murmel

Sorry LauraMinn, just realized your staying at Azul Beach, so my last comment about which restaurants was kinda pointless! LOL. I would still have the guys pack one pair of pants, just so that you don't get turned away and can try all the restaurants!

Can't say I noticed them checking footwear, so I would think it should be fine. The restaurants that you'll likely need the long pants are the Italian, and Le Chique (make sure to get reservations early in the week if you want to try it) (**It's also the only restaurant that you need reservations in). I think you'll manage to get away with dress shorts for the other spots (not swimtrucks for dinner though!)

Absolutely! There is no value to a bridesmaid gift, it truly is the thought behind it. So if you are giving her some jewelery (costume or not), she will always remember where she recieved it from. And taking them on an excursion will give them both wonderful memories. Enjoy your time with them, and let her know how much she means to you!

That is such a personal choice and I would really talk to some of your close friends and guests and see what they think. One of the ballrooms (towards the front of the lobby) has a great patio attached to it, where your guests can go out to enjoy some air (or smoke). The ballroom is very plain looking (very hotel ballroom like...if you get my drift). So you may feel like you need to add a bit more decor to personalize it. The ballroom also has the added benefit of being yours late into the night. (ie. no curfew like Zavas which is 11pm) and like you said has AC. Good luck!

We used an Ipod dock for our cocktail party, and it was loud enough for everyone to hear. If you are just planning on music at dinner I think that would be enough. We rented the $250 sound system because it has a microphone. We had a few speeches and this just helped so that everyone could hear. (the $250 rental included a staff person who operated our Ipod the whole night. He would lower the music as our guests came up to speak, and then put on our first dance song, dancing music, etc.) We had 63 guests and did one of the Set Menus (I think #4) it was also about $22/person. (50% off for kids...so $11/child) Everyone was pleased with it, and we were able to give our guests a choice of 2 main courses (they had to choose about 2 weeks before the wedding). For picky kids, they usually will find something they like on the plate. And if not, the Spoon buffet has a kids section, which I am sure you could run over and grab something quickly. Our table decoration was super simple as well. Table runner, vase with limes, and tealights. My only advice is skip the tealights. It's always too windy and they just blow out! (or find the battery operated ones) Casual beach wear daytime. To eat at breakfast or lunch, no wet swimsuits and guys have to have shorts and a tshirt. Ladies, bottom and top, or a cover-up. Dinner: ladies, almost anything goes. Guys should be long pants and a shirt. But dress shorts seem to work at some of the restaurants (not all though...) So make sure the guys have a pair of pants with them...jeans work too!

Have a wonderful wedding! Looks like you're all set. And you're right your daughter will be a showstopper LOL! Remember to enjoy every moment, and have lots of fun!

Love it! I printed out the photos, cut them to size and glued them onto the cardstock. It was super easy....and packs flat and light Have fun looking through your photos!

Sorry, just noticed this post! LOL We loved the Azul Sensatori! We had 63 guests and everyone found something they loved and enjoyed the resort (the guests aged 9 months to 71). The food and service are amazing. The only downside is swimming in the ocean is not really good directly in front of the resort. There is a coral reef, so it's extremely shallow, with lots of uneven surfaces. However if you walk north on the beach (turn left when you are facing the ocean) and walk about 150 yards to the point. There is a stunning area of white sand and a great spot to swim. Just warn your guests not to go past the point, there's a nude resort on the other side!

Great photos! Thanks for sharing

Welcome and happy planning! Haa haa. Just remember to bring tape with you! I don't have pictures of ours, but we named the tables after places we have been. Then the table marker had a photo of us in that location!

Michelle- Love your slideshow! And it brought tears to my eyes to see your son walking you down the aisle. Such a special moment!

