Playa Fiesta Weddings

Yes! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Hi Everyone! I am falling in love with Playa Fiesta by the day looking at all of the great reviews and pictures. Everything looks stunning, and it sounds like the staff are nothing short of amazing. My one concern is the cost. Sounds like some things can get awfully pricey - Do you think we can plan a 4 night celebration with a few additional dinners for under $20K at this hotel? And, did anyone find a good deal on flights for your guests? (Group rates, or was the hotel able to help secure rates for the guests? They will be traveling from New England and the tri-state area)

 

Thanks!

Hi Kristine, Hi Everyone!

We just got back from our "Anniversary" trip, and it was even more amazing the second time around! I never would have that it would be possible to have an equally awesome second trip, but we such such a wonderful time seeing everyone, relaxing poolside, chatting with Charlie at the bar, enjoying the tacos for two, etc... it felt like going home!

Kristine, my feeling is that you could accomplish your goal. Do you have the wedding worksheets from Adam? It's really easy to plug in your "wish list" and estimate the cost. If need be, the cost of the dinners can be added into the cost of the rooms (which your guests will pay). I'm an avid ticket-price-watcher, and my new favorite is Bing Travel. You can monitor the cost of tickets from your area daily for a given set of dates. There are also services you can use that will let you know if a ticket you already bought drops in price, so you can get a voucher for the difference from the airline. Alaska & American both offer group discounts, but it's only about 5-10%. All you have to do is say that you are flying a group to your wedding. They will give you a group number, and your family/friends can book any flight the choose. Playa Fiesta won't be able to help secure group rates on flights, but if you need any more specific info on what I mentioned above let me know. There are also other threads on this forum that go into greater detail. Also, if you can squeeze in 5 nights I would do it!! The events won't go by as quickly, and I think everyone will have more time to relax and enjoy the ride.

I hope everyone has an awesome New Year!!! Crystal, you are getting soooo close! How's the dress situation?!

I had looked at flights for May 2010 from Chicago for a photographer and the cost was under $400, which I think is really good.

As for the event itself, my whole budget is $20K, so I sure hope that I can make it happen! It's not a cheap place though, I completely agree. The cost per night per guest varies based on how many rooms you are booking and when you are booking, and we are definitively on the highest possible combo unfortunately. If you email them, they can send out a price sheet - this may help answer some of your questions!

Good luck!

Hi Kristine!! I would say that you could definiteily do a 4 night package for under 20K. I also used the spread sheet with attached costs and just tracked our budget as we went. I ended up scrapping some things and adding others (ie: the centerpieces were $90 a table.....I rented the vases from florist at 8$ and two calla lillies per vase at 8$, bought some rocks and submersible lights and I'm doing sumberged centerpieces for approx $30 per centerpiece)....So saving approx $ 500 just by thinking out of the box....I did all of our invitations, menus, etc too...it really saves on the cost. We are leaving in 36 days!!!! WOO HOO!! I can't wait!! We are doing our votive place cards this weekend, so I'm sure I will have a panic attack but I'll let you all know how it goes and post a pic if I can. I got my dress back from alterations today....I shoved it back in the bag and I'm going to decide tomorrow what to do...LOL. I hope everyone has a terrific NEW YEARS!!! I am in bed with the flu!! No fun for me...well except more wedding stuff..!!

thanks everyone! you have been so helpful. were any of your guests upset about the 4 night minimum? i guess i am just nervous about forcing the 4 night rate on everyone, especially if they cannot commit to all 4 nights due to work/financial reasons. we are planning to invite 80 people and assume a 50% acceptance rate, so we would be on the cusp in terms of the minimum rooms to fill the contract....

Think of it this way, you're not forcing it on them because they do have a choice in the matter. They can stay with you at PF (of course, that is the best choice!) or they can stay at another hotel for less nights. We had some guests do that, and it worked out well. Some people just can make it for all of the package nights. I also don't think it would hurt to invite more people- I wish I had! It will help with your chances of filling up the rooms, and sometimes people you don't think will come will totally surprise you!

*** One thing I want to let everyone know. If you are using little free-standing picture holders to hold up your Table Numbers, now is the time to buy them! I've seen so many different varieties at Pier 1, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc. I bought mine in April of last year and there was nothing out there. I think the holidays help! I'm attaching a pic of mine to show you what I'm talking about, but there are cuter ones out there right now.

We negotiated a different minimum # of room contract, but are offsetting it with the cost of food. I think that people's cost concerns are mostly centered around having to fly to Mexico and pay a hotel room vs. a set # of nights that you have to stay. Realistically, why would anyone fly down for just two nights? I found that explaining why we are doing 4 nights helped guests realize that 4 nights isn't that much - so you may want to have a time line of event prepared beforehand.

Alright, so my STD are finally done and have been mailed! I'm excited because now I can finally move on to other things and get some things done!

 

STD posted here: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...8/#post1120199

Magalie those are great!!! Your guests will love them!! My first DIY project was time consuming too and I spent more money than if I would have just paid someone to do it, but after that one the rest turned out pretty good, so don't worry. They look awesome!!