Has anyone shipped their favors to Aruba

[serenaee]

Hi I am getting married November 12th of this year at the Marriott and Stellaris Casino and I wanted to ship down straw bags and some other things.. I wasn't sure if anyone has done this and if it is to expensive. Otherwise I will end up with canvas bags.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[mac]

2 years ago we shipped some things via post office. was told it took 3 weeks. it ended up taking 6. we also had to pay a duty or tax at the local post office when we picked it up. not very efficient. may want to check ups or fedex, but not sure of cost.

[Karen Lutzker]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding on November 12th. We will be there on November 12th for another November 12th wedding. Regarding shipping straw bags etc. to Aruba will be very expensive because the package goes by the weight of the contents. I know this from experience with other couples. My suggestion to you is to purchase canvas bags after your arrival in Aruba. The bags are very pretty, come is many colors and designs and the cost if you buy in in bulk can be very reasonable. There are many shops in the town of Oranjestad in Aruba that sell bags sometimes 3 for $10 or 3 for $12. The bags are large and can hold a lot. I do not recommend including towels in the bags because the hotels provide beach towels. Also include a welcome itinerary in your guest bags and include some information about Aruba. Best of luck and a long and happy life together

[serenaee]

Thank you both for your responses. You have confirmed for me to either purchase bags when I am there or pack it with me. Thanks on the congrats ! Can't wait!!!

[Karen Lutzker]

Best bet is to purchase your gift bags in Aruba. Straw bags are not practical as well as being bulky for your guests to bring home, especially if they are staying a short time and brought carryon luggage. As to you bringing the straw bags with you, airlines are now charging for second bags, even in the Caribbean. If you are set upon straw bags, you may want to divide up the bags, if just a few with a couple of friends or family members to put in their luggage. Personally speaking, some of the weddings we have attended in Aruba gave their guests pretty Aruba canvas bags with zippers. They are very practical and I have several that come in very handy. When I travel I will use the bag as a handbag and place the handbag that I use in Aruba inside with other small items.

[christene]

Hey Gigi -- Were you happy with your palm leaf bags? Can I ask who you ordered them from? I was planning on them and went to place my order this week and they are out of stock! I don't know yet for how long... Christene

[Sheree10]

I would say that you should try to limit what you bring to Aruba. Don't get too many bulky items because you'll have to pay at the airport for extra/ heavy luggage. I plan to bring canvas totes and may fill them with treats from the island.

[Karen Lutzker]

Why knock yourself out purchasing bags at home when you can get large Aruba bags with beautiful designs in Aruba. The bags are very reasonably priced and your guests will appreciate them. You have enough items to bring i.e. wedding gown etc..

[serenaee]

Thanks everyone for your advice ! I think the less you have to bring the better...!

[christene]

So is there any vendor that has a good website that would show what bags area available at what cost? Your definition of 'beautiful' could be quite different than mine. My biggest disappointment / frustration in planning this wedding has been a lack of decent web resources.

Another example - florists... are there any florists that have comprehensive portfolios online that showcase their work? I would expect that quality vendors who take their businesses seriously would have great websites available which would save them and me a lot of time and frustration. I get that the latest / greatest decor or trendy items may not be available in Aruba since I've found out first hand how expensive it is to ship there, however I can't imagine good excuses for not having a professional website. It doesn't have to require a major investment of money or time.

I hate having to bug planners for the smallest of details. I want to see for myself and hate having to wait for someone else to get around to sending me photos. I am bringing lots of items with me because I am not interested in 'hoping for the best'. If I could see for myself what is there, I would be more comfortable purchasing more items there.

Originally Posted by Karen Lutzker

Why knock yourself out purchasing bags at home when you can get large Aruba bags with beautiful designs in Aruba. The bags are very reasonably priced and your guests will appreciate them. You have enough items to bring i.e. wedding gown etc..