We had our reception from 6 to 10pm (we had a few kids/older folks and didn't want it to be too late). Anyway I think dinner started around 6:30pm and finished shortly after 8:45pm. We then had the "dance floor" under the gazebo for a good hour, before they slowly started closing down the bar. We had our MC announce the speeches throughtout the evening. So a few speeches were during the meal, or in between. It worked out great. I would suggest getting the your best man/bridesmaids to get the whiteboard photos. That way you can also have a general list, and should they miss someone you can ask them later! (if the photographer does it, you will not know for quite a while who might have missed out). Set out the props on a table (just ask you WC for an extra table) and have your MC announce for people to go over when they have a chance. There was breaks between our courses and lots of our guests signed at that time (we had guitars to be signed as a guest book). Quote: Originally Posted by justiner57 Ladies I need help with a couple things.... How many light strands / paper lanterns are needed for the Zavas Terrace area for the reception? How do the lights work that are put inside of them? I would suggest 10-15 laterns is plenty! I would highly recommend the LED throwies forum on the site, it explains it all. We just had the table numbers made from card stock, but folded with a bottom tab. Then had them attach a small piece of tape to keep it from blowing over. The Mojoito bar and disco (teen's club) are both great for music and drinks. We found our guests and us always singing and playing (very musical bunch themselves) under the large gazebo right at the bottom of the large stairs, just in front of the Mexican restaurant. There are plenty of sofas, hanging beds, tables, and chairs. Plus we would just have one of the waiters from the Mojoito bar run down (for a tip!) and he would bring us drinks all night! Quote: Originally Posted by amylou1983 Hi Ladies, Really disappointed as I have just learnt that we would have to pay a total of $1600 outside vendor fees alone if we opt for DJ Mania / Doremixx and Elizabeth Medina for photography. I find this scandalous!! Can anyone shed any light on the justification for paying $1600 dollar fees on top of the DJ and photographers own fees? Am devastated to say the least. Anyone been through or going through the same situation? The policy is horrible! From my understanding Karisma has contracts with these DJ's and photographers, and if you don't use them, the company has to still pay out to their vendors. Hence the extra fee. What really irrates me is that they continue to up the fee...it's all a money grab. Personally I would look into the cost of having a photographer fly in with you! (when I started researching I was shocked to find it actually saved me money- and I got the photographer I wanted. His name is Taylor Jackson, based in Kitchner, Canada) The resort cannot charge you an outside vendor fee if it's a guests who stays for a minimum of 3 days! We didn't bother with a DJ. We just had a Ipod with lots of great music and a sound dock kept us dancing all week! Good luck. I know it's frustrating, but it will improve. Have you tried to see if there are other brides during your wedding week? Maybe you can share a photographer (split the travel/hotel costs with the other bride(s). I know quite a few ladies on here managed to do that and it really worked out pricewise for them as well) Beautiful photos! Love the colors

I don't like the restrictions personally. The resort we got married at allowed outside vendors, but there was a hefty fee associated with it. The problem I have is that alot of the resort vendors 1) are overpriced; 2) might not be of your personal style/choice; 3) it creates a limit to what you can and can't do for your wedding; 4) may not be very good (ie. local photographers, compared to a photographer you bring with you) Unfortunately most of the larger resorts want you to use their vendors, so they rather limit who you can bring in or add costs to make it less interesting. (it all really comes down to money...sigh) I would love to see more resorts offer freedom to choose your own vendors!

Bonus and Bonus! So glad that things are moving along smoothly! I will email you the Azul map tonight. Quote: Originally Posted by Mwise17 Is anyone planning on doing Maracas? I have been searching on this site, but seems like the Canadian brides have been having trouble finding any. Fellow Canadians? (or others that know of a great place that will ship to Canada?) I know alot of girls had a hard time finding them (especially to get them to Canada). I was more worried about how to get all the stuff down to Mexico. You could buy them at the Cancun market, but it will be unlikely that they would all match. Maybe a seller on Etsy???

