murmel

If it's part of the DJ's setup(the small cold fireworks), then I would think it should be fine. However you are not allowed to travel or bring your own fireworks onto the resort. And I don't believe you can have sky fireworks(especially not at the Plaza). But ask your WC, perhaps they offer a package to do it on the beach (although I really have my doubts- sorry).

I like the slightly different arrangement in each vase. It looks really nice!

If you're in a larger group, and they have kids, I think they will be comfortable (again depending on the other guests). The staff is very friendly, helpful and their service is outstanding. As for prices, like Tammy mentioned above, her rates for this May look like about $200 less for 4 days. Again no guarantees for next year, but really you will likely not get good pricing until you are a bit closer to the date. ( I realize that can make it hard to commit to a resort) As a suggestion, ask Tammy if she has pricing for May 2014, and especially since they are a GI certified TA, they may have other added bonuses for you and your group. As for prices with flights, if your group is all flying from the same airport you might be able to get a group rate as well. Good luck! I know this planning part can be difficult. But the Sensatori is a fantastic resort for families with kids, and they truly are pros at weddings.

This is a tricky question. Although I would offer that the staff will be welcoming to your gay/lesbian friends, it is the other guests that may be the issue. The clientele is mostly made of families, and depending on the week you happen to be there, it may or may not be an issue. I am not sure if your guest list is adults only, or with kids. But if it's adults only I would recommend El Dorado Royale or Excellence Mayan Riveria. Both are beautiful resorts which welcome gay/lesbian couples and because it's an adult only environment, plus larger resorts, you may find these more comfortable for your friends. The prices are not going to be what you expect this far out. For a May 2014 wedding, you can expect to see better prices starting in the fall. The reason is the hotel sells blocks of rooms to travel providers /charter companies usually 8 months prior. Right now all you see is the "rack rate" from the resort. Once the tour companies purchase these block rate rooms, that's when you will see price drops. Take a look at the prices for May this year. Although it is not a guarantee, it will give you an idea of what the price might be. Hope that helps!

Beautiful photos! I live the way she plays with the light.

Print out your spreadsheet and go through it slowly. Is everything listed you have ordered/requested. As well, do the prices match what you were quoted. ( I know personally there were some mistakes, such as kids meals are 50% less than the adult meals. And we were being charged full price.) Also once you have gone through it, also sit back and think how your day is going to run. Are you using the spa? Is your appointment listed? Are your flowers correct/colours? Centrepieces? Number of chairs? Dinner choice? Any other details? Cocktail party ? Photographer? Videographer? Once you envision your day, and check that it's listed, I think you're good to go!

I think it likely took about 2-3 minutes. But really it's a blur! LOL but the WC do an amazing job and playing the music and then fading it out when it is no longer needed. So it fills in the blank air, and you don't have to worry about length.

Welcome! In the pick and choose menu (we used this for our wedding 2 years ago, so I am going with what I was told then. Hopefully it is still correct). We were told we (bride and groom) had to choose: (everyone will recieve the same of these courses) - the appetizer - the soup or salad - the dessert You are then allowed to offer your guests the choice of 2 entrees (example steak or chicken). (and if you have any vegetarians this is above that choice, so technically you offer 3 things) These choices have to be received by your WC 6 weeks prior to the wedding (but again that was what I was told. And we had 3 guests join us with less than 2 weeks notice prior to the wedding, and I was still able to make dinner choices for them) As well, be prepared that you have to have some way to indicate their meal choices at the dinner (ie. name tags on the tables with different colors- red for steak, blue for chicken.) So a simple meal choice card for guests, or email would work. Such as: Please choose your meal preference by June 15: Steak____ Chicken____ Vegetarian____ Hope that helps!

It is always such a tricky choice. Are you walking down the aisle by yourself or with someone (dad, mom, friend, etc.)? Perhaps they have an opinion as to what would suit better. As for just other ideas- I agree with Allie. Please have the song your husband/groomsmen will use in a seperate playlist. That way the WC will play that specifically when they are ready. No mix ups or confusion. As well, you could consider that other song for when you are signing your registry. No one seems to have mentioned that, and we used music during that time. So that might be a good spot to fit the song!

Wow! That's news to pass on. Thank you. I did not have a DJ. But this is good information for future brides to know.

