jaccat15

the # of guests can def be an estimate - this just help gadge the pricing for you and the space - always better to over- estimate than under. Not sure what you mean about "where they'd be staying"? Are you asking if they would be staying at Secrets? if your guests do not stay at the hotel, there will be a charge for a day pass for them to attend the wedding - i think it's about $100 per person. In this case, you may want to work on a group rate with your TA so they can get a discount and you can also get a comps and upgrades based on this. For the size of your party - there are so many options for your reception - the Gazebo Terrace - which is located next to the Gazebo and pool - I believe the bride on the previous page did this - there is also the option to have it in one of the restuarants (under 40 people) as long as the restuarant is closed that night - each one is closed on certain nights. Another option is the Foyer of the ballroom. When is your wedding?

it opened for me at home on my mac - pics were beautiful and looked like tons of fun!

Quote: Originally Posted by ReeRee I need your opinion ladies. I have a friend who is a photographer and I asked him to be my photographer for our wedding. Now do I need to pay for his hotel and flight plus for his service?? If that is the case, I think I want to use Cecilia Dumas instead. I think a couple people from this thread used her and I like her style as far as I've seen on her website. Even if I bring my friend to shoot our wedding, I am also thinking about meeting with Cecilia Dumas the next day in Isla Mujeres where all the colorful buildings are and take photos there as well. I'm just brainstorming right now, but I was just wondering if I have to pay for the room/flight, then it will be just cheaper to get a local photographer... Hi ReeRee! If he is your friend, I would talk to him about the fee and travel expenses. From my experience, when you fly someone in for a service, you would generally pay for their air, hotel and fee - but if he is your friend, maybe u can work something out. Depending on the local photographer - they may ask for an overnight accomidation too - so you might want to double check that. "Local" doesn't always mean that they live in the area - they could live in mexico city. Good luck!

you can get in touch with Cecilia - they have a new Spa manager who is from the US - her name is Erin and super nice - you might want to try them out I am going to go for my trials in NY - have them take tons of pics and then I am going to email them to Erin so she can give them an idea of what they are getting themselves into. There is also the option of bringing someone down with you too. You might be able to work out the fee since they would be getting a free mini-vacation.

lol - no worries! it's been pretty hot here too! it's going to be almost 90 here today and it's super humid! i hope you will be near a beach or a lake

Did everyone have to put their bags thru the new scanners? My fiance and I just went down for a wedding Memorial Day weekend and Customs now has X ray machine scanners to see exactly what is in your luggage upon arrival. That kind of made me nervous for when we go for our wedding.

we just got back from a trip down and we are using the gazebo my Rabbi wants us to make sure there is also a sheet over our heads - not just the wood - so we explained that to her and we are good to go in case of rain, they have have a make shirt chuppah made of bamboo that we are going to use. love to check things off the list!

Quote: Originally Posted by cheerleader1975 Hello ladies! Jaccat- can't wait to hear your feedback. Hope you are having a great time! I hope that she allows the surf and turf option. @ree ree- we made our check out to IXE Banco @all - what are you guys doing for table linens and outside decor? Hi there for table linens, i am using the white ones that are included - nothing special. I really don't want to bring my own or have an upcharge and i think white is nice anyway. As for decor - we are doing luminarias down the aisle for the ceremony and using the Chivarly chairs instead of what is included, and then using them for the reception too. For the cocktail hour, we are going to use the lamp posts with hanging globes and small candles and flowers on the tables. The trees around that area at night are already wrapped in lights. For the reception, we are doign it in the ballroom so we are hanging sheets from the walls with lighting underneath. I picked the centerpeices with Cecilia the other day, they are candles and hurricanes of different sizes with our flowers in them. i think that's it - nothing crazy

