alison15

Quote: Originally Posted by asbarret are yall as addicted to trip advisor as i am?? its making me so paranoid reading all the horrific reviews (i no i shouldn't read ...but there is no stopping me) im getting so worried about the beach/ocean being so nasty, and im having a BEACH wedding and wondering...."what am i thinking" im actually considering shuttling everyone over to sun/beach/cancun palace for the ceremony. thoughts?? It is not worth it to read those reviews. Generally when I write a review it is because I am really mad. This is bad but if I have a good experience, I am happy and I just don't bother to write a review. I think that is 75% of all people as well. So for every bad review there are 3 people who were really happy with it. There is a thread on this forum about what brides would do again, wouldn't do again and what they would change. Reading through that the consistent advice is don't stress! Generally what most brides stress about, guest don't notice and rarely remember. I think shuttling everyone over to sun/beach/cancun maybe too much of a headache in the end. I would just stay at MP. In most of the pictures I have seen the beach looks great.

Quote: Originally Posted by Woodsylou i am considering this. i only need four buttonholes and two corsages for our mum's, but MP are quoting a FORTUNE ($30 per buttonhole! that is ridiculous!!) i am not a 'huge' fan of real touch flowers, so i am thinking of a local vendor and sending someone to pick them up. anyone know of a florist NEAR the MP? x I am in the same boat. I really don't want to have to pack the real touch flowers plus with the amount that is spent on them, it is almost close to what MP charges. I am considering a cancun florist as well but I don't think it will end up working out. But MP prices on flowers are crazy expensive. What I will spend on bridesmaid bouquets alone would cover an entire wedding here in the states.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jodimichelle Hello! Ok for all you past beach wedding brides.. how did you have your bridal party walk in. I have an uneven amount. More girls than guys. So I was planning on having one guy walk in with two girls, but I am not sure if the isle is wide enough for three...any suggestions!!?? -Photographer I need to make a list of pictures I want to have.. anyone regret not having a certain picture? Just curious! Thanks girls... I have the same issue as well with having more bridesmaids, than groomsman. From previous weddings I have been in, most have had the bridesmaids walk in by ourselves and leave with a groomsman. This is what I intend to do and just have the bestman leave with both of my matrons of honor (I have two sisters thus two matron's of honor). I have been in weddings were I have walked down with a groomsman as well, however, in this situation, there were even number. But the best man waited with the Groom at the alter so the Maid of Honor walked down by herself and left with the Best Man. If you did it this way, it would create a bigger problem with numbers as well or you could have to two bridesmaid escort each other? Maybe your WC will have some suggestions regarding this as she has probably come across it before. Are you doing a rehearsal? I plan to do one but my concern is how long it will take, I don't want to take up everyone's day and time enjoying their vacation.

Quote: Originally Posted by Leigh17 Are you paying $30/bouquet for resort flowers because I've been told that any bridesmaid bouquet will cost $75 and up? I'm going with fake flowers because those prices are ridiculous. I believe from Jodi's early posts, she is using Cancun florist which is a lot cheaper than Moon Palace. I am just curious on how delivery works and if MP charges any outside vendor fee. I don't want to have to pay their ridiculous prices but I also don't want to have to drag my own fake ones down there. It is like $40 just for a boutonniere. I have heard that the bouquets are large enough to split so I might be doing that, but still that's at least $40 per bouquet. Also just looking for some advice, if our groomsmen are not wearing jackets, are boutonnieres really necessary? We are only having them wear khakis and white button up shirts.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ravywedding I guess the ladies may know the answer to this, but I noticed in the Moon Palace contract that any rooms booked through alternate sources or online will NOT count for the credit for free cocktail hours, etc. However, several brides have used TAs, in fact, Southernsweetie, I contacted your TA, to help their guests. My question is, do you get credit for the rooms if your guests utilize a TA? You can still get credit. My FMIL is my TA and she just did a wedding at ASP in November and it didn't matter if it was booked through her or the link they provide, they all count. If anyone books through the website and not your own link, you TA should be able to contact MP and have them moved over to your group.

Congratulations ashnic2005 and good luck!! You have to be soo excited! I must say I am a bit jealous, I wish my wedding day was here already. I am sure everything will work out perfectly.

