EmenGeeRoxx

Hey everyone I wanted to just give my thanks for our own Ana De Roux for doing our Passport invites. She did an amazing job and was very easy to work with. I am one of the most picky and critical people in the world but she was very patient with me and was able to accommodate everything I asked for. To let you know I am the groom to be and I put invitations at the bottom of the list of things to do. The typical invites I have seen from previous weddings are so boring. I don't even recall one invite I received and they usually end up as my beer coaster or duster Ok kidding, but the typical wedding invites don't do anything for me. Of course the fiancee wanted them done and being that it will be a destination wedding I knew I could be a bit more creative in what I wanted in an invite so that was a bonus. I searched this forum and when I saw Ana's work, I immediately knew she would be the one who I would pay/trust to do this. Thanks also to the other brides who have shared their invites done by Ana as that is where I got a lot of ideas from. I tried to upload pics but I think they are too big. I have to crop them when I get home from work so they make the website requirements. Thank you again Ana!!!!! If anyone is new and needs to see her site Ana de Roux {Custom Invitations, Stationery & Design}

Quote: Originally Posted by Scott-Pierre I found a fabulous Etsy seller, by the name of ItsMyDay. She made a wonderful guestbook for our wedding and also made a photoalbum/scrapbook for my MOH. This is going to be my gift for her! Here is our guestbook: http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ngItems001.jpg http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ngItems002.jpg http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ngItems003.jpg Our wedding invitations were blue and brown, so we wanted to keep those colors for the guestbook cover. She incorportated our favorite colors throughout the rest of the book.Her real name is Jori and she was a pleasure to do business with. She was prompt in responding to all my emails and worked super fast! I highly recommend her. Nice. We are doing something similar. BTW I think there is a typo with Rui Resort....I believe it should be Riu.

Anyone got info on booking a mariachi band for a wedding ceremony? I tried to contact Ajua Weddings but they won't help unless they are planning the whole wedding.

Quote: Originally Posted by bridetobe22 Hi- I am getting married at the Royal in PDC and am booking a guitarist and also a Mariachi Band through Ajua Weddings. They are a wedding coordination service. I was referred to them by another Royal bride who said their cost for the mariachi was less than the resort. Once I saw they had a guitarist too, I decided to do that as well. Below is their contact info. They have a $100 coordination fee. The guitarist for 1, 45 min. set is $100 and a guitar/flute combination for a 45 min. set is $200. The mariachi is a six piece group and they are $374 for 45 min. Hope this helps! Stephanie Morton | Event Coordinator | Ajua.Biz - DMC - Playa del Carmen Event Planner, Destination Management, DMC, Destination Wedding Planner, Riviera Maya DMC, Mexico | Calle 4 entre 5 y 10 Ave | Playa del Carmen | Quintana Roo 77710 +52 984.803.1118 | USA: +1 512.351.4557 | Wedding Testimonials | [email protected] * | Ajua.Biz - DMC - Playa del Carmen Event Planner, Destination Management, DMC, Destination Wedding Planner, Riviera Maya DMC, Mexico Need other options. This is the response I got back from Stephanie Hi Thanks for your inquiry. At this time, however, we are not providing music services for weddings that we do not coordinate in full. Good luck with your planning! Take care Stephanie

Quote: Originally Posted by randi.renstrom Hello! I've been searching for the right place for a destination wedding for a few months and just felt lost. This forum/thread has helped A LOT and has definitely put OCX at the top of my list. We are aiming for Nov 2010 and we are going through a travel agent (who is a family friend). My main concerns are the beach and what sounds like, lack of beach. Also the reception and nightlife. I want to make sure my guests have a good time for the week, and I want things to run as smooth as possible. We want to have the private reception and music/dance. I have never been there so all the advice you guys have given is great! thank you!! The beach isn't the greatest. If your heart is truly set on having a nice beach then this place isn't for you. I am more of a pool guy to be honest. I like to be close to the bar and I am not that big on sand so the lack of a beach doesn't bother me. You can also take a cab into town and visit the beach there if you want to compromise. As for nightlife the resident club was ok. But it does get boring and repetitive so I would suggest to go to the town. There is no shortage of clubs and bars. In fact I heard it is way more Americanized or 'Cancun'ized than when I went there 5 years ago.

