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Quote: Originally Posted by tracy.clements Hello! Quick question for Ceiba brides~ Are you using Travel Agents for group rates or booking directly with the hotel? I really just want to make sure I have the best rates for our guests and was curious what you have all done. Thanks! We dealt directly w/ the hotel b/c our guests are coming from all over the country. I didnt want to deal w/ the headache of having people look for other deals on their own - this way they just worry about airfare and if they dont like the price, they can stay elsewhere and I don't have to worry about meeting quotas or whatever.

Hey Tracy, thanks for posting! Coincidentally, we also visited those hotels on our scouting trip (plus several others). Re: Ceiba, they do have a new coordinator named Lilia but it seems coordinator activities are being split between her and Diana. It's important to understand that Ceiba is definitely more hands off when it comes to wedding services. That's a good thing if you're willing to shop around for vendors and price compare. However, for brides that want a one-stop shop, this is definitely NOT the place for them. So far I have appreciated the ability to choose my own vendors but it is a lot of work (though I suppose it would have been the same effort if I were doing an at-home wedding)! If you are ok with being hands on, though, then you'll be ok. Also, there are several houses and condos very close to the hotel that could serve as cheaper options for guests on a budget. Would be happy to pass along details if you want. Good luck w/ your choices!

Umm, forget the oil spill. I'm now worried about HURRICANES! I would strongly suggest getting insurance if you like to worry (like me). According to this article, this year is on track for a very active season. 'Hell of a year' for hurricanes, experts warn- msnbc.com

You can definitely do private events at all-inclusive hotels however, they may charge extra for that effort. Part of the reason it's so attractive to do an AI wedding is b/c the hotel gives the bride and groom "credit" for the wedding expenses based on the number of guests who, in theory, are paying for all their meals through their room rates anyway. If cost isn't an issue for you though, then the advantage of AI is that your guests are "captive" to the resort and so you'll have more time with them. That said, if think your guests would prefer venturing out of the hotel for their meals or for exploration, then I agree that a non-AI hotel would be better choice for them. There are actually some hotels that offer both AI and non-AI plans which could also be an option (I believe Le Meridien does this). I'm sure you'd get great service at both the Palace and the Ritz, they are both great! If you have a big budget, you may also want to check out Xcaret. It's a-mazing. Here are some good pics: Weddings in Xcaret - Wedding ceremonies, receptions and honeymoon services in Xcaret and the Mexican Caribbean.. Then you wouldnt have to worry about AI or non AI!

Quote: Originally Posted by Smidge I've just returned from my daughter's wedding at the Fairmont Mayakoba, and we used Vanessa Jaimes. We could not have been happier. Vanessa listened to what we were looking for, adapted her designs to fit within our budget, and delivered impeccably. I work with a friend who does wedding flowers locally, so it was difficult for me to turn over the reigns. On a destination wedding, it's what you have to do because you're working remotely. This has been a learning experience for me, and everything turned out beautifully. Here's my advice to anyone looking for a florist is a destination location: 1) Flowers are not an important feature to all brides, but if it is to you, hire a florist with the best reputation. Do your research, and hire the one that you think is the most reliable and most likely to deliver the look you want; 2) Describe a look and the colors you want for your floral pieces. We said "low and lush," "whites, ivories and greens," and "earthy, and natural." If you want tropical colors and "edgy sculptural," say that. Whatever works for you, describe it as best you can and share a limited number of pictures so it does not confuse your florist; 3) Don't get too specific as to flower types. Flowers that are readily available at home may be very expensive at your destination. At the same time, flowers that are indulgent at home may not be at your wedding locale. 4) Recognize that flowers are seasonal. As an example, tulips in the fall are possible, but they may be pricey. Also, accept that most destination weddings are in locations that are remote from most floral distribution centers, so listen to your florist to suggest flower types that she can get at a reasonable price; 3) Trust your florist. They know what works in the locale of your wedding. Tall arrangements may blow over if your reception is outdoors and open to ocean breezes, and standard votives, that are lovely in many stateside locales, may not stay lit when you are in a tropical environment.; and 4) As a destination bride, you are in a beautiful setting. You don't have to do too much, and flowers are by nature, beautiful. Don't sweat it. If you want to see what worked awesome for us, look at the second picture on Vanessa's slide show. This was our inspiration and why we hired her. The Baby's Breath baskets gave us texture and definition for the ceremony without taking away from the natural environment. If this is not your look, you can see that she's not limited here. Excellent advice!! Thank you!

