ROYAL PLAYA DEL CARMEN BRIDES: were kids allowed for the day? ...and other questions

I didn't know this. Thank you for sharing the info.

My FI an I are having the legal ceremony in a side room in the early morning and then having a non denominational ceremony on the beach at sunset.

So essentially we are having 2 weddings.

Hi, I am getting married at the Royal in May. Kids are allowed for ceremony and reception only but not on the property other than those events. I am getting married on the beach and reception in the ballroom. it's $55 for bar/ reception for guests staying there and $75USD for non-guests...i'm also doing h'ord. and cocktails btwn the ceremony and reception which is an additional $23US for non-guests. hope this helps

I have a question for you guys/girls.... who are you talking with to make all the arrangements there. I am having such a hard time to get a hold of Zulma or Laura. I sent them an email and called and nothing I dont know what to do. As of now i just have a reservation but no plans for where and when. so ANNOYING!

Hello my girls (and guys if you're out there)!

I just wanted to give you all another option for photographers. I think I posted about our photographer on this thread previously, but...I'm going to mention it again. We are going to have Rachel Schrank photograph us, from PlayaWeddings. Her husband is Paul Schrank, and is one of the best videographers I've seen. He is a member on the forum, and I believe he posted some wedding day video footage from the Royal a few pages back!

Their prices are extremely reasonable, and they seem like such an amazing couple themselves, that we're very excited to have them with us on our day...well...Rachel at least!! Their website is Playa Weddings - Video and Photography in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya

They don't have many photos up, but I have it on good authority that they will be posting more very soon!!

Also, about the ceremony...this is one of the things that FI and I struggled with the longest. Ultimately, with all the restrictions on the LEGAL part of the mexican wedding...we decided to go the non-denominational route and get legally married at home. We are going to pay the judge fee and have someone "officiate" our ceremony in Mexico (as most of our guests will not know the difference - we're keeping it to ourselves) and Micaela said this way, we can include readings of our choosing, sand ceremony...WHATEVER. The ceremony can be conducted based on a traditional/religious reading...or we can write our own vows. We're combing the two.

If it is imperative you legally marry while in Mexico, I second the thought of asking one of your wedding party, or Micaela, to continue the ceremony where the minister leaves off, so that you can include those additional things into YOUR day. You're going all the way to have your dream wedding...I'm sure you'll figure out someway to make sure that you do not compromise on those vows!!!

Good luck...

Oh, and by the way...NEVER ask if we WANT to see pictures/ideas/OOTs/ETC...we here...NEED to see everything. You should just post what you've got...and I'm sure the rest of us will follow suit!!

Hi Marianna,

I feel your frustration, I am having the same problem. I finally got the date for the wedding booked, and now I have not been able to get ahold of Zulma or Laura for weeks. It is getting frustrating!! Even trying to talk to someone about booking rooms for muyself and the rest of my group has been impossible.

Hi everyone-

Regarding the frustration you are feeling about not hearing back in a timely manner from the WCs, I think that is something we have all felt. As I read and reread through this thread and have gone through this planning process myself, I have come to realize that is simply how they operate. For a planner like me, who tries to always be on the ball, it is hard to deal with. The comfort I take in all of this is that every past bride has dealt with it and their weddings have turned out perfectly!! Here I am 4 weeks from the wedding and have not picked out flowers, food, decorations, discussed music, discussed with the Royal who my photographer, videographer, etc. will be...but Micaela assures me that we will do all that when I arrive...2 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING! Believe me, I have asked her many times what I need to be doing to get ready and she said we will do it all when I get there. So, just know that communication will continue to be limited with the Royal and that the details won't be worked out until you get there. Honestly, once I chose the date, the symbolic ceremony, and the locations for the wedding, cocktail hour, and reception, I have not discussed anything else with the Royal. It seems weird to me....I'm just hoping it all works out. I'll be able to let you know soon!

Katy

Hi gals! I just wanted to agree with the PP. To all those out there who are getting frustrated due to lack of contact: It's just the way DWs go. Go check out any of the other threads for specific resort DWs, you'll find the same thing. Or, read through this thread from the beginning! It may seem odd, but remember, we're not dealing with the strict time frames and schedules of our own society, we're talking about Mexico time, or island time, or however you want to put it. We're used to having a schedule for everything, but that's the beauty of a DW...flexibility and relaxation are key. If that doesn't work for you, you'll probably have to choose something super high-end if you still want a DW. As long as you have confirmation of your booked wedding date, I'd just send an email every few weeks or so as a reminder "hey, don't forget about me!" but don't stress about it. All the gals on here have said once they got there everything fell beautifully into place! Good luck and try to relax a little. It'll all work out! =)

I have luckily been dealing with Angie from condo villa hotel world and she communicates with the WC's on my behalf. So far she has been wonderful. I came into contact with her through calling the "wedding" number on the real resorts site.

She has a lot of the information avail and seems to get things done quickly.

Has anyone else delt with her?

Actually, Angie is who I've been communicating with the most too. I've asked a ton of random questions and she always gets and answer for me and pretty timely. If she doesn't know the answer she emails the WC's and finds out or speaks with the head of the WC department.

I also wanted to ask if anyone on here has (previous Royal brides) or plans to get a DJ for their reception. If so, who have you or do you plan to use? We are planning on having a mariachi band for the ceremony/cocktail hour but wanted some fun dance music for the evening. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure if the Royal has someone they typically use either.