murphie310

I had my wedding at the Santa Fe on Oct 15. We had an amazing time. The resort did a wonderful job, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. There of course were a couple hiccups but nothing anyone noticed except for me. We had 75 guests and brought all of our own decorations (10 suitcases worth, ha). Through out the year long planning process I wrote for a blog...check it out if you want to see pictures and more ideas and thoughts... http://lhcalligraphy.com/category/destination Everything was included except the few "extras" we purchased that did not come with our package were: - Guitarist and violinist for the Ceremony ($400) - Disco for the Reception ($500 for 4 hours, bartender and DJ included) - Mariachi Band to play in the disco (got a huge discount because they were scheduled to perform that night for the resort as the nightly entertainment, so they just came a little early and played our reception) WC Meeting - Meet with Karla and Kathy on Wednesday, our wedding was on Saturday. They seemed a little overwhelmed (we were their biggest wedding ever!). - I gave her very specific lists of how things should be set up. After going to Costo and Walmart some items changed so I gave her the revised list on Fri when I dropped off all the suitcases. I left specific notes in each case and had them separated by ceremony, dinner, disco. - The organization worked out well because almost everything was set up correctly. Wed. Thurs. Fri. - My fiance, my dad and his dad all took turns meeting our guests up front as they arrived and gave them welcome bags and programs. Guests loved this personalized touch. They were excited to see people they knew. We only missed a few people, but Nate was able to hunt them down quickly. Our welcome bags included 3 inserts all wrapped individually. In Sickness and Health… - Tylenol, Tums, Floss, etc. Beautify Me for the Big Day… - Nail kit, Comb, etc. Resort Relaxation… - Mad-Libs, Drink Stirrer, Chiclets, Beach Ball, etc. Thursday's Meet and Greet - I set up a few tables by the outdoor bars at 8:30pm. We got snacks at Costco. We made funny door hangers and pens with our logo and set out as well. Almost everyone stopped by. I left about 10:30pm to go work on wedding stuff, most people were still hanging out at the bar, very low key fun. Friday Welcome Dinner - At the Mexican Restaurant at 6:30pm. Very good food and lots of it...the service was ok. - I had Nate's mom and aunts set it up. We had maraca's and pens (to color/design your own, huge hit) and napkins with our logo at each place setting. We also added chair bows to some of the chairs and laid out a bunch of the extra wooden flowers on the tables. It looked really pretty. - After dinner I got the wedding party to meet us at the Tequila bar (by the ocean and where the wedding would take place, to practice). We went down to the beach and practiced the walk and everything. I just made it up as I went. I had Nate take his parents down first, then the flower girl and ring bearer walked together, then the groomsmen walked down the stairs by themselves and lined up at the beginning of the aisle, then the bridesmaides walked down the stairs one at a time and were met by the groomsmen who proceeded to walk them down the aisle. Then I walked down the stairs by myself and met both of my parents on the sand and walked down the aisle with them. Saturday Ceremony on the Beach at 5-6pm: - we did our pictures at 2:30pm before the ceremony, worked out perfect. - Had friends go down early to make sure it was all set up and looked good...it was. - Ceremony was at 5pm and started basically on time...5 minutes late. It was sooo hot 100 degrees! unheard of for October, but we had nice big bamboo fans for everyone which were lifesavers! - We wrote our own ceremony. The minister was good. He tried to memorize our ceremony and did a pretty good job. He added some of his own stuff which annoyed us a bit, but wasn't that big of a deal. We did a sand ceremony and it was beautiful...the colors looked great, we used orange and blue sand. - We had the guitarist and violinist play. They were pretty good. I am