Hi ReeRee - the weather is huge concern! it was soo hot on the beach for my friends wedding this past weekend down there at the Paradisus and her wedding started at 6. It got better when we all were standing around for the cocktail hour she had on the beach bc of the wind, thank G for that - but the way my FI was sweating, I'm hoping we are ok in October. The groom actually changed his shirt 4 times from sweating so much throughout the night!!!! i found this on the weather channels website - might put us at east a little: Wedding Planner - Set the Date, Average Monthly for Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

i just got back from playa del carmen for a friend's wedding and the beaches and water were totally fine - i was nervous going into the ocean but it was fine

hi guys! i'm back from our friends wedding weekend at the Now Sapphire/Paradisus and I have to say - it was probably the most fun wedding we have ever been to She had about 150 guests - invited 350 on Sunday night. I will break down my experience by catagory so you can get an idea of my opinion: Check-in: We had transfers arranged thru the group TA with Olympus tours (i am also using them for our wedding). Since Paradisus is closest to the airport, we were 1st to be dropped off. We were greeted by a bellman who said "welcome home" with a cold towel and motioned toward check-in. Someone brought by 2 glasses of champagne for us and we were there for 5 min tops and brought to our room in a golf cart. Room - We had a tropical view room king bed (room 1429) - the rooms are nothing special and are in definite need of an upgrade. The are no frills and the beds were extremely hard. There is a mini-fridge stocked with soft drinks, water and beer each day. Beach - there was a lot of seaweed on the beach which they tried to rake away but it seemed as though they can't keep up with it. It was still nice and much more peaceful to lay there during the day than at the main pool where it was very loud and noisy all day. Wedding events - a welcome bag was delivered to our room on Friday evening around 6pm. After that, they hosted a happy hour in the lobby bar and they split the group in 2 for dinner in Capri and L'Hermitage - both restaurants were closed for the group and they had set menus and seating with place cards. Saturday Night - Rehearsal dinner on the pool terrace overlooking the beach. - this was more of a cocktail party with appetizers and then a buffet dinner. They had music going from a DJ - not sure who he was. After, everyone went to the lobby bar and the "Fun Pub" (the resorts version of a club). Sunday - Wedding Day I know the bride flew in her hair dresser and did her own make-up so I am unsure if anyone in the bridal party used the Spa for their services. A friend of mine got a mani-pedi and she said it wasn't a great experience - she actually cut her nails using a cuticle cutter and not a nail clipper - odd. As for the wedding - she had already requested the Chill out chic package before the change over so they accommodated her with all of the furniture on the beach which was set up next to the ceremony. It was very hot as a guest at 6:30pm - my fiance and many of the other guests were sweating through their shirts and needed to change afterwards. I would have provided the guests with fans maybe - she chose flip flops which was a nice touch - you couldn't put your heels back on anyway afterwards b/c the terrace where the reception was wood panels and everyone's heels were either getting stuck or falling. After the ceremony, we were motioned to the area on the beach with the furniture and tables for cocktail hour while the bride and groom took some pics (they used Elizabeth Medina). There was sushi rolls, shrimp cocktail and other hand passed apps - plus to trays of hot apps - one was a chicken and mixed veggie dish and the other i think was a beef. The shrimp cocktail seemed to be a signature app since it was served at each of the events we attended. As for drinks, there was a bar on the terrace and waiters on the beach with champagne, beer, and frozen margaritas. Dinner - we had mozzarella caprese salads for appetizers and surf and turf for the entree - lobster tails and steaks. It was delicious - probably the best meal we had the whole time we were there this weekend. Music- They flew in a DJ from NYC - where were are from - and it was amazing. They didn't do a lot of the traditional wedding things but it was still a great time. Overall, we had a great weekend with our friends. The resort seems to be a little outdated and the change over to the Now is going to do this property a lot of good. They could definitely do a revamp to the menus and food and the staff was all very friendly to us. I hope I covered everything - if you have any questions, let me know - I also took a lot of pics that I can send if you would like - just msg me your email and i'll be happy to send them from snapfish

