Overwhelmed!

[Maybride]

My wedding is set for May 31st at the Hyatt. My fiance and I are having a civil service there as well. Does anyone know where you get the certificate of No Impedment from? We live in upstate New York.

Also, I keep sending my coordinator pictures of flowers that I would want, but so far the communication is slow. I feel like we are getting no where with the planning. I'm not a picky bride, but I'm not sure how to get the flowers and decor figured out from here. Has anyone else had communication issues with their coordinator?

I've seen a lot of reccomendations on this board for photographers, but I haven't been a fan of the ones I've seen. I've had a hard time finding one that is reasonably priced, and creative. Any suggestions? Is it a lot more expensive to bring a photographer in from the States?

Any ideas on how to make this planning process smoother (and cheaper) would really be appreciated! Thanks!

[Andrea J.]

http://www.aruba.com/SpecializedVaca...oneymoons.aspx
click on the link for loads of information

also too re: non impedement certificate you should be able to obtain that from your city clerk or county records ? (same place you would get a certified birth certificate)

there are some good photographers and some GREAT photographers.




QUOTE=Maybride;161538]My wedding is set for May 31st at the Hyatt. My fiance and I are having a civil service there as well. Does anyone know where you get the certificate of No Impedment from? We live in upstate New York.

Also, I keep sending my coordinator pictures of flowers that I would want, but so far the communication is slow. I feel like we are getting no where with the planning. I'm not a picky bride, but I'm not sure how to get the flowers and decor figured out from here. Has anyone else had communication issues with their coordinator?

I've seen a lot of reccomendations on this board for photographers, but I haven't been a fan of the ones I've seen. I've had a hard time finding one that is reasonably priced, and creative. Any suggestions? Is it a lot more expensive to bring a photographer in from the States?

Any ideas on how to make this planning process smoother (and cheaper) would really be appreciated! Thanks![/QUOTE]

[Bryan Morris]

A search should land you all the right answers to your questions. I have found one thread that will add to what Andrea J. said.

Wedding Paperwork for Aruba Wedding

Documents needed for Aruba wedding

All the best!

Bryan Morris

[christene]

Hi there Maybride -

I just had my wedding in Aruba in October at the Marriott.

I was frustrated at first with what seemed like slow communication. Finally the wedding planner told me she doesn't really focus on our wedding until it is three months out. She would answer questions before that, but it could take a few days as she had to spend most of her time and energy on weddings that were a lot closer. Once I understood that I relaxed a lot. And once we got within that 3 month window she was so responsive and attentive, in fact, nudging me for decisions that needed to be made. You might ask them if there is a time frame like that where you will get more of their attention.

Really, there isn't much that can't be done within the last 8-12 weeks, unless you find yourself wanting to have something shipped to Aruba. Booking of your photographer, videographer and entertainment should probably be done soon though, as they can get booked up fast. Flowers is an issue I also struggled with and my flower order wasn't finalized until the week before. The more you can be flexible on flowers the better off you will be. I spent way too much energy and money on flowers. I spent $150 per stem for orchids we can get for $20 here at Costco. I should have just made due with what is more readily available and much more affordable.

If I were you, the one place I would not skimp is photos. There are plenty of other places to save money. Like at cocktail hour have a fruit and cheese display instead of a bunch of appetizers. We also limited the bar at cocktail hour to two signature drinks and beer and wine and didn't open the full premium bar until dinner. And we didn't spend a bunch of money decorating the ceremony. I had a beautiful simple bamboo and fabric arch and am so glad I didn't spend hundreds of dollars putting flowers on it. At the last minute I was suddenly wondered if the ceremony was going to look 'cheap' - I wondered if I should have had pomanders or something hanging from the chairs that lined the aisle and am glad I resisted that last minute urge. We skipped the rose petals down the aisle and instead simply had the aisle lined with palms. The backdrop of the sparkling water and sand is all you need - really! We didn't even get flowers for the table we used for the certificate signing and sand ceremony. Now I sit here two months later and what is priceless is the photos! Even going through the ceremony photos all I see is how happy we were and don't for a second think we should have 'decorated'. So really, look at all the available photographers - not just those that are lower priced.

Best of luck to you. In the end it will be absolutely amazing and totally worth it.

Christene

[curious112]

I hear you! I am in the same boat -- overwhelmed! My coordinator at the Radisson is wonderful, but don't stress about not hearing back from them. You do have some time. Remember, we're NY-ers and expect a response a minute later! They reside in PARADISE & sometimes work on island-time. I wish

We're debating whether or not we should get married at the Town Hall in Aruba as well. I'm not sure I can pull off getting all the paperwork together, even though I know the pictures out there would be gorgeous. No one here knows where I can get the single-status report.

I'm actually flying my photographer down with me. That is my one splurge. Yes, you have memories, and possibly a video of your special day but the pictures, for me, are everything once we get back home.

The Hyatt is stunning! I'm sure you will have the perfect day!

[pc42]

I got married at the hyatt too - they will get to you when your date gets closer! Yes, I absolutely agree with others on this discussion, don't skimp on photos. I was initially going to use any photographer (that was w/n my budget) but decided to hire one from the US after much deliberation. She was fairly new at DW's but did an excellent job of taking photojournalistic pictures. You won't regret it - at the end of the day - those pictures will be priceless and you will be viewing them for the next 50 years!!

[curious112]

Thank you PC42!!! Bringing someone down with us is a bit of a splurge but my rationale is, besides my beautiful memories of the day, pictures will really be all we have! I may even forward your post to my fiance! haha

[alorberb]

I was also a bit nervous with the slow communication at first but Juney Jones from the Renaissance told me that everything really came together in the 3-4 weeks before the wedding and there was really nothing to be done after I booked the date. As promised, 3- 4 weeks before the big day, the communication started up. He was great! I highly recommend him and the Renaissance. Everything came out perfect!

[lynrivi]

I too am getting married at the Hyatt this July. I have just started looking into flowers, but haven't decided yet. I am a NY bride and will be bringing my own photographer. The photographer is our splurge as well.

Have you had issues with what the Hyatt is able to produce for flowers?

[Karen Lutzker]

When a couple is planning a destination wedding or any place else for that manner, their reception contact be it the resort wedding planner or independent wedding planner should make themselves available to answer any questions and concerns in a timely manner no matter how far out the wedding is taking place. I do not believe in the 3 month away rule because engaged couples get very excited planning their wedding and if a little TLC and hand holding through out the planning process helps the couple feel secure that everything has been done on their behalf, their wedding planner should stay in contact with them in a timely manner no matter how far away the wedding day is.