just happy we didn't have to deal with a sound system and out own music because the timing would have been off. - The toast was set up nicely on the beach and they had bottles of water for everyone too. I bought extra champagne and sparkling cider at Costco and they happily chilled and served that for us - Our fathers both did their speeches on the beach. Microphone is included. - We took a group picture and then Nate and I went off for a bit to do our pictures with the photographer (be careful of the sneaker waves...one totally drenched us!). Guests found seats at dinner or went to their rooms to freshen up since it was so hot. Everyone was off the beach by about 6pm. - the people at the pool were very respectful. we had no problems at all. Dinner at the Steak House from 6:30-8pm... - Had friends go up there early and make sure it was all set up, they only had to fix a few things. I had 3 friends act as hostesses and it worked out perfectly when seating everyone. We decided against assigned seating and everyone really enjoyed that. - Even though it was "semi private" we honestly felt totally secluded. - We made all the centerpieces out of birch wood flowers I purchased from Etsy. (took like 6 hours one day, but totally worth it in my opinion). They looked amazing. - We also purchased a bottle of Red Wine and a bottle of Champagne to be placed on each table at Costco. The resort was happy to accommodate and the guests loved it as the wine at the resort is horrible! - They served some guests sangria, but only like 2 tables and we didnt get any...make sure to tell your server that you all want it because it was the best drink there! - Karla set up the wedding cake here at dinner so people could take pictures and we could cut the cake. They then took the cake and we served it later at the disco. Disco 8:30-11... - My sister and I went into the disco the first night and it smelled sooo bad, I was literally close to tears. I told Karla that we were going to buy air fresheners and she said ok and they would put them up on Sat. Sat morning Nate walked by the disco and they were totally hosing it down and scrubbing everything!! It smelled great the night of the wedding!!! Crisis averted. - I had friends carry the guestbook and photos over to the disco from dinner and they set up the guestbook table there for me. When they got there the lanterns were not set up! So they rushed to get them all put together. Apparently Karla didnt get to it or something, but I am glad I had friends to back me up. - Wedding party and family carried centerpieces from the dinner to the disco as well and placed them all around. Then people took them home. - The mariachi band was wonderful, they played our first dance. We got there a bit late so thats really all we enjoyed them for, but our guests listened to them for a about a half hour before we arrived. - After the first dance we did the speeches. My sister and Nate's brother both spoke. We all sat on stools in front of the DJ booth and all guests stood and sat in front of us. It worked out perfectly. - We used a premixed CD my sister created. The DJ was actually very good once that 1.5 hour CD finished, he played all the trendy stuff. - The bartender in the disco was super fun too. Ask for the rainbow shot! They made so many fun drinks us!! - My mom and aunts cut the wedding cake and served it in here...there was no one to do it for us so we just took charge. It was actually really good cake. We got 2 layers of vanilla, 1 chocolate and one Orange. Guests thought it was excellent and it was gone super fast, people went back for seconds. But I am glad we ordered an extra sheet cake from Costco everyone ended up having more than once piece so it was a good thing we had extra! I was a little worried because the deserts at the resort are not the best, the wedding cake was a huge shock. - After the speeches people danced, ate cake and smoked cigars outside. We all chilled outside and ate nachos from the sports bar from about 11-1. We honestly had a wonderful time. Everything went very smoothly. All our guests have been asking us to plan another trip! Hope this helps!!!

