harv0136

I thought if you stayed at the Palace you have unlimited ala cartes, at least I hope so. Does anyone know who has stayed there? I think if you stay at the tropical/colonial or beach/caribe you only get a certain number depending on how many days you stay.

I'm debating between El Dorado Royale and the Excellence, any suggestions?

I would recommended the Barcelo. They are 3 prices points for the resorts and the packages are reasonable. You can add a lot of options and things add up but the basics are definitely affordable. Good Luck!

It is true that you now have to pay $300 for an outside photographer, unless they are a guest at the resort. It might be cheaper to pay for a room for them at the Caribe/Beach instead of paying the fee. I have not heard of any rule about amount of guest that need to stay at the resort. However, if your guest don't stay there they need a guest pass for the day which is around $80 for the palace I think. Plus, I think you can only stay so late with a guest pass. So they might as well stay at the Barcelo. I am also still waiting for the 2010 prices! I have e-mailed several times but heard nothing. Hope that helps!

Yes, I would love to see pics of the banquet room too! Thanks!

Has anyone from the US done the legal wedding? Did you just have to bring your passports and tourist cards? Did you need to get anything translated? I would like to do the legal ceremony but don't want it to be a huge pain. What have others experienced? Thanks!

Love the pineapple pics, great idea!

I also have so many questions! I will post them here so everyone can see the responses if that is okay. My main question is how did you feel about the banquet room for 60 people? Was it big enough and did it have windows? Also how was the meal? I will have lots more but I'll wait until your review to post. Thanks so much! Congrats and I can't wait to see pics!

Congrats on your wedding! We would love pics & a review!

Thanks for the tip, I'll check them out!

I would like to know the florists also. I am at the Barcelo palace which I think is about 15 minutes south of Playa. If they are a good price I would like check them out. Thanks!

I found a great website that has a ton of examples for wedding invites. It is verseit.com. Hope that helps! I am using a pretty traditional invite and for the location using: On the Beach at the Barcelo Maya Palace Mayan Riviera, Mexico That way guests know the ceremony is on the beach.

This is great, thanks!

Are any of you doing ceremony programs? I wanted to but am not sure of the order. Does anyone know if you are having a justice of peace what the order is? Also, if I add more own readings and sand ceremony where that would fall in? Or can you do your own thing (mine is a non-legal wedding)? THanks!

Hi, I am ordering my invites soon and need help with the wording for the accommodation cards. My wedding is at the Barcelo palace but it one of the resorts that have 5 all inclusives within one, so they can stay at any of the connecting resorts. I want to include my travel agent info also. Any help would be great! Thanks!

Someone else on the post had Xhail I believe. But I'm not sure about the e-mail address for her. Has anyone seen the 2010 prices yet? I am getting anxious!

I think there is also food and ceremony differences between the Sea Breeze and Under the Stars package. I'm not really sure of them, I think 4 vs 5 course meal maybe.

Joie, the fee for an outside photographer is $300, which I believe actually goes to the photographer on site (not to Barcelo) since were aren't using their services. Might have to be paid in cash too (not sure). You can also have your photographer stay over night as a guest and then they do not have to pay the fee. Not sure if it would be cheaper to pay for a night for them or the $300. As for reception locations, from talking to my WC (gabriela), I understood the the Sea Breeze package is only in the banquet room, no other options. If you want a reception on the beach, by the pool, or in an open air grill, you must pay for the Under the Stars or higher package. I originally really wanted the Under the Stars, but you need to pay $6o per person instead of $20 for the Sea Breeze. We are probably going to have 50-60 people that could turn into an extra $2000 or more. So, for now I have the sea breeze package reserved. I might change it when I see the new 2010 prices. But, I'm guessing they will be even more expensive. Hope this helps!

I've heard the photographers at the hotel are pretty bad. I'm going with Claudia Rodriguez. www.claudiaphoto.com

One more question, did you get to pick how you wanted your tables set up? Do you know if you can have a head table with round tables too? Thanks!

Hali, How many people did you have at your reception? I've heard the banquet rooms can be small, and am worried because I might have 60 people. Also, did they hang something from the ceiling of the room or did you bring your own decorations? What did they include for the set-up in the room? Should I bring my own centerpieces and candles? Thanks!

Hazzardl, I am from MN too. What travel agent did you use? Thanks!

I'm pretty sure you have to book the Under the stars or Ocean Scents package to have your wedding in a grill. I am also curious to hear what people have to say about the banquet room. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money to updgrade to the grill. Thanks!

Does anyone know the differences in ceremony music for the sea breeze package vs the Under the Stars? Thanks!

This is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!