LDeeken

Quote: Originally Posted by Rose13 finleys, i would love to see that pic but it won't let it open to me. any way you could email it to me? Ill send my email to you, that would be awesome! So im a little freaked out with one thing that has come up- they told me I can't rent out an entire restuarant for a private reception unless I have over 40 people. I only have 30. So i don't know what to do Make 10 new friends at the resort and invite them =) I know I'd sure join a wedding reception if I was invited!!

I haven't seen any photos from fotocaribbean, but I have come across a few videos that weren't bad. We went down to a friend's wedding at the Maya in July and though they hired an outside photographer they had no videographer. My fiance and I had just bought a video camera so I decided just to record the ceremony for them. It is definitely not the best quality, but I'm pretty sure they appreciated having it documented regardless. You might ask some family members or friends if they have a video camera even if they are amateurs. That might help save on the video cost as least.

Thanks for sharing all of this information. I'll definitely have to check this out before we head down there next June.

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 CLARIFICATION on the Restaurants My quesion I am just looking for some clarification. On the 2010 packages it mentions the Italian Restaurant. I assume this is an A/C indoor restaurant. Karla's Answer Let me clarify: The old Tropical restaurant (not a/C, outdoor restaurant) has now become the new Italian Restaurant “Don Alfredoâ€. For organizational reasons at the moment the Italian Restaurant is an air conditioned restaurant (at this moment, it is located at the Gourmet restaurant location), but it is intended to be move to the location where the Tropical (not air conditioned restaurant is located) used to be. I know it is kind of confusing. If the information is not clear, let me know… and I will try to be more specific, if I can.. hahahaha (hope so) Sounds like they are in the dark about as much as we are. I guess as long as they are willing to rent out the Tropical Restaurant still then it doesn't really matter. I'm personally not all that concerned about the menu. The Tropical Restaurant is under a Palapa so it is like a big round restaurant. They use round tables and then the dance floor is in the center. If you look at the other Iberostar board some of the brides have links to their pictures and some have had their reception at the Tropical restaurant.

Quote: Originally Posted by Rose13 Ldeekan, is that a photographer? I will check it out, thanks! Yup!! Their website is Playa Weddings - Video and Photography in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya and it has the prices listed.

Great idea to start a thread like this. I have always eaten pretty healthy, but have recently changed my diet to mostly vegetarian. Here is a dish that I have made a few times that is delicious and makes for a great leftover lunch: 2 cups of instant brown rice 1 cup of cabbage 2 carrots 1/2 cup red onions 1 cup mushrooms 1 cup brocolli 2 leaves of Kale 1/3 Soy Sauce 3 Tbsp Organic Peanut Butter 2 tsp crushed garlic Cook Veggies in a large pan while cooking rice in another pan. While those are cooking combine soy sauce, peanut butter, and garlic and mix well. Once both are cooked combine in the large pan and add the sauce. I LOVE this meal!!! It is SOOO healthy and I love having the leftovers for lunch. I always feel like if you have a good lunch to look forward to you won't be tempted to visit those evil fast food restaurants. Hope you enjoy!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Rose13 Have you guys run into any "extra" fees? I know in the package it says a dinner for the reception, but do they charge you extra if you want it to just be the wedding people (private I guess)? If you are getting married at the Del Mar you can rent out the Tropical Restaurant (Open air restaurant) for $800. You can have dinner and your reception there for 4 hours. That is what we are planning on doing!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Rose13 Thanks Ryans girl. I really want great photos, that is a huge part for me. Outside photographers that I have looked at are just so expensive...And I don't know if this is what is going on- but now according to the Iberostar Lindo website, they don't allow outside photography at all. I'm awaiting their email reply on that. Where did you do the reception at if you don't mind me asking? Check out PlayaWeddings, I have found that their prices are a little more reasonable.

I noticed that the new package list says that you cannot use an outside photographer. However, if you look closely you will see a note about the $300 charge for an outside photographer. We have already booked PlayaWeddings!!

I had emailed Reyna a few weeks ago and finally heard back last Tuesday, the 29th. Karla responded (though Reyna is still there too) and said that the office had been closed until the 29th. That might have been the time when the resort was closed. It can definitely be stressful planning from afar, but hopefully this helps a little bit. Vent anytime, I'm sure we will all have our moments at some point!!

I checked out that sight too! It was really helpful when I started my research.

Quote: Originally Posted by ChelseaRose I love this idea, and i love that you can paint them yourself (or buy the colored ones)!! Thanks for sharing. I think if you really wanted to, you could only provide one per guest, otherwise it would get a little more expense i guess....i was thinking about having them shake the maraca's to have the bride and groom kiss instead of using their silverware on their glasses. That is such a fun idea!! I may have to consider that!