I had my wedding at the Santa Fe on Oct 15. We had an amazing time. The resort did a wonderful job, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. There of course were a couple hiccups but nothing anyone noticed except for me. We had 75 guests and brought all of our own decorations (10 suitcases worth, ha). Through out the year long planning process I wrote for a blog...check it out if you want to see pictures and more ideas and thoughts... http://lhcalligraphy.com/category/destination Everything was included except the few "extras" we purchased that did not come with our package were: - Guitarist and violinist for the Ceremony ($400) - Disco for the Reception ($500 for 4 hours, bartender and DJ included) - Mariachi Band to play in the disco (got a huge discount because they were scheduled to perform that night for the resort as the nightly entertainment, so they just came a little early and played our reception) WC Meeting - Meet with Karla and Kathy on Wednesday, our wedding was on Saturday. They seemed a little overwhelmed (we were their biggest wedding ever!). - I gave her very specific lists of how things should be set up. After going to Costo and Walmart some items changed so I gave her the revised list on Fri when I dropped off all the suitcases. I left specific notes in each case and had them separated by ceremony, dinner, disco. - The organization worked out well because almost everything was set up correctly. Wed. Thurs. Fri. - My fiance, my dad and his dad all took turns meeting our guests up front as they arrived and gave them welcome bags and programs. Guests loved this personalized touch. They were excited to see people they knew. We only missed a few people, but Nate was able to hunt them down quickly. Our welcome bags included 3 inserts all wrapped individually. In Sickness and Health… - Tylenol, Tums, Floss, etc. Beautify Me for the Big Day… - Nail kit, Comb, etc. Resort Relaxation… - Mad-Libs, Drink Stirrer, Chiclets, Beach Ball, etc. Thursday's Meet and Greet - I set up a few tables by the outdoor bars at 8:30pm. We got snacks at Costco. We made funny door hangers and pens with our logo and set out as well. Almost everyone stopped by. I left about 10:30pm to go work on wedding stuff, most people were still hanging out at the bar, very low key fun. Friday Welcome Dinner - At the Mexican Restaurant at 6:30pm. Very good food and lots of it...the service was ok. - I had Nate's mom and aunts set it up. We had maraca's and pens (to color/design your own, huge hit) and napkins with our logo at each place setting. We also added chair bows to some of the chairs and laid out a bunch of the extra wooden flowers on the tables. It looked really pretty. - After dinner I got the wedding party to meet us at the Tequila bar (by the ocean and where the wedding would take place, to practice). We went down to the beach and practiced the walk and everything. I just made it up as I went. I had Nate take his parents down first, then the flower girl and ring bearer walked together, then the groomsmen walked down the stairs by themselves and lined up at the beginning of the aisle, then the bridesmaides walked down the stairs one at a time and were met by the groomsmen who proceeded to walk them down the aisle. Then I walked down the stairs by myself and met both of my parents on the sand and walked down the aisle with them. Saturday Ceremony on the Beach at 5-6pm: - we did our pictures at 2:30pm before the ceremony, worked out perfect. - Had friends go down early to make sure it was all set up and looked good...it was. - Ceremony was at 5pm and started basically on time...5 minutes late. It was sooo hot 100 degrees! unheard of for October, but we had nice big bamboo fans for everyone which were lifesavers! - We wrote our own ceremony. The minister was good. He tried to memorize our ceremony and did a pretty good job. He added some of his own stuff which annoyed us a bit, but wasn't that big of a deal. We did a sand ceremony and it was beautiful...the colors looked great, we used orange and blue sand. - We had the guitarist and violinist play. They were pretty good. I am just happy we didn't have to deal with a sound system and out own music because the timing would have been off. - The toast was set up nicely on the beach and they had bottles of water for everyone too. I bought extra champagne and sparkling cider at Costco and they happily chilled and served that for us - Our fathers both did their speeches on the beach. Microphone is included. - We took a group picture and then Nate and I went off for a bit to do our pictures with the photographer (be careful of the sneaker waves...one totally drenched us!). Guests found seats at dinner or went to their rooms to freshen up since it was so hot. Everyone was off the beach by about 6pm. - the people at the pool were very respectful. we had no problems at all. Dinner at the Steak House from 6:30-8pm... - Had friends go up there early and make sure it was all set up, they only had to fix a few things. I had 3 friends act as hostesses and it worked out perfectly when seating everyone. We decided against assigned seating and everyone really enjoyed that. - Even though it was "semi private" we honestly felt totally secluded. - We made all the centerpieces out of birch wood flowers I purchased from Etsy. (took like 6 hours one day, but totally worth it in my opinion). They looked amazing. - We also purchased a bottle of Red Wine and a bottle of Champagne to be placed on each table at Costco. The resort was happy to accommodate and the guests loved it as the wine at the resort is horrible! - They served some guests sangria, but only like 2 tables and we didnt get any...make sure to tell your server that you all want it because it was the best drink there! - Karla set up the wedding cake here at dinner so people could take pictures and we could cut the cake. They then took the cake and we served it later at the disco. Disco 8:30-11... - My sister and I went into the disco the first night and it smelled sooo bad, I was literally close to tears. I told Karla that we were going to buy air fresheners and she said ok and they would put them up on Sat. Sat morning Nate walked by the disco and they were totally hosing it down and scrubbing everything!! It smelled great the night of the wedding!!! Crisis averted. - I had friends carry the guestbook and photos over to the disco from dinner and they set up the guestbook table there for me. When they got there the lanterns were not set up! So they rushed to get them all put together. Apparently Karla didnt get to it or something, but I am glad I had friends to back me up. - Wedding party and family carried centerpieces from the dinner to the disco as well and placed them all around. Then people took them home. - The mariachi band was wonderful, they played our first dance. We got there a bit late so thats really all we enjoyed them for, but our guests listened to them for a about a half hour before we arrived. - After the first dance we did the speeches. My sister and Nate's brother both spoke. We all sat on stools in front of the DJ booth and all guests stood and sat in front of us. It worked out perfectly. - We used a premixed CD my sister created. The DJ was actually very good once that 1.5 hour CD finished, he played all the trendy stuff. - The bartender in the disco was super fun too. Ask for the rainbow shot! They made so many fun drinks us!! - My mom and aunts cut the wedding cake and served it in here...there was no one to do it for us so we just took charge. It was actually really good cake. We got 2 layers of vanilla, 1 chocolate and one Orange. Guests thought it was excellent and it was gone super fast, people went back for seconds. But I am glad we ordered an extra sheet cake from Costco everyone ended up having more than once piece so it was a good thing we had extra! I was a little worried because the deserts at the resort are not the best, the wedding cake was a huge shock. - After the speeches people danced, ate cake and smoked cigars outside. We all chilled outside and ate nachos from the sports bar from about 11-1. We honestly had a wonderful time. Everything went very smoothly. All our guests have been asking us to plan another trip! Hope this helps!!!

