MagsieMexico

That's mine I think. As you may have seen on another thread, I wasn't that excited about it. My FI picked it with his mum's input rather than mine! But it's growing on me, sentimental value and all that. I just thought it was too busy, pave stones, and side stones, and a center stone, you know? My band matches the pave stones, and only goes half way around...

I know, this place is so lovely... If I hadn't found it, I would not nearly be having as much fun! nor would my wedding be as good, and I probably would have given up. Thanks ladies.

I was surprsed to learn from Tammy that some resorts do not have options for private receptions. I was imagining a private reception with DJ/Band for my 50 guests or so, on the beach with one of those dancefloors, or in a little area elsewhere... Is that unusual? Do most of you at AIs just have your receptions by joining the general groups of revellers? Let me know please! Thanks.

I think my problem is that 1) it's hard to get information, I've never been to any of the resorts! 2) and most importantly, we want a wedding over new year's, and Tammy has pointed out that the rates are MUCH higher at that time of year, so it will be much less affordable for our guests... So, I either need to down grade, OR I need to pick a different time of year. But the problem is that we have teachers in the Uk and the US in both families, and so finding a time of year when everyone has off is tough. I wanted to do this summer, since everyone is off, but Eric's sister is having a baby, so can't travel, and my sister is having her wedding! So they would be too close together. Do I have to push it to 2008, I don't want to... I love the christmas time idea. But it's no good if I have to go for a crappy location because of prices... By the way Jen, Tammy sent me some great info. Just to be aware, the Grand Palladium only has one venue for private receptions, and it's not guaranteed to be available and costs 900 dollars extra... Thanks for all the help Tammy!!! You're wonderful.

The problem is that they do not allow outside photographers, so you have to go with the onsite at the Riu... How do you get around that?

Okay, now I'm including Iberostar in the mix, and ruling out gran bahia... thoughts thoughts? I'm NEVER going to make a decision... I'm thinking Iberostar or Grand Palladium (as much as I love the riu Palace I think it will be too costly for our guests....

I've narrowed it down I think to the Iberostar or Grand Palladium, mostly because of price for guests. I really liked the Riu Palace Mexico as well, and everyone on the forum keeps saying it is very affordable, but from my research it is quite pricey, certainly pricier than Grand Palladium and Iberostar. Have I done bum research? I don't think so, because Tammy said that too, and she knows all... But I think Iberostar and Grand Palladium could be nice too... I hope... anyone know about those?

I do yes, though I don't work as hard as I should at the moment!!!

Ah, I think my dates (after christmas) might be just late enough that all the sites I go to to try to get an idea, say that they can't go that far in the future! I need to look at those specific dates though because Tammy told me that they are much more expensive than other times of the year. I need to figure out how much so to see if I can still have it the week between christmas and new year like I really want to!! But that site is good, and I am impressed by how quickly they got back to me since Dreams and Riu have just completely ignored me!!

how do you get your logo printed on them, you just send them the logo and they do it for you?

I had never even heard of these, but now I think I will get them too! Do you have to put them in the fridge or something? or how do they work. Your designs ladies look great!

And I got these pictures from the Grand Palladium today. Trying to attach:

This is the info I got from Gran Bahia. Hope to see your pictures from your friend's wedding, but good to get the tip that you didn't like it that much! GBReligious Ceremony 2007 - 2008.doc

Thanks Ana, You truly are a Google wizard! (and i work there!! I have no excuse.)

Well, Gran Bahia and Grand Palladium actually got back to me quickly, so that is good! As someone else mentioned, it's good to know that if you choose one of htose, they'll be responsive. Dreams and Riu, I've heard nothing from, and I emailed Dreams 2 weeks ago, and Riu 1 week ago! So, that is making me prefer Gran Bahia and Grand Palladium more anyway. Tammy, I want your Grand Palladium info too! Please send it to me. And I will post what I got from Gran Bahia and Grand Palladium in those threads. BUT, both of those hotels saidthat they do not deal with room rates, you have to go through a tour operator... So, I am waiting for estimates on room rates. I think I'm getting close though!!!!

So did you just look at the hotel website? Or did you look at reviews? or did you get info directly emailed to you from the Grand Palladium (if so, wanna share??) . Thanks!

Oooh, that's exciting Jen. Have you been there? What did you look at that helped you decide??

Yay, thanks Tammy! Will discuss more offline. And good to know about the room blocks, will wait to discuss that one until I have a venue! (HOPEFULLY SOON!!)

Ugh, this is so hard, I want to get onto the fun part of dresses, STDs and OOT bags... though I'm sure those will stress me out in some other way when the time comes!!! I think I have narrowed it down to Grand Palladium Colonial, Gran Bahia Principe Akumal and Riu Palace Mexico (or dreams cancun as a backup). I think that Riu Palace is probably going to be more expensive, but waiting to hear room rates to see if that could make sense for my guests. Otherwise, I have had NO responses from any of the hotels to my enquiries, so that is not good (I have contacted all 4 about 1 to 2 weeks ago). Any thoughts? I'm hoping for something gorgeous and perfect of course, but want to modify that with something that is affordable for our guests. I love the beach, so want a beach there, and I want a swim up bar, and a beautiful reception and ceremony spot, with dinner and dancing, for about 50 people. Thoughts anyone?

Thanks Tammy, I hope I'm including in your 2007 bookings, did I get in just under the wire?? I hope so. With the block rooms, how does that work. You just estimate 20 rooms, and then if fewer people come, you don't have to pay for them do you? I can certainly vouch for difficulty getting through to the hotels. I'm trying to finalize my decision of location, I've emailed Riu Palace, Dreams, Gran Bahia and Grand Palladium for information and rates about 1 to 2 weeks ago, and so far heard NOTHING!!! Hoping that with a TA, I'll get some information more quickly. Once I have the place reserved I can relax!

Yes, good point Tammy, as I mentioned, this was just for comparison between hotels, not to budget how much you will likely spend. Thanks for pointing that out! For me it was just helpful to know which 'class' of price range each hotel was in because it was so overwhelming at first!

Although, flip flops are my favourite shoes, and if I was ever going to spend 55 dollars on them, it would be for my wedding! I love the foot jewellry too if I decide to go barefoot! Thanks Ann! I love this site, and they even do some in size 12s! I know, I'm a bridezilla with godzilla sized feet....

That does sound perfect... And who is Maye?

Oh, and good idea about the dresses! I'll be in detroit in a few weeks, and san francisco a few weeks after that, so I"ll have a few opportunities to return... maybe I should try, they are gorgeous!

She's getting married in Yosemite National Park in California. She and her FI are both crazy outdoors climber people. You should see her save the dates, they're hanging off a cliff!!