I just loved the view of the pier gazebo, plus the really nice wooden walkway to make my appearence. ( I will email you the map shortly...likely by tomorrow) Anyway the 3 beach locations: 1) the gazebo by the pier; 2) the yoga gazebo, which is nice if you have a really large wedding party since they would all fit under the gazebo, or if your whole wedding is small, since everyone could fit; 2) another small gazebo, closer to the premium section. This is the gazebo close to the premium section. It's a little smaller than the one by the pier, and has wood across the top. These two photos are of the yoga gazebo. They can place chairs on the platform or on the sand around. There is a stone ramp about 20 yards away. The gazebo by the pier. The large wooden ramp is just behind and to the left. (I could swear I had a picture somewhere ....if I find it I will post it later)

There are the 3 beach options. I would choose your favorite one and reserve it now (just like bigboponthebeach suggests!) They are far enough apart, that you will not interfer with each other. There are maximum 2 weddings a day, but from my understanding no limit on private events (ie. other cocktail parties, welcome parties, etc.) So you should also reserve your reception area. If you need pictures I am sure I can find some. We made a small booklet with a map, and then I highlighted where the ceremony and reception sites were. Plus the resort is really not the big, so it wouldn't be hard to find! If you look at my planning thread I included the template for the welcome book, and the map should be in there. I just used Photoshop to add in the colored dots. (if you want the original map I am sure I still have it in my files and can forward it to you)

Hi Ladies, sorry I haven't been on in a little while. So I will catch up a little. I have tried to answer a few posts....my replies are in red. Quote: Originally Posted by Mwise17 Jesse...your questions are raising questions of my own..... 1. I recall someone saying on here they don't do a rehersal for the ceremony, they meet up with the groom to go over a few things before hand (which scares me a little, Chris won't be on the most up and up like I would be, you know?) My wedding party aren freaking out a little...especially my german bridesmaid (they dont' have a wedding party in Germany). Did any of you ladies just do one of your own? Will they do one if you request it?? (does that mean you decide who stands/sits where....is there a side the bride is supposed to be on vs. the groom???) They do no offer a rehersal. However when you sit down with you WC, they run through most things. (ie. who will walk down the aisle, to what music, order, vows, guests seating, etc.) The minister/judge usually meets with the groom about 1 hour prior to the ceremony, to run through the ceremony, and any special requests, vows,etc.. I found it very helpful to have a friend who went to the meeting that reported back to me. That way at least I felt I knew what would happen. 2. Premium alcohol: Is it served at any/every bar? You just have to request it? (does this include the private functions?) Is it of extra cost? No extra cost. You just have to ask, since a lot is behind/below the bar. They had a good selection a the private function, but I really don't remember the brands. 3. Traveling with Alcohol....how does this work? Do you just put it in your luggage??? (or did you buy it at the airport?)...I NEVER buy liqour at the airport, nor have traveled with it, so have no clue. If you plan on bring alcohol from at home, you need to pack it very carefully into your luggage, (I would even suggest wrapping it in a few plastic bags, just in case it breaks). If you buy duty-free at the airport, ensure the store has airline/security approved bags that are special sealed. And only purchase them on your last leg of flights, since if you have to transfer flights, you may have to go through security at the airport and will have to give up your alcohol because it would be over the liquid restrictions. You can buy alcohol in Cancun once you have arrived and it's a decent price. 4. Sunset: I looked up sunsets in October, and it says 6:15(ISH) - We are having our cocktail reception on the beach, and the dinner/reception will follow at 7pm......do you there will still be some sort of light at around 7pm? or does 6:15p sunset mean its gone at that time? If its dark, do I need to worry about lighting on the beach????? Does anyone know what the beach lighting options are? (do they automatically do it for a private function?) - what do they have? I know you can order torches to be placed around your function on the beach. But really not sure how much light that would provide. Not sure what else they offer.