Quote: Originally Posted by Madbride2009 I hate to give you a contradicting story but Eufloria (specifically owner HECTOR SUAREZ) treated me horribly and I wouldn't use that florist if it were the last on earth! His staff was wonderful, especially Andrea Garcia, who has since left Eufloria and started her own wedding consulting business (which should give you some indication of how this man does business--BADLY-- she was the BEST) SHE IS WONDERFUL and I recommend her HIGHLY. I won't go into the horrible details of my wedding fiasco but I will say with conviction that HECTOR was a shady, under-handed businessman and I would have a lawyer read everything he sends you before signing. If you are interested in contacting someone who will be honest, fair and kind to you then private message me and I'll give you Andrea's contact information. She is a true insider and I can't tell you enough how great she is! I wish you more luck than I had Madbride - I'm confused about your post. I thought you canceled your wedding at Ceiba? Did you also cancel your contract w/ Euforia?

Quote: Originally Posted by nicdeb928 Hi ladies...after reading all these posts I am definitely interested...i live in NJ so traveling to NY is easy enough for me...im getting married this november 2010 so i was thinking about doing the photos this summer, when im tan what is jennifers website?? thanks, nicole I'd be interested too! Also a November bride. Re: timing, I think late summer would be best for me to allow for more time to get in shape!

Quote: Originally Posted by mexbride83 Hello ladies! Lillia just sent me an updated vendors list, and I thought I'd pass it along to all of you (hopefully this works, I've never done an attachment before!). Has anyone decided who they are getting to do their flowers?? I have plenty of time, so I haven't even contacted florists yet, but the reviews on here about Vanessa Jaimes all are incredible. Yet also very expensive. I haven't been able to find reviews on the other florists on the list though, and I'd hate to choose a florist without a recommendation. Although we're hoping to do a site visit in the fall, so I guess if nothing else I could meet with them and see sample work. Awesome. thanks for posting mexbride!

Yes I'm worried about it but it seems for now that the possibility of the oil reaching Cancun is very remote. I am keeping tabs on the progress of the spill though. Plug the damn wells already!!! I hope BP pays dearly...

Congratulations!!!!!!! I'm so happy everything went well for you. I absolutely LOVED Le Meridien and Patricia (whom I met on a site visit)!!! I am not at all surprised you had such a great experience with her. Please post pics once they are available!

Quote: Originally Posted by tracy.clements Hi! Yes, i am lagging! This week is crazy at work---but promise to post a detailed response soon. In short, I LOVED Ceiba Del Mar, Le Reve and Azul! They were all great. Azul can fit 100 people but it's really not ideal. They were all even better than I expected! Exciting! Looking forward to your impressions!

Quote: Originally Posted by alison15 The priest is not my own priest but a Mexican priest and we will meet with him only a couple of days before the wedding. I was told I would be having a full mass because I asked the wedding coordinator for this before booking the wedding. However, Catholic Mexican weddings and wedding traditions are a bit different than my own traditions which is why I wanted a copy of the ceremony prior to getting down there. Ahh, ok. I interpreted from your prior post that you didnt have a say. From what I know, it's customary to drap the bride and groom w/ a lasso which symbolizes unity. Some couples also present gold coins (though I believe this not as common as the lasso). So I guess you'll also need to know if you'll have to obtain these items before the ceremony!

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 Hmm - I used a little spanish and a little english - maybe that could work? ______ Viva Mexico! Cannot Wait to Celebrate ______ Lo Siento Wishing you well from afar haha, that's pretty funny, thanks! I actually ended up using this version and added "si" after the yes.

OMG, this is so AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!! For the rest, are there any shots not on this list that you are requesting?

