Jackie

Welcome I love the picture!!!

I love the color. The blue's are perfect for the Riviera Maya. Very sweet. I love looking at stuff like this.

thanks Karla, Take your time, I'm excited to see them, but I totally get that its busy holiday plus post wedding season for you.

OK, I have two options and for the life of me I can not decide between the two. Ryan completely nixed my little plan of a 30 plus guest wedding. He insists that this would completely defeat the purpose of our decision to have a Destination Wedding. Thus we are left with two choices, Ryan could go either way on both these choices so he is not at all helpfull in my decision makeing process. Please Help. CHOICE 1: A Private Romantic Weddingmoon = Just me and Ryan going to the El Dorado Royale staying in a swim up casista sweet for a week of total romance and relaxation with an intimate wedding ceremony including only the two of us and the photographer (and of course witnesses etc.) . CHOICE 2: A small wedding at a lower rated resort (Occidental Grand Xcaret) BUT shared with our very closest 8-12 friends. where we would plan a whole wedding.... i.e. ceremony, reception, invitations etc etc... however honeymoon would have to be postponed untill 6-12 months after the wedding. Please do not let money be a factor in your decision being that although money would be spent on very different areas for either wedding. In the end both options would be around the same amount, money wise. Thanks girls Jackie

Yup, that picture would be great at the end. It is a perfect ending picture.

Sarah, what a gorgeous book thats going to be. I cant stop looking at your pictures. They are so buetiful. My favs are 5 and 32, but it was soooo hard to even pic a fav to begin with. They are all perfect. I didnt pick up on the technical stuff that Tammy did. But I do agree with Edyta, some sort of ending would tie the whole book together and add that perfect final touch.

Welcome, tons of great stuff around hear for Riu brides.

Thanks Jonnathan. Ive been reading your e-book and it looks wonderfull so far.

Welcome Sarah

link to photos of wedding at the Royal Decameron Resort in PV Jenny & Chris' Wedding pictures from weddings photos on webshots

Put a slideshow to music and I am guarented to start crying like it was my own wedding. That was a really nice one. Good find.

Great website! Nicely done, you put in so much informative info for your guests, I love that.

This is a question for all the ladies that have already booked their wedding resort or have had experience with blocking rooms. I don't understand exactly what blocking is. Does is cost me money? What does it mean? I'm guessing that it is a way to hold a room for my guest. Do I get this money back once guest reserves their room? Can someone please give me a detailed explanation of what blocking is and how it works. I get the gist of it, I'm just not really clear on all the details of it. Thanks ladies!