Quote: Originally Posted by amyrot Oh wow, interesting! Thank you for that information! I'm going to have to use the resort photographer due to budget. I really am not worried about it. I have spoken with them a few times and they've gotten back to me right away. I really don't see how 'bad' they could be. so...although I do love looking at everyone's pictures from 'outside'! I may do a price comparison again though...! If you are shopping around you might check out PlayaWeddings. That is who we are going with and they are really reasonable. We are getting 8 hours of photo and video for $4200. They too mentioned something about covering the $300 fee to the resort. It is a husband and wife (Rachel - photo, Paul - video) and they were great! Rachel is still new to the photo side so I think that's why their rates are still lower than other photographers in the area.

Stephanie - Thanks for the info about the flowers! My email is [email protected] and I would be interested in seeing your quote. I have seen pictures of the Iberostar flowers and they are beautiful, however I would really like peonies (which are hard to get in Mexico) so maybe a florist would have better luck! Barefoot - So glad to hear Reyna is still there! We met her this summer and she is just so sweet I would be sad if she was not there on our wedding day.

Interesting information about the price increase. I would be interested in hearing about the outside florist, especially if it is cheaper. I live in a suburb of Chicago and I too have never heard of a $69 manicure or $79 pedicure. Maybe me and my bridesmaid will go soke in the hot tub, rub our feet in the sand, and paint our own nails and call it a pedicure =)

Awesome Review!! 2 questions for you: 1. Did you get to meet the minister beforehand and discuss the ceremony? 2. How hot was it at El Faro during the reception? Did you feel uncomfortable or was it okay?

Hope to see that menu soon, but I don't have enough points just yet =( Does it look like it has changed much?

I sent an email on Sunday and haven't heard back just yet, though I'm not surprised. I will be interested to see what there new prices are and who emails me back. I will be sad if Reyna is no longer the WC because we met with her over the summer and she was great. Oh well, we'll deal with it. The joys of being a Destination Wedding Bride =)

I have noticed a few people mention working with Karla instead of Reyna at the Del Mar. I met with Reyna in July, but I'm hoping that she is still there and that Karla is just an assistant. Has anyone heard otherwise?

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 Amy ~ I try to check CNN at work ;-) Agreed about the OOT Bags, but our biggest purchase will be the T-Shirts. We have been trying to buy things off season now...the summer sales were great! I received the final 2010 prices...there were so MAJOR changes. For instance no more hair trial, hair, mani & peid for the bride. That would all be separate =( And that's a big expense. Also, the mention of the Italian rest., I contacted them and Karla said we can still do the Tropical for the open air private reception. The DJ prices went up too!!! What's going on with the Tropical Restaurant? Did you receive a new menu from Reyna?

Quote: Originally Posted by BBtoB Thanks, it was so amazing! The pinatas were a steal. $20 each! here is the link to the store. you just call and the lady will take your order. I got them within a week. It was a last minute decision, I am so glad I got them! You can order to your hair color. So fuN! We had planned orinally to fil them wit candy and beat them, but the lady said, no dont hit them they are too cute. She was right. We couldnt bring ourselved to beat them, we wanted to keep them. Wedding Pinatas - Pinatas, Sombreros, Paper Flowers, Banners, and Mexican Party Accessories Thanks so much, I'll have to check it out! I wonder if they would ship them to Mexico!! Also, did you get married by the minister at the resort? I'm assuming they use the same minister at the Del Mar and I was curious what you thought about him. I have read his script and it sounds awesome, but I just wondered what your experience was like. Thanks!! Leah

Quote: Originally Posted by BBtoB I thought I would throw up these pics so you can see what kind of party /AHR we had. It was so kick ass! 80's band...tequila shots, and then of course there was me, hubby and his hammered friend Tommy ending the night by singing Journey. We had the best time ever...can you tell? I just want to know how i got the mic? haha OMG your at home reception looks like it was soooo much fun!!! I love the bride and groom pinatas!! I might have to invest in those too!!

Quote: Originally Posted by noelynn How much did they charge you for the outside vendors? Also, can you pay with your credit card or do you have to pay cash for everything? Thanks, Noel Noel we had the same question. When we visited last month Reyna told us that you can charge all of the wedding expenses (except the iberostar DJ) to your room. From there you can pay with your credit card. Hope that helps!

Jenn you were a beautiful bride!! Thank you so so much for sharing your pictures!! I love watching all the wedding slide shows and getting ideas!

No problem!!