Quote: Originally Posted by alison15 In regards to wedding scripts, does anyone know what the catholic wedding script is like? We are having a catholic ceremony in Moon palace and was told it would be a full catholic mass. I am still waiting to hear back from the wedding coordinator regarding the script and if we get to choose readings, etc. Also there are several mexican catholic wedding traditions that I am not certain if they use or not. Has anyone had a catholic wedding at Moon Palace or anywhere else that could shed some light on this? alison15 - your priest should allow you to choose your readings and traditions. are you meeting w/ him prior to the wedding? Also, I'm curious why you were "told" you'd be having a full mass?? I believe a bride and groom could choose to have a full mass or just a ceremony w/ out the mass. I dont think your coordinator should have any say - you should see about talking to the priest directly. Frankly, I dont think the coordinator should have any involvement w/ matters regarding the actual wedding ceremony. Check out this link for more info on catholic weddings: Catholic Wedding

Agreed w/ the others. Trashy vs. trashy = no win. Classy will always trump trashy! I too would have been pretty P.O'd if the date were so close to mine but what can you do now, other than to have an KICK ASS wedding that puts theirs to shame?!!! hehe

Quote: Originally Posted by labloom Hi, were have our wedding June 18 and are going down next week to finalize the details. We are meeting with Gabi with Planner1Events for decor and flowers. We are planning the wedding in a palapas, cocktails on the pier and reception in the Sushi Terrance.. so far I can give you some better details after next week. The only other thing we have done so far is book the Spanish Guitarist, Javier Rojas and finally Del Sol as the photography (finally!). labloom, that's great!! Please let us know how your trip went. I was hoping to have our welcome drinks on the pier too. Please let me know if they will be able to do this for you. How many guests are you expecting? I also met w/ Gaby on my trip but am leaning toward Euforia for now. They seemed a little more reasonably priced for my taste and also more creative? I LOOOOVE Del Sol but unfortunately, 8 hours of coverage (which is what were shooting for) was prohibitively expensive for us. so sad

Quote: Originally Posted by Marifer Thank you. I have sent all the information and they have been more than kind! I´m going to visit the resort soon!! I wonder if it takes a long time from Cancun to Puerto MORELOS... Marifer - the resort is about 20 minutes south from the Cancun airport and about 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen. There are big signs along the main road so it's pretty easy to spot (though once you get into PM, it can be a little confusing but eventually you can figure it out!)

oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience!!!!!!!! Hopefully the actual day of your wedding was memorable. That was definitely wrong of management to not have alerted you sooner.

There is a great little ice cream shop right across from John Gray's restaurant. All flavors are homemade and their banana ice cream is awesome! Better option that, say, Haagen Dazs which you can get at home!

I have read that other brides have designed business cards on Vistaprint and used them for inserts in their key card holders. If you sign up for Vistaprint (which does result in many emails so be sure you use your "spam" email), they will send you weekly specials so you could potentially get your custom cards for free! www.vistaprint.com

I am looking for a Mariachi w/ at least 6 musicians for no more than $400 an hour (which is the standard price in Los Angeles). I'm not sure why most mariachis in Cancun start at over $500 for only 45 mins. Perhaps that's the "American" price?!! Anyhow, if anyone has had success in contracting a group in this range, can you please let me know?

Mexbride - we'll be having the reception either on the terrace near the beach or in the main restaurant (that's our back up). As I mentioned in an another post, I'm most concerned about strong wind (I hate it!) as it was pretty windy at night during our last visit. That said, there were two weddings while I was there and the guests didn't seem to mind (I think!?). Fortunately, they allow you to change locations on your wedding day depending on the weather so that's a relief. There is not much sand, as far as I can remember, to get onto the pier so I don't think you should worry about wearing heels It is a long walk but it is beautiful. I think the choice will be clear once you see the hotel. The terrace above the restaurant is smaller than the terrace next to the beach. I think your choice will probably depend on the number of guests (both locations have great views). We are using the terrace above the restaurant for our cocktail hour. Oh please let me know once you get the revised vendor list and/or if you spot any good deals!

Marifer - if you contact the wedding coordinator (info posted above), she can send you basic information and answer your specific questions. Alternatively, you can call the hotel (they have a US line posted on their website) and try talking to the coordinator directly. I'm not sure how many guests you're expecting but the hotel can give you a maximum capacity amount. The hotel has 80 rooms plus 8 penthouses. Also, mayan ceremonies are usually contracted through third parties which I'm sure they can help you coordinate.

I know there are a couple of Ceiba brides lurking around here.... Just curious if you have selected your florist/event decorator yet? If so, would you mind sharing what kinds of decorations you're getting and the pricing? I've received some quotes but am not keen on spending $1,000 for one sad little lounge set up! Also, where are you having your reception? Rehearsal dinner?