murmel

Hi Jenni, Welcome to BDW! You will find lots of great information and help with planning your upcoming wedding. I would suggest looking at the reviews for both resorts (in the Resort Reviews section) to help you get a better picture of the 2. I personally got married at the Sensatori and loved it! (one of the big factors for me was resort size, the Sensatori has 440 rooms; while Now Jade has 550 rooms) As well, if there will be children at the wedding, the kids club at the Sensatori is fantastic. We had 8 kids at the wedding and there were entertained morning til night! The food and service was outstanding and we could not have been happier. And since you haven't decided yet, you could check out the BDW Travel Agents. They Specialize in Destination weddings and are a Karisma GIVC certified Travel Agency. They are also one of Karisma Hotel's top accounts so they have great promotions that are only available to them. You can contact them HERE! If you have not booked your date, you will definitely want to contact them so they can help book your Karisma Bride's Dress Rehearsal - 3 nights for $399 that no longer becomes available once you have booked your wedding date. You can read some of their reviews here: Wright Travel Agency ~ Destination Wedding Specialist Reviews HERE Good luck, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask, Murmel

Thanks everyone! I look forward to helping brides plan for their perfect wedding

Don't panic! The resort is large enough that they can accomodate multiple weddings, and you will not even realize there is another one going on. I would suggest that you make your choices for locations asap though. Also if you plan on using the salon for hair/makeup, make the appointment now, so that you will not be disappointed. But honestly you don't need to worry. You should also know they will not use the same location on the same day. Music, don't worry at all. There were multiple weddings going on while we were there, and unless you were super close to the receptions you head nothing. The only time you might see each other is after the private receptions end and everyone ends up at the martini bar for drinks and band! As for the photographer...well if the other group happens to be on the beach, I am sure you can do the garden shots and then head down and they will have moved on. And it is a large beach....lots of room! And you will have a WC just for you, the other bride will have a different WC, so you also don't have to be worried that they might get tied up with the other wedding. Hope that helps! You will truly feel like you are the only bride. I know they have had difficulties with it in the past. Unfortunately I also do not know anyone who has had success with it

Jenny- when we were at the party store they had an assortment if round and square vases...but I would make no guaranty what will be there. If you are willing to be a little flexible in your design you'll be fine. (Our centerpieces were limes floating in water. So shape was easy for me to change) We bought 8glass vases for under $20 US. But remember that the cab or car rental will be about $50. Or hire a private driver/van for about $100. Problem is you are legally married- in Mexico! To be considered legal back home you have to do a few extra steps. Think of if as someone having a drivers license from another country, then moving to the US. They know how to drive, but have to get the proper US drivers license for the state they live in.

We mailed them out with the pre-departure brochure, menu choice card and the luggage tag. In Canada it cost us $1.00/envelope for delivery within Canada. I think it was $1.75 to the US, and $2.45 for international. The envelope was 8.5" x 5" (approximately). And we only mailed these out to confirmed guests. Unfortunately I am in Canada, so I have no idea how our mailing system compares to the US postal service, in terms of price. Hope that helps!

Jenny, it is always so stressful waiting for RSVPs. All you can do is wait, and if anyone that you know really well that you expect to RSVP hasn't...maybe ask them. Unfortunately, you can't really resend every invite...hopefully it will just take a little time and they will all make their way to the correct addresses. And if you see your helpful neighbour thank them, and say it's your wedding invites-that way they will know it's important! And so thrilled to hear about your dress! When do we get to see photos? Yes and no. It's not difficult to make it legal.You have to get the marriage certificate translated from Spanish to english. Then you have to register it all your local city hall. If you do not do that, you are not legal in the US or Canada. It is such a personal choice. We just rented the amp and had playlists on an ipod. We had 63 guests and danced the whole time. Other people really feel they need a DJ to have a party. So I know both work, it just really depends on what you expect and the type of group you have.

