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Everything posted by murmel
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It is a large resort, but you will find each other. Lol. Few ideas- love the room list idea. Connect with people before they head down and suggest a meet and greet spot. That way most people can come out to one spot and see who is there and connect. You can suggest having a central meeting spot once a day for a drink. And don't forget it is a hotel...so guests can always call the front desk and ask to be connected to "'John Smith's" room. I personally LOVE both the Italian restaurants on site. Try to visit one at least! Have an amazing trip and wedding!
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@@reidbride2015 How many guests are you planning for? There are many reception locations, but it depends on your party size. Check out the first page of this thread. I have posted photos with the names/locations of reception sites (as well as size limitations). For a large group, if Zavas Plaza is booked, I would likely choose the yoga palapa/beach location next. However if your group is 40 people or less, I love the Zocolo Al Fresco (it's the patio portion on the back of the Mexican restaurant. Sheltered, private, beautiful ocean view. Close to bathrooms, bar.
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Hee hee. There is some truth in that. Customs officers ALWAYS have the right to inspect your bags.(and if they want to inspect you, they will ask to see your bags, even if you haven't pushed the button at all) The green/red light is just a way to have random searches otherwise. So if you are bringing a ton of stuff or the customs officers think there is something they want to look at, they will.
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- Invite your guests to all play volleyball, soccer, bocce ball, etc. . - Get everyone together for a white night and meet up at one of the resort bars after the rehearsal dinner. - Arrange a photo scavenger hunt....everyone brings their digital camera/iphone, you have a list of things to find on the resort. Ideas: photo of someone riding a bike, swimming in the pool, a wooden lounge chair, a bird, a pink/white/yellow flower, iguana, resort golf cart, photo with a bartender, a reed roof, a hammock, a white gazebo, a Peso coin, etc. (there are lots of great lists online) Give your guests/teams 30/45 minutes and then meet back up at a bar to compare photos and adventure stories!
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@ebiggie- Sometimes you may have to look at different options/websites vs. just your travel agent. Try Funjetvacations, Apple vacations, Sunwing vacations , Westjet vacations, Air Canada vacations, itravel2000, to see if they have rooms available. You can then book those rooms through that site, and organize a separate flight and transfers. Good luck!
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Technically, you are NOT allowed to bring back fresh flowers from Mexico. Anything organic (food, plant , etc) is not suppose to cross the borders. Just be aware of that. (If they are fake flowers, not an issue)
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Sorry ladies I was a bit occupied with my little one! I have updated the Bridal roll call! It is unlikely you will lose anything. Please read this thread for more info about the customs regulations: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/4239-customs-in-mexico-declaring-wedding-stuff/ We brought one with us from Toronto. No issues at all! Ceremony and cocktail receptions only on the SkyDeck. You can find more info on the Official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/ Chairs for your ceremony (no matter how many guests) is included in your package. You just have to inform them of the number of guests- however this is for the plain white fold out chairs. (see the official thread for a photo). As well, if you are hosting a private dinner, the white plain chairs will be offered free of cost. (my guess is that the chairs suggest for the 'glamor' package rather are the Chivas chairs, or have special chair covers on them) My girls wore super simple sun dresses (cotton). But we also wanted a casual flair!
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I can appreciate your concern for bringing in a photographer from home. However, it happens on a daily basis especially down along the Mayan coast. I have never heard of any issues for the photographers. Updated bridal roll call is on the Official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/page-2 Check and see if the transfer is included in your package. If not, there are multiple companies to book with for transfers. (Lomas, American Transfers, etc.) You can look up Cancun transfers online. It is suggested to book your transfer ahead of time with a company rather than finding a taxi when you arrive.
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I don't believe it would be possible. The distance from the gazebo to the palm trees is quite far. And even if you had a string of lights long enough,..there are not enough trees around to create that visual effect you want. They did have a set-up similar to this effect done on the beach. So perhaps that might be an option for you.
