murmel

I know the one thing I was told is don't use a foundation that has SPF in it, it will make you look ghostly in photos. So apply sunscreen on your skin directly, then your makeup. Personally, I would make an appointment at MAC (or similar) for a makeup lesson and hints. Plus they give you cheat sheets on how to apply makeup. My husband bought me some professional makeup lessons from a makeup artist and it was so helpful. Plus you can see how different colors look on you. Important things- use a good primer and use waterproof mascara!

The prices can vary quite a bit, depending on your option. If you choose to do dinner-what food, or perhaps a cocktail reception? Please visit the official thread for more information: (under dinner options) http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread Hope that helps.

Unfortunately, you have to post a minimum of 100 posts before you can open links/attachments. But it's pretty easy to do even without the link. Go to Staples and look for pens with a clear tube that the end can be unscrewed from. Then once you are home, take a piece of paper and figure out what size will fit. Now you have the dimensions, simply use Word (for example) and create a text box that size. (Use the ruler on the edges to help) Once you have that figured out put in your name, date, photo, symbol, etc. into the text box. Print out, cut, and then put into the pen tube! Hope that helps! It is a great DIY project.

Nothing wrong with doing a s'mores welcome party! At the end of the day plan events and things that you know you and your guests will enjoy, that way everyone wins. Plus a destination wedding is about friends and family coming together, it can be formal or as informal as you choose.

Mstigger- what a unique dress! Love the pale pink details, it looks great on you.

$10K is a lot, but it depends heavily on where you are travelling from and what details you want for your wedding. If you go with a simple package, and do not need a private dinner with tons of extras, then I think it' s possible. If you have a huge guest list, want a private dinner, private photographer, lots of decorations, excursions, etc- then you might need a bigger budget. So it's really hard to say yes or no, it's such a personal choice. You can check out this thread (even though it is for the sister resort) the prices and packages should be almost identical. At least it will show you some general pricing and ideas to help you figure out a plan. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/30#post_1869740

Lots of options. Depending on where and when you get married I would suggest the following. If your wedding is on the beach late in the afternoon, there is a bar right on the beach. However there is not much seating, other than the wedding chairs or beach lounge chairs. Just above the beach is the bar on the back side of the Mexican restaurant-called Cantina Zocalo. Beautiful setting , lots of chairs and an ocean view. I would suggest here. If your guests are all adults you could also suggest Wave bar. The bar on the rear side of the adult pool. Lots of tables and chairs and starting about 6 pm they usually have live music(guitar, saxophone, etc)

Elissae- You are going above and beyond! LOL I think I just had a general list, and the totals I think if you have something like the example above, it is super easy to understand and clear. I think that will be wonderful. Especially if you have other guests carrying a suitcase, then they will know exactly what to tell customs in the event they get the 'red light'. At the end of the day, your chances of getting stopped by customs are quite slim. But it's great to be prepared! You must be close to heading south- so excited for you!

Good for you for looking at the positive! And a special trip with your guests in your styling sunglasses and sarongs, will be a highlight for everyone

On your map- Zavas Terrace would be the stone area just above the #26. Basically were the 3 palm tree symbols are. I know it doesn't look big, but the map is not exactly to scale.

You just have to claim the number of suitcases as your luggage(whether it be 2 or 7). But if you have someone else taking a bag for you-they claim that bag on their custom form. Don't claim shipping/handling or taxes -just the actual cost of the items. As for the sand ceremony...I think I can shed some light on why customs stopped shan. Sand from a beach, is technically illegal to bring into the US or Canada(from anywhere in the world). It falls under the same category as fresh fruits/veggies...odd I know, but they are worried about local bacteria/diseases being transferred. So should you do the sand ceremony, they want to know it's sand that has been purchased, and hence cleaned commercially. As well, to keep the sand from shifting, consider taking a sponge along. You stuff it into the top of the vase to keep the sand tight.

Unfortunately a lot of people don't seem to understand the importance of RSVP. You can't just plan a wedding overnight! And yes, I agree with you, it is very rude of them not to have responded at all. I am sure it is very frustrating, especially since it's family. But take a big breath, step back and realize you can't control every situation. Right now you have to concentrate on your wedding and those people who are going to be there to support and your enjoy your wedding with you and your FI. As for anyone who has not RSVP at this point, consider that they will not be attending- their lose in my opinion! And although it may be very disappointing, you need to move forward. We had tons of family and friends keep telling us...yes, we're coming. And in the end they didn't. And even though it caused me a lot of stress at the start I realized, that is one of the downfalls of a DW. A lot of people can't afford it, or just don't want to make the effort. So concentrate on those that are coming, and just be willing to adjust if you have last minute joiners. We had 3 people decide to attend within the last 2 weeks. (the blessing is the WCs are super with adjusting things and adding on chairs, meals, etc.) So don't worry, if things change- it can be adjusted! Good luck, we have all had similiar frustrations with our wedding planning and sometimes it's helpful just to know you're not the only one going through this mess

Secret Silversands is right next door. ( directly to the south) As for a day pass, if you are hosting a private event (cocktail or dinner) - they will be admitted for free.(for your wedding ceremony and the duration of your private event) If you are just doing the dinner that comes with the wedding package, the cost is $72US/ person for the wedding day. And should your guests wish to visit on any other day, the cost is $99US/person ( all food and drinks for the day included). Hope that helps!

