murmel

LOL! So true. I just made friends with one of the servers, who kept running drinks to our room for my bridesmaids and I.

When you purchase one of the wedding packages, there is a semi-private dinner at Cocotal included. To have a reception at Tucanes you must purchase a separate dinner option. You can find more information on the Official El Dorado thread. You can use you semi-private dinner for a different day...as a welcome dinner or a brunch for example.

My guess is, the name change is specific in regards to the fact they now have a Sensatori in Jamacia as well. From what I am finding, it is still owned by Karisma, and there are no changes, other than the name.

Personally I ended up sewing the beach bags myself. But in Canada, most girls have ordered online or try the dollar stores. Then you can personalize it by buying iron on transfer paper at Micheals craft store, make a logo, print it onto the transfer and iron on!

What type of problem are you having with them? Often they are slow to reply, especially if your wedding is far into the future. As far as I know Elizabeth and Fabio are two of the supervisors and usually quite good. But again wondering exactly what is frustrating you?

Quote: Originally Posted by lolita2014 Thank you for the responses. We contacted the hotel directly and they will give us a group rate with a minimum of 5 rooms booked. I am confident we will have that number. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Now we can focus on the wedding. I am glad you have been able to find a solution to your worries! It is hard planning a destination wedding, but SO worth it! Check out the official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread Here you will find photos of the resort, ceremony and dinner sites, ideas, and lots of planning help! Good luck

Quote: Originally Posted by KayaWasTaken Has anyone seen an updated list of weddings lately? I'm pretty curious whether I'm sharing my date/week with anyone! The bridal roll call has been moved to the Official thread (which I have been keeping up to date!) http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread Just click on the bridal roll call (section #17). Quote: Originally Posted by LilPumpkin So very excited. Thanks everyone So happy to hear you feel relaxed and prepared! Best wishes for a wonderful wedding and a memorable time with all your friends and family. Can't wait to see the photos when you return!

Quote: Originally Posted by JenniferM Does anyone know if there are additional costs for private events other than the food itself? Is there a setup pp fee, a flat private event fee, or something of that nature? We're trying to get a better idea of what costs will be. The event is the cost of the food. If you bring your own extra decorations, linens, etc., then there is an additional fee to set up those items. (if you rent or purchase items from them directly then it is just that fee, no additional setup) This fee is decided by the local wedding coordinator on site, and usually will vary by the amount of work that is required to place all your decor and the number of guests. (but a good rule of thumb is plan for about $5/person....and usually the maximum has been about $250)

Quote: Originally Posted by Linds1204 Hi Murmel Thanks so much for your response! My TA is currently trying to move us to a another Karisma resort, but we still haven't gotten a response from them and I am really worried. Our wedding date is 3/8/14, we are hosting private events from 3/6-3/8, so we would need at least 3 nights. We are in the US. Do you know any Canadian tour operators that we could reach out to? I really REALLY appreciate your help! Thanks! Linds Okay, so first off....don't panic. Already finding rooms!!! So the main tour operator I know of, and have dealt with is Sunwing (Canadian company). Website: www.sunwing.ca You or your guests can just book the hotel room on this site, but would have to purchase the flight seperately. Or try telling your TA to get in touch with Sunwing to try and purchase rooms directly through them. (I know US travel agents who have previously bought/arranged rooms, so it's possible) Just tested the dates you suggested March 6-9, 2014 and found rooms. Here's the link: http://shopping.sunwing.ca/cgi-bin/resultshotel.cgi?resultid=229664772&from=81&sid=6fca3a34fd693d58598cde9940ed049f (but not sure if it will work) The room price was $650/person tax included for those 3 nights. Also tried a week, and there was availability. March 5-12 was showing $1570/person. Not sure how those prices compare for you, but at least there are rooms. (also not that there is much difference, but the prices are CDN dollars) Another operator to try is: www.signaturevacations.com They are also showing the rooms March 6-9 for $650/person. Good luck, and hope that helps!