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How many guests are you expecting? Going onto the beach with the wheelchair, while possible, will likely not be a great option for the comfort of your dad. I would recommend Zocalo, for about 40 people or less. There are piñatas hanging already, it's a great location, and would work for a wheelchair. The Zocalo terrace may work for you, but there is no structure to hang decor from other than Palm trees. I do agree with the girls, the garden terrace/theatre is a great spot for your ceremony. However, it is only available for the ceremony...not dinner. You should also know the Sky deck does not have an elevator access to the top, so not an option for you. Sorry. Take a look at the Official thread for photos of the sites, it might help you! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/
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Yes, you can rent a speaker set up from the resort. I think it was $250??? , but not sure of the current cost. It also comes with a microphone. We rented the system and it was great. Also please take the time to read this thread about customs: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/4239-customs-in-mexico-declaring-wedding-stuff/ You will have lots of time to add personal touches into the ceremony. The legal ceremony takes about 30minutes, while the ceremonial service takes about 20 mins. There is no set time limit, but remember you and your guests will be sitting in the sun...so be kind and don't add too much! When you get to the resort just advise the WC that you would like to add the poems, vows, etc to the ceremony. They will advise the minister and then you will be able to coordinate where in the ceremony this can occur. I know due to legal issues, if you are doing the legal service, they have to follow a strict order. As someone who works in aviation....please be aware sparklers fall under the explosives category!!! It is 100% ILLEGAL to fly with them. For your safely and well being, please leave them at home! Cj1053- Congratulations! You look beautiful (and it was worth sweating, to look that fabulous!) Tiffany- Welcome to the forum! Please take a moment to read this thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/ It will help you with a bunch of your questions. Happy planning! In regards to Chinese lanterns, the paper ones to hang as decor are fine. If you refer to the floating ones, they are not allowed (this is because many of the buildings on the resort have reed roofs and there is a fear of catching things on fire).
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Nicki, I have stayed on both sides, and you and your guests are welcome everywhere on the Royale and Casitas sides. The exception is the Royale guests are not allowed to use the lounge chairs and beach beds on the Casitas side. The spa even asks usually where you would like your appointment to be. So I don't believe what the WC is telling you to be correct.
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Glad to be able to help. Zavas Plaza is lovely, like I said it is really a personal choice! As for a cocktail reception, you could request to have it right on the beach beside the ceremony site. That's where they set up for my wedding. They just brought a few high top tables down on the sand and served drinks there. There should be photos on the first page of this forum with most of the locations to give you a better idea. As for the guitars, and bongos, we brought them along with us. Some of our guests brought their own as well. (like I said, very musical bunch!) DJ: That's wonderful news that they have confirmed with an email saying an outside DJ is allowed (with the vendor fee), I say go with the one you want! Listen to your gut...if it says DOREMIXX is the one for you, hire them. Centerpieces: Great idea with the silk flowers! I am sure it will be lovely. (if you find the $60 bridemaids bouquets work for you in your budget, you could use those as the flowers as well!) As for the details. Don't tell the Miami WC anything regarding the extra decor/plans. Just request the standard set up. Leave it at that! The local WCs are always expecting brides to bring their own items, so it is no surprise to them. (they do mulitple weddings every week...so they are more prepared then we are LOL) SPA: Thanks for explaining the situation. So let me start with the massage issue first. Do you enjoy massages? If so, try to book it in. IF you and all your guests are at the resort the same time, I would suggest perhaps the day before the wedding to just give yourself a quiet break and time to enjoy the moment. If you are staying longer than some of your guests, perhaps do it after they are gone. (I think the 2 for 1 price, is meant if you wanted someone to join you...ie. hubby to be or your mom/sister) Onto getting ready! So in my opinion, here's what I would do. (not sure what time the wedding is planned for, but I will pretend it's 4pm to run my scenerio) 930am Meet at Spoon restaurant for breakfast with all the girls (bridesmaids, sister, mom) But LADIES only...since the boys will hopefully be doing their own thing. This make the bridesmaids feel included and special. 1030am Back to room, get organized, etc. 11 am Go to the spa with your mom and sister. (I am assuming you, your mom and sister plan on getting hair and makeup done there) Don't bother with the bridal suite (since it is quite expensive and you'll be in chair being made up the whole time anyway) I would usually expect hair/makeup to take approximately 2-2.5 hours. 130pm Back to your room. Order room service lunch. 