TammyWright

welcome to the forum nikki...there are quite a few brides here so i am sure you will find the information you are looking for. Kate asked you some great question... here are some more that can help us help you. 1. what is the profile of your group? younger, likes more activity...or family, wants more of a quiet resor scene 2. what are you targetting as your per night rate? 3. approx. budget for your event

welcome to the forum amber! you will find alot of great information here...let me see if i can help answer some of your questions... 1. Where can I find a private/semi-private beach to tie the knot (I heard that Pedregal was private but there were very strict rules about chairs and decor)? alot of resorts have private/semi private beaches to get married...they are more private in the Los Cabos area (the resort corridor) 2. Any good reception locations (I’m thinking Palapa style)? you may want to have your reception at the resort/beach you get married 3. Wedding planner referrals? there are some great WC's on the forum but you may want to decide where you want to get married before hiring a WC. some resorts have their own onsite WC's. 4. Mariachi referrals? if you get married at a resort or use a WC they will have all these vendors available for you...i think a few gals on this forum used Los Mariachis 5. Photographer referrals? i used juan carlos and loved his pics...you can see my pics and oher brides pics on this forum (look in the picture forum) BUT we have so many other photogs on here that are talented etc. 6. DJ? see above answer 3 & 4 7. Caterer? if you get married at a resort they will most likely do your food...it not, http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t1532 8. Travel agent? i own a travel agency that specializes in destination weddings ..let me know how i can help 9. Inexpensive hotel for guests? see above 10. Transportation? brb with that info 11. Creative ways to save money? http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t1788 12. Florist? http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t741 13. Rehearsal dinner location? alot of us choose to have it at the resort where we get married but if not sunset da mona lisa is a poplular choice 14. Hair & Makeup? 15. Wedding website? http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t679

hey there, let me see if i can help! i answered in red Quote: Originally Posted by salsa_bride Hello Cabo ladies - I have jumped here for a moment, taking a break in my Mazatlan wedding research... because all you beautiful Cabo brides have the most wonderful pictures and plans and are a WEALTH of information. I have to say Juan Carlos' pic alone are enough to want me to jump over to Cabo! My fiance and I talked on the phone last night at 3:30am as he tried to calm me down from my first mini-meltdown in wedding planning and we thought we would also do some research in having our wedding at the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas or maybe even the Riu Palace Mayan Riviera. both places would be great to get married...just a warning Riu RM does not have that many dates left. i just spoke to the WC...let me check my dates and i will PM you with what i know. re: Riu Cabo, there are a bunch of brides here that can help you...kristina (sparklz, raenjay, and kacengg are cabo riu brides) My first question is in regards to Catholic ceremonies - how difficult is this to plan/organize in Cabo? Is this something that Riu palace there deals with regularly? To have ceremony in a church, then reception at the resort?there is a beautiful church in san jose, i think edyta is getting married there and MariaELM got married there and we have pics...bu it is far from riu so it will cost alot of $$ to transport them back to riu for the reception. riu has some beautiful terraces/gazebos to get married so if you are not fully committed to a church wedding that might be an option for you Second question - how is weather in Cabo at the end of April? FANTASTIC! high 80-low 90's in day...cooler at night but not cold. Third question - Any info on the quality of the food there and well, everything you can tell me would be fantastic. Sorrry, don't mean to make you repeat what you've probably already exhausted in other forums!! this is so subjective. sarah (aqharider) sayed and ate at riu but got sick..i think RM has better food than cabo...more lobster, etc. just my opnion Thanks for your help and enthusiasm. This forum has been great!! hope this helps

Quote: Originally Posted by shanaynayf1 Oh my gosh afer seeing those pics of the reception on the beach at Dreams, it makes me want to have my wedding there! It is so great to get to see these pics. Im so undecided. Is dreams cancun around the same price as the xcaret? dreams is a little more expensive room-wise

i wanted to do them but am shy as well so i got a remote for my digital and took them myself...i still want to do pro ones but after i lose weight...i am chubby

Quote: Originally Posted by riubride I just submitted my request for my wedding date today. I guess I won't be getting a response any time soon? I'm really excited to start my planning... so they have not responded to your request? do you know if you have any dates available? if they do not get back to you by friday, have your TA give them a call to nudge them along.

there are alot of brides that are going to do this...sarah, edyta...but for me it was not an option...i did not want to roll around in my dress because i told my husband i would sell it on ebay but i am having a hard time parting with it. also, i really am not a good "subject". i do NOT like to get my photos taken. my husband was just telling me for the 80th time how great i look in casual pics when i do not know the camera is around...yes, backhanded comment...yes, i smacked him.

