murmel

All the brides I know, or have reviewed the salon have been thrilled with the results! Just make sure to bring pictures of your hairstyle and makeup to help the staff visualize your dreams. Plus a few girls have even stated they were not happy, voiced their concerns and the salon staff would fix it until they were happy. Good products, MAC and something else (sorry forget the other brand). I would not hesitate to use the salon. Just be sure to book yourself enough time, since I have heard they take their time:) There is no set amount of people required for either beach location. There is a maximum for the Skydeck (I would guess around 60-80...but not sure) The ceremony and reception sites are first come, first serve....you could have a wedding at the pier with 2 people if you wanted to! The cakes seem to be improving a lot. I think they got a lot of complaints and are now trying to fix the problem. Most of the recent brides have said the cakes were tasty. The SkyDeck is NOT available for receptions! If you do your ceremony there, they offer a cocktail hour, but that's it. It is mostly due to the fact there are no bathroom facilities available there. Sorry to hear you made to move resorts! But hopefully it will all work out in the end and you'll have a beautiful wedding surrounded by family and friends. Just curious, what resort are you moving to? Best wishes.

Good spot for information is the Official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/

They do have cloth napkins. However they are usually just folded nicely or around the cutlery. They do not have napkin rings, and I don't know that they even have them to rent. If you feel you need them, you will have to bring them. But depending on your party size, that could be a lot of baggage for you. We had paper wraps. If you look at my planning thread there is a photo there. A lot lighter and takes up less room in the luggage. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/59569-murmels-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy/

Hi McGee2Be! Welcome to the forum and hopefully we can help. Here's what I know. 1. Yes and no, in regards to it being wheelchair friendly. It's Mexico. So it is not up to Canadian standards for wheelchair access. That being said they will be able to get around to everything, although sometimes may have to take a longer route. There are elevators in all the buildings and ramps around the resort. We were just there in January with a stroller (I realize not the same) but we could push her around almost everywhere. There is even a ramp to go to the beach. I cannot remember a ramp into a pool though, so that might be out. 2. It's a decent choice of menu. I would say the options compare to your usual Canadian restaurant in terms of choice. Plus if your guests request special changes the staff is usually able to assit. 3. Nope. If you plan on using an outside vendor they are very firm with the $800 fee, or 3 night stay at the hotel. The hotel is fantastic and targeted for families with kids. We were there with our 4 month old and found a crib, bottle warmer, sterilizer, baby bath, change table and stroller all set up in our room! They also offer baby food jars, high chairs and toys at every restaurant. The kids club is wonderful! We had 63 guests for our wedding! And people still rave about it. Perfect size resort to be able to connect with people, but large enough to find a private spot. Food and service is outstanding!

I am a previous bride. I also continue to travel quite frequently and we almost always stay at Karisma resorts now because the food and service is the best we have found. I understand the frustration about wanting to plan ahead. Do as you wish, I was just offering advice! I was just there in January and spoke with the on site WCs and they are just as helpful as they had been previously.. Regarding with travelling with cash. I agree, don't travel with a lot. So use that to your advantage, as I told Jenny, when you go for your meeting tell them you only brought so much...ie. $200 or $250. All I can say is that almost all brides have gone through frustration and been upset with the planning/Miami based WC. Once they get to the resort it is wonderful!

Jenny, as far as I know, it is one set up fee! Unless you have a ridiculous number of things, they are reasonable. I think there might be an additional fee to set up strings of light from the gazebo to the palm trees, but that's because it's a huge area and requires a lift to it! But if you are just doing lanterns or even just string lights on the gazebo it should be all in one fee. Plus, when you go to your meeting with the onsite WC, you are free to negotiate the price. If they say it will be $250, tell them you only have $200 cash...see what happens! You might get lucky! I wish I remember how much we paid, I think it was about $150. We had them set up lanterns, menu cards, name cards, napkins wraps, centrepieces, guest signing table and it was for 63 guests. But I do realize they seem to just say $250 to most people now.