Hi! I had the exact same problem! My fiancé and I told everyone that their presence is our present. We were not going to register anywhere because people coming to Mexico would be gift ehough. We sent our invites out in November (for our October wedding) and have been hounded ever since with the "where are you registered" question. People are not taking no for an answer! After talking it over with a few close friends and family members we finally broke down and registered at one store just the other day. We are not sending out the information so the only way people can get it is from our website or asking the wedding party. If people want to get you a gift that badly, enjoy their enthusiasm and let them. And think about it this way, it works for your bridal shower as well. Good luck!!!

JenK - I think I am going to have all the bridesmaids and groomsmen transfer the center pieces from the dinner to the Disco. I am def going to have some candles. I am hoping that maybe they can hang some of the round lanterns to brighten it up a bit. I have found some lanterns connected by string pretty cheep online. http://paperlanternstore.com/4roshpastli.html Let us know if you can think of anything else!

Sweet! I was hoping it wouldn’t be too hot! I have been there before about 3 years ago with my family; it was in August so it was insanely hot. Another question for you: did you ask or notice if the wedding party was allowed to take off the "all inclusive bracelet" they make you wear while there? Good to know about the chairs...of course they show the nice ones without the covers in all the pictures. $10 a chair?! That is nuts! So chair bows are a must. Danielle - I will def leave the blue one’s for you! Darn I thought Costco was closer...wierd. I was hoping to get extra cake there and good wine or champagne for the toast. ($20 for a bottle of champagne is too much and $8 for extra slices of cake is a rip off!) With about 130 people coming I need to find a way to cut corners! I bet Wal-mart will have decent stuff that will work if we can’t make it to Costco. haha, yeah the mariachi is a must as it was my fiancé’s only request. He is not a fan of dj's and reception dancing so he was ok with it if we could have a mariachi first! I was told that food was not allowed in the disco, but that they would do the cake service in there. I actually think it will be kind of nice moving from the beach, to the steakhouse, to the disco. That way we are not stuck in one place for the whole night. We are doing pictures before the ceremony so from then on we can just go with the flow. I think DW's are becoming so popular that resorts are now starting to take advantage of the bride and groom. We wanted to do Cabo because there was no way we could afford a wedding in L.A. but geeze there are fees on top of fees!!