2-230pm Have all the bridesmaids come to your room to help you get dressed. This allows you time to spend with the girls and have photos done getting ready (if you choose) 330pm WC likely come to the room with flowers, getting organized, etc. 345pm Head towards wedding location. In this idea, after breakfast, the bridesmaids then have plenty of time to get ready in their rooms, or make appointments for the spa (if they choose). I would tell them there is a spa onsite, but I don't even know I would give them the prices. Since that would make me think you want them to go to the spa. If they ask why you're not all getting ready together, simply state there in not enough room, but you'll all be in your room at 2 pm ready to go. This allows you to enjoy their company but not stress about having enough room to all get ready. It would just be you changing into your dress. Bridesmaids: You should really only have them accented or holding one item. So go with the corsage OR the umbrella OR the single flowers. http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/planning/Bouquets (hope this link works...scroll down you will see the prices. The $60 ones are under BOUQUETS- SPECIAL. You can also view the corsages here)
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HI Linaco80- Welcome and best wishes on planning your wedding! I hope I can answer your questions as best as possible. Reception dinner: It is really a personal choice where to host your reception. However a few things to keep in mind. First thing, unless you host your dinner in one of the ballrooms, all events MUST end by 11pm. This is due to noise restrictions from the resort regarding the other hotel guests. But that doesn't mean your party ends at 11pm. Just move the party to the Mojoito lounge or another bar! When I got married we ended up under the big hut at the bottom of the main lobby stairs. But we had a very musical group with guitars, bongos and singers. NO one disturbed us, and the waiters even starting bringing us drinks from the Mojoito lounge (with tips of course ). I personally love the Alfresco location. Here are the bonuses in my opinion: privacy, close to toliets, lovely decor, ocean view, covered (which is a plus, if it rains- not need to move locations). But depending on your group size it may not be an option. (we had 63 guests and that was too many for Alfresco, so we had ours at Zavas Plaza.) That being said Zavas Plaza is beautiful, open air and if you and your guests like to dance, it allows for a lot of dancing! DJs: I did not have a DJ, so I can't help much. Check out the wedding reviews, or ask on the Sensatori forum. There are quite a few active brides who have more experience in this department. Just double check with the WC about bringing in an outside DJ. Recently they had banned all outside DJs (vendor fee or not). I was told this was due to a number of brides hiring outside DJ's who just didn't show, and then the resort was blamed! Centrepieces: If you plan on bringing your own decor- DO IT! As a rough estimate they suggest $5/person for set up, but this will depend largely on how much or little decor you have. AS well, it is usually a maximum charge of $250.****IMPORTANT: don't bother telling the Miami based WC your ideas. They are meant to be salespeople and try to upgrade where possible. You will deal with the local WC once you arrive for your wedding in regards to the set up. Please also be aware this is a CASH deal. The local WC will pay the staff with the cash you give them to set up your extra decor (items you bring). In regards to bringing decor....please read this forum: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/4239-customs-in-mexico-declaring-wedding-stuff/ It will hopefully explain what you can and cannot bring with you. For the most part you can bring as much decor with you as you like, as long as you don't sell it! Just to give you an idea, I brought lanterns, place cards, menus, napkin wraps, centerpieces, candles and a guest book. SPA: With having 6 bridesmaids (party!!! ) and not wanting them to feel like they have to use the spa for their hair/makeup, I don't think I would bother with the bridal suite. As well, it's been a while since I saw it, but I really don't think it would be big enough to accomodate you all. I would suggest just having them all in your room, and when you have to go to the spa to get your hair done (if you are) they can finish getting ready. I had a blast getting ready in my room, plus a few other girlfriends (who were not in the bridal party) felt welcome to drop by for a quick visit...which was super nice! The resort (capacity dependant- should offer a free room for the groom to get ready in the day of the wedding. So you should have your room to yourself.) -In regards to your other question, when to make a spa appointment. Do you mean for a relaxing massage for yourself/hubby? (didn't quite understand) Bridesmaids: Corsages are becoming more popular! So if you like the idea, go for it! However, if this is your way of trying to save pennies but not happy, try thinking outside the box. The resort does offer some smaller bridesmaid bouquets for as little as $60 each. What about Chinese paper umbrella for the girls, or make artifical bouquets at home and bring them with you. Paper flowers: http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/how-to-make-paper-flowers-for-a-wedding-bouquet/index.html. Really cute clutches/purses. Ceremony: I did not do a sand ceremony. Lots of girls find the frame/bottles they like and bring them along. Just be aware....you should not use the beach sand!!! (customs regulations will not allow you to bring home sand from Mexico) So be sure to buy sand (colored or plain) to use in the sand ceremony. It is a very cute idea! Be sure to bring some spare makeup sponges along to stuff at the top of the frame/bottle. That way when you fly home, it will hopefully not shift. (you should take it in your carry on for the reason!)
