TATrisha

The new Tulum location is GORGEOUS!!! And there are pictures of the 4 hairstyles that were done at the Akumal Spa in my blog post: http://faberphotography.com/weddings/nikki-tim-gran-bahia-principe-akumal-wedding/2014 But here is the JPEG in case someone can't see that

I have honestly never been in the Disco. But that is where most wedding parties eventually end up. Then again, most of the couples I've photographed were exhausted and ready to declare it a night at 11pm. Or they just go to the lobby bar for live music and drinks. For your dress, you simply carry it on and store it overhead.

You won't be able to have your party go until 12;30 am. They shut you down at 11pm due to the other guests' rooms being close by.

Back when I got married, you paid for everyone whether they drank or not. They did end up giving me a slight deal on the two kids that were under 2, but they had said they wouldn't. The tulum poolside reception is beautiful and I don't think you NEED a light up dance floor. It's pretty cool... but if you're looking to save money, most people don't get it. There is a dress code for Arlequin. Long pants for the men. There are very few restaurants where this is enforced anymore, but that's definitely one of them. I have photographed a wedding where they brought in hair and makeup. It was amazing and very relaxing to have the bride getting ready in the comfort of her own room. However, I have heard they are getting more strict on bringing in outside local vendors.

They did start packing it up once it appeared we were all done eating and after speeches. I would say dinner is about 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours.

@@jfarrowable what time is your ceremony and what time is your dinner? The problem is that a good amount of people go back to their room in between to freshen up. I suppose they'd probably just hang out at the bar in Tulum instead, but just make sure there isn't a lot of time in between otherwise people are just having to go back and forth.

Both are DELICIOUS. Don Pablo is probably more suited to a wedding as I'm not sure how they actually do weddings in Tortuga (typically they slice your meat off of giant skewers). The problem is that they are in Tulum. If your guests are staying at Akumal and your reception is going to be at Akumal, you'll want to consider that. Also, if they won't let you have arlequin, did you try asking if they could have a steak option for you at the other two restaurants?

The single flower is always there, which I think is really nice. If you really want cala lillies, then I'd look into real touch fake flowers. Otherwise their flowers are gorgeous... as long as you pick out your own design and not use their 1980s catalog

It's possible it's a new option. Still not sure it's the best option due to the wind and the sand, but perhaps they've made an area to make this happen that's not as bad??

You can do a poolside reception, but not on the beach. There isn't proper lighting on the beach, it's really windy, and bugs come out at night (and crabs). The poolside receptions are beautiful, though.

2pm ceremony = 1pm getting dressed. 12pm lunch. Which means you'll want YOUR hair and makeup done by 12. So I'd do 10am. But if you have more than three ladies, you'll want to go earlier. They have three salon chairs.

Yes, for a small charge they will take it and return it. I personally didn't do it as the humidity was all I needed, but some of my brides that I've photographed have and didn't have any problems.

DEFINITELY book before your trip. Months in advance actually.

Yes. I have witnessed guests stand up, walk under the gazebo and give a reading. It's a lovely personal touch to the wedding. Symbolic ceremonies are NOT in Spanish... unless you want them to be. It'll be in English. It's about 15 minutes long. You'll sign a fake certificate, do vows, and that's pretty much it. You can add in a sand ceremony or a family member's readings if you choose.

What fabric is included. If you want colored anything it's extra or you bring your own. I highly recommend a DJ. They keep the party going and will indeed do the bridal bouquet toss and garter toss. I have not done a trash the dress at a cenote. As a photographer, yes you should have special equipment. You can get away without some stuff, but if you want to take full advantage of the cenote, you'll need some waterproof gear.

I did use one piece. They had it at Hobby Lobby.

You do indeed do vows and a ring exchange and since it's not a legal ceremony I believe you can write your own vows.

I did one and have photographed a bunch. I'll shoot you a message

I don't remember how long I went, but I'd think chair sashes would work just lovely. I'd vote informal meal.

Oh that's fun that you're getting married on the same day as her! The lantern thing is sad, but then again, they are bad for the environment so try to tell yourself that (especially if they get into the ocean and the turtles eat them or whatever). Yup, the Tulum Gazebo has the red carpet (if you want it) but I have never seen a white one. Probably would get way too dirty? So that question you'll have to ask them, but I don't think it's available. Arlequin: You can see the round and rectangle tables. Here is the blog post from my last wedding there so you can see a little bit of the dinner set up: http://faberphotography.com/weddings/nikki-tim-gran-bahia-principe-akumal-wedding/2014 The restaurant is quite beautiful so you don't need that many decorations. Callalillies ARE available for your November wedding (they are NOT available May-October). The DJ is VERY good at his music selection and getting the party going. I haven't personally seen any wedding games though. What are you thinking you'd like done?

If you don't want white you can bring your own or pay for theirs... but you'll be limited on the color selection. Personally I brought my own table runners and that was enough for me (they ended up adding pink chair bows for free which was kind, but that doesn't happen too often). For the tables, they are pretty crowded with the fancy serving plates, menus, the typical resort provided centerpieces (usually a bird of paradise type flower and oil candles). So honestly, I recommend no table centerpieces. But if you do round tables perhaps it'd be more appropriate.

Congratulations!! What day is your wedding? I answered what I could...

Those are the standard restaurants that are offered if you're getting married at Akumal. Always have been. lately they've been allowing Arlequin to be an option, but not openly. For my wedding, they refused... but that was 6 years ago. That's why I had a private BBQ option by the pool.

You can bring your own decorations and they set them up.

The wedding I just photographed in May had the music during the meal at the Arlequin restaurant and it was not private. So I know that they have done it in the past. It's worth asking.