murmel

So I have made a very basic diagram of how our reception at Zavas Plaza was laid out. Again- not to scale, and the pathways that I can remember I put in, but I think there may have been a few more... We did not have a "head table", we just used 2 of the regular tables as our 'head tables'. Also the cake table was put out later in the evening, closer to the DJ's table. Hope this helps. Zavas.docx

I would think they might be able to hang from trees to the gazebo....but it's quite a distance. I would be afraid they would not hang them high enough and guests would walk into it. Maybe get them to hang them tree to tree? So that it's on the surrounding edge, not interfering with your dining area. Also whatever you do choose, you have to supply them with everything. So bring lots of string, fishing line, tape, etc. that they might need to create your look! (And I never saw any Grey Goose, even when we asked. they do serve Stol vodka)

I am sure you can have colored sheets. But they do cost more. Thanks. We ordered them from an online store: http://www.asianideas.com/ There are lots of great places to order from...this had the best prices for shipping to Canada.

They attached the throwies to the laterns as they hung them up. I would explain to them to take the tab out when setting up your gazebo, but I think they have seen it a few times now! LOL But make sure to bring fishing line or string with you....you have to supply them with everything. PS. I just handed them the laterns flat, and they set them up for me.

I think we ended up using 20 laterns at the gazebo. So you would need 20 batteries (I would order a few extra, just in case some don't work...I think we had one dud in about 45), and 60 LED's (3 LEDs for each battery). Here's the best photo I have of our gazebo: Have tons of fun! Happy Birthday

We used one of the Set Menu options. You have to choose the appetizer and dessert, then you choose 2 mains....but your guests have to make the choice 2 weeks prior to the wedding. So I sent out menu options cards with an RSVP date on it, and included a note on the bottom, that if they did not respond they would automatically get choice A. (we offered a pork dish and mahi-mahi). And don't let the WC tell you otherwise...mine was also giving me grieve, but I just told her this is how is would be done! LOL Also I will message you later , and we'll talk dinner date! I ordered all the LED's and batteries from dealextreme.com Took about 2-3 weeks for it to arrive, so I should order them now to allow some time for the delivery. It was the cheapest spot we found that deliveried to Canada. Quote: Originally Posted by Rachael again Murmel! Did you pay for his stay for 3 nights? Im from the UK. Did you's pay for his flight ??? Will check your thread out xx We had a group rate for our guests, and it was for one week. We did pay for his trip (flight and hotel), but it was an all inclusive package...so a little different coming from Canada than the UK. It might be a lot more for you to bring a local photographer from the UK, since I would expect you would have pay for the flight and hotel. But perhaps look into a photographer to share with other brides that will be there the same time. You might find that if you can share the expense it becomes worthwhile. (especailly if the other brides are coming from Canada or the US, the flights will be cheaper) http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/69198/murmel-s-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy Here's my planning thread.

I think they have small sail boats, but they are quite fussy as to when you can take them out. Usually they say it's too windy. So plan on using the kayaks. They also have body boards and board games in the water sports cabana. I think they also had volleyballs, soccer balls, etc. for you to use. Cooking class??? I don't think I have seen that one. They do a pizza making activity for the kids club... We brought a photographer with us. His name is Taylor Jackson. http://www.taylorjacksonphoto.com/blog/ Some of our photos are on the blog (you just have to scroll down a little)- Miriam and Luke. You avoid the outside vendor fee, if the photographer is a guest of the hotel for 3 days or more. Otherwise it's now an $800 fee (yikes, used to be $500, which was horrible enough). Photos were super important to us, since a lot of family could not attend so we spent the extra money to have who we wanted. Mind you we found bringing someone down with us was not too bad in the end. I think I spent less with Taylor, than if I would have hired Elizabet Medina. Melissa, for the laterns use LED throwies. Much easier to transport. Go to my planning thread for the website that we used for the batteries and LED's, super cheap and easy. I'll come meet you for dinner and we'll put them together! We only had one mom and dad, so we did a bout and a wrist corsage. But really there are no rules, do as you see fit. Luke's mom wore her flower on her dress instead of wrist. If you do choose to buy everyone flowers, yes- you would be expected to pay for them. But again you don't have to do anything at all.