Absolutely beautiful!! Congratulatons! Thank you for the review, it is so helpful. Thanks for the tip on the manicure. I have been debating on whether to do it before and risk messing it all up or just doing it there prior to. I guess I will just do it at home and have to work on being very careful. Plus I am sure their touch up will be better than the full manicure.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jodimichelle I am just ordering individual flowers for my bridesmaids.. Palace might have beautiful flowers, but they are extremely expensive. For one single rose they are charging me 22 and for one lilie 30... so for a bouquet of 12, it is like 30 plus delivery.. anyway even if it costs me 50 it is still worth it! I think. By the way your pictures are great.. I think I will doa shutterfly also for our wedding.. Great idea, by friend told me about doing that as well.. how much did it cost you? Also, did you do a wedding review! Congratulations to you Who are you ordering your flowers through? Do you know of MP will give you any hassle for the delivery?

Quote: Originally Posted by Vanessa C Please help!! I can't seem to find an affordable photographer for my November 2011 wedding. The resort where my wedding will be held provides photography services however I'm not sure if I want to use them. I don't really like the packages they offer because they don't offer many photos in the packages. Another problem I'm having is that if I bring an outside vendor I have to pay a fee of $350 plus the photographer's fees. What should I do? I am running into the same problem. Once you add in an outside vendor fee, it raises the cost of photography by a lot. I would try Luz Maria Availa. I really liked her photos and she was VERY reasonable. Part of my reasoning for spending more is that why would I pay that much through the resort if they aren't going to be good and the one thing I will have forever are the pictures...the other part of me says, in two years the pictures will be in a box in the basement, (hopefully) replaced by baby pictures. Yes it would be nice to have great pictures of our wedding day, but really how long am I going to sit around and admire myself?

Quote: Originally Posted by evaleen Morning ladies! So after reading that many of you have opted for the complimentary package and have added little things here and there, it has led me to re-think my decision to go with the amethyst rose package. Originally I thought having a package would make things easier and cheaper, but after doing a few calculations...I think that I may actually end up saving close to $1000 if I go the a la carte route. Anyways, my question is...if I chose the complimentary package, are there any stipulations? For example, do we (FI and I) have to pay for our 7 nights stay? And what if we book 25+ rooms/75+ room nights...we should be entitled to our stay for free right? But does that still count if we opt for the complimentary package? I have emailed the WC in Miami about this, but she has yet to answer me. Any info on this would be very much appreciated! Thanks!!! When we looked at it, the complimentary package ended up cheaper as well since there are many things in the other packages we really didn't need such as fireworks or a harpist. I think there are actually less stipulations with the complimentary package. You still get free nights if you books 25+ rooms and you still get unlimited functions. You will have to pay upfront for your stay and then it is refunded to you when you arrive as long as you have booked 25+ rooms. Just be aware, I have heard that they will start a credit with what you have paid and then anything else you pay for ala cart will be deducted from that credit unless you tell them differently. Some people are fine with that while others have used credit card/debit cards and want the refund separate from how they plan to pay for everything else. From what I have read, when you check in, you need to make sure you are very clear on how the refund for the room should work.

Target has a similiar shade dress, short lightweight with a 1 shoulder strap. No beading though. $39 link below Mossimo Black: Women's One Shoulder Dress - Purple : Target Or this convertible wrap dress http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Black-..._com_brand-bin

Quote: Originally Posted by mexicanwedding Hi, I have been in touch with Luz Maria and she has very affordable prices and some pictures in her website look great. I have only found one review here about her. I'd love to hear if you have any experiences with her. There arent that many pictures in her website so I am not totally convinced. Please let me know if you've worked with her. Thanks I have been considering Luz Maria Avila as well. I haven't really seen any reviews on here from other brides. However she is very affordable and her pictures look very nice. I have been in email contact with her and she is very responsive and great to work with. So far she is my top choice, now just time to make final decisions!

