murmel

Oh gosh, sorry I have missed this post. In case you have not left home yet...don't panic! The only thing you need to claim is items you are NOT taking back home again. In this case the items in your OOT bags you are giving to friends and family. I am assuming the flowers you and taking back home again, so you do not need to claim these. They may ask at customs what they are, and you would simply tell them it's wedding decor. I am not sure how to explain properly, but here goes: You have to claim items entering Mexico that will be given as gifts or remain in Mexico. Personal items (including your dress, decor, etc) that you bring with you and take home do not need to be claimed. From the list you offered I would suggest you would claim the OOT bags, koozies and items going into the OOT bags. If you don't have the receipts don't worry to much, just have a general idea what it's worth. As well, the only time they will ask for this info is if you get red light and have to get your luggage looked at. Otherwise it's green light and go!

Hi everyone from sunny Mexico! Quick update for those worried...the Zavas gazebo is up and has a roof structure. I will post photos soon! I am meeting with the local WC tomorrow. So if anyone has a specific question send me a message ASAP. If there are any other requests for photos or questions, please let me know. I will update you all with the answers to previous questions and new photos on the official thread as soon as possible!

I can understand your frustration of not being able taste everything. We did a bride rehearsal years ago, and got random appies, small tastes of mains and mini desserts. None which we had selected. But we also figured if the samples were good quality and taste, then so should our final choices. As for adding things from other menus...we got married at the Sensatori (sister resort), and added a extra course for our reception with no issues. That being said I did not have access to a 20%off discount either. Perhaps you can negotiate to add the extra course for a price (which would not get 20% off) but then still receive the discount on the rest? I found most of the time while talking with the WC, both offsite and on site, you tell them what you want and how it will work and usually they will agree. Sometimes it takes a little extra telling...vs. asking. In terms of buying stuff, it really depends on what did you want to buy? Decoration, treats, wedding favours, etc.? It seems table linens, chair sashes, etc are cheapest online if you choose to buy them. Decor and favours it depends on what you might want. Both Cancun and Playa del Carmen have great local markets.

There is an adult only section. That includes a pool, bar, swim up bar, and one of the buildings of rooms. Overall, there are kids around, but they go to bed early. So I would not be too worried. The Mojioto bar is good for dancing, but if you want a wild party, I would go into town.

I will check what booze is available! There are the usual resort activities to keep folks busy- volleyball, soccer, kayaks, games, nightly shows, board games, etc. Puerto Morelos is quiet. But Playa del Carmen and Cancun are both only about 30 minutes away. So lots of shopping/partying in both those spots. Overall, the Sensatori is a bit quieter, it is mainly a family resort.

I am heading down there tomorrow! I will check what tequila they have at the bar. If it's something they have the bartenders can serve it no problem. But I don't know if they will leave a bottle on the table. If it's a brand they don't carry, you might be able to request it, but pay extra. I am going to try to meet with a local WC and ask some questions! And take photos...lots of photos!

The "free private event" is constantly changing. You'll have to ask for specific details from your WC. Sometimes it's a cocktail party, or the rehearsal dinner, etc. Decorating for the cocktail party. Personally we just had a sign to announce the area of our event and then I brought napkins with our wedding colours for the waiters to use. You really don't need much. Centrepieces...I would thing it is about 50/50 regards brides who bring their own vs. buying the Lomas ones. Really depends on what you want and the cost. If you plan on bringing stuff, remember it will have to come with you. The resort will not accept you shipping something ahead of time. The tables all come with white table clothes (no extra fee) and the chairs have white covers(no fee). If you want colours that is extra. We just rented table runners...which I think were $8 each for a pop of colour. The donkey is not allowed at the Sensatori., which includes the beach area-sorry. You can bring your own alcohol onto the property. However you would not be allowed to serve it at the reception. If you could get mini bottles you might be able to get away with it as a wedding favour....but not set up as a bar/shot area. Mind you, the bar tenders love LOVE LOVE making shots to get the party rolling! Perhaps come up with a signature shooter for your wedding. The Mexican flag shooter is quite popular! or they might have a tequila you and your guests would enjoy.

You could fit 9 people, but it will be tight. Another option might be to do tables of 6... Instead of the eight. A little more arm room anyway. Yes, there are 2 swim up bars for all ages. One on the family side and one on the front side of Zavas.

I will find out for you Jenny. As far as I know the ceremony includes the white wooden folding chairs- no covers. But I will check.

The dimensions and suggested sizes for fabric are listed on the Official Sensatori thread. Click on the link below in my signature. I know they have changed a number of the gazebos (Zavas and the Sky), but I believe the beach one remains the same. Also for any brides, I will be heading down in mid January for vacation and will be sure to get updated photos and sizes then. If anyone has specific requests for photos please let me know!

I have an 11 week old....and me time is when she is napping, or when Daddy is home!

They usually don't allow for you to deal with the on site WC, since they are busy with the actual weddings going on. The best thing I can suggest is doing the web chat, or getting the phone number for the WC based in Miami.

Technically, the pools close at 6 pm. (This allows staff to clean, test, add chemicals to the pool) As well, the pools are not heated, so it might be a bit chilly at night. That's not to say that you can't jump in....I don't think I have ever heard of staff kicking people out...but I would not add the clause "to bring swimwear to the reception". As for picking a dress, if you have a hard time deciding, this is what I did: first try on one of each of the more common styles- ball gown, mermaid, fitted, a-line,etc. Then pick which style flatters your body best. Bring one person you trust, and will tell you the truth. Then try a few different models in the style you like. If you like one, write down the model style and go home and sleep on it. If you keep thinking about that dress, it's likely the one meant for you! Keep in mind you want to be comfortable since you'll be wearing it all day and dancing all night! Good luck!

The hotel doesn't really offer many perks no matter the wedding size. Unless there was a promotion going on...check their website. Sometimes bride&groom stay free...or your travel agent might be able to get a free cocktail party for you (although all those free events get capped at 40 guests, over that number you have to pay an additional per person fee)

Stacy, first of all....Congratulations! I am so glad to hear all went well, even with the last minute changes. And thank you for posting the photos. Even without the gazebo, it looks like Zavas will still be a great spot for a reception.

Sorry to hear Zavas Plaza is still not fixed. But so happy to hear everything worked out well for your wedding! Congratulations on being a MRS.! And look forward to seeing photos

Quote: Originally Posted by yycStacy For any of the ladies out there planning on their reception being held at Plaza Zavaz.... apparently it was torn down today. It had become unstable due to the recent storms. My dad got to the resort early, so he has been delivering this information. I'm guessing they will rebuild it at some point, but not before our wedding on Nov 11... Oh dear! Well, don't despair. It always amazes me how quickly they can rebuild things down there. Have they confirmed you cannot have your wedding there now??? If the weather does work out for you, the other spot I would suggest would be the Yoga Palapa on the beach. They would usually set up a dance area on the yoga palapa and the tables/chairs on the beach in front of it. Beautiful spot as well. Keep us posted! And I would talk to the wedding coordinators as soon as you get there to find out what the plan is!

We had 63 guests. We did a private event, with the "pick and choose menu". We also hosted a cocktail hour, and we paid an extra fee for the extra guests (so 23 extra), but I figured our costs were still much less than hosting a similar party at home. In terms of your cost...that's really hard to say, since there are so many different options. It really depends on what you want your wedding to be. As well, it will depend on how many confirmed guests you get.

I used eBay to find these. Just be careful to check the expire date before buying.