hi everyone! So my fiance' and I met with Cecilia on Saturday morning and it went great. He loved the resort and is so excited for our wedding there in 5 months!!! ahhhhh Cecilia is ok with us doing the surf and turf for the entree as well as offering a chicken dish. She also said vegetarian meals will be available as well. We worked on a lot of the decor we are going to be using as well as going through the Jewish ceremony items we will need. Since we have so much time, there isn't any rush to decide on until about 1 month prior. She was super busy this weekend with other weddings and we saw a bride from the night before who came up to Cecilia and thanked her for her hard work - She seemed extremely pleased. We also got to meet with our photographer - Samuel Luna - and speak about the schedule for the day of and such. He was so nice and very personable - his work looks amazing. So that's that - I am so excited and can't wait to go back!!!! Let me know if there is anything in particular you have a question about - I'm so tired from traveling so I might be missing something!

Hi ladies! i just wanted to let you know Cecilia emailed me back with some answers to share: Welcome Bags - We are including a bottle of sunscreen Рif we ship this before hand, will it get stuck in customs? - What is the best carrier to use to ship items? Ups, Fed ex or DHL? Answer: The only things that can get stuck are sea shells and items from nature. It is best to ship FedEX Bonfire Music option o Can we bring an i-pod docking station? Answer: Yes, and we will provide an extension cord Getting Ready - Hair and makeup appointments needed o When to schedule? Answer - 1 month before Music for ceremony - Harpist from lobby? - Other options? Answer - Guitarist, Saxaphonist are also available - all for $550/hour plus 11%tax Dinner o Entr̩e options Рwe would like to have 2 options at least to offer our guests Рwhat is the charge for this? Answer - there is not charge to offer options but Secrets needs the guests choice in advance with table # and seat assignment. We aren't really liking that for dinner - my parents want to be able to offer our guests a Fish, Chicken or Beef dish. I'm going to try and work on maybe offering a Surf and Turf and Chicken option if I can and speak to Cecilia about it on Saturday. What is everyone else doing ofr dinner options?

Hi there I think it's a matter of personal opinion when it comes to all- inclusive or not. Do you want to offer your guests more "bang for their buck" or would you rather your guests have the option to explore the area, restaurants, and bars? For the reception – all of the hotels mostly offer a private event which costs extra to have and varies from hotel to hotel. Most have great packages that outline the wedding packages, pricing, etc. For all other events for the wedding (rehearsal, brunch, etc) it is up to you whether to have a more intimate private gathering that the hotel can help you arrange. Or like you said, you can tell your guests when and where to meet you for these things - you just have to hope that the hotel can accommodate your party with a reservation. I suggest you try and book site visits so you can get an idea of where you will be having your wedding. Come up with a list of possible resorts, make appointments with the wedding coordinators for a tour and informational appointment, make sure they have your date and time available and make the most educated decision for this special time. You might also want to look into working with a travel agent to work with the hotel’s group sales department to help you and your guests get a great rate for the wedding weekend/week. Regardless of all-inclusive or not, the place you have your wedding should suit yours and your fiancé’s style as well as make you and your guests feel comfortable for the time they are spending there. Good luck and happy planning!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by jlerv jaccat15, I would be interested to hear what Cecilia says about your questions. I'm also planning on adding a bottle of sunscreen to our welcome bags--did you order yours in bulk? I believe that you can bring an ipod docking station because I let Cecilia know that that's what we'd be doing for music at the bonfire and she didn't oppose it. I'm def going to bring the docking station thanks! Yes, we bought 45 bottles and will give one per bag. I have a family friend who works for a retailer so we got them at a nice discount. I'm guessing we can always have each of my family members carry 10 bottles each down with us in the luggage if shipping wont work - I really dont want it to get stuck in customs!

I would also recommend looking into Samuel Luna - he came recommended to me on this site and is very reasonably priced and his packages are amazing. Good luck!