Visit us on this thread http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t28154

We originally planned to stay at the Royal Playa Del Carmen and Gran Porto Real and sent out the info in June. But we didn't get much interest. I think much of it was due to the price which was $2000 and $1500 CDN respectively. My fiancee and I decided to see what else was out there. We checked out the different options and XCaret looked to be the best deal. We stayed there previously so we got some quotes. Long story short we were able to get the week for our guests for $1000CDN all inclusive (flights, transfer, hotel) so we jumped on it and so did everyone else. We sent out the info mid August and as of today we have 71 booked. So we did talk to Marialma about transpo and she gave us some numbers to contact. Now just trying to figure out the menu for the dinner. Sucks that we only get to give our guests 2 choices for the main course. Was hoping to give the options of beef, chicken or vegetarian, but Marialma says we only get to choose from 2. Don't see why we can't have more options if we give the chef enough notice. We also have to rent out the A/V equipment which sucks because the Royal was not charging us for that. But overall we are happy that things are finally moving along.

Anyone know anything about getting limos or shuttles? We need to transport people from the resort to the town for the ceremony. We got 68 people coming so far and I am afraid probably 10-15 more people coming!

Quote: Originally Posted by Oscar_Ernie I don't think any of us are getting married until late October...someone correct me if I'm wrong. I think we may have a bit of a break for awhile! daphrenee - October 23, 2009 traceyfranzel - October 24, 2009 dcheung1111 - November 7, 2009 meli122 – November 7, 2009 olsontco - November 22, 2009 jaxsebridetobe – December 2, 2009 allison&kevin – January 8, 2010 loanmao - January 16, 2010 EmenGeeRoxx - January 19, 2010 Playa2009 - February 5, 2010 diana&steve0304 - April 2, 2010 kimmy44 - April 21, 2010 jcooper79 - April 22, 2010 aerazo - April 23, 2010 kimmy44 - April 28, 2010 AprilandRyan - May 1, 2010 jennie.lewis - May 7, 2010 SDbeachgirl - May 7, 2010 Lexibride - May 15, 2010 tutti1299 - May 15, 2010 boolo318 - May 28, 2010 Denisema00 - May 29, 2010 Lady_Di - May 29, 2010 candicemarie - June 5, 2010 kenlyn8984 - June 10, 2010 ~Stephanie~ - June 11, 2010 cinny726 - June 2010 smckinney22 - October 9, 2010 Shirley_Ken - October 28, 2010 Trinas79 - November 11, 2010 jesmcan - November 12, 2010 vlynnw - May 6, 2011 Oscar_Ernie – TBA stevensfiance - 2010 -Royal, Cancun Hey everyone, unfortunately we won't be staying or doing our reception at the Royal anymore. The prices for packages from Canada have not gone down. We only had 12 people going. So we switched resorts to a cheaper one and now we have 68 people going and most likely we will have 80. Just wanted to say thanks to every single one of you who have contributed to this thread. I have read every single post since last September and it helped me a lot. It's unfortunate we won't be doing it here as this was my first choice but it was hard for most of the guests to afford it. Thanks to Zulma also who has been very good to us. She is even letting us use our deposit towards the spa when we go there. That was pretty cool of her I would say. On a lighter note I have been reading about the stag/stagette issues. I am in Amsterdam now for part 1 of my stag and the fiancee is out in Vegas. Part 2 happens in November Heading home now, long flight ahead. Anyway thanks again everyone. I will check in on this thread from time to time.

Thanks everyone. She sent me some but it wasn't clear how the layout was. We will have some dance performances so we have to make sure the floor is big enough and will be easily viewable for our guests. I found another pic below, is this still the beach club?

Can anyone help me out with pics? I need pics of the beach club. I want to see the layout of the place. Thanks!

Can anyone help me out with pics? I need pics of the beach club. I want to see the layout of the place. Thanks!