Quote: Originally Posted by riubride Thanks. I'm really looking forward to speaking to some other Riu brides. here's some info to get you started. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t727 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t1347

welcome to the forum...we have quite a few riu cabo brides on here...they may not be on until tomorrow (it has been a little slow with the holidays) but look for stephanie (raenjay) and kristina (sprklz)..i will try to find a riu review for you on here somewhere.

here are my FAQ's Wedding Attire What should I wear to the wedding? We are having a relaxed, beach wedding weekend, so we are encouraging a "beach chic" look for the events. For the ceremony, men should wear a nice shirt and pants (Tommy Bahama look is good), suits and ties are ok but not required by any means. Women should wear dresses. Sandals are ok, but please no shorts and flip flops during the ceremony. Montezuma's Revenge Can I drink the water? The water supply for all of Los Cabos is spring fed ground water. The water here is very pure, but be careful. The pipes used for distribution of the water supply and other factors can lead to contamination. Although many people drink the water directly from the tap, it is not recommended. Anywhere in the world, a change in drinking water can cause stomach distress. We recommend that you drink only bottled or purified water. All of the major hotels purify their water or serve purified water. However, you are better off ALWAYS drinking bottled water, even to brush your teeth. Dreams Resort provides free water bottles in your rooms. "Auga Purificado" is what you want. What food should I stay away from? We suggest steering clear of anything that has been washed in unpurified water, such as lettuce (this means no salad), and fruit that can't be peeled. When in doubt, do not eat it. Weather What will the weather be like? It is paradise all year round with clear skies 360 days of the year and temperatures averaging around 78 degrees with minor fluctuations. Los Cabos may have about 5 rainy days each year generally in late August and September. The old saying - when it rains it pours, is very true of the rains in Los Cabos. In the summer months, it can get VERY hot in Cabo, but hopefully May will still be on the mild side. Cabo San Lucas Average Temperatures (in F): May highs: 80-85 lows: 65-70 June highs: 80-85 lows: 67-72 Travel Documents Do I need a passport? Short answer: YES. edited to say you now need passports Currency Can I use the U.S. Dollar? Dollars and Pesos are widely accepted all over Los Cabos. Credit Cards are also accepted for most purchases, and you will often get the best excange rate by using a credit card. ATM's are also avliable in downtown areas. General Info Where is Los Cabos? Los Cabos is the municipality which includes the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and located in the state of Baja California Sur. Cabo San Lucas is located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula in the State of Baja California Sur. Cabo is approximately 1,000 miles south of San Diego, California, 10 degrees below the Tropic of Cancer at a latitude of approximately 22 degrees. Cabo San Lucas is approximately 20 miles southwest of the Los Cabos International Airport.

ann, i read through your word doc and it is so super helpful! do you mind if i attach it in the first post so brides do not miss it?

hi kaykay, welcome to the Best Destination wedding forum. there are quite a few Riviera Maya brides on here. Which resort are you getting married at? Please tell us more about your wedding and let us know how we can help. we have some great photographers on board and some super creative and organized brides that are always ready to help.

omg, that will be so beautiful. everything is coming together so quickly for you! the local photgs are expensive, just an fyi. let me try to remember any good caterers. the last napa wedding i went to the food was cold and terrible (like just out of the refrigerator cold, so i def. want to put that on your no-no list)

hi ladies, time to vote! good luck to all our beautiful brides!

I posted this on my wedding website. ===================== After your flight lands in Mexico and you are making your way out of the airport you are going to be confronted by a number of people who will be pretending to be helpful. The truth is that they are trying to lure you into their timeshare sales pitch. They will tell you whatever it takes to get your attention. Just ignore them and proceed out of the building. Once you are outside, there will be a representative from our travel agency with a sign that either says xxx/xxx wedding. These are the people who will shuttle you to the Dreams resort. Note: One thing that is strange that you will encounter as you're exiting the airport building is that you'll have to push a button and if it's red you get searched. This is ok - just a part of their process. Have at least 1 person in the party travelling with you bring a pen on the plane to fill out customs papers. Even though monetary tips are included in the all-inclusive resort package, you may want to bring $1 bills to tip the resort workers. Men: pack pair of pants in case the dress code is enforced at the nicer resort restaurants. Women: pack a cardigan because it can get breezy at night time. Timeshare Vendors: they are very aggressive. Do not make eye contact with them or you may be forced to sit in a 4 hours time-share seminar. They are all over mexico and try to intercept you at the airport, right after you go through the security gates. They will also "welcome" you when you get to the resort and try to weasel you into going to a seminar. If you say you are not married, they will usually leave you alone. The beds are notoriously hard in Mexico. if you are sensitive to hard beds, try to request a mattress pad when you check in. The lounge chairs around the pool get taken early (like by 8:30am!). If you want a chair, it might be a good idea to throw a towel and magazine on the chair before heading to breakfast. It will be easier finding a chaise lounge at the smaller, quieter pool. The resort is filled to capacity for Memorial Day weekend. It is recommended that you make reservations at the nicer restaurants. Here is information and descriptions of restaurants in the resort, you may want to make reservations when you check in.

