

no worries Lori - better to take your time and find the right place for you.......it will help the rest go that much more smoothly.....you're doing Great  

Wishing you all the best with your plans and that your wedding is everything you wish for! CHeers

[MissJali]

Originally Posted by Reign14 

 

 

So you combined your invites and STDs and are just sending out one item, or will you send them out at different times? I'm still trying to figure out my strategy. As of now I think I will send STDs 13 months in advance and invites 6-8 months in advance. And I'm planning to set the RSVP deadline 3-4 months in advance. Still deciding. 

 

Suggestions are welcomed!  Wedding is in Punta Cana in April of 2014, by the way.

Reign,Thinking back I should have done the std/invites combo. I made the mistake of doing the STDs first. The idea was to send them out this month and then the passports by August/September. However, I might send them as early May/June so people have enough time to enter into payment plans with the travel agent. My wedding date will be confirmed in April, flights will be out in April so it makes sense. Now since my STDs are done, I'll just go ahead and send those out but the invites will have a ton of info to get people started.

[Reign14]

Originally Posted by MissJali 

 

Reign,Thinking back I should have done the std/invites combo. I made the mistake of doing the STDs first. The idea was to send them out this month and then the passports by August/September. However, I might send them as early May/June so people have enough time to enter into payment plans with the travel agent. My wedding date will be confirmed in April, flights will be out in April so it makes sense. Now since my STDs are done, I'll just go ahead and send those out but the invites will have a ton of info to get people started.

See I'm not sold on the combo thing. I like the idea of sending the STDs first as an announcement of sorts. This way people aren't bombarded with too much information so soon, but the goal is still accomplished of making them aware and letting them get mentally prepared for a tropical vacation the following year. I also plan to have the wedding website on my STDs, so for those that want more information this far in advance, they have it.

 

I also think it's easy to forget about something that is a year away, so sending my invites about 6-8 months in advance, I think, will serve as a reminder and keep things fresh in their minds. (Although my STDs are magnets so hopefully seeing it on the fridge every day helps with that). But I feel like people aren't really paying attention to all of the details so soon (although we as the brides are). To me, sending the STDs separately makes a lot of sense. Of course people have different approaches and preferences.

 

Cherina,

 

Good point. A 50% deposit 6 months in advance is really aggressive! Is this required as part of a group package arranged by your TA because they're holding a block of rooms for you?  I haven't heard of anything like that from my resort, but I guess I'll find out once I talk to a TA.

[LoriGran]

no worries Lori - better to take your time and find the right place for you.......it will help the rest go that much more smoothly.....you're doing Great   Wishing you all the best with your plans and that your wedding is everything you wish for! CHeers

Thank you for your kind words!! Yesss that is the good thing because we are planning for a July 2014 wedding and we still have some time. I'm just very impatient and would love to start buying and downloading things hehe!

[Cherina]

Lori when I started looking I was set on a specific location Cuba, or Maya Rivera. While searching I found my venue and fell in love completely so the hubby came home and I said Jamaica IT IS!!! You will find it just keep an open mind.

[Resplendent]

Reign14.  I have to agree with you.  I sent out my STD in Oct 2012 – the STD served as the initial announcement about the Vow Renewal.  The STD included my website address that provided travel information, etc.  I plan to send out the passport invitations a year in advance which will be this April, which will serve as a reminder.  After which, I plan to send out a mass email 6 months prior to travel date for those last minute family members.  I thought that this would provide a steady stream of information about every 6 months.

[jewelroc44]

2014 bride here!!!! I got engaged memorial day weekend and have booked my wedding at the Hard Rock in Punta Cana DR! We will be getting married in March of 2014 and going for our site visit the last week of this month. If anyone is considering getting married in DR I am also going to do a site visit at Dreams, Paradisus, and the Now Larimar as well as the Hard Rock just to ensure i picked the right resort. I can give you ladies some info when i return from my trip. I am NOT a DIY bride i don't have a crafty bone in my body and i figured by the time i figured out how to make all of this stuff and ship it down to DR i probably wouldn't be saving much money at all. Cant wait to share tips and get through the stress with you girls! Congrats to all of you!

[jburress21]

Originally Posted by Reign14 

 

 

So you combined your invites and STDs and are just sending out one item, or will you send them out at different times? I'm still trying to figure out my strategy. As of now I think I will send STDs 13 months in advance and invites 6-8 months in advance. And I'm planning to set the RSVP deadline 3-4 months in advance. Still deciding. 

 

Suggestions are welcomed!  Wedding is in Punta Cana in April of 2014, by the way.

 

Yes our STD's were more like invitations they included all the information on our wedding and the resort in Turks and Caico. From the group code, to what to bring and what is included at the resort. We will be sending those out  about 14 months in advance.

We will be sending out invitations for our at home reception probably just a month or so in advance, but other than that we aren't sending out anything else.