alliecattn

CheslH, we took our own decorations in suitcases and gave them to the WC when we got there. We told them what we wanted and they took care of it. We had the top package and that included white linens and chair covers. We paid extra for a huppah (I think) and flowers on the table at the reception (ours were included but other tables weren't).

As far as lighting goes, I would say 5:00 or even 5:30 is more ideal (sunset). I was married last October at the VIM and they tried to move my time as well. I think maybe they want things to finish an hour earlier which I understand, but if you are wanting great pics, the lighting is something to consider. I consulted my photographers and they said definitely 5:00 is better than 4:00.

Sweet Pea, - Speakers: I know the wedding coordinators have some nice speakers. I've heard they charge money though but it might save you the pain of toting them to Mexico. - Dancing: There is dancing in the Plaza til 1:00am and the sports bar right beside it is open until 2:00. You can make song requests and one of the nights there was karaoke. - Confetti: don't know on this. We forgot all about making an exit and all just went to the disco. I regret this one a little bit. - Group excursion: Ariadna, one of the WCs also does group excursions, so she'd be good to ask. Most trips take all day. We never made it out b/c they require early mornings and we just wanted to relax, but our guests went to Tulum and Coba and loved both. Coba is less touristy but the pics of Tulum were breathtaking. Other options are zip-lining, snorkling, Cozymel, shopping in Playa del Carmen, and exploring cenotes. Some of these options can be combined, and there are numerous tour companies located by the lobby at the VIM who offer tons of options but you need to book the morning before. Finally, my experience was that the WCs didn't respond super quickly to all emails (because they're VERY busy), BUT once I was there, I felt like Ariadna and Ana would do anything to help us and were as prompt, friendly, and accommodating as anyone could ever hope for. I recommend that you write down your list of questions and ask away upon your arrival. When we were checking in, Ana came down and asked us to meet with her after check in, then we met with Ariadna (via appointment) the next day for about 2 hours going over everything. She even asked questions I never would have thought of and really does take care of it all.

Just to give you my two cents, I think having the cocktail hour 15 minutes after the ceremony is great. We didn't have ours until 30 minutes after the ceremony ended, and I feel like this was too much time in between. Yes, we had a champagne toast on the beach and a group photo, but this was still too much time. The only exception would be if you and your husband really want to enjoy the majority of cocktail hour. Then I'd advise the 30 mins. between b/c your photog will most likely want to get several pics of you on the beach after the ceremony.

I am happy to share my pictures with anyone if you send me a private message including your email address. Also, we hired Doremixx and I am happy we did. Yes, it was somewhat expensive but no more than a band or DJ would be back home. Ivan handed out favors like balloons, masks, and glow in the dark necklaces that were a lot of fun. I thought they would be cheesy, but they were not received that way at all. He also kept us all dancing all night long, and it was nice not to have to worry about music. I sent him a playlist (using a template he sent me) with the song for every special moment, dancing songs, and a do not play list. Ariadna will walk you through things regardless of whether you choose to do a formal rehearsal or not. Don't worry, she is very thorough and professional.

We just returned from our wedding at the Valentin Imperial Maya and are happy to say that the pictures taken by Blue Lens Photography of our wedding reception are FABULOUS! They went way above our expectations and we sprung for the extra slideshow they made of our reception. Ashley Posusta was friendly and professional and captured all of the fun and excitement of the evening. Added bonus, when we met with her a couple of days later to view the pictures, she had a friendly, no-pressure approach, and I was blown away by her work! We hired del Sol to do our ceremony pictures and have only seen the slideshow so far and not the complete collection, so I will wait for that review until I've seen it all. I will say that Sol was a pleasure to work with and had a challenge because we were not relaxed until reception time. I did see some beautiful shots in the slideshow and look forward to seeing it all.

We're getting married in a small, chapel wedding this weekend then will leave for the VIM Wednesday and will have a symbolic ceremony on the beach next Saturday. Can't wait! Jen, we opted for the mariachi band. You can google each and find examples. We are also having Doremixx for the reception and del Sol for photography. I've heard nothing but good things!

Tinkertoy, thanks for the invite props. I really liked everything from that company and was torn among several designs. Jenlevergood, Ariadna told me the same about the bouquets but after sending numerous pictures, it seems that they can do different designs, but they're limited to only the flowers listed in the catalogs. That limits you to roses, lilies, irises, calalillies, and gerber daisies for the most part. They can do different colors but not different flowers. I'm really disappointed about that and am almost willing to pay more for a different flower. I understand that they are seasonal and it costs money to import, but I'm willing. I guess I need to be telling her all of this!

Here is my invite: http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/product/5474/signature_ecru_wedding_invitations_artistic_waves.html#color/01 Â I felt like this site (wedding paper divas) had the best designs. Beachy but not kitsche. My wedding is in 39 days and I still haven't decided on bouquets (because I don't like any of them in the catalogs and they say those are the only flower types they can do) nor have I planned the actual ceremony. Hopefully, it will all come together. Maybe Araidna has magical powers.

I asked my photographer, Sol of Del Sol, and she said to go with 5:00 for the ceremony. I trust her opinion not only because she shoots so many weddings there, but she was also married in Riviera Maya and knows from the bride's perspective as well. Our wedding is in Oct. though so I don't know what the difference is in sunset times. If you've already snagged a photographer, I suggest asking him or her.

Aww, thanks Tinkertoy and Cait, you do look beautiful. The pictures are spectacular!

Does anyone know what cut of steak is provided in the menu options? Before the menu was altered it specified. Now is says: BEEF STEAK GARNESHED WITH SAUTEE POTATOES WITH GARLIG AND FRIED PORE IN RED WINE SAUCE or PEPPER STEAK NEW YORK STYLE GARNESHED WITH VEGETABLES AND NAPOLEAON POTATOES WITH MUSHROOM GRAVY SAUCE or MAHI MAHI FILET AND SHRIMPS WITH GREEN SAUCE AND RISOTTO IN WHITE WINE or GROUPER FISH AND SHRIMP KEBAB GARNISHED WITH COUS COUS AND VEGETABLES IN PEPPER SAUCE or CORDON BLUE WITH CHAMPAGNE SAUCE GARNISHED WITH MASHED POTATOES AND ROASTED PEPPERS or SURF AND TURF (SHRIMPS WITH LOBSTER SAUCE AND BEEF STEAK WITH WILD MUSHROOMS SAUCE, GARNISHED WITH SLICED POTATOES AND SPINACH) Â I'm wondering what the best option would be and trying to decide between rehearsal dinner at the lobster pot and the steak restaurant. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Jglee. You're right. At this point, I should be happy with my choice and do my best to "own it!" Wow, you're dress is GORGEOUS! That is a show-stopper for sure.

      I attached an image of my dress. I'm thinking about making the neckline a slight sweetheart and pinning a starfish brooch where the strap meets the neckline.

I bought the first dress I tried on and 500 magazine images and 200 Say Yes to the Dress episodes later, I'm regretting not shopping around more. I did my homework beforehand but bought the dress as soon as we got engaged. Ten months later my vision for the dress has changed. Don't get me wrong, I still like it, just don't know if it's what I would pick if I had it to do all over again. So, long story short, my advice is to spend time thinking about your dress and don't rush into anything. Don't feel pressured to buy the dress just because you think it might be the one. I got caught up in the moment and wish I'd done more shopping.