Allie- I just got back from Germany (no internet there for me) and am thrilled to hear everything went well. Congratulations! And I adore your photo. Your smile is just out of this world- you look so happy. Try this link: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/g/a/104294/el-dorado-royale-photos/ If that does not work, click on my profile and scroll to the bottom for photos. For a smaller wedding, I think my favorite is the D'Italia gazebo, or the white gazebo (I would think they mean the gazebo across from the Health bar). (I also have no idea which one they call the Mexican gazebo?) As for private reception, I would pick the Health bar. Beautiful location, and like Wolferts said, some wind protection, and a roof in case of rain. There is also a covered area close to the Presidential Gazebo which is really nice. It's by the larger pool, so daytime it's not private, but in the evening it's in a quieter area. Good luck! We have not been to Seaside, however very good friends of ours (that we travel with alot) have stayed there. It is a much smaller property, very quiet and romantic. The beach is nice, and the rooms are just as amazing at Royale. They actually were with us while we stayed at EDR the second time, and said for layout and overall experience they preferred Seaside. They highly recommend it! As for other Karisma resorts, Azul Beach is quiet, smaller (250 rooms) and really nice (newly updated about 2 years ago); Azul Sensatori is medium sized (400 rooms), so a little more entertainment going on, excellent food and service, however the beach is not good at all. ( the Azul properties are kid friendly) Azul Fives, is still going through growing pains. Friends have stayed there, saying the rooms, and hotel were great, however food and service was lacking still.

We didn't have a DJ, so can't help there. We flew the photographer down with us, and once we were home and had our photos, we mailed a thank-you card and a gift card. As for down in Mexico, we tipped our WC (we had 2 working together...I want to say we gave them an envelope with a thank you card and a tip inside). And we tipped throughout the week to the assorted bartenders and waiters. (usually we find a bartender who will be around for the day, and tip them at the start of the day. And a little extra at the end of the day. That way I don't have to carry soggy dollar bills with me everywhere LOL. As for dinner, I think we would usually leave a few dollars to $5 (depending on good service) under the plate. Don't forget to leave a dollar for the maid and a few bucks in the fridge for the beer guy! Hope that helps! And if you can, take lots of singles down with you. They usually can't break larger bills, so it's always nice to have the smaller bills with you.

These are a few pictures I took when we were down visiting last January. The Chapel Gazebo is pretty, and centrally located. But it is not very private, right off the main walkway (so likely you will have a lot of bypassers stopping to watch), the golf carts driving by, etc. I took photos of all the wedding sites. Click on my user name, and then when my profile comes up scroll to the bottom where is says photos- there is a link called EDR photos. I think my favourite is on the casitias side across from the Italian restaurant. Super private, and on a nice stretch of sand! Good luck

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/69198/murmels-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/a/miriam-and-luke-wedding-at-azul-sensatori Murmel's Amazing Wedding photos by Taylor Jackson (Azul Sensatori, Mexico) Planning thread, photos and review. Hope that helps! Originally Posted by McLecker Isn't it $300 per person? so you can bring in $600? (hoping!) Yikes. I don't remember....but for some reason I want to say it was $200 total when we got married (2011). Maybe they have changed it to $300 total? Just remember to bring your receipts and explain it's gifts for your guests.

There are so many great excursions to do...really depends on what interests you? A romantic sunset cruise, exploring the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum (quite touristy), or the ruins at Coba (you can still climb the temple there), snorkelling at Xelha, shopping and dinner on 5th Ave in Playa del Carmen, Xplor has underground caves to swim through and zip lines.... So let me know what you like to do, and I can offer some different suggestions. We have been down in that area quite often and have done most of the trips!

Very cute!

We bought a Logitech Speaker (model #S715i). http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/logitech-logitech-rechargeable-speaker-s715i-930-000134/10151833.aspx It works super well, is fairly small....so easy to pack. And if needed is rechargeable, which made it super fun to have on the beach with friends. We've had ours for about 2 years now and it has taken quite a beating and is still going strong!

There is a "party supply" store is in Cancun. Just on the outer edge of Market 23. Market 23 is the food market-fruit, veggies, meat, CANDY! Anyway if I remember correctly it was across the street from the candy store. The party supply store had decorations, balloons, vases, cake trays, ribbons, fake flowers.... Hope that helps. Just have the cab take you to Market 23- it's only about a 5 minute walk all the way around, so hopefully you'll find it. If not there is always Wal-mart in Cancun.