Quote: Originally Posted by luchdiamond Your right. I was debating on paying 400 dollars for a cocktail party. I dont think thats such a good idea. Maybe we will just go hang out until dinner and then the disco. thanks ladies. There are so many bars at MP. If I were you I would just look for a less crowded cocktail lounge that is close to your wedding or dinner site for a cocktail hour. I would check with your WC and maybe they can suggest a place to go to for a few drinks before your dinner.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs D To Be! Hi girls...I'm at Le Blanc just now on honeymoon...miss moon palace sooo much...it was all sooo perfect! Just want to give one piece of advise for any brides-to-be before I get round to doing a review....make a list of all the photos you want and give to your photographer....I read this advise soo much on this site and didn't do it because I had the attitude that the photographer would know what to do....however if you want specific photos, you need to let your photographer know! I completely forgot about a few photos, and am kinda sad about it...although I know my photos are gonna be amazing without them, I wish i'd remembered...just silly ones like when all the men lift the bride up, or when everyone is running into the sea....I thought I'd remember everything because I was soo into the photos...however on the day my mind just went blank! Just wanted to share my wisdom for any forthcoming brides....get an email sent to your photographer with some bullet points..or get a list printed to give them on the day Did you use the Moon Palace photographer? That is a good idea though, I don't want to regret not getting certain photos.

Quote: Originally Posted by KGirl99 I got this first picture from the Palace Resorts website. Oddly enough, they tell me that they did not do this centerpiece so I requested Lily from DecoCacun if she is able to do this for me. Since I will be having three long tables with about 10 people per table, I will be doing those at the center and have one of these centerpieces at the end of each side of the table. Is Moon palace doing the Starfish/Candle one for you or is that DecoCancun as well? They look great.

Quote: Originally Posted by julieswedding Check out my daughters wedding photos. They turned out beautifully!! Shutterfly | View share The pictures are beautiful. Do you know the name of the photographer they used?

Quote: Originally Posted by KGirl99 I initially thought I had 35 (including us) people coming. Just learned today that I have over 40! Unfortunately, they do not hold restaurant reservations for parties over 35. Are you over 20 rooms? You can then get a complimentary private function instead of the dinner reservation. Lots of brides then use the restaurant reservation for the rehearsal dinner.

Quote: Originally Posted by Leigh17 Yep, it's $300 per room. At their prices, it won't take long to spend the $300. Yeah, their spa prices are a little high. My FI and I were at Aventura Spa Palace for a wedding back in November. At that time every room got a credit for $150 toward the Spa. We each got a 90 min massage and it ended up costing us $77 after the $150 credit. But the massage was awesome!! Since everyone will have this credit, as soon as you get there book your spa services, otherwise it may be hard to get in. Also if the MP spa is the same as ASP, they have this hydrotherapy room for you to relax in before your massage, it is really nice too. I didn't give myself enough time before the massage to enjoy it. So if you are scheduling your massage make sure you budget time for that as well. This makes me soo excited. I cannot wait to be there.

Congratulations Mrs. D!! Hope everything goes great for you today. Sounds like everything has been wonderful so far, that it shouldn't be an issue.

Quote: Originally Posted by KGirl99 Mmm... Will definitely book a massage then. How does it work with the new Palace Passport to Savings deal? Before, it was just $50 towards the spa. Is it any different? Do we actually get more money towards the spa? If you are booked for at least 3 days you get $150 toward the spa, 5 or more days you get $300 toward the spa. I cannot wait for my massage!

Quote: Originally Posted by Woodsylou Hey Ladies i would love a copy of the new map too pelase, my email addy is [email protected] Thank you!! I have had a bit of a 'spurt' recently and got a lot more done, which is good! i've bought organza ribbon in our colours (lemon and navy) to tie on chairs, but only down the aisle (only bought 10, 5 of each colour) i'm not having anything like that on chairs for our reception as we're having it at one of the restaurants. our WC has said she'll set up our table at the restaurant (the brazilian one, on the terrace) in a U shape, which is ideal i think. MrsMoulton many congratulations on the pregnancy, such wonderful news! we're goign to have tea lights, but we've bought some, well, they're like hurricane vases, but they're made of paper! but they don't burn!? I don't know how they work but they're cheap and they're easy to transport! what are people doing for centerpieces? Who makes these paper hurricane vases? I have been looking for something that would be lightweight. These sound perfect.

