murmel

Cute! Very playful.

Welcome to the forum! This is a great spot to learn and help plan for your beautiful destination wedding. Check out the forums for the resorts and read reviews to help you. As well, make sure to find a great travel agent who can assist you in planning your trip! I can recommend Wright Travel, they specialize in destination weddings and work with brides from around the world. If you're interested, you can click on the link below! Good luck with your planning.

Welcome to the forum! This is a great source for all things Destination wedding related. As for finding a photographer....do you know your resort already? You may need to make this decision first, since some resorts have limitations on who you can use as a photographer, or certain extra costs. Then you can also choose a local photographer, or perhaps someone from close to home who will travel with you! There are lots of choices So my suggestion is find your resort first, and then go from there. Also there are tons of resort forums on here, and many times girls will have recommendations on photographers they have used at a specific resort. Good luck.

Finding a cost friendly spot can be tricky. A couple of things to think about: 1) where are you flying from? And where are most of your guests flying from? This often has a large impact on locations you may choose. If you live on the east coast, flying to Cancun, Mexico or Dominican Republic may be good options. Live on the west coast? Maybe Cabo, Mexico, or Vegas? Try a couple of online travel sites to just get an idea of cost. Then find a good travel agent who you can depend on to help you narrow down the search for a specific resort. 2) another thing to consider is when are you planning on getting married? Time of year, and the high/low travel season prices can affect your prices. If you have to travel during March break, Easter or Christmas holidays, it will be more expensive than in the low travel season. Sometimes narrowing down your window, for when you want to travel will help you plan for where you will go! Good luck. Check out the link below for Wright Travel agency- all they do is specialize in destination weddings, and they could be a huge help in finding your dream location!

Beautiful photos! Very elegant and I love the piñata!

If you know you will be doing an excursion for sure, then I think purchasing ahead of time is worth the money. And yes, EDR does offer a shuttle to Playa del Carmen, but I think it's at a nominal cost. Just so you know, Xplor is about a 35 minute drive from EDR, and not located in Playa del Carmen. So you would need to use a taxi or purchase the shuttle pass, and at $15 per person I think that is a decent deal. (I think the taxi cost us about $30 each way. So if you have 4 people going, then a taxi might be a better option. Plus you are not limited by their time, you can come and go when you please.) I have been to Xplor, and yes, there is tons to do! The zip lines are super fun, and the underground caverns are beautiful! As well, the online package includes your lunch, so that's a nice bonus.

It really is a personal decision. I don't believe there is a set fee/ percentage. First thing is, are you happy with their work? Do you want to reward them? Like one of the other brides said, it's more to show your appreciation, than worrying about the exact amount.

It really is a personal decision. I don't believe there is a set fee/ percentage. First thing is, are you happy with their work? Do you want to reward them? Like one of the other brides said, it's more to show your appreciation, than worrying about the exact amount.

I personally did not use the salon, but from previous brides I know they have all been very happy with both the hair and makeup services. They all suggest taking inspiration photos with you, so that you can SHOW them what you want (just incase language is a barrier). And allow a fair bit of time, likely 2-2 1/2 hours. Plus you will still need to get dressed after. So I would think an appointment at least 4 hours prior to your wedding at a minimum.

I personally did not use the salon, but from previous brides I know they have all been very happy with both the hair and makeup services. They all suggest taking inspiration photos with you, so that you can SHOW them what you want (just incase language is a barrier). And allow a fair bit of time, likely 2-2 1/2 hours. Plus you will still need to get dressed after. So I would think an appointment at least 4 hours prior to your wedding at a minimum.

It is a tricky issue. You will likely tip the staff during the week. We usually planned for about $15-20 per day(few bucks for the maid, bartender, lunch and dinner waiter, etc) As for the wedding, we did tip our photographer, the WCs, and the waiters/bartenders. Again how much is really a personal choice. We didn't tip the set-up crew, just because we never saw them. We gave the WC a thank you card, with some cash the next day. And my husband tried to walk around our reception and thank the staff with some tip money, but I am sure we may have missed people too. I would not stress out to much about it! Just plan ahead and bring lots of small bills with you, since it can be difficult to get change for larger bills.

