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When you opt to stay at a private villa like the incredible Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts for your destination wedding celebration, you have the flexibility to use the private grounds to host various gatherings for your guests. From simple to elaborate, the villa space can be utilized as the hub for your group and it's the perfect spot for events like a festive Welcome Pool Party or perhaps a farewell lunch! As a guests at the villa, you can use the services of the private chef, bartender and staff for any planned events. If you want to host a unique celebration, consider a Farewell Pizza Party before your guests depart from your destination experience. At a villa-hosted pizza party, your guests will have the opportunity to create their own personal pizzas with fresh dough and delicious ingredients, including a variety of veggies, grilled meats and seafood. And of course, your personal cook will be on site to ensure your stone-fired pizzas are cooked to perfection and ready to serve fresh. And as usual, you can't beat the gorgeous views along the Villa Carola outdoor terrace. It's truly the perfect way to say thank you and farewell to your guests for being a part of your destination wedding experience. To find out more about staying at Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Perhaps you and your sweetheart already live together and have more than enough traditional coupling stuff for the home (i.e., toaster, towels, bedsheets, glasses, etc.) or maybe since you're a destination wedding bride you've come to realize what a tough task it would be for you to lug any gifts home that were brought to your destination celebration. Either way, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional wedding gifts wish list to consider. 1. Create a Honeyfund at honeyfund.com Here you can register for things that pertain to your honeymoon experience, like a scuba dive, a dinner out, a couple's massage by the shore -- it's up to you to list what you and your mate have planned for your getaway. And your friends and family can contribute to your fund to make your honeymoon a memorable one! 2. Sign up for a giftcard registry Yes this does exist and who doesn't love the flexibility of giftcards?! This way you'll have more control of what you need to purchase and your guests will feel like they are still helping you out as you start your lives together. Cardavenue.com allows you to craft a giftcard wishlist for any type of celebration. 3. Ask your guests to contribute to your favorite cause or charity People will want to give you something, so why not encourage them to pay it forward instead. The IDoFoundation is a site where you can create a free charity fundraiser and ask your guests to support a worthy cause in honor of your union. 4. Create a Home Fund If you and your soon-to-be spouse are saving up to buy a home, why not ask your guests to help you with your down payment? At Hatch My House couples can create a home fund that guests can contribute to that will help them buy a place they'll one day call home. 5. Tell your family and friends their presence is present enough For many destination wedding couples, having their guests invest in a trip/vacation to their destination celebration is more than enough of a gift. So thank your guests in person or include it on the invite or your wedding website that gifts aren't necessary -- and tell them their mere presence at your wedding is all you need.

Renting a private villa like the incredible Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts for your destination wedding celebration has several perks, but perhaps one of the best aspects of renting a villa for your stay is that you can host private events outside of your wedding -- like a fabulous Welcome Pool Party complete with an abundance of food and drinks for you and your wedding guests to enjoy. Unlike hosting an event on the general resort grounds, a pool party at your private compound allows you a lot more flexibility and freedom to cater your gathering as you please: 1) You can schedule your Welcome Party during any time of the day. There are no strict timelines to abide by and no special section you must have your party at. When it comes to renting the Villa Carola property, you decide when you want to host your event -- just let your private butler know and he/she will take care of things. 2) Your party can last as long as you please. Feeling like partying from the day into the night? No problem, since you're on the private compound, the entire property is yours to use as you please with no time limitations on pool/spa use. 3) You can utilize the services of the private chef, bartender and staff to cater to your guests for the duration of the celebration to help make your gathering as stress-free as possible. Staying at Villa Carola means you have access to your own private staff. You will have the help of your assigned butler who can help plan and organize the party details with you along with taking note of any special requests you may have, a private chef who can create a scrumptious buffet style menu of grilled delights and tasty appetizers and desserts that you and your guests will love, a bartender who can keep the drinks flowing, and servers who will ensure that everyone is provided with the best services possible throughout the party. 4) Your guests can enjoy the beach, the private pool and spa at their leisure. Villa Carola is perfectly located on a beautiful stretch of turquoise waters adjacent to the Azul Beach Hotel. The villa has its own private access to the beach along with private beach beds, and a huge pool and spa that can only be used by those staying at the villa. You will also have access to private outdoor showers and lounge chairs throughout the grounds. 5) Your guests can either dine along the tables near the ocean view or relax in one of the poolside lounge chairs or on a hammock. Although this is a party, your guests can either socialize, stay active or completely unwind. There are several spots to relax on the spacious Villa Carola property. Renting a private villa like Villa Carola is a way for you to enjoy a luxurious vacation experience but also extend the pampering to your guests as they enjoy the atmosphere and perks of villa vacationing during your hosted events! To find out more about staying at Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