We had done a 'scouting' trip and found a few places. There is the huge outdoor market down south at Tulum. Also there are some supply stores such as Sam's Club in Playa del Carmen (like a Costco, but you need a membership). We personally got our supplies from the Wal-mart in Cancun and the party supply store in Cancun, just outside of local Market 23. They cost us $12 US for 8 vases. Market 23 is the food market (fruits, veggies, meat and CANDY!!!) You can see them on my planning thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/69198/murmels-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy Hope that helps!

Make it a relaxed, casual thing! Do it by the lake, but make sure it's just burgers and beer, etc. Maybe make it an "all white party" to have a little fun? Have a few photo books around so people can see the wedding photos, and maybe a laptop with a video or slideshow running. We did a casual cocktail hour (2 hours) and yes, I wore my dress! People loved it. And yes, some brought gifts, but most just came out to celebrate with us. And I don't think you should be worried about who to invite. People may not have attended the wedding for cost factors, but would love to be included closer to home! This is our RSVP card (for the DW ), but you might be able to play with the wording... Most people will dance, since it's a relaxed environment. But I love the suggestion from another bride- get song requests! That way there is something for everyone. And if you think glowsticks will make the party, buy some at Micheal's craft store and have them available for after dinner to get the party started! So happy to hear you found your photographer. It is always such a difficult and expensive task.

Personally, if you don't have sashes for the ceremony, it won't be a big deal. We just used the regular chairs since our ceremony was only about 30 minutes long. Use the sashes for your reception first. We stayed for 3 extra days after our guests left to relax and unwind. We then headed up and saved up for our real honeymoon (which was months later). We went to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia! Congratulations MRS. ! You look stunning Can't wait to see more photos and the review. Honestly, the sand is so well packed on the beach you can walk in heels no problem. You just have to remember not to apply all your weight onto your heels while standing still LOL! I wore heels, as did all my bridesmaids, and none of us had any problems. And remember heels or no heels, take your time walking down the ramp to the beach. The sand makes it slippery, no matter what you are wearing on your feet! This is a photo of my shoes. About 2 1/2" heel. And I know about the height issue- I'm 5'3", my hubby is 6'2" and my MOH is 6'! The second photo shows us all just strolling down the beach....no problems.

When you are booking your trip ask your TA to see if you can purchase extra baggage weight at a reduced cost. We flew with Sunwing and were able to arrange an additional 30kg ahead of time for about $150 (plus we got upgraded seats). Or if you're not using a TA, call the airline and see if you can arrange something. They usually are very accomadating to brides, especially if they know ahead of time that you will have extra luggage (that way they can plan ahead, ie. not take as much cargo). Also when thinking about what to bring down, plan! We brought down paper lanterns, which fold flat. So they don't take much room. Most OOT bag items were small, or flat- so packing them was not difficult. When we arrived in Mexico (we got there 2 days in advance of our guests), we went out and bought stuff locally, such as treats, snacks, and the vases we used for our center pieces. This way we didn't have to travel with it, and it was cheap down there anyway! Plus our guests LOVED the local treats- it gave the OOT bags a Mexican flare. Also be ready to have your baggage inspected at the airport. If you get the 'red' light, or if you have a lot of extra baggage they will likely want to look. We tried to keep all our decor and OOT bag stuff together so that it was organized, and we had the reciepts in hand. Explain that you are getting married in Mexico and it is gifts for your guests. (they are worried sometimes that this stuff might be brought into Mexico to be sold. Which they prohibit)

I think we ended up using about 20. You could easily use more or less, just depends on the look you want. Jenna- beautiful photos! Love the little sign your flower girl carried, so cute. And your dress fits you like a glove- stunning!

We did an AHR for family and friends. It's super easy to do something super casual, especially in the spring/summer. Maybe get a video, or do up a few photo books with wedding photos. Get everyone together for a nice BBQ to celebrate. As for a registry. We personally didn't do one. We really choose to think that guests joining us in Mexico was a gift in itself. But many people who cannot attend might wish to still get you a gift. So really use your best judgement- you know your family and friends.

To open up files/documents you have to have 150 posts on the forum. Don't worry you'll get there quickly!

Beautiful pictures! And what a magically place to have your wedding. Thank you for sharing.