i think it is a good idea to bring cardigans/wraps, no matter what time of year..i posted it in my travel tips section of my website that it can get chilly at night. Quote: After your flight lands in Mexico and you are making your way out of the airport you are going to be confronted by a number of people who will be pretending to be helpful. The truth is that they are trying to lure you into their timeshare sales pitch. They will tell you whatever it takes to get your attention. Just ignore them and proceed out of the building. Once you are outside, there will be a representative from our travel agency with a sign that either says xxx/xxx wedding. These are the people who will shuttle you to the Dreams resort. Note: One thing that is strange that you will encounter as you're exiting the airport building is that you'll have to push a button and if it's red you get searched. This is ok - just a part of their process. Have at least 1 person in the party travelling with you bring a pen on the plane to fill out customs papers. Even though monetary tips are included in the all-inclusive resort package, you may want to bring $1 bills to tip the resort workers. Men: pack pair of pants in case the dress code is enforced at the nicer resort restaurants. Women: pack a cardigan because it can get breezy at night time. Timeshare Vendors: they are very aggressive. Do not make eye contact with them or you may be forced to sit in a 4 hours time-share seminar. They are all over mexico and try to intercept you at the airport, right after you go through the security gates. They will also "welcome" you when you get to the resort and try to weasel you into going to a seminar. If you say you are not married, they will usually leave you alone. The beds are notoriously hard in Mexico. if you are sensitive to hard beds, try to request a mattress pad when you check in. The lounge chairs around the pool get taken early (like by 8:30am!). If you want a chair, it might be a good idea to throw a towel and magazine on the chair before heading to breakfast. It will be easier finding a chaise lounge at the smaller, quieter pool. The resort is filled to capacity for Memorial Day weekend. It is recommended that you make reservations at the nicer restaurants. Here is information and descriptions of restaurants in the resort, you may want to make reservations when you check in.

Quote: Originally Posted by Soon to be Mrs. Hull my Fiance posted this all over his friends myspace pages...he couldn't stop playing it the other day when he saw it... i did the same thing

Quote: Originally Posted by mexico15 Hello Ann! My name is Haley. I have lots to still plan, but mainly for our reception when we return. I have talked on and off with the Dreams WC, but she doesn't seem to answer all of my questions. She is very vague in her answers, so it is hard to know what I need to be planning for. I guess I will do most of the planning/decoration/extras when we get there. Las Caletas is very beautiful! Your wedding is going to be stunning! What do you have left to do? Do you have a big group going with you? Is your welcome dinner planned already or is that what you are waiting for when she returns? I have a few pics Marilu (WC) sent to me regarding pics of wedding locations, and some extra options (ie. candles, etc.) She also sent me the spa pricing and packages. Not sure if you would need any of those, but let me know if you might. haley, can you email the pics and info to me so i can post them [email protected]

christine, these are great!! have you found a location yet?

welcome to the forum!! let us know how we can help! Playa del carmen is a gret palce to get married and you have some good choices already.

this dress will look so gorgeous in a winery. the wine color is beautiful and will make such a great color scheme! how exciing!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride And what may I ask is a "Roman Soldier". Oh god I don't think I want to know!!! -Glenda it is kind of gross...you know how the romans wore the helmet like this... i heard it on the howard stern show, oh gosh, i am too embarrassed to write in detail what it is but use your imagination

Quote: Originally Posted by shanaynayf1 Hi Tammy, how exactly does that work? Do you get the discounts that I will be getting from the destinationwedding specialists with the resort? I am so new to all this, that was the frist place i went to, but Im not sure if I should be doing something different....Do you help with setting up my website for the guests where they are able to get more info, and I am able to see what guests have booked when the time comes? As well as a save the date card with info. Destination Weddings has a whole system where it makes it so much easier for my guests and convenient for me as well. Not sure how all this works destinationweddings.com does not have rates that are unavailable to other agents. they are just travel agents that use alot of the same suppliers that i use. In fact, alot of times i can get lower rates. also, i think it is important to have someone knowledgeable who is responsive to your questionsm etc. Something that i heard they are not so great about. i think they have alot of great agents but also alot of agents with little or no destination wedding experience....or at least this is what i have heard from brides that were using them but decided against it. regarding the STD's, website etc. anyone can do it and most brides prefer to do it themselves and do it better and more customized. alot of brides like to customize their STDs...make STDs magnets, or picture frames.. and make their own websites that have more functionality. you can get those websites anywhere (even for free) so they really aren't offering anything great. not to be critical but you have asked alot of questions that they should be answering for you and i am not sure why they have not yet. i would put more weight on the information they give you and less on the fluff they offer as a consolation. my 2 cents. sorry if i am short, husband is rushing me out to costco

thank you so much for this great info. you sound very informed and organized. you are correct about prices going down late april (you also miss spring break I can't wait to hear more about your wedding and what you find!

jackie, i am not a fan of receptions on the sand either...some older guests have a hard time walking on sand....BUT i think the beach house is perfect. you can totally dress it up with lanterns, luminaries, candles...it will look awesome!