I was just trying to get some general information of what prices might be if I had a wedding at the El Dorado Royale. This is a list of the prices that were sent to me by a Wedding Cordinator company. I'm not sure how high or low these prices are but It gives me at least a chart to compare other price quotes too. Flowers Brides small bouquet Tropical Flowers; Approx. 7 inches round, rose, daisy, lily & carnation $45 Brides small bouquet Pastel Flowers; Approx. 7 inches round, rose, daisy, lily & carnation $45 Brides large bouquet Tropical Flowers; Approx. 8-11 inches round, rose, daisy, lily, orchard & carnation $80 Brides large bouquet Pastel Flowers; Approx. 8-11 inches round, rose, daisy, lily, orchard & carnation $80 Brides deluxe bouquet White Calla lilies, approx 8-9 flowers with green leaves $130 Groom boutonniere Single flower matching bridal bouquet $20 Bridesmaid bouquet Tropical Flowers; Approx. 7 inches round, rose, daisy, lily & carnation $35 Bridesmaid bouquet Pastel Flowers; Approx. 7 inches round, rose, daisy, lily & carnation $35 Loose flowers for hair Small, lily, daisy, mini rose & carnation $10 Floral head piece Small, added to a hair pin $25 Floral head piece Medium, half head band $30 Floral head piece Large, complete circle of flowers $45 Small corsage Wrist or garment bouquet $25 Large hanging corsage Used for hanging on Gazebo or beach pole, flowers match bridal bouquet with green foliage $60 Small hanging corsage Used for hanging on Gazebo in addition to the large corsage $30 Rose petals One bag with petals from 12 roses $25 Rose petal isle runner Petals of 48 roses $100 Rice paper cups filled with rose petals Per person, to throw at the bride & groom $5 Colored isle runner Jute $40 Floral table centerpiece Small $40 Floral table centerpiece Medium $50 Floral table centerpiece Large $75 Floral Arch Approximately 6 feet tall $350 Red Roses Bouquet of one dozen long stemmed roses $60 Red Roses One dozen long stemmed roses in vase $70 Exotic Gazebo 4 poles with sheer fabric, 2 large corsages, and rose petals $220 Deluxe Exotic Gazebo 4 poles with sheer fabric, 4 large floral corsages, and rose petals $340 Hoopa – Jewish Gazebo Price quoted Note: Prices do not include special flowers such ascalla lilies, orchards, tulips & anthurios unless otherwise noted. Wedding Cake Small heart shaped cake 2 people $11 Large heart shaped cake 6 people $33 Wedding cake – 1 tier 10-20 people $110 Wedding cake – 2 tier 20-30 people $165 Wedding cake – 2 tier 30-40 people $220 Wedding cake – 3 tier 30-40 people $275 Wedding cake – 3 tier 40-50 people $330 Wedding cake – 4 tier 50-60 people $400 Wedding cake – 4 tier 60-70 people $440 Standard wedding cakes above available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry flavors. Photography/Video Photo Package #1 (glossy) 36 4X6 color photos 3 8X10 color photos 5 Postcards All with or without border Includes negatives, photo CD and photo album $400 Photo Package #2 (matte) 36 4X6 color photos 3 8X10 color photos 5 Postcards All with or without border Includes negatives, photo CD and photo album $400 Photo Package #3 (glossy) 36 5X7 color photos 3 8X10 color photos 5 Postcards All with or without border Includes negatives, photo CD and photo album $420 Photo Package #4 (matte) 36 5X7 color photos 3 8X10 color photos 5 Postcards All with or without border Includes negatives, photo CD and photo album $420 Photo Package #5 (glossy) 36 6X8 color photos 3 8X10 color photos 5 Postcards All with or without border Includes negatives, photo CD and photo album $460 Photo Package #6 (matte) 36 6X8 color photos 3 8X10 color photos 5 Postcards All with or without border Includes negatives, photo CD and photo album $460 Additional time with Photographer Must purchase one of the photo packages. Includes 72 negatives and 24 5x7 photos $270/hr DVD or Video Digital camera edited with music, names and effects. Maximum one hour of filming and averages ½ hour of edited video. $450 Additional video coverage Per hour $270/hr Additional copy of video Per copy $85 Spa Services – Not available at all hotels Manicure $5 surcharge for French $38.50 Pedicure $5 surcharge for French $49.50 Acrylic Nails $82.50 Hairstyle for Bride In Spa $66 Hairstyle for Bride In Room $77 Rehearsal Hairstyle for Bride In Spa (only) $38.50 Make-up Application In Spa (only) $66 Rehearsal Make-up Applicartion In Spa (only) $38.50 Entertainment Mariachi – 45 minutes 6 men playing instruments $650 Mariachi – 45 minutes 10 men playing instruments $1100 Saxophonist 45 minutes $330 Violinist 45 minutes $350 Trio – 45 minutes 2 women, 1 man playing guitars - visit www.losornelas.com for a sampling $500 DJ – only available with private dinner events 4 hours $900 Chevy Band – only available with private dinner events 8 people, 4 hours www.chebyband.com $2000 Chevy Band – only available with private dinner events 10 people, 4 hours $3600 Champagne Korbel Champagne Per bottle (serves 6) $36 Perriet Jouët Per bottle (serves 6) $77 Moët & Chandon Per bottle (serves 6) $85 Dom Perignon Per bottle (serves 6) $250 Cristal Per bottle (serves 6) $300 Food and Beverage Services Dorado fruit basket 10 pieces of tropical fruits $16.50 Royale fruit basket 15 pieces of tropical fruit $22 Tuxedo strawberries 5 strawberries hand dipped in homemade white & dark chocolate and dressed like a tuxedo $16.50 Petite Fours 5 chocolate petite fours $18 Beluga Caviar 1 oz served with traditional garnish and brioche crackers – 2 week notice required $186 Smoked Salmon 7 salmon roses served with cream cheese and crackers $23 Cheese Platter for two Assorted imported cheeses served with a bottle of red house wine $28 Cheese Platter (serves 10-20 people) Assortment of international cheeses $70 Cheese Platter (serves 20-40 people) Assortment of international cheeses $140 Day Passes Wedding Pass (Includes food and beverage, does not include food & beverage for private events. This must be purchased separately) Allows non-guests entry to the resort for an 8 hour period on the day of the ceremony. $72 Day Pass (Includes food and beverage, does not include food & beverage for private events. This must be purchased separately) Allows non-hotel guests entry to the resort for an 8 hour period. $99 Please note: each hotel reserves the right to restrict the maximum number of guests allowed into the hotel on day passes. The number of outside guests must be confirmed at the time of your wedding reservation. Wedding Officials Blood Test Per person – Mandatory for legal ceremonies $110 Catholic Priest – Can only be purchased in conjunction with a package Religious ceremony $500 Rabbi – Can only be purchased in conjunction with a package Religious ceremony $1200 Reception Dinner – International Specialty Restaurant (max 30 persons @ Seaside and 25 persons @ Azul Dining off of restaurants daily menu – seated at tables of 6 - not private No Charge Private Dinner Party Choice of private dinner menu Prices based on menu selection Private Cocktail Party Choice of cocktail party menus Prices based on menu selection Miscellaneous Dress Pressing – only available at the El Dorado Royale Prices based on size of dress and train $10-$20 Tuxedo Rental Order two weeks in advance. Need jacket, pant, inseam and neck size (rental does not include shoes) $175 Chairs Additional seating (over 12 persons) for wedding ceremony, with white chair covers and cream bows $4 Deliveries Goodie bags delivered to the room by bellman, per room $3 Tent – only available with private dinner events Based on number of people, Must be reserved 30 days in advance. No cancellation inside of 2 weeks. Price Quote Dance Floor – only available with private dinner events For beach parties, 30 person capacity (3.6 x 3.6 meters) $110 Dance Floor – only available with private dinner events 30-60 person capacity (4.8 x 4.8 meters) $171 Dance Floor – only available with private dinner events 100 person capacity (8.4 x 8.4 meters) $335 Isle Runner Jute, all colors $30 CD Player & Microphone For wedding ceremony, includes romantic music and traditional wedding march No Charge Mexican Pinata 4 feet wide, star shaped filled with candy $100 Beach Candles Candle in paper bag with sand $1.50 Tiki Torches Per torch $5.50