That is always a stressful thing to deal with. First of all, don't panic. Often there are more rooms available, but may not be visable to your wedding planner/travel agent. What are the exact dates? (I can check a few places I know and see if there is availability) We have had other brides have the same issue, only to discover that there were rooms available through other operators. If you are in the US, try some of the Canadian operators, or vice versa. Often the hotel sells blocks of rooms to a charter company...so it looks like they are sold out, but you can still purchase them through the other operator. (the prices may vary from what you have currently though) And aside from that, there are other options. You guests could possible stay at Azul Beach, about 10 minute walk north on the beach (family resort), or Secret Silversands (adults only) which is right next door. Like Allie said, if you are hosting a private event, (ie. anything off their banquet menu), your guests recieve free entrance on the day of that event. So if you host a cocktail welcome night, they should be admitted free for that event, and then again for your wedding/dinner on a different night for free. (I think the only limitation is they are only suppose to be admitted 1-2 before the event begins and then up til 2 hours past the event. (but I am not sure of the exact details there) Unfortunately, unless you booked the DJ before they changed their policy, I am not sure you will be able to fight it. Sorry! That is one of the major downfalls of the Karisma resorts, they are not very flexible and seem to change their policies often. You may want to find out who the supervisor is and speak with them directly. If you tell them you had started the planning/booked your wedding date before the new policy came into effect, you maybe able to get them to make a special allowance for you. (but no promises on that-sorry) (those other brides who did manage to book DJ Doremixx, did so before the policy changed, and hence why they have been allowed to keep him as an outside vendor.) And if you truly are unhappy with the options they provide, you could always just use your own Ipod to make your own playlist and have a close friend just check up on it when required. Not the perfect solution, but always an option.

Hi Tami! Welcome to the forum The set up fee will depend a lot on how much decor and set up is required by the staff, as well as your guest numbers. Usually expect it to be about $5/guest...but again it's not set in stone and will be decided by the onsite wedding coordinator at the Sensatori once you arrive. Also not sure who you were trying to ask about the photographer....there are plenty to choose from! We flew one down from home with us, his name was Taylor Jackson. Check out the official thread for more useful tips, links to bride photos and other helpful tips! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread

Welcome to the forum! Have you found the "Official Azul Sensatori" page yet? If not, here's the link: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread This thread has a ton of great information to help you plan for your special day! And I will make sure to add you to the Bridal Roll call (here you can see the list of other brides getting married at the Sensatori who are on this forum).

I would have to agree with MMK. Even though you may not have planned for this extra guest, your guest is travelling a very long way to attend your special day. And your wedding is one day...not the whole week. So I can understand your FI's friend bringing along someone to enjoy the rest of the vacation with. Plus, perhaps it's a new girlfriend or someone you know....Don't stress to much about it, and just be happy that your FI's friend will be able to attend. (if it makes you feel any better, when I got married I met 9 of my husband's family members for the first time...so for me literally strangers!) And if you're worried about the added financial strain...don't count on your guests until the final RSVP/payments are in. We had certain people we thought were "for sure coming", which didn't come. And then lots of surprise people who we thought never in a million years...and sure enough they attended. And I know it's always difficult to plan budgets, but unless you are planning a lot of outings, etc. really it's only dinner which averages about $40/person. They are paying for the rest of their trip. (funny enough we had a destination wedding and were counting on about 20 guests....we ended up with 63...3 which joined in the last week! So be prepared for a roller coaster ride, but remember they are all coming to enjoy and attend your special day!)

I totally understand your stress, but since your MIL seems to be taking this on herself and you are just helping her with suggestions....for an invite: to be really informal, etc. I think a really simple invite card would do...or even an evite. As for registering...I think you should register at Home Depot or Lowe's, but like one of the other girls suggested...on the invite, or let your MIL know- no gifts required, just your presence. Then it's really up to the guests to choose. If you have an album from your wedding, that might be really nice to bring to the picnic spot so that others can see! Good luck, and even though it's stressful, enjoy being celebrated!