Hi! How was the weather in October? Our ceremony is Oct. 15th, 2011 at 5pm. Did you see what the chairs looked like for the ceremony? Are they all white or do they have a cover over them? Any idea if they allow candles either at the restaurant or in the disco? I felt the same way about the reception. We wanted to do it on the Patio, but that is way too much per person. We are going to do it in the Disco, I feel like $500 is an ok price to pay for a dj and bar tender for 4 hours. I was also told that we could do our cake in there. It is a little dark in there so I am hoping we can add some sort of extra lighting. We are also going to get the Mariachi and have them play there. Be careful having it outside since they put on a performance every night (it is on the stage next to the disco). I have been in contact with Mina as well. I sent an email to Nelly, not knowing that Mina had taken over. I re-reserved all the places that I had booked with Nelly so I really hope it all works out!! I love the fact that the package now included 60 people instead of 40, since we are having way more than that! I got a great idea from another bride who had her wedding there...Go to Costco or Wal-Mart across the street and buy flowers and decorations from there! I am a planner too so I am going to be bringing some items but I think we could easily find vases or candles there. I have also found some great sites for welcome bags, fans and tulle! Thanks! I am glad this thread picked back up with more people!

Hi! I am getting married at the Santa Fe (next door) in the fall of 2011. Just a note for everyone there is a Wal-Mart and Costco, right across the street, less than a 5 minute cab ride way. You can always get things for centerpieces and decorations there too! Like if you want glass vases but are affraid they will break on the trip there. Be careful when bringing in tons of stuff to Mexico, customs is strange sometimes. You are not supposed to bring in more than $300 worth of "gifts" so make sure to give extra suitcases or boxes to other people traveling there for your wedding. If you have reciepts those are always a good safety net! Have fun!!

Hi! RIU Santa Fe - Oct. 15, 2011 Very excited! I have received a ton of info from the WC and a bride who just got married there. PM me if you want info. I have also received rates from our travel agent...she actually expects them to go down a bit or upgrade everyone when they book. As of now room rates are (Per Person, based on Double Occupancy) 3 Nights - $440 5 Nights - $640 7 Nights - $840 **Flight rates are not yet available. I also have a great contact for the Passport wedding invites (you can see some of her work on this site). I should be getting the finished product in the mail very shortly! Babycakesdh - I sent you a long message! Best, Amanda

I have been in contact with Nelly at the Santa Fe. Every time I email her she responds within a day! Super fast and her responses are very helpful; I have learned that your questions just need to be very specific. We have all of our locations reserved and we are still a year away from the date. The ceremony on the Beach at 5pm (sunset is 5:30) and then the champagne toast on the beach, then dinner is at the Steakhouse at 6:30. We wanted our reception to be on the English Patio at 8:00pm with a mariachi band and serve our cake there so we booked it. However later she told us that you have to order appetizers if you use the patio, they are $16-20 per person, which we find ridiculous to have right after dinner...and we are expecting over 100 people so the cost would be way to high. I told her that if the policy changes to let me know. So now unfortunately we are having the reception at the Disco, the nice thing is the DJ and the Bar is included in the $500 for 3 hours. We are still getting the band and doing the cake in there as well as the speeches and 1st dance. We wanted to do the speeches at dinner but a microphone isn’t allowed in the restaurant. My guess is we will stay in there for an hour or two and then just hang out around the outdoor bars. If you are having over 40 people be prepared to pay more. Each extra slice of cake is $5, extra champagne for the toast is $20 per bottle, etc. Luckily dinner is included at one of the restaurants. I would love to hear any ideas from brides who had their weddings in the same locations...what worked, what didn't... Thanks!!

My family and I vacationed at the Riu Santa Fe and loved it! I sent my best friend there and she had a blast! One of my co-workers, who is 80 years old, just came back from the Santa Fe yesterday, on my recommendation and she loved it too! This is why we are having our wedding there in Oct 2011. It is a more casual environment than the Palace, more laid back and more fun. You can go over to the Place to check it out but you won't be able to use their amenities if you are staying at the Santa Fe. If your family is picky give them the option of staying at either hotel, but I do know that the Santa Fe is cheaper all around if you are at all being budget conscience for your guests. We are going there in the spring to check everything out, since my fiancé has never been. We are taking our parents too so they can be involved before the big day. We are expecting a large number of guests and the Santa Fe seems to be very accommodating, so says our travel agent! I have been in contact with Nelly at the Santa Fe. Every time I email her she responds within a day! Super fast and her responses are very helpful; I have learned that your questions just need to be very specific. We have all of our locations reserved and we are still a year away from the date. The ceremony on the Beach at 5pm (sunset is 5:30) and then the champagne toast on the beach, then dinner is at the Steakhouse at 6:30. We wanted our reception to be on the English Patio at 8:00pm with a mariachi band and serve our cake there so we booked it. However later she told us that you have to order appetizers if you use the patio, they are $16-20 per person, which we find ridiculous to have right after dinner...and we are expecting over 100 people so the cost would be way to high. I told her that if the policy changes to let me know. So now unfortunately we are having the reception at the Disco, the nice thing is the DJ and the Bar is included in the $500 for 3 hours. We are still getting the band and doing the cake in there as well as the speeches and 1st dance. We wanted to do the speeches at dinner but a microphone isn’t allowed in the restaurant. My guess is we will stay in there for an hour or two and then just hang out around the outdoor bars. If you are having over 40 people be prepared to pay more. Each extra slice of cake is $5, extra champagne for the toast is $20 per bottle, etc. Luckily dinner is included at one of the restaurants. Hope that helps!!