I'm going to meet with Cecilia on Saturday morning and here is the list of questions I have for her - maybe you guys can give me some answers before I go: Welcome Bags -We are including a bottle of sunscreen – if we ship this before hand, will it get stuck in customs? -What is the best carrier to use to ship items? Ups, Fed ex or DHL? Bonfire Music option o Can we bring an i-pod docking station? Getting Ready -Hair and makeup appointments needed o When to schedule? Music for ceremony - Harpist from lobby? - Other options? Reception •Table #’s – do we need to bring? Dinner o Entrée options – we would like to have 2 options at least to offer our guests – what is the charge for this?

Thanks ladies! I spoke to my TA and she said since we are booked in a Preferred Club Ocean View room, we will get the below complimentary: Champagne on arrival Fresh flowers and exotic fruit platter in room upon arrival Champagne breakfast in bed the first morning after arrival Tension Release Massage for two in our couple massage suite (25 minutes) Choice of either a European Facial or a Salt Glow Scrub body treatment for two (25 minutes) Private beachfront dinner one evening- upon return from dinner you will find a romantic candlelit bath. (includes a bottle of wine and dinner for two) Private petit fours each evening at turn down service Earn Free Nights towards a first anniversary return stay if we were to just have booked a regular room, we would have only received the basic package, which i still think is ok since the massages and stuff are also included in our wedding package - can't go wrong either way!!!! We just decided that instead of leaving the Tuesday after our wedding, we are going to stay until Friday and relax yayyy!

I have a question about the "Honeymoon package" included in the Ultimate package - does anyone know what this consists of? We are thinking of staying for a few days more after the weddign so I'm thinking we would take advantage of that. any info is helpful!

Ooo that stinks - I'm sorry you have had a bad experience. I've had a good experience so far with her. Since we booked, my communication has been limited since I am meeting with her next weekend and there really isn't a lot to talk about 5 months out. I know when I saw her in March, she said her busiest months were coming up for May-June so maybe she has just been extremely busy with those weddings? She is the only WC but she said since it is so crazy, the resort is giving her 2 assistants to get through the craziness. When is your wedding date? If it isn't within the coming 2 months, that is probably why she isn't so quick to get back to you. I've heard the bulk of the planning happens the month before even up to 2 days before - so I wouldn't stress if your wedding isn't for a while. I would try and take a deep breath and relax - everything is going to work out

Question - for anyone who is or has gotten married in MX and had a jewish ceremony - what did you do about the Chuppah? Our location is a Gazebo but not technically a Chuppah. any info would be helpful!

its' definitely possible - she is very open

Hi ladies - I've been keeping up on the TripAdvisors for the resort as well since we will be going there for a friend's wedding next weekend (memorial day) - and I have to say I am a little nervous about staying at this resort as a guest - I can only imagine what the bride is going through. She had no idea what was going on until I told her a couple weeks ago. I promise to report back to you as soon as I get back - with a full report - as a bride and as a guest

There is a curtain that closes thru the window between the jacuzzi and the bedroom - although it's a little shear, it does help. The toilette is private and the shower door steams up when you are in there - so it;s not that bad. I think guests who share rooms already know what they are getting into. you can relax

Quote: Originally Posted by melfry66 Here's a few photo links that one of our guest took, so you can get an idea of our set-up. Hope this helps! I don't have any professional photos to post yet BTW... the last set of files labeled "trash" were when we were actually trashed and jumped into the pool at the end of the evening!! Melinda http://www.ct-designs.com/melanddave_cocktailhr.zip http://www.ct-designs.com/melanddave_dinner.zip http://www.ct-designs.com/melanddave_nitetime1of3.zip http://www.ct-designs.com/melanddave_nttime2of3.zip http://www.ct-designs.com/melanddave_nttime3of3.zip http://www.ct-designs.com/melanddave_trash.zip great pics! thank you so much for sharing! What did you do for the dinner? I see your menu cards but what was on it