Quote: Originally Posted by slapsappyhappy I just wanted to double check that the reception is free if you have 75+ room nights. FI and I have to pay our balance and right now we have 72 room nights. We are willing to pay the extra 3 if the reception will be free because we are also up to 60 people so that would be cheaper. Free vs. $400 a table....I am hoping the reception can count as one of the "unlimited private functions." Does it? Also what do you think of having a rehearsal lunch for only the family and bridal party at a restaurant and then a welcome dinner for everyone? I wanted to have a welcome dinner but now we have too many people for the restaurants and would have to get a private function. That means I would have to choose another buffet and location. I wanted it in a restaurant!!! I do not want people to have a buffet one night and then another buffet at my wedding, or have the welcome dinner be nicer than the reception! If I have the welcome dinner inside it would be plated and nicer than the reception, I wish the reception could be plated instead of buffet! Where we are from in New York if your wedding is buffet then it is considered cheap. Things that are sneered upon- Sunday daytime weddings, cash bars, and buffets.... I went to a wedding last weekend with a buffet and everyone was talking about it being buffet.... and not in a good way! I like buffet b/c you get to pick and choose but that's the way things are. FI has some rich snobby friends, and I feel like I would have to explain that outdoors there is no other option before they say something, but then I am thinking that the snotty people that I do not like are probably not coming and why do I even care what they think? These New Yorkers...not all are like that but there are too many that are! Has anyone had the Polynesian menu, it says it has a carving station. How flexible are they with mix and matching? The mango cake with sticky rice just makes my stomach turn, ewww! Need some chocolate in that menu! Anyway sorry to ramble I have a lot of questions. Good luck this weekend I cannot wait to see your review!!! As long as everyone has booked within your group, you should unlimited free events!! You said you are at 72 nights? How are you on 25 rooms booked? They can go by either, depending if you have a lot of people coming or people staying for a long time. It is definitely worth it to pay for the extra rooms if you are that close! That is a great idea on the rehearsal lunch. We are thinking of a welcome reception on Thursday since most guests will be in that day and then rehearsal for only wedding party and family on Friday and of course reception on Saturday. However that could all change, just ideas for now. I also want a plated dinner at least the rehearsal dinner. However I am concerned with group size at a restuarant for the dinner. Lunch may be more accommodating as the some of the ala carte restuarant are open yet for everyone, however, I don't know if that means they open it for a private party. I also just noticed there is a surcharge for terraces that do not have elevator access? Weird. I have heard they are flexible with the menus. I want to switch out desserts for people who don't care for wedding cake.

Quote: Originally Posted by nicdeb928 I read that someone said if you have over 25 rooms booked you dont qualify, but i dont think that is true...Im going to check with my TA...I dont think it would be fair if Im bringing that many people to a resort that they wouldnt qualify for the same promotions as other people? My TA checked for me yesterday and our group should be over 25 rooms and she said we still qualify since it is replacing the passport that was in our original contract.

Quote: Originally Posted by angelov321 I just went through this big headache with ASP and this DJ stuff! I tried to hire an outside DJ that charges 50% less than Palace Resorts DJ. They require that the outside DJ purchase a $500,000 insurance policy, which is obviously ridiculous! Right now I am in negotiations with their DJ to see if he can lower his $1495 fee. Renting the sound system with Ipod hook up is a lot cheaper, but you have to make the whole playlist from beginning to end, giving you more work to do. From a wedding I was at in November at ASP, when you do the Ipod rental, they do have someone to run it for you, you just need to make sure you have your list of music set ahead of time. That is what we plan on doing, it worked well for the wedding we were at.

Quote: Originally Posted by asbarret I know...can you believe the menu!!?? very tough. im going to take the guests and our tastes into consideration. also some of the previous reviews! and from what ive heard (as with most things at MP) is that with a little "fighting" you can do some mix and matching. Im also thinking i dont want to do something like bbq that i could eat anytime (and that is probably better here). afterall, we are in MEXICO. i want something ethnic...but not too ethnic for picky guests! basically...i have NO IDEA what i will pick. =) chair bows...ive gone back and forth also. i know they aren't that big of a deal, but looking at pics with and without...i just feel like they add so much. (esp since im on the beach, and not in a gazebo) so im springing for them. but the website i found them on has really nice ones in the perfect color for .90 cents a piece...and they wont take up a ton of room. but i totally think the set up looks fine without them. The menus look soo good. I want to mix and match as well. I guess I also need to decide where the rehearsal dinner will be so the foods are the same both nights. Who are you looking at getting your chair bows through? Personally I don't think they take up too much room and add so much color that it's worth it. It can also cut down on the cost of table decorations as a large arrangement won't be as necessary since the bows will be dressing up the table as well.