Quote: Originally Posted by 1106wedding Regarding your review, a couple comments/questions for you (if anyone else knows, chime in!): *I too booked with a GI consultant who works for DW.com, she's been great. Did you know they were going to upgrade your room? I currently have an ocean view suite in the Azul section, but I'd love to get the honeymoon suite with the big balcony. SInce I'm getting married on the skydeck, I need to be in building 3, otherwise I would've looked into getting a room in the premium section. *do you know if none of my guests are booked in premium (they aren't any yet), do we not get to use that pool? Are they strict? **Spekaing of dinner, what menu did you have? I'm leaning towards the pick and choose dinner (choice of 2 entrees, selected ahead of time). The timing of service concerned me. How many guests did you have? We're looking to be around 50-55. *Tell me about the alcohol selection. When I had my tour with Claudia, she told me grey goose was available. I since told all my guests in a bragging-manner. I have since found out that they may not in fact have it..and you said they don't have patron? What DO they have? We may need to pay our lomas driver a tip to stop at the local liquor store first! I was thinking of putting little bottles of booze in guests welcome bag too . *Grooms suite - did you pay for one night for him (it wasn't part of your package, right?) I will fill in what I can: 1) we booked with a GI agent (not DW.com), and were also told we could be upgraded. In the end they offered us the honeymoon suite, but we would then have lost our swimup premium room, so we passed. From my understanding, it really depends of hotel capacity at the time if they can accomadate you. I don't understand why you have to be in building 3 though??? You could simply walk over for the wedding ceremony. We stayed in the premium section, and I walked clear across the resort to our wedding spot by the pier. 2) we did one of the set menu options. We gave our guests the choice between the mahi-mahi and pork. I also made it very clear that if they did not respond by a certain date, they would automatically be served the pork. This saved me from having to chase people down. We had absolutely no problems with speed of service. It actually went quite well for us. The only thing I would maybe have complained a little, was that the food was not hot. We had 63 guests, at the Zavas Plaza. 3) They do have premium liquor, most of the time it is hidden below the bar or in the back room. However we were not successful in ever seeing Grey Goose or Patron. If you plan on putting booze into the gift bags, you will have to give them to your guests yourself. They will not deliver items with booze in them....since technically you are not suppose to bring alcohol onto the resort. As long as you are aware, it should not be an issue. We brought a few good bottles of scotch and had them in our room. There was no problems there. 4) The grooms' room is part of any of the wedding packages. (including the free wedding) But again, it is only available if there are rooms free. Also make sure to request it! We didn't want it, since my husband got ready in one of the other guys room (they had the massive balcony). But they did bring up a selection of bottles of booze and mix to our friends room (part of the groom's room bonuses).....strange though the bride doesn't get booze. Sigh....that's why I had other girls running to get me drinks all day! LOL Hope that helps.

Sarah- thanks for planning everything! It was a pleasure meeting everyone, and hope to do it again soon.

Welcome back Mrs. bigboponthebeach! So glad you had a great time, and it is true. There are so many beautiful women on this site, and everyone is so happy and supportive of each other. Can't wait to see more pictures, but I totally understand the situation (been having a very similar spring/early summer) Love your dress! You look stunning.

I'm a past bride too! Hope to see you there. Usually up to now the few get togethers I have been to have just been girls...but I don't know that there are really any rules to this. Sorry to hear this! But what a great hubby for planning a two month anniversary Enjoy! (funny thing is I total suck at remember anniversaries. Our first year after being engaged we both completely forgot until about a week later! LOL And only because there was an ad on TV about a husband forgetting an anniversary!) Can't wait to see everyone there.

Just a suggestion, post this is your signature so that more people might see it and connect with you! Good luck. Yikes! That seems quite steep. I would almost suggest seeing if you could get some seashells on picks/long stems that you could just insert yourself! (would likely save you a ton of money) We wrapped our bouquets with ribbon once they delivered them to the room.

Welcome! The weddings at the Sensatori include your choice of location, and many do have a gazebo. However these gazebos do not include decorations (sheers, flowers,etc)- that's extra!

Bonnie- Great pictures! You must be excited to give them to your so to be husband! And I can't believe your wedding is just around the corner. When do you leave? Nicola- got to see some of the pro photos you posted on Facebook! Such beautiful colors and you look like you had such a great wedding

Tisha- how did I not know you had posted these??? LOVE LOVE LOVE them. The colors and you guys are just stunning!