Getting Started with Planning...

[EricaR]

I guess it is time for me to jump right in here and get things going! I got engaged two weeks ago and even though we aren’t getting married until next spring I am a major planner and I am looking forward to getting things moving. I’m a super crafty girl so I’m looking at this whole wedding thing as a way to be really creative and to have a lot of fun.

We have barely started to plan, and right now I am mostly just looking around to decide what I do and don’t like. I’ve spent the last week reading through past threads here, going all the way back to October/November. Some of the wedding photos I’ve seen have been breathtaking and I’ve been writing down ideas left and right.

So far here are the facts:

What: Erica’s Super Small Destination Wedding
Who: We want a maximum of 10 guests
Where: Probably Mexico. I’m leaning towards Playa del Carmen.
When: May 2009

The only thing that is set in stone is that we want to get married on the beach, barefoot. My FI’s family has a series of photos they had taken, back when he was a teenager, of the whole family on the beach in bare feet. I think the photos are absolutely adorable and would love to do something similar.

Anyway, I’ll stop babbling, at least for now! I am really looking forward to planning this, especially since it will be such a small, laid back group of people. Hopefully there won’t be too much drama, but it may just be a good idea to start stocking up on Xanex for my mom…

 

[surfgirl]

I''d recommend getting a good book about eloping and DWs because Mexico is a bit difficult in that you have to be in residence X number of days prior to the wedding and you have to get blood tests there, etc. Just something to consider. It was enough rigmarall that we didn''t go there for our elopement.

 

[zoebartlett]

Welcome to the world of planning a wedding, Erica! I like Surfgirl''s suggestion of making sure to check things out carefully if getting married in another country. I also wanted to say that it''s okay to just enjoy this time of being newly engaged and not feel like everything has to be done right now.

I''m looking forward to seeing what you come up with during your planning. If you do decide that Mexico is the place, I''m sure it will be beautiful. I''ve never been but I''ve heard that Playa del Carmen is wonderful.

Zoe

 

[EricaR]

I did read quite a bit about that. We are thinking about getting legally married the day before we leave to head down there and not having an actual officient in Mexico. You are right that I need to do more research on the matter - I added it to my list.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 2/26/2008 7:03:43 PM
Author: EricaR
I did read quite a bit about that. We are thinking about getting legally married the day before we leave to head down there and not having an actual officient in Mexico. You are right that I need to do more research on the matter - I added it to my list.

That would be much much easier to negotiate, and what I would do if I were in your shoes! I am so in favor of fewer headaches!

 

[gtn]

congratulations on your engagement. I think it''s great that you are starting to plan. That way, you have time to search for bargains and do research. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had starting planning earlier. Also, I think it would be quite helpful to have a wedding planner in Mexico to help you coordinate and do the legal stuff. I know many brides have found wedding planners for DW invaluable.

 

[rockzilla]

Another option to consider is Belize - my fiancee and I actually got engaged there last month. I remember reading about the wedding legal stuff in the resort booklet.

http://www.islandbrides.com/destination/Belize/requirements/39/

Looks like you only have to be there 3 days and the license fee is $200.

Advantages of Belize -

Right down the coast from Playa Del Carmen (also on the Yucatan) so will be similar weather, atmosphere
English is the national language, so no issues with that
Easy flights from the US - Connect in Dallas (American)
So freaking beautiful!!

We stayed on Ambergris caye and LOVED it!

Good luck

RZ

 

[EricaR]

Date: 2/26/2008 7:31:49 PM
Author: rockzilla
Another option to consider is Belize - my fiancee and I actually got engaged there last month. I remember reading about the wedding legal stuff in the resort booklet.


http://www.islandbrides.com/destination/Belize/requirements/39/


Looks like you only have to be there 3 days and the license fee is $200.


Advantages of Belize -


Right down the coast from Playa Del Carmen (also on the Yucatan) so will be similar weather, atmosphere

English is the national language, so no issues with that

Easy flights from the US - Connect in Dallas (American)

So freaking beautiful!!


We stayed on Ambergris caye and LOVED it!


Good luck


RZ

Belize was wayyyy up there on my list. I spent a few days drooling over the photos on the Kanantik''s website.

Right now Playa del Carmen is winning because I''ve always wanted to go to Chichen Itza and it would be a fantastic pre-wedding activity to do with our whole group.