Usually with a photographer who is family or friend is "approved" by the resort. They are aware one of the guests is your photographer. But when it comes to a photographer who has been hired down there, and coming onto the property they have the right to approve/ not approve specific people. So at least let your WC know, so that you don't get caught out later. I think promotions, upgrades and specials change constantly. Plus depended on your place of departure and your tour operator, they might have different deals. Highly suggest talking with a travel agent to see what is available to you for the possible date you have picked. And if you use a GI certified travel agent, they usually have some bonuses since they deal with Karisma directly. I can recommend Wright Travel...click on the link below in my signature for their deals and contact info! Good luck!

Welcome to the forum! There are so many options to choose from, and they are all amazing! It really depends on what you and your guests like. Be aware the lobster is caribbean lobster (so a bit chewier and smaller) than lobster from Maine/Nova Scotia. Check our our official thread for details, planning ideas and info! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread And if you are not booked yet, consider using a GI certified travel agent. They deal directly with Karisma and often have bonuses to offer and upgrades. I can recommend Wright Travel http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/80338/karisma-hotels-givc-and-gi-wedding-consultants-wright-travel-agency They even have a $399 deal right now, for brides to go check out the resort before they book! Good luck and happy planning! Jess, this can be such had hard issue to deal with. I would perhaps send a gentle reminder to those guests you really think will be coming. As for the people who always drag their feet, there is nothing you can do! We personally had booked a block of rooms, and then ended up losing some money since people didn't end up booking. So personally I would hesitate to book extra rooms, and possibly be left with a bill at the end. The other thing you should be aware of, is that the hotel is selling blocks of rooms to different tour operators. So your TA may not be able to get a room directly, but often you can find rooms later through different tour opeators. (I know we had guests book less than 2 weeks before and found their rooms this way).

I agree with Allie- if you are hosting a private event with your wedding (cocktail or dinner) your guests should not have to pay. But like Allie said, I believe they are only allowed to come onto the property an hour before the wedding, and then leave once the private event (ie. dinner) is complete. Aside from that, I don't think you're a meanie. If there is a fee, they can be responsible for it. Here is a photo of the bags I made. Black for guests, green for the kids, and blue for my bridesmaids. Each had the logo tag sewn inside.

I don't have direct experience with the smore party, but from a few brides that have here are the highlights: 1) lots of great snacks (fruit/chocolate/marshmallows/etc) 2) great service (you are attended to by a minimum of 1 bartender and then usually 2-3 wait staff; depending on party size) 3) guests loved the experience 4) they set up white wooden folding chairs around the fire for seating 5) the only downside, limited time with the bonfire, and the bonfire is fairly small Hope that helps.

Welcome to the forum! I got married at the Sensatori in 2011- and we loved it! I will try to answer to the best of my ability. 1. The beach ceremony is quite private. The hotel has staff that will guide other guests around the wedding, so that it does not interfere. Keeping that in mind, the walkway above the beach always seems to gather a crowd, but they just want to watch the beautiful bride. Those guests really are far enough away that you don't notice them. As well, depending on the time of day, the beach especially later in the day seems to empty as folks go to rest, or get ready for dinner. Zavas plaza was very private for us. The pathways that lead to the plaza don't lead anywhere else, so folks don't randomly walk in. As well, most people are very respectful and realize it's a private event. 2. A lot of brides will move the party to the Mojioto bar. They offer live music, great drinks and it's always fun. The teen bar also technically turns into the disco. Usually really quiet since noones uses it, but if you have a good group you could dance the night away there as well. 3. I did not use a DJ at all. But most brides that I have heard from we're pleased. 4. We brought our own photographer. As well, you should know that the resort has to approve your vendors (ALL your vendors), even though you pay the $800 fee. I know that Del Sol is currently not approved to work there- sorry. 5. Last I heard the maximum is 2 weddings a day. And the resort is large enough, that you will never know. Just make sure to reserve the spots you want to use. Check out our official site for more info, photos and details. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/30#post_1884029 As well, if you do choose a Karisma resort, I would HIGHLY recommend using a GI certified travel agent. (these are TAs that deal with Karisma directly) And because of this special relationship, they often have bonuses or special offers compared to a regular TA. You can connect with Wright Travel, highly recommended, by clicking on the link in my signature below. As well, like Tammy mentioned, if you can get away for a few days, they have specials that you can visit the resort to check it out ahead of time to help you decide! (plus who doesn't want to get away to sunny Mexico for a few days?) Good luck, and if you need anymore information, just ask!