It is a tricky issue. You will likely tip the staff during the week. We usually planned for about $15-20 per day(few bucks for the maid, bartender, lunch and dinner waiter, etc) As for the wedding, we did tip our photographer, the WCs, and the waiters/bartenders. Again how much is really a personal choice. We didn't tip the set-up crew, just because we never saw them. We gave the WC a thank you card, with some cash the next day. And my husband tried to walk around our reception and thank the staff with some tip money, but I am sure we may have missed people too. I would not stress out to much about it! Just plan ahead and bring lots of small bills with you, since it can be difficult to get change for larger bills.

If you hire the Lomas DJ, I know they offer a dance floor, but I am not sure of the cost. As for the best location...that's such a personal thing, as well as dependant on your group size. But please note- the SKY terrace is only available for the wedding ceremony. No other events may be held there (ie. cocktail party, dinner, etc.) Good luck with your planning, and let us know if we can help. Welcome!

If you hire the Lomas DJ, I know they offer a dance floor, but I am not sure of the cost. As for the best location...that's such a personal thing, as well as dependant on your group size. But please note- the SKY terrace is only available for the wedding ceremony. No other events may be held there (ie. cocktail party, dinner, etc.) Good luck with your planning, and let us know if we can help. Welcome!

Sorry Jade, I somehow missed this post. I think purple will look striking on the beach. They do offer colored sheers for the gazebo, but they cost $150/each(any color), $100/each (white) to rent and you will require 2. You may be able to use one of their gazebo package deals (such as the exotic gazebo and add a color) You will book your reception, and all the details once you have officially booked your wedding and have been assigned a Wedding coordinator. Once the WC makes contact with you, make sure to reserve the locations you want for your ceremony, and reception. The actual decision as to meals, decor, flowers, etc. will be made as you decide (no rush, and it can be changed). Usually all the details and wedding costs are finalized and paid for about 4 weeks prior to your wedding date. Welcome home MRS! So glad to hear all went well, and look forward to seeing some photos. Depends on where you are having music issues. At your ceremony, they will provide speakers and a microphone (at NO cost!). A staff member will select music from your Ipod for the ceremony. (it is helpful to have the songs put into Playlists such as: Guests sitting, groom entrance, bride entrance, registery signing, procession after the wedding, etc.) At your reception- if you choose to use the dinner included in a wedding package (ie. the semi-private event), you will unfortunately not be allowed to play any of your own music. If you do a private event and use your own Ipod dock- then you will have to have a friend/relative turn the music on/off. If you do a private event and rent the Ipod dock- I am not sure, but I would believe you will have to have a friend/relative turn the music on/off. If you do a private event and rent the sound system (speakers and microphone)- they have in past provided a staff member who has turned on the music, and then faded it as guests came up to use the microphone. Once the speech was complete, they would fade the music back on. They also selected from our playlists (dinner, dancing, first dance) IF you do choose to do the Ipod dock route, try planning in advance and make a playlist of dinner music (to last about 2 hours or more), and then a playlist for dancing (again plan for 2 hours). That way, someone might still have to man the Ipod, but once they hit play, hopefully it would be on autopilot. Hope that helps!

Sorry Jade, I somehow missed this post. I think purple will look striking on the beach. They do offer colored sheers for the gazebo, but they cost $150/each(any color), $100/each (white) to rent and you will require 2. You may be able to use one of their gazebo package deals (such as the exotic gazebo and add a color) You will book your reception, and all the details once you have officially booked your wedding and have been assigned a Wedding coordinator. Once the WC makes contact with you, make sure to reserve the locations you want for your ceremony, and reception. The actual decision as to meals, decor, flowers, etc. will be made as you decide (no rush, and it can be changed). Usually all the details and wedding costs are finalized and paid for about 4 weeks prior to your wedding date. Welcome home MRS! So glad to hear all went well, and look forward to seeing some photos. Depends on where you are having music issues. At your ceremony, they will provide speakers and a microphone (at NO cost!). A staff member will select music from your Ipod for the ceremony. (it is helpful to have the songs put into Playlists such as: Guests sitting, groom entrance, bride entrance, registery signing, procession after the wedding, etc.) At your reception- if you choose to use the dinner included in a wedding package (ie. the semi-private event), you will unfortunately not be allowed to play any of your own music. If you do a private event and use your own Ipod dock- then you will have to have a friend/relative turn the music on/off. If you do a private event and rent the Ipod dock- I am not sure, but I would believe you will have to have a friend/relative turn the music on/off. If you do a private event and rent the sound system (speakers and microphone)- they have in past provided a staff member who has turned on the music, and then faded it as guests came up to use the microphone. Once the speech was complete, they would fade the music back on. They also selected from our playlists (dinner, dancing, first dance) IF you do choose to do the Ipod dock route, try planning in advance and make a playlist of dinner music (to last about 2 hours or more), and then a playlist for dancing (again plan for 2 hours). That way, someone might still have to man the Ipod, but once they hit play, hopefully it would be on autopilot. Hope that helps!