Restaurants Recommended on the Riviera Maya Prices are quoted in US Dollars using an exchange rate of $11 pesos = $1 USD Prices are subject to change without notice. Brasil Restaurant on the Riviera Maya Amenities: Semi - Private Beautiful Beach Groups up to 100 Location 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for all bridal party and guests Lodging Villas, condominiums, small and large hotels nearby Facilities: Electricity Available 50% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Restaurant on Premises Rental Fee : With dinner bookings, no extra charge Ratings: Privacy= 3 Stars Restaurant Review = 4 Stars Prices: $$ - $$$ Atmosphere: Beautiful with Sophisticated Restaurant Comments: Recommended for a private wedding with small groups. Beautiful beach. Large hotels nearby. Great Beef and Seafood. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers. Beach Club Restaurant on the Riviera Maya Amenities: Private Beautiful Beach Groups up to 200 Location 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for all bridal party and guests Lodging Villas, condominiums, small and large hotels nearby Facilities: Electricity Available 100% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Restaurant on Premises Rental Fee : With dinner bookings, no extra charge Available for Catered Events for an extra charge. Ratings: Privacy= 5 Stars Restaurant Review Seafood: = 5 Stars Steaks and Other:= 2 Stars Prices: $$ Atmosphere: Private, Beautiful Beach with Rustic Palapa Restaurant Catered events available with Rental Fee Comments: Recommended for a private wedding with small or large groups. Beautiful beach. Large hotels nearby. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers. Beach Club Restaurant on the Riviera Maya (Closed for Renovation) Amenities: Semi - Private Beautiful Beach Groups up to 200 Location 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for all bridal party and guests Lodging Villas, condominiums, small and large hotels nearby Facilities: Electricity Available 25% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Restaurant on Premises Rental Fee : $1500 US includes banquet rentals and set up. Ratings: Privacy = 4 Stars Restaurant Review = 4 Stars Prices: $$ - $$$ Atmosphere: Palapa style Restaurants,, Beautiful Beach Location Comments: Recommended for a private beach wedding Beautiful beach. Large hotels nearby. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers.