Our wedding is at 3:30pm in PDC. We'd want the photographers/videographer at the Xcaret for around 1:30 to take some pics/video. Hopefully Marialma can give us an adjusted rate since they probably won't be doing any eating or drinking between 1:30pm-3:00pm. They'd simply be working.

Thanks for the tip on the wind! Never thought of that So I clarified with Marialma that the $125 is $60 for the morning pass and the $65 is for the evening pass. This entitles them to everything on the resort. However the dinner at the wedding is extra. So what I am going to have the vendors do is eat before the reception at one of the buffets. Otherwise it will cost me $200US per vendor if I do a 5hr reception which is ridiculous. How much did the sound system cost to rent? And was it sufficient?

Quote: Originally Posted by sarah310 I'm bringing my own. The response I got from Marialma was that they either had to be guests of the hotel, or you had to pay the $65 guest pass to bring them in for the night. Marialma told me $125 USD per vendor. Does this mean $65 for the day pas + $60 for their dinner?

Anyone have a review of the wedding food? I believe I read somewhere it tasted like the food you get the whole week at the buffet meaning it was good but it's the same thing. Can anyone comment?

Quote: Originally Posted by sspiris So I am choosing between the royal and GFX also. UG such a hard choice. Here is the latest info from Maialma. Once you compare the prices can you post what you have so I can compare it to my own comparison. Hello Stephanie I understand that there are two dinner options correct? Buffet and 4 plated meal? Buffet for 40USDpp and 50USDpp for plated, If we have 100 guests can we do either option? Sure you can do either option for the reception for 100 guests. Not a problem. The per person charge includes the dinner, 3 hrs of open bar, the private area for the reception, set up with banquet chair and tables with white linen and bar tenders and waiters. Any extra decoration such as center pieces, entertainment and so has an extra charge. What about cake prices? The cake included on the package is for 20 people but can be upgraded to 2 or 3 tiers for a charge of 120 or 140 usd. Oh and about the ceromony I understand the package is for 20 guests only and there is a charge for additional people correct? What is that charge? Is there a ceromony charge per guest if we are already paying the reception charge per guest? At the ceremony there is an extra charge for additional people but as you are having a reception after the ceremony those extra people at the ceremony will be complementary. In the picture with the green decoration which reception site is featured below? which ceromony site is this in the pictures? The ceremony location of the picture you have is right in front of the wedding gazebo. Oh the pictures attach is the area you can’t see that is on the other side of the isle. The reception site is the beach club restaurant Hi my info for the Royal is from last year and it is not valid anymore. My quote will be honored and this is roughly what it was 4hr reception time $10 USD more per guest per hour Dinner ranging between $40-$60 for guests of the Real Resorts Dinner ranging between $50-$70 for non guests I have some updated docs for 2010 for the Royal. I will PM u my email and you can contact me and I will send it off to you.

Quote: Originally Posted by sspiris Marialma Ortiz GFX [email protected] T. 52 (984) 871 5400 ext. 4601 Thanks so much again! You're the best. Ok we actually booked the rooms yesterday and we are sending everyone to the GFX to stay. Now just have to contact Marialma and compare the reception packages between GFX and the Royal Playa Del Carmen.

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan Hi, Congrats and welcome to the club of brides for The Real resorts To use outside vendors there is a $100 fee plus you have to pay for them as a guest. But even with the fee you save so much money! Especially with the DJ. And the photography they offer is really just personal taste. We went with another photographer again a lot less expensive and in my opion a better portfolio. So it's $100 per vendor + their guest pass meaning another $60-$70 depending on which meal you are going with?

THanks for all the links!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by TightyWhitey Yes, the Luxury package includes food and drink for 35 people. You don't have to pay extra UNLESS you want your reception to last longer than 3 hrs. Only then will you have to pay more. TW when did you get your quote for your wedding. My original quote said 4 hours and then you have to pay more per guest per hour. When did this 3 hour reception come into effect?