I have been in contact with Nelly at the Santa Fe. Every time I email her she responds within a day! Super fast and her responses are very helpful; I have learned that your questions just need to be very specific. We have all of our locations reserved and we are still a year away from the date. The ceremony on the Beach at 5pm (sunset is 5:30) and then the champagne toast on the beach, then dinner is at the Steakhouse at 6:30. We wanted our reception to be on the English Patio at 8:00pm with a mariachi band and serve our cake there so we booked it. However later she told us that you have to order appetizers if you use the patio, they are $16-20 per person, which we find ridiculous to have right after dinner...and we are expecting over 100 people so the cost would be way to high. I told her that if the policy changes to let me know. So now unfortunately we are having the reception at the Disco, the nice thing is the DJ and the Bar is included in the $500 for 3 hours. We are still getting the band and doing the cake in there as well as the speeches and 1st dance. We wanted to do the speeches at dinner but a microphone isn’t allowed in the restaurant. My guess is we will stay in there for an hour or two and then just hang out around the outdoor bars. If you are having over 40 people be prepared to pay more. Each extra slice of cake is $5, extra champagne for the toast is $20 per bottle, etc. Luckily dinner is included at one of the restaurants.

I just started contacting Nelly and she has been fantastic, my wedding is still a year away! Her responces have been prompt...same day even! I have not called her, we have only been in contact through email so far, but she has been great.

I have heard that she is very busy, but once you get down there she is extremelly helpful. I think she has so many weddings going on it gets crazy! How many days before your wedding are you getting there? Once you met with her I bet everything will work out!! Don't stress, it's your day and you are going to be in Cabo! Everyone will have a blast!!

My family and I vacationed at the Riu Santa Fe and loved it! I sent my best friend there and she had a blast! One of my co-workers, who is 80 years old, just came back from the Santa Fe yesterday, on my recommendation and she loved it too! This is why we are having our wedding there in Oct 2011. It is a more casual environment than the Palace, more laid back and more fun. You can go over to the Place to check it out but you won't be able to use their amenities if you are staying at the Santa Fe. I have heard that the WC can be tricky to get a hold of but I have heard that about other hotels as well. If your family is picky give them the option of staying at either hotel, but I do know that the Santa Fe is cheaper all around if you are at all being budget conscience for your guests. We are going there in the spring to check everything out, since my fiancé has never been. We are taking our parents too so they can be involved before the big day. We are expecting a large number of guests and the Santa seems to be very accommodating, so says our travel agent! Hope that helps!!

Hi MrsKellytobe! Sun screen, chapstick, deck of cards...very simple items. Or we might just do a nice tote bag that they can use for the beach with nothing in it. We also want to put colored fans on the chairs at the ceremony. use those two items as the "gifts" We havent figured out how to hand them out yet. I do know some hotels will hold them in the back for you and pass them out when your guests check in. I read on here that some couples met thier guests as they arrived at the hotel, got a list of arrival times from thier travel agent, thats a nice touch but a lot of work! I was going to ask if they could be placed in the rooms prior to arrival since a lot of hotels block off a certain section of the hotel for your guests. I really just have a lot of questions too! We are planning on a large number of guests so we might not be able to afford it either. We shall see. I like the starfish theme...I am thinking dolphins.