Yes, candles are allowed! But it is very windy almost everywhere at the resort. So unless you have very tall candle holders to protect the candle from the wind, they will likely not stay lit. (I know from my personal experience I just had low tealight candles, and almost all of them blew out. So it ended up not really added much to my decor.)

Very excited for you! As for your questions- the spa prices have changed since my wedding. I would think you will get an updated list from your wedding coordinator when you are assigned. (But if I remember correctly, expect an updo to be about $80) The sand on the beach is fairly firm. So as long as you don't put all your weight onto your heel you'll be fine. I wore heels and had no problem walking. If you book with a travel agent who is GI certified, you may get some promotions or specials. Otherwise expect to pay full price. (If you need a GI travel agent, try Wright Travel. There is a link in my profile below) I know the beaded backdrops you are talking about, but unfortunately have no idea where to find them. I would guess they would just tie them onto the gazebo. There are 4 beams around the top edge of the gazebo. There are photos in the Official Sensatori thread- again cluck on the link in my profile below. Good luck!

Welcome to the forum Lindsay! I am sure you have done lots of reading already, but check out the official thread http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread . There are lots of ideas, and extra info to help you plan your big day. Unfortunately Karisma/Lomas can seem very expensive, but take a deep breath and think about what you really what your wedding to be. Sometimes you may find there are lots of items in the package that you don't need, and can go with a less expensive package, and just add on the details you want. And like Jenny said, the majority of us brides, did lots of DIY projects or brought things down with us to reduce our budgets and add the details! As for the recent changes regarding the DJ. I wish someone could confirm with a WC that this is true or not. When you get assigned to your WC, ask them. It never hurts to ask! Also, if you have not booked yet, or don't have a travel agent I would highly recommend a GI certified agent. Right now Wright Travel is even offering a bridal dress rehearsal package for you to visit the resort and see all the beauty yourself! Here's the link: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/a/wright-travel-agency-and-karisma-hotels-brides-dress-rehearsal Best of luck with your planning! And if you need any info or advice- we're all here for you! Jenny- I love the different detail work on each jar. Makes it look very romantic!

We did the separate playlists- similar to your first example. Then we had the songs listed in that playlist (example for guest seating, i think we included 5-6 songs). Don't forget procession (for walking down the aisle after you're married), and your first dance! We also had separate lists for dancing music. This way it's easy to find what they are looking for. The printing looks super professional! Love the menu cards, I love clean lines! Your bouquet looks fantastic- but I still can't follow the brooch story LOL! It's all going to look wonderful when it comes together.

We rented the speaker system(because it included a microphone for speeches). This worked out really well for us. They had a staff person running it. They had a connection for our iPod, and the staff person turned on the music, and then faded it out when people stood up for speeches. He would also then fade the music back on after the speech. Then after dinner he set the iPod onto our dance lists and it worked out great for us. ( we had set playlists for dinner1, dinner2, dancing1, dancing2, first dance) So I realize it's not the iPod rental exactly, but it's another option vs. a DJ. (I think it cost $250?)

I think the flower grouping looks really good. My only comment for you- if you really want it to look professional I would wrap almost the full stem. Most professional wraps from about 2" under the blooms to about 2 1/2-3" from the bottom. That way when you or your BM is carrying the flowers, you will see part of the wrap, not just green stems. But overall, it looks fantastic!

That's one way to take the leap! Congrats!

If you could confirm this is an option I would love to add this to the Official site information. What a great option! If you get a better price from a different TA, I would ask your wedding planner if she is able to get the same deal, match it, or perhaps offer something else to make up the difference (seat upgrade, extra luggage allowance, reduced banquet fees, etc??) And if she has been so helpful, unless it's a huge difference of price, you may still prefer to stick with her. Sometimes good service, is really worth a few extra dollars! (I know from my personal experience my TA seemed great, but ended up messing up so many times, that I essentially did all the work myself. Trust me, I would have preferred someone I could count on, and not have to constantly follow up on!)

Yes, it is customary to feed both the DJ and the photographer. And yes, you should have a place setting for them to eat. You could always just add a small table for them (2 person table). The down side is the vendor fee does not include dinner. That is still an additional cost to you.