Great wedding planning journal! Future brides will get so many wonderful ideas. You look stunning! And glad to hear you managed to find a bridesmaid dress last second that looked perfect. Just hope you manage to get your money back for the other one.

There are really no wires. And the batteries look very similar to watch batteries, with the LED taped to it. We had about 40 of these prepared and just packed them into a padded envelope and put it in our checked luggage. NO problems at all!

It specifically does relate to the items which will be gifts (ie. stuff you will not be taking home with you). What customs is worried about is that you are bringing items into the country to sell....so if you have a lot of wedding decor they might question it. So I would have the reciepts for the items you have multiples of...such as the OOT bag items, photo frames, chair sashes, etc. But if you happen to get searched, be very specific, that these supplies are for your wedding! Not to be sold, and will be taken home with you again. I think it's a great idea to have a list with the reciepts in each bag...very organized! Hope that helps. Good luck with your packing and have a beautiful wedding.

I would agree with Rachel, it always seems windy on the beach there. I have been to the Sensatori in April, October, and January and it was always windy. So be prepared for that! And I wore a veil, and it pretty much went everywhere- during the ceremony I sorted captured it between my arm and my body to keep with from whipping my husband to be LOL.

Let me clarify. As a Royale guest you are welcome to use the facilities on the Casitias side- pools, beach , bars, restaurants, etc. However, the rule is you are technically not allowed to use the padded lounge chairs by the Casitias pools, or the beach beds reserved for Casitias guests. I don't think the resort enforces it much, but that is the policy!

Unfortuantely I am not sure of the details for the "free unlimited private events" special. Perhaps ask a TA for details in that regard. If you don't have a TA, you could contact an agent at Wright Travel- the link is below in my signature. As for the dinner reservation in the packages, the semi-private event is held in Spoon restaurant. There is an area that they section off with a curtain to provide some privacy. You will have waiters that are assigned to just your wedding, and it is a set menu (different than the buffet in the restaurant). Unfortunately, you do not have choice in the set menu, and will see what it is when you met your WC onsite. (also depending on the size of your group be aware the dinner is for 40 people. Any guests above that you will have to pay an additional fee) You can also view this link for more info and photos: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread

Unfortunately, you are NOT allowed to use Sky lanterns. This is due to the fire insurance policy of the Sensatori. There is concern that the lanterns could float and land onto one of the buildings- and many are reed roofs, so very flammable. (and the wind blows off the ocean 90% of the time)

We met all our guests as they arrived in the lobby and handed out our OOT bags. It added a personal touch, and told them how much we appreciated that they were joining us for our wedding. Many brides met up with their guests for a dinner drink and do it there. Lots of options that will not cost you a fortune! IT IS ILLEGAL TO TRAVEL WITH SPARKLERS /FIREWORKS, ETC. They are considered explosive!!!! DO NOT PACK THEM IN YOUR LUGGAGE!!!! US traveller: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Is%20It%20Safe%20brochure.pdf Canadian traveller: http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/page.aspx?id=58&pname=CompleteItemList_ListeCompleteArticles&lang=en You could try buying them in town perhaps. I don't know where you would find them, but it might be worth a look. But please, PLEASE do not travel with them!!!

Busy lady LOL! These look great, and future brides will love the ideas and info. Very Cute centerpieces. And love the purple with silver writing idea. It's gonna look great.

Karisma has not given an official reason that I am aware of. But the packages and promotions are constantly changing. Perhaps they are not able to offer this promotion due to other agreements with tour operators in that market currently (it's just my guess). But if you use a GI certified travel agent, you get many additional promotions which can help when planning for your special day! Good luck.

Just use the search bar to find numerous threads on ideas for OOT bags. Depending on your group and budget there are so many things you can do! The one thing I would make sure to include though...a thank you note and a wedding timeline to let your guests know when and where things are. Our OOT bags had a welcome booklet, first aid/survival kit, chapstick, local Mexican treats. And the OOT bags where reusable beach bags. Many girls include playing cards, can coozies, t-shirts, flipflops, towels, sunscreen, bugspray, etc. Welcome back MRS! So glad to hear it was an amazing wedding, and reading your review brings back such fond memories of my own. Best wishes, and look forward to seeing some pictures.

I still think the pool is to far away to bother. Here is a photo of our reception (you can see the pool, and that's the closest one to the Zavas Plaza) The official Bride Roll Call list is now being kept up to date on the Offical Sensatori Thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/30#post_1869740 For hair, they suggest at least an hour. I think because it all runs on 'Mexican' time, I would make sure to book at least 2 hours. So if your wedding is at 3pm. I would book for 12pm at the latest. This will allow you time to put on your dress, makeup touch ups and go! As for ceremony music- you are given the option to use your Ipod with your own music for free. Other options are available at cost, such as live bands, guitar music, quartet, etc. See the music section for more info and costs: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/30#post_1869740 The prices are different from the US. Somethings are cheaper, some more expensive. Also don't expect the Walmart down there to be the Walmart you have at home. It is much more limited in it's selections, so be prepared to be flexible with your ideas. Another spot to buy vases is a party supply store in Cancun beside Market 23. (we bought 8 vases there for about $12US total) http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/63370/my-chapstick-diy-project There are a few threads with examples and templates. Essentially buy any chapstick, and print out your own labels. Stick over original label, then seal with packing tape. Here's a picture of the ones I did: Overall, once you get the label right it is a super easy project. And our guests loved it!