Weddingbee boards

For some reason, my mom convinced me that getting my decor (for my Cinco de Mayo wedding) from Mexico would be much cheaper, and given that our wedding is twice what we wanted to spend, that sounded great.  Plus, I thought it would be better quality than what I could get here.

My sister went to Mexico for Christmas to visit our extended family, and she offered to get stuff.  I said I would reimburse her.  Knowing how inexpensive things are in Mexico, I had NO idea she would spend MORE than what I could pay for decor here.

Here's where I am fully at fault: I neglected to give my sister a cost limit, and specific instructions to get photographs and measurements.  

Here's where I'm not at fault:  I DID give her examples of what I wanted (glass lanterns and other stuff) and was explicit about what I needed.  And I did say that if she couldn't find the items or they'd have to be shipped, to just forget it and I could always buy stuff in the U.S.

So she left Mexico:

• Without the items, which meant I'll have to pay for the shipping and will have to get them out of customs.  (Which will be super expensive.)

• Without taking any photos, so I have no idea if they're what I want.

• Without any measurements of the lanterns SHE HAD CUSTOM ORDERED and said, "I *think* they'll fit."

Today our cousin in Mexico posted a photo on Facebook - and I HATE the lanterns.  They're not even glass - they're punch tin, and I hate the design.

Before I was a bit bothered that I spent all this money.  But now I'm really annoyed that I spent all this money on something that I hate -- AND THAT STILL IS IN MEXICO.  I want to cut my losses and not even import them, but I feel like maybe I'm being grouchy and should just see this through (and not hurt my sister's feelings).

Since I'm partially responsible for this royal screw-up, and advice as to what I should do?  I just can't picture these lanterns as my centerpieces. :(

@bebefly:  Aw, that's a good idea.  It'd be hard to get the money back to the U.S. physically, but at least the lanterns wouldn't go to waste.

@BerryBerry:  I know - I am kicking myself over not giving her a $ amount.

On the other hand - it is REALLY hard to spend that much money in Mexico given the peso-to-dollar and how inexpensive these things are in Mexico.  She deserves an award of some sort for stimulating their economy!!

What if I were to buy paper lanterns and use them as centerpieces instead?...

http://www.lunabazaar.com/paper-lanterns-eyelet-white-8-inch-small.aspx

@Nini_Crown:  They're still in Queretaro.  She either got them there or in GTO.