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What a special idea! I think the acoustics will be fine on the sky deck. But if you are like most brides (myself included) , I was so nervous walking down the aisle, I can't imagine trying to keep it together enough to sing! Lol As well, I think you should use a mic so that everyone can hear... Especially your hubby to be. The mics are wireless, so you should be able to carry it with you. If I read your dates correctly, you are getting married June 25? First thing to check is sundown...which will be about 730. So it will still be dusk/light for a while. Most brides find there is enough ambient lighting to see no problem. The lights that brides use are just for decor. (Lanterns, Xmas string lights, candles, etc)
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Are you doing a private dinner or using the free semi-private dinner? If you're doing a private dinner, 4 hours is a lot of time for just a meal. And since you are paying for the extra staff, it would be unfortunate not to use it. Perhaps you could plan some after dinner entertainment? If you're doing the semi-private dinner in Spoon, then heading to the Mojioto lounge is a great choice. Plus there are live musicians every night. So you might even be able to tip the band a few bucks and have them play a "first dance" tune if you choose. As well, there is usually a musician playing at the adult swim up bar from 6-9pm- very calming (saxophone, or guitar usually). Be sure to check out the Official thread- link below in my signature for more helpful tips. The cocktail parties which are a nice touch, especially if you have one free to use, are not necessary. They are NOT included if you host a private event. It is a separate billing item. Your guests will easily find somewhere for a drink to relax before dinner. I think it's a great idea to suggest one bar, that way once you're done your photos you might be able to join your guests for a drink. If you have it in your budget you could always add one if you choose. **Make sure to ask for your custom cocktail after the ceremony! It's included free!!! We had the staff serve all our guests mojiotos right after the ceremony. As soon as we walked back up the aisle, there were a few waiters with trays of drinks waiting for everyone. That's a classy touch which doesn't cost you a cent!
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It can be very frustrating, especially for those of us that are type A (me included lol). So not to downplay it, but 2-3 days for a response is stellar! Most brides go about 4-7 days. Take your time when you put your email together, and make it point form. This way it's easier for the WC to answer questions and not miss something. I have also heard that the online chat or phoning helps sometimes. This is the most difficult part of planning, but know the on site WC are amazing ( and will fix any small issues once you get there). For other helpful info and details, please check out the Official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/page-10
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I don't think anyone has had a good experience with the Miami coordinators. It has been frustrating for everyone and the company knows it, but doesn't seem to change it. ( It is the on site wedding coordinators that everyone raves about) Anyway, a few suggestions: 1) most of the Miami coordinators take about a week to respond to emails (from my experience and other brides I talk to) 2) to get a faster response, try to web session them or call! And once you make a personally connection, they seem to respond faster....since takes a while though. Lol
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ABSOLUTELY NOT! It has nothing to do with Mexican customs, it is ILLEGAL (and extremely dangerous) to fly with sparklers. They fall into the same category as fireworks!!!