Quote: Originally Posted by TightyWhitey We had a menu tasting two/three days before our wedding; all the choices were amazing. We chose then. My brother took photos of the food options. If you like, I can post them. Let me know. As for the cocktail hour, we had many options as well. We went with 3 hot hors d'oeuvres and one cold option. I didn't get to try it but I was told they were AMAZING. I think the most popular was the coconut shrimp and sesame seed chicken skewer. We went with the Luxury package and went with Ivan at Doremixx for our DJ. He was awesome (and provided the lit up dance floor). Hope this helps! Yes please post pictures of the food options.

sspiris, thanks a lot for ALL the info. Decisions decisions. Does anyone have a direct email, number to the wedding coordinator Marialma? And what room did you guys all book? My fiancee wants a bigger room for taking pics. So I assume Royal Club and at the very least Junior Suite? Do you still get the free pass to Xcaret park by staying at the Xcaret resort? This was how it was back in 2005 when I stayed there last.

sspiris Thanks for all the info. I think that is too rich for my blood at this time I am actually getting married at the chapel in Playa and have my reception reserved at the Royal Playa Del Carmen. However I am looking to switching resorts (I was originally looking into staying at the Royal and Gran Porto) and the XCaret is my next choice. Anyway sorry to bother do you have the price list for the reception only for the XCaret resort (not park). I cannot download any docs as I don't have enough points or credit. Thank again.

Ok I searched through some of the old docs I got from Zulma Not sure if it is still valid but I will embed here anyway HOTEL THE ROYAL PLAYA DEL CARMEN PLAYA DEL CARMEN WEDDING RECEPTION QUOTATION THE DINNER COSTS USD 50.00 PER PERSON AS SURCHARGE FOR THE ALL INCLUSIVE HOTEL'S GUESTS AND USD 70.00 PER PERSON FOR PEOPLE NOT STAYING AT THE RESORT. FOR GUESTS STAYING AT OUR SISTER PROPERTY GRAN PORTO REAL, THE PRICE IS USD 60.00 PER PERSON. INCLUDES: - PRIVATE AREA ( BEACH, GARDEN, BALLROOM) - SPECIAL SET UP WITH WHITE TABLE CLOTHES, COVER CHAIRS AND RIBBONS, CANDLES ON THE TABLES - TICKY TORCHES AND LIGHTS UNDER THE TABLES IN CASE OF BEACH RECEPTIONS - DECORATIONS ( WITH PLANTS AND BALLOONS IF REQUIRED ) - SPECIAL DELUXE 4 COURSES MENU ( MENU CHOSEN WILL BE THE SAME FOR ALL GUESTS, THE HOTEL ADMITS MAX. 3 EXCEPTIONS FOR VEGETARIANS AND PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES ) - INTERNATIONAL OPEN BAR ( PREMIUM BRANDS LICORS, BEERS, SODAS, JUICES, COCKTAILS, HOUSE WINES ) - WAITER SERVICE - SPECIAL BAR SET AT LOCATION - TAXES AND SERVICE PLEASE CONSIDER THAT NO EVENT CAN BE HELD AT OUR RESTAURANTS - IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO USE OR BOOK OUR A LA CARTE RESTAURANTS FOR GROUPS' DINNERS AND RECEPTIONS MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT RATES ( PRICES INCLUDE TAXES ) MARIACHI BAND: USD 450.00 PER 45 MINUTES SET DJ: 2 HOURS = USD 650.00 3 HOURS = USD 800.00 4 OR 5 HOURS = USD 900.00 LIVE MUSIC BAND: USD 900.00 PER HOUR SAXOPHONIST: USD 250.00 PER HOUR THE DINNER CAN LAST MAX. 4 HOURS AND IF IT TAKES PLACE ON THE BEACH HAS TO END BEFORE MIDNIGHT IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BEACH RECEPTIONS: THE HOTEL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MOVE THE DINNER TO A BALLROOM IF THE WEATHER WON'T ALLOW US TO OFFER A GOOD SERVICE ( STRONG WIND, RAIN FORECASTED AND VERY CLOUDY CONDITIONS ).