Hmmm...okay this is disappointing to hear. But everyone please take a breath! First step....don't ask the Miami based wedding coordinators how much the set up fee is!!!! They try to charge you for every dime( and really don't have the first clue about what the fees really should be)! Other than the actual items you are purchasing/renting through Lomas or arranging a private event (cocktail, dinner, etc)....this is all that should be on your detail sheet and discussed with the Miami based WC ahead of time! Once you are at the resort, discuss the smaller details with the ONSITE WEDDING COORDINATORS!!! They are the ones that will actually come up with the set up fee! And I have never heard of a bride having to pay two separate fees for table decor and then the lanterns! Again I will caution you, discuss this with the WC onsite....not the Miami based ones! I realize many brides want to have everything discussed ahead of time, but this is one case where it may cause more harm. Take the time to write out, or have photos of how you want things set up. So that once you arrive in Mexico and have your meeting with the WC there, it is easy for them to see exactly what you want. The local WC truly make the weddings perfect and seamless, as long as you can provide them the details in an easy fashion! Be prepared to pay the $250 in cash. Since they pay the extra staff who set up your decor separately. (up to now I have not heard that any bride has been charged more than the $250) As for using an outside florist. First thing you have to be aware is that you will have to leave not only the resort, but the secure property area (Two different things!). I would suggest for your FI to hire a taxi to take him to the highway and meet the florist at the gas station which is directly across from the security gate. (only guests, or persons who have permission may get through this security gate, so the florist would likely not be able to enter) And yes that distance is about 3 miles. The actual security gate onto the Sensatori property is about 500 yards from the lobby. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! I am sorry that the process has been stressful for some, but overall once you get there, know that the staff are professionals and are wonderful! The resort is gorgeous and your guests will love it!

There are bathrooms very close to Tucanes, about 50 meters. However, I would not bother with the bathroom basket. Your guests will be sharing the bathroom with other guests from one of the restaurants. Plus the bathrooms are beautiful marble, so no need to decorate. Plus remember all your guests have their rooms close by, so if they need something they will likely run there. (Unlike being miles away from home at a traditional wedding!) For the information regarding Cancun airport I know it's in this thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/ Look under the "Things I wish I knew" section. For welcoming words/ideas you can check the planning thread section in the link above, or also I know I had some in my welcome and per travel brochure: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/59569-murmels-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy/ As for the vouchers....yes the resort is all inclusive. However spa services are extra. In regards to wine, house wines are included. But if you choose a bottle of wine from the wine list that is an additional cost. This is where the voucher can be used. Hope that helps!

Here's the link to the Official Sensatori thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/ Lots of details and helpful tips to help you plan your wedding!

The Azul Beach is about a 15 minute walk north along the beach. Just be warned you will have to pass a nudist resort along the way.

If you are having a private reception on the day of your wedding (cocktail or dinner), there should be no fee for guests coming from a different resort. As to restrictions for how many I am not sure. I am also not familiar with the marina location?

Unless you plan on leaving the resort to pick up the flowers yourself, I would be wary. Outside florists will not be allowed onto resort without you having to pay an outside vendor fee (currently $800/vendor). Some of the prices are insane, but if you look though all the options you might find some that are more reasonable. If you really want to use the other florist, be sure to have enough time and cab fare to get them.

Here is the laundry price list from the Azul. The prices are in Pesos (not dollars). The price for having a wedding gown "pressed" is 180 pesos....so about $18US. There is no price listed for steaming.

Hello ladies, So I have finally managed to update the photos of the wedding ceremony/reception areas on the Official thread. Feel free to view: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/?p=1709027

I wore heels on the beach. I don't think it's an issue. There will be the wooden aisle runner and then as long as you don't stand with all your weight on your heels, you will be fine. Only thing might be getting sand in your shoes LOL. How tall are the heels you plan on wearing? If they are 3" or less, I think you could just drag the dress a little for the ceremony and then change into heels if you want to go that way.

Allie- that's the Salon Dorado....not actually the ballroom. I have photos of the outside of the ballroom, but never seen the inside.

Congratulations MRS! So glad to hear all went well. Can't wait to see more photos soon. Enjoy your honeymoon!

