That you won't get to  do the traditional things that other brides get to do? I mean we're not having a cake tasting, or a tasting for that matter. I won't get to do a make-up trial. We didn't get a chance to meet with our photographer or florist beforehand. We won't meet our officant until the day before the wedding. I researched my a$$ off and all our vendors are highly rated and have great reviews and references, but I just get a bit bummed out sometime because I'm missing so many of the fun parts of planning. But we just don't have the extra funds to make a trip out there before the wedding. :(

sometimes! i do get bummed out, i definitely don't get to do some of the fun DIY stuff that i want to do.

I totally wish we could go out to aruba to check out the sites, and see what we'd want to pick out.. but most of that has to be done literally days before. I hope HOPE we get to pick specific cakes because I HATE fondant!

It doesn't bother me not to see everything before the wedding but sometimes I'll see some of the weddings here and be just a smidge jealous of all the traditional things they get to do.  In the end, DW was def the way to go for us and I wouldn't change it for the world!

Sometimes. But maybe its better me not knowing. Because sometimes being involved in all that stuff just adds more stress.

Im just praying all my selections etc work out for the best.

And we cant afford a trip there prior either, we will literally be going in blind and hoping for the best.

Wow, I hadn't really stopped to think about it, but since we are planning an AHR, we will still get to do some traditional things like cake tasting, DIY projects, etc. The only thing we probably won't be able to do is make-up and hair. I may try to see if someone who is coming and is exceptionally good can do my make-up so I can still have that. I have locs though so not just anyone can touch my hair. I feel better about getting it done in Jamaica though to be honest. Well, I'll get it maintained here right before I leave and get it styled down there. I think. I'm not sure yet. I pray we get to do a site visit and taste the cake!

wow that is not fun at all, I'll be frustrated.

I was thinking the same thing last night  Demyful. My FH and I were trying to visit our resort in October, but financially, it's not going to happen. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that everything will be fine. But the not knowing gut feeling of "what ifs" is nerve wrenching at times.... You know? 

But lets look on the bright side, we're going to be less stressed then brides who are getting married locally. We'll all be okay!  

At times, it does frustrate me. No bridal shower, no rehersal (for me, since we are cruising to the destination and arriving the morning of the wedding), and can't meet any vendors ahead of time :( I didn't even get the "trying on dresses" experience with anyone. I bought mine online to save a lot of money. The important part is that you need have confidence in your coordinator and do your research on your vendors. Read all reviews and keep in close contact with them. The wedding itself will be beautiful because you are marrying your FI :) That's all that really matters in the end! The little things won't make a difference.

Yeah, I get bummed about it, too.  We are having an AHR, but that's not quite the same, is it? The thing that bothers me the most is not meeting my co-ordinator in person before we arrive in Montego Bay. And that we have to use the resort stuff (cake, photographer, flowers, etc) unless we want to pay a TON in surcharges.  And, not being able to bring as much as I want (FI put a stop to that REAL fast). So I have to substitute/go without a lot of things that I wanted.

That's why I'm looking forward to the AHR~ hopefully I'll be able to fulfill a lot of dreams with that!

I was so bummed about all of this that I wasn't even excited for the wedding for the first half of our engagement. I put off everything, even dress shopping b/c I was so disconnected from it all. Well, my fiance wasn't having that and booked a 4 day trip to Barbados so we could do it all and now I'm SO excited. Our planners set up meetings for cake and food tasting, decor, photographer, and is setting up a hair and makeup consult! This has changed everything for me and now that we're exactly 6 months away from the wedding I couldn't be happier.

I know not everyone can afford to do this but if you're on the fence go for it! For everyone else, you can still go cake tasting! It may not be in the best form but go cake tasting and maybe use them for one of the showers or for another event. This is YOUR/OUR day.