Ajua Maya in Playa del Carmen www.ajuamaya.com Offering two styles with fantastic food and service on all levels! Romantic Private Dining - 2nd Floor Palapa Adults Only, Non-Smoking, Perfect for a Private Wedding Reception Seats up to 75 guests Bohemia Fun-Filled Tequila Bar, Mayan Restaurant and Latin Jazz Club Street Level Seating with Mayan Garden Seats up to 125 Guests 50 on Restaurant Side -- 75 on Garden Side An American Express “Splendors in Mexico†Restaurant Features Wild Fresh Mayans and Seafood, Certified Angus Beef, Maya and Mexican Cuisine, Live Latin Music Nightly, and Great Fun! Established in 2000 – Owned and operated by Brenda and Jorge Alfaro Amenities: Open Air Palapa Restaurant Garden Dining 2nd Floor Palapa Private Dining Dance Floor and Stage Groups up to 125 & 75 Excellent Wine List Fresh Fruit Drinks – No Mixes Location Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for Playacar and Riviera Maya. Facilities: Electricity Available 100% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Fine Dining including Wild Fresh Seafood and Lobster, Certified Angus Beef, authentic Mexican and Mayan dishes, House Prepared Italian dishes, Children’s Menu, and fabulous Desserts Rental Fee: Please Inquire for groups under 75 Ratings An America Express “Splendors in Mexico†Restaurant Privacy = 5 Stars Restaurant Review = 5 Stars Prices: $$ - $$$ Atmosphere: Sophisticated Bohemia, Mexican, Mayan Comments: Known for quality, service and fun. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers. Casa del Agua A European Style Restaurant in Playa del Carmen Amenities: Semi – Private to Private Groups up to 100 Excellent Wine List Location Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for Playacar and Riviera Maya. Facilities: Electricity Available 100% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Fine dining with a European style menu Rental Fee: With dinner bookings no extra charge Ratings: Privacy = 3 to 5 Stars Restaurant Review = 3 Stars Prices: $$$ Atmosphere: Beautiful, Sophisticated Restaurant Comments: A beautifully decorated restaurant. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers. Hacienda Maya 19th Century French Influenced Mayan and Mexican Cuisine Playa del Carmen Available for Private Events now. Another fine restaurant by Brenda and Jorge Alfaro, owners of Ajua Maya Restaurant Amenities: Private Groups up to 75 Excellent Wine List Fresh Fruit Drinks – No Mixes Location Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for Playacar and Riviera Maya. Facilities: Electricity Available 100% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Restaurant on Premises Rental Fee: Inquire for groups under 75 Ratings: Privacy= 5 Stars Restaurant Review= 5 Stars Prices: $$-$$$ Atmosphere: Beautiful, Sophisticated Restaurant Comments: Recommended for a private parties and receptions. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers. Kartabar An Internacional Restaurant in Playa del Carmen Amenities: Semi – Private to Private Groups up to 60 Good Wine List Location Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for Playacar and Riviera Maya. Facilities: Electricity Available 100% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Fine dining with a European style menu Rental Fee : With dinner bookings no extra charge Ratings: Privacy= 3 Stars Restaurant Review= 4 Stars Prices: $$$ Atmosphere: Beautiful, Sophisticated Restaurant Comments: A elegantly modern décor with lounge seating. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers. Yaxche Mayan Fusion Cuisine in Playa del Carmen Amenities: Semi - Private Groups up to 100 Limited Wine List Location Playa del Carmen Transportation Required for Playacar and Riviera Maya. Facilities: Electricity Available 75% shelter from the Rain Dinners: Mayan Dishes Rental Fee : With dinner bookings, no extra charge Ratings: Privacy= 3 Stars Restaurant Review = 3 Stars Prices: $$ - $$$ Atmosphere: Beautiful with Mayan Décor and Garden Comments: Recommended for small groups. Ratings by Mariah Brooks, former restaurant critic with major newspapers.

I just found this website and thought it might be of interest to you. It is actually a Wedding Cordinators website and I have not heard any reviews on them good or bad. It does have some nice pictures and some pricing so that maybe you can get an idea of what things should look like or cost in your head. Hope this helps! Bodas Ana y José - WEDDINGS Where love meets nature... BODAS Donde el amor se encuentra con la naturaleza... Dont be scared by the Spanish link. On the main screen, choose English and the website is translated into English for you.

Your right Rebecca the first month I was on the forum I was researching Cabo for the wedding. But then Ryan started getting more involved and we moved our location over to the Riviera Maya.

Welcome and congratulations. Tulum is a great location! Let us know how we can help.