Hi Tamara! I can't believe it's almost been a year Crazy how time flies. We were just down there 2 weeks ago ourselves. It really is a stunning resort and so well designed with kids in mind. We brought our 4 month old with us, and I swear there was more baby gear in our room than at home! It was fantastic. Have a great trip! And happy anniversary!

Yes, I believe Spoon can accommodate up to 100 guests. However it is considered a semi-private event, since the restaurant is still open to others. Your party is separated by a curtain and you will have a separate set of waiters just for you and your guests. The 40 number, comes from the fact that if you use most of their wedding packages the dinner at Spoon (for up to 40 guests) is free. Over 40 guests you pay an additional per person cost. Hope that helps! If you click on my profile and view Galleries, in the Sensatori gallery there are some photos of the Spoon curtained area.

Lola, I know it's important to feel you have 'decorated' a space....but also remember you and your guests are there to celebrate you and your husband! (not the decoration!) The ballrooms are plain, however I think a couple of simple items could make it shine! For example the lights on the ceiling already have that beautiful draping, so I personally don't think you need to do much more there. As for the tables I think a nice centrepiece and some lights/candles would provide interest. If you are bringing chair sashes and table linens that adds the pop of colour and adds to your theme. Add small details like a personalized menu card, name cards and perhaps personalized napkins....and volia...you have decorated. Perhaps order one of the Vista print lawn signs to have posted at the front of the ballroom as an added detail. (in terms of decorating the whole space....I don't know how many people actually pay attention to that. Spend your time and effort on what is directly in front of them- the chair and tables) You could also bring some photos of your FI and you, and have them set up on the cake table or a table with a guest book. It's these details people will remember! I would suggest spending the extra money on the dance floor though, since dancing on carpet is just not the same. Plus it adds a centre point of your reception. Not sure what the cost is, but they do offer a dance floor that lights up! Which is super fun Plus most of the DJ's offer some fun props...balloons, masks, bubbles, glowsticks, etc.- your guests will remember these details...not if you had extra drapes hanging from the ceiling, or Christmas lights strung. As for the set-up fee, for you and other brides. The local WC set this price after looking at how much time and items they need to set up. Is it just extra decor on the table? Do they need to have extra help to hang lights/drapes? Is it a few items or boxes upon boxes of extra stuff. They usually use the general price of $5/person for setup to give you an idea. The most I have heard has been about $300-but that bride literally had so much stuff it was overwhelming. I think I paid about $150 for 63 guests- we had them set up centrepieces (which we supplied), menu cards, name cards, candles, lanterns. Remember this has to be paid cash, since they pay the extra staff directly to set this up for you. Don't be stressed! They do this almost daily. As long as you have the music marked in categories so there is no confusion, such as grooms entrance, brides entrance, signing of the registry, etc. it will play perfectly! Safe travels and enjoy! The time goes so quickly, so really try to make a point of slowing down, enjoying the time with family and friends and letting the WC do the work for you! They are professionals and work hard to make it your perfect day

Yes...total is $300/person worth of gifts you are bringing into Mexico. Don't include your decor, wedding dress, etc....anything that you will use and take home again does not need to be claimed. Just the items you would be leaving in Mexico or giving to your guests.

So....I am still trying to post all the photos, but having some issues. Try this link to see the photos in my gallery. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/gallery/album/12377-official-azul-sensatori-thread/

HI Jenny, yes I have posted the new photos in the Official thread, but for some reason they don't appear. If you click on my profile and view galleries, the new photos are posted under Azul Sensatori. I will try and post again.

Here are the photos I have of the new Zavas plaza gazebo. The size is about the same as the old one, but it's taller. And it looks beautiful! (only downside is there is no actual roof, so if it starts to rain, no shelter) The weather was nice, sunny almost everyday, except the day we left which was cloudy. Temperature was about 25C every day, felt like 30C. Nights 20C down to about 16C. The locals told us it was a cold front, so I would expect it to be warmer next week. It was great for us, since we took our baby girl (4 months) with us, and I was worried about it being to hot. I did see one wedding with some of the new decor. The chair decoration was beautiful, and after speaking with the local WC, I think the new packages are going to be stunning! The quality and colour of the samples they showed me were very professional looking!