I cut up small pieces of plastic (I used the stuff that was the packaging around my new hair straightener), and placed it between the battery and the LED contacts. (you will discover that one side of the battery is live, this is the side where to place the "plastic tab") Then wrap it tight with electric tape. I also purchased small "alligator clips" (paper clip) and then clipped everything together. (I did this all at home) Once at the resort, I handed my LED throwies to the wedding coordinators and all they have to do is pull the plastic tab out when they hang them into the paper latern. The alligator clip helps make sure everything stays tight, and it's super easy to attach string to hang it into the latern. Our LED throwies easily lasted about 2 weeks, before the batteries died.

Rachael, I should have mentioned all the activities/classes were free of charge. And if you have kids coming, the kids activity club is outstanding. Our young guests had so much fun! (the gym is located upstairs by the spa, in the main lobby)

Rachael- the gym is free to use. The guests are just suppose to sign in and out in a binder located in the gym (I think it's for the resort to see how many people use it and when). There are 2 stationary bikes, 2or 3 treadmills, about 6 assorted weight machines, 2 free benches and a rack of free weights. Small towels are provided and cold water in the fridge. Fairly basic, but does the job. It was usually fairly busy around 9am, but empty every other time we went. Also there is an activity sheet (talk to your conciege when you arrive) and it lists the other classes available. There was water aerobics, yoga, pilates, stretch classes, dance class, etc. You can also use the kayaks, and other water boats for free at the beach. The only thing is you have to buy a Reef braclet (I think it was $2/person??), it's kind of like a national park admission pass since you float directly above a large coral reef, but it's good for the whole time you are there...just don't cut the braclet off. Quote: Originally Posted by Jessie I got my OOT bags this week. Here's how they turned out (and I apologize in advance for the pictures being so big....couldn't figure out how to post them smaller): i'm happy with how they turned out. The bags were a little thinner than I had hoped, but CheapTotes was very easy to work with and gave me a great price on the bags and the screenprinting, so I can't complain! I think they'll look great stuffed with everything! Great design!

Great job on the luggage tags! Love the colorful sunset. Congrats and welcome! Have fun planning.

Beautiful Bonnie!

Too funny! I kinda messed up a line too: "I take with luck".....which was suppose to be "I take you Luke". Haaa haa It's just makes the ceremony your own special moment! But I love the fact that your man is going to "pour your drinks". PPS. You are totally going to get addicted! I am so glad to hear your best friend is supportive, even if she can't be there! It is wonderful to have that positive energy. Good luck!

I bought mine from Winners. But have also seen it at Wal-Mart. If I see it around, I'll let you know ASAP! What a blessing that you have two wonderful little boys that will just be grinning ear to ear for every moment of your wedding! Concentrate on that and making it a day to remember for your family and it will be amazing! In the meantime, you can show us all your little details! LOL

Depending on how many guests you think you might have attending, using an agent or one specific travel website might allow you some group discounts. It also makes it easier for your guests to find out where to go to book. We used an agent primarily because we got a great group rate, and some bonus perks. And don't worry there is plenty of time to plan a wedding for April 2012. First suggestion would be to inform your guests you plan on a destination wedding NOW! This will allow people to start saving money, or planning to use it as their vacation. Then as you get more details your guests are expecting it! Good luck! And happy planning.

Rachael- All of us have had panic moments where we begin to second guess our choices. I realize we all want certain people to be there, but sometimes it might not work out that way. What you should concentrate on are you, your children and your soon-to-be husband! Make it the trip and wedding of YOUR dreams! Whether or not you get support from certain people can be frustrating, especially your Mam. But she might be worried about interfering or really have no interest in the wedding. Don't sweat it! Just let her do her own thing. Sounds like she will be attending, so I would treat her as you would your other guests. And on your wedding day, let her help you get dressed...since it sounds like that part is of interest to her. As for your planning, look to your friends and others (mother in law) who support you and are excited for you. Right now you need to concentrate on the positive and happy side of the wedding planning. And it will all fall into place and be wonderful in the end! Good luck and we're all here to support you!

I'm still in the phase of trying to change my name fully....it takes forever. And every place has different things they want and need, so it's been tricky. And it takes a while to get used to using and signing (start practicing now!) your new name.