Congratulations, Have you ever been there before? Are you having a large wedding or a smaller more private ceremony? El Dorado Royale is on the top of my list of places to be married in the Riviera Maya. I'm sure everything will be absolutly buetiful.

Thanks Rebecca!!!!

Thanks Tammy, thats what I what I was assuming but I wanted to make sure.

Ok, this could be a stupid question, but I keep reading how you need to be in Mexico for 3 business days before being married etc etc etc... But they are not specifying if that pertains only to a legal wedding or not. We will be legally married in the States before we leave for Mexico, DO WE STILL HAVE TO BE THERE FOR 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING?

Another good Wedding Review at the Azul Hotel and Beach Resort!!!! Quote: June 2006, We just returned from a one week stay at the Azul Hotel to celebrate our daughter's wedding. It was truly a wedding paradise! We had 50 guests and many of their comments were, "We thought weddings like this only happened in the movies!" The setting, the weather, the resort, the staff all made for a perfect wedding. The hotel staff provided the best service I have ever experienced and made all our guests for the week feel pampered and special. We had guests of all ages and they all said this was the best wedding they had ever attended. The activities, the all inclusive food and drinks, the restaurants, and the beach palapas all made for an extremely stress-free vacation. The size of the resort makes it perfect for mingling and getting to know all our wedding guests. It is not so big that you never see anyone, or so small that you have to be together all the time. It was the perfect size and the perfect place! The Azul Hotel exceeded all our expectations. None of us will ever forget the wedding celebration. The ceremony began about 5:45, followed by the White Glove Cocktail party next to the ceremony while we took wedding pictures, then sit down dinner on the beach with a live band (the best band ever!) and dancing on the sand under the stars. The whole experience was magical! And we were able to do all this for about half the cost of a similar wedding in the US. A destination wedding may be more expensive for the guests, but they will be treated to a great wedding celebration! If you do plan a wedding at the Azul Hotel be aware that at this time there is no spa, but they are building one. My daughter and her maid of honor had manicures and pedicures in their room. Also, stay on top of the details. Carolina was wonderful, but she forgot a few things like putting out the wedding programs for the guests to have during the ceremony. So make a check list for them to make sure everything gets done. Also, the photographer depended on us to tell him what groupings of photos we wanted. So come prepared with a list so you don't forget anyone. And be sure to tip individuals who provide extra service! The staff worked so hard to accommodate us at all times . . . pushing tables together at meal times so groups could sit together, recommending and providing special dishes at meals, waiting on us all day at the beach palapas. The all inclusive includes gratuities, but I don't know how much gets to each staff person so if service was extra good, I would tip. Most people don't, but when you do, it is much appreciated. So if you're considering a destination wedding, this is the place!!

Found this on Trip advisor, good review for the Azul Hotel and Beach Resort! Quote: If you are contemplating a destination wedding... or just want to be pampered ... you must go to the Azul! My husband and I planned our wedding at the Azul via e-mail with Faith, a wedding coordinator for the Karisma hotels. I cannot say enough kind words about the treatment not only the two of us received, but our entire wedding group (there were about 40 of us). And after almost 11 months of planning solely through e-mail, everything turned out as perfect as it could be. We couldn't have asked for a more incredible experience!! We stayed from March 25th, 2006 until March 29th, with our wedding on the beach on the 28th. (We honeymooned at the El Dorado Royale, a sister resort, which was wonderful, too) The staff was absolutely AMAZING and they did everything to accommodate all of us. Two of our guests had a minor flood in their room and they were moved immediately. Over half of our party was "upgraded" to the Deluxe rooms free of charge. The only comment that could be interpreted as "negative" was regarding the food. When we were there, only 2 restaurants were open for dinner (along with room service) so if you are staying a week, it might get a bit old. Just an FYI! However, if you want the friendliest of staff, and the most relaxing of all resorts, this is the place to be... only about 2/3 of the resort was full during our stay so we literally felt like it was just our party! With only 98 rooms, you get to recognize each other, which can be a lot of fun. The evening shows were entertaining, and I believe we tried each and every tequila in the frosty-topped bar nightly! A FRIENDLY TIP... bring lots of 1's (and 5's too) to tip the wait staff. They appreciate it, and it guarantees that someone will be bringing you Corona or margaritas or daiquiris right away! Also leave some for the outstanding maids... the towel arrangements were incredible!!