You can only bring in $300 worth of gifts per person (ie. you=$300, your to-be-husband =$300). This includes your items for OOT bags and wedding party gifts. Key word = gifts! Anything that you will not be taking home with you has to be included in that $300 value.( It does not include your wedding decor, dress, rings, etc. since you will in theory take that home with you.) Are there any friends/family who could take some items in their bags to spread the value out? Or could you give your wedding party gifts to those people at home? As for paying off the cart guy...no such luck. You will be claiming your baggage and going through customs before you even see those cart guys-sorry. You may be lucky and get the "green" button and not even be stopped by customs, but if you have a lot of luggage they often stop you to inspect it anyway. If you are not familiar with the Cancun airport, check out this link under the "things I wish I had known" (post#18) section to help you better understand the process. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/10#post_1858612 That being said, if you are above the $300 limit, it just means that you may have to pay an extra customs duty fee. (but I don't know how much or how that works) Good luck!

It really depends on which option you have choosen. Many of the private event meals offer a variety of choices: buffet, bbq, pick and choose menu (you have to choose the starters and dessert, then offer your guests the choice of one of two of the mains or a vegetarian option). Whatever you do choose, the wedding coordinators need to know a minimum of 4 weeks before your wedding date. So this means if you were to choose the "Pick and choose menu" you would need to know from your guests ahead of time which choice they would want for the main (ie. chicken or steak...) Hope that helps!

I would agree with the ladies 5-6 songs for about 20-ish minutes should be fine for seating! And yes, make the play lists simple....guests arriving, grooms entrance, brides entrance, signing the registry, walking down the aisle after, etc.

I personally had some pedals thrown on the aisle runner, and it is usually quite windy, so some might move around a bit. But the wedding coordinators put them down just before the bride walks the aisle...so most stayed down for me. 6 people will be a wonderful, intimate wedding. Lots of options to decorate the chairs a little. An organza ribbon tied on the back; streamers hanging down either side of the chair which would move in the wind. A small fan left on the seat for your guests. Perhaps one of those flower balls hanging in the back middle of the chair...which could then also be moved to decorate your table as centrepieces. Take a look at some of the planning threads, they may help spark some ideas...and since it's a smaller wedding you can really personalize things! Good luck!

Never noticed the name of the store, and it was over 2 years ago. I took a look with Google maps, and to be honest, I think the spot where the store was is now a bank....so not even sure it even exists anymore. (again, not sure how up to date Google streetview is) But Market 23 is the food/party market area, so if there is a spot to find those types of supplies I would guess it would be there. Good luck!

Sand.....if you are bringing sand which is purchased at a store (ie. colored) you can use it at the resort. Or use the sand offered by the resort (which is prepacked and cleaned sand). HOWEVER, you cannot bring sand back from the beach (technically). Customs considers it an organic substance which is not allowed to cross the border.

Not sure exactly which menu you are looking at.....? But if you are looking at the Pick and Choose selections: you must pick the starters and dessert. The main: you are allowed to offer your guests the choice of two of the entrees (plus a vegetarian option)....so in this case perhaps chicken, surf/turf, vegetarian. You must have your totals back to the hotel at least 4 weeks prior to your wedding (although I added 3 guests with less than 2 weeks and they accomodated them and their meal choices). Hope that helps!

There have been vases, but it can be hit or miss. The selection is not as big as most Walmarts in Canada or US. So as long as you are a bit flexible in what your final look should be it could work for you. We bought our vases at a party supply store in Cancun, you can find directions on my planning thread. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/69198/murmels-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy

The photos I have posted is all I have...sorry. It was the sheet attached to the customs form I had to submit when we entered Mexico.

Look under post #10...the round tables are 5ft in diameter. Seat about 8-10 people. Not sure of the dimensions for the sweetheart table.

The connecting rooms are in the Family section. During the daytime it should not be an issue I had 5 girls in the room with me getting ready, but scores of others dropping by and never had an issue on our wedding day.