I personally didn't have that much, so we used some canvas shopping bags to keep it organized . If you have a lot, I know a few ladies have organized and packed it all in a suitcase and just rolled it down with them.

Safe travels, and best wishes on your upcoming wedding! Look forward to seeing the photos on your return.

Can't help you for the stickers. But iron on patches, I just bought the sheets from Michaels, that you can print out yourself (be careful most are only for use with inkjet printers!). Once we printed the sheets off, just cut the patches out and ironed on. Ours worked out really well!

First of all, it's totally normal to be worried about the details. And what you need to remember is the crew and WC are professionals! They are running weddings every day, so they know how to organize and make it run smoothly. To be able to have the officiant at a rehearsal, you would have to pay them an additional fee. I would just make sure to run through all the details with your WC when you are there. I personally got married at the Sensatori, and the minister who "married" us(we did a symbolic) spoke wonderful English, was entertaining and everything ran smoothly.

I think by doing the LED throwies and ordering the batteries and LEDs from China I think my total for the 30 lights was maybe $35-40. Here's a link to how to build them: http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Throwies/ You don't need the magnet, just small alligator clips you can buy at Staples to hold the LEDs to the battery. There are links on that page to where to buy for cheap. Essentially you need LEDs(2-3 per throwie), batteries (1 per throwie), alligator clips (1 per throwie), electric tape, cardboard /plastic (to make your on/off switch)(one small piece per throwie) and fishing line. If you need more detailed help go to this thread http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/37079/diy-led-lights-for-paper-lanterns or message me.

I just bought a roll of fishing line. Ended up using this to hang the LED throwies inside and then gave the rest to the WC to use. To be honest, I am not sure if they used the fishing line or not. I think as long you have a roll of string/line/etc. that will be plenty. And they did charge us to hang the lanterns...although it was all put together in a lump sum with our table decor, etc.

Here's a photo from our reception. The lanterns were different sizes and hung at slightly different lengths. Although I have to admit, I had no part of that- the WC did that all on their own!

I I think mine varied in sizes from 10", 12", 16", 18" and 24". We did 3 colours as well, and that was part of the reason for the varied sizes. We couldn't get the colours all in the same sizes. Lol but the different sizes look great together.( I would not go smaller than 10")

It is actually a ban from the resort, not Del Sol directly. So make sure if you are using a different photographer that they are approved by the resort(even when you pay the outside vendor fee- they still have to okay it).

Welcome to the forum! I got married just down the beach at their sister resort the Sensatori. Overall, the resort, service and food at Karisma resorts is outstanding. As for their weddings, they are professional and everything runs smoothly. (Just remember you are in Mexico, and can't necessarily control everything). So that being said, the cakes are nothing to write home about. Usually not decorated very well, and dry. We literally got the smallest cake to use for a photo op and then stuck to the normal desserts which are fantastic! The photographers that are recommended...well some brides are thrilled, some not. Here is a link to the official Sensatori thread, if you scroll through there are cake examples and also some links/examples of some of the photographers. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/30#post_1875974 Hopefully that helps a little. As well, most things that are available at Sensatori are also available at the Beach. For decor, there is not to much included. Read the details in your package. The centrepieces to rent are pretty expensive depending on what you choose and how many guests you are having. Many brides bring simple decor with them to help with their themes and reduce budgets. As for the dinner, I am not sure where they host it. But usually they offer a semi-private meal. What this means is you are in one of the restaurants, but usually off to a side, and slightly separated by a divider/curtain/etc. you are offered your own wait staff(again this will vary in number depending on party size.). They then provide a set menu dinner, which is different from the restaurant. In case you are not with a travel agent, highly recommend you use a GI certified one. They are linked to Karisma resorts and often have exciting perks to offer brides that book with them. Here's the link to one I can recommend: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/80338/karisma-hotels-givc-and-gi-wedding-consultants-wright-travel-agency Hope that helps!