Great photos! Love the colors of your bridemaid dresses. And love the shots of you in the water

I know...sometime's it's still strange! The first week I could not stop giggling as I said it! And it been 6 months and we're still in that honeymoon phase! Love it

I really don't know what the going rate of the tour would be. But to make it cheaper you could just get the transportation van through Lomas (I am sure it would likely run you about $250 for return travel), then entrance fee to the Tulum site was $4 US /person (I was there last about 3 years ago, but doubt it's changed much). And there is a wonderful market (one of the largest in the area) just outside the entrance of Tulum. I would think you could easily have all your guests sit down at one of the little restaurants (mainly in the center square) and have lunch and drinks for about $15/person. So that would be just under $500 (if my prices are still right). Only thing missing is a tour guide, and you can hire a private one at Tulum for about $30US (again it's been a few years...but I doubt it's that different) I would email Lomas transfers and get an estimate for the transfer from the hotel, drop you off at Tulum and pick up later that day. (I dealt with a lady named Valeria and she was fantastic) By the way, you should also take your swimsuits and a towel. There is the most stunning beach below the ruins! Good luck! And have fun, your family and friends will love this!

I had my MOH deliver it too! Just make sure she takes your husband to the side, or a different area, so that all the guys don't see! LOL

Awesome!!! I ended up ordering the CD ($80 I think) and then using the images from the CD to order from Snapfish. If I remember correctly, did the photos end of November, got my disc first week January. Made the Snapfish book on Sunday (took me about 2 hours), did priority shipping and it was on my MOH doorstep on Monday afternoon (I didn't want to ship it to my place, just in case hubby got curious!) Have fun! Erin is amazing and fantastic at hair and makeup. If you need any other help or advice, just let me know! Didn't bother with a processional throw. They do include a free bag of rose petals, which they placed on the aisle for me just before I walked down. We did welcome bags. I highly recommend trying to find out when all your guests will arrive and personally meet them in the lobby to welcome them. It really has an impact on making them feel important and stressing how much you appreciate them coming down for the wedding. (plus it saves you a lot of money-the resort charges $4 /bag for delivering them) We had a small welcome booklet (week itinerary, map, hints), snacks, first aid stuff, bag. Don't bother with the champagne flutes and cake serving set. It's more stuff to drag along and then stress out about using. That's one of those details that when you look back, it really won't matter if you use a monogramed cake server or a resort knife!

We did not have a DJ, so we had an MC. We loved our MC, he did an amazing job and kept things moving at a good pace. We did not have a legal ceremony, so I am not sure how different it would be. But we were allowed to input our own vows in. And really I think you could put anything in here at all. As well, you could have someone do a reading for you as well. They are fairly flexible with making the wedding of your dreams happen. (I realize there are likely parts in the legal ceremony that can't be changed, but I am sure you can add in with no problems!) Quote: Originally Posted by Mwise17 I'm pretty sure that everyone has talked about this already on here...but can't seem to find it! What sort of IPOD dock did you travel with? I am pretty sure that it was the BOSE one (does it have one large speaker?) -the one I was looking at is BOSE® SoundDock® II Digital Music System - Black Hubby was in charge here. And after going to many stores to listen and compare sound docks he bought a Logitech from BestBuy. It also has a battery, so if you want to use it right on the beach no problems. Logitech Rechargeable Speaker (S715I) (I think this is the one....) It had plenty of volume to spare, I don't we have ever had it on blast. And it was small and easy to pack. It's awesome and we've used it non-stop since we got home, especially out in the backyard this summer! It also recharges your Ipod when the unit is plugged in. bigboponthebeach- the pictures are stunning! Can't wait to see more

Congrats Bonnie! Great planning thread, you put in a lot of work with all your DIY projects, and I am sure your guests loved it all!

The reason there is not much info around is that the Fives offically opened as a resort in November 2010. Before that it was only a timeshare property. We had originally planned to get married at the Fives, but they could not promise it would be open in time for our January 2011 wedding. You will find lots of useful info on the Sensatori forum, because it is the same company and the wedding coordinators/costs are all the same. Just the locations and restaurants are different! Good luck with your wedding plans!