With so many options out there, choosing the resort to host your wedding festivities can be quite a difficult task. But besides location, a resort's size can often play a huge role in setting the tone for your entire celebration and getaway. Here are 4 reasons why a smaller resort is the right choice for you: 1. Group gatherings are easier to coordinate. When your resort is of smaller size, your wedding group will literally take over the property -- and that can be a great thing! It won't be hard to run into your attendees at a smaller resort and it makes it much easier to plan gatherings for the group. A unique camaraderie is one of the best things about destination weddings because you end up making great memories together! 2. Everything is conveniently located and you won't feel intimidated by the size of the resort. I've stayed at huge resorts before and while the walks from one spot to another helped ease the damage I was doing to my vacation waistline a la all-inclusive style vacationing, I didn't always feel like "hiking" everywhere. Big resorts while spacious and offer a lot to see, are not always convenient. Smaller resorts have a much more intimate feel and nothing is ever too far of a walk. When I vacationed at Azul Beach Hotel in Puerto Morelos, Mexico this past spring, I was surprised by the spacious but intimate feel of the resort. I loved that everything was just a short distance/walk away -- this is especially helpful on those warm days when all you want to do is lay by the pool or take a dip in the ocean because a dose of water therapy is always nearby! 3. You won't feel overwhelmed by the crowds. With large resorts come big crowds. At a smaller resorts you won't feel like the pools have too many people in them or that the beach is too crowded. And when you're looking for some true R&R, a smaller crowd is a must! 4. Getting dinner reservations is typically pretty easy. When you're staying at smaller resorts that offer a variety of food options, you'll find that dinner reservations aren't hard to come by. So planning that special dinner for two or perhaps a group meal will be a cinch. For more information about smaller resort options for your destination celebration or vacation, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel throughout the world. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Written by Styling Trio, a premier Hair & Makeup Agency in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen We've worked closely with many lovely brides over the years and can't help but be constantly amazed by how many we encounter with beautiful skin and/ or luscious , healthy hair. Of course, being in the beauty business, we can’t help ourselves but to ask these gorgeous gals what they do, what's their secret. Many have told us about expensive facials and moisturizers and even some aggressive hair repair treatments. What we also hear about most often these days are the natural, basic, DIY tips to staying beautiful. These are our favorite ones , directly from our beautiful brides to you! Green Tea This one tops the list from personal experience . Green tea regenerates cells so of course it's great for your overall health. You still must watch what you eat but add Green tea to your diet too and boost your metabolism and improve your health. Susan got married in June last year. She started drinking green tea twice a day for 60 days and saw the difference right away . She felt it certainly helped keep her energy level up during the day. Perhaps consider having a cup of green tea to start your wedding day and give yourself a healthy little boost! Yoga Stress can cause breakouts. To avoid this, especially before wedding time, make sure you are at peace . A great way to achieve this state of Zen is through a combination of yoga and meditation. Both are great practices to help keep your nerves and anxiety under control. Lauren was married in January this year and she started breaking out as the wedding day got closer. So she went to a dermatologist in an attempt to get anything she could to stop from breaking out like this before her wedding. However, after talking to her dermatologist, she realized her breakouts were due to stress! Lauren was never a fan of yoga or meditation but it was something that she had to include in her life if she wanted to reduce stress and help control her breakouts. She started a yoga and meditation regimen 90 days before her wedding, practicing each at least 3 times a week and it really helped her. We saw her and we can attest to the fact she looked radiant on her wedding day! Chlorophyll Christina was married on April this year and we noticed her gorgeous skin right away! She told us her secret was a chlorophyll shot every morning . She started it 60 days before the wedding and the first 35 days her skin was already glowing! It makes sense if you think about it because chlorophyll brings oxygen and hydrates your skin. Christina also started drinking plenty of water and juicy fruits like watermelon and grapefruit as a part of this cholorophyll regimen. We think it worked wonders! Coconut Oil Meena was married in December last year and she had damaged hair from years of heat styling and more. So 30 days before the wedding , she heard about the benefits of coconut oil for dammaged hair and started treating her hair with coconut oil for 30 minutes daily. You just put it in and then and then shampoo and condition normally, preferably with cold water. The difference for Meena was huge and by the time her wedding came, her hair was gorgeous and so healthy looking! Honey Casey was married in August of last year and wanted to give a boost to her blonde locks before her wedding day. A couple of months before the big day , she noticed that her maid - of - honor's hair was looking shinier than usual and asked her what her secret was. She told her she started adding a teaspoon of honey to her conditioner every day . By the time the wedding came, Casey had gorgeous glowing locks just as she wanted. Some have had similar effects with the addition of olive oil to their conditioner. Try them both. They have antioxidant qualities that can be nothing but good for you! We love these tips not only because they are natural choices but you can easily include them in your everyday life and get that bridal glow before your big day! If you have more of natural DIY tips tips, please share with us below! Styling Trio is a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Adrian Guerra founded Styling Trio in 2009, with a clear vision and a fantastic team behind him, the agency is the premier choice for brides searching for the best hair stylists and makeup artists in the Riviera Maya. For more information on Styling Trio's hair and makeup services, visit their website at: www.stylingtrio.com - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

With so many options out there, choosing the resort to host your wedding festivities can be quite a difficult task. But besides location, a resort's size can often play a huge role in setting the tone for your entire celebration and getaway. Here are 5 reasons why a larger resort is the right choice for you: 1) There's lots of space and usually a plethora of options to host events and celebrations. Larger resorts will typically have more options for you to choose from when it comes to hosting weddings, events or gatherings -- and this is really important when it comes to larger celebrations that include a lot of guests (like Indian destination weddings). Aside from the wedding, if you plan on hosting a welcome gathering or farewell breakfast or brunch, a larger resort will give you different spaces/areas to choose from. Mega resorts like Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun offer a wide variety of incredible spaces and location options for brides and grooms who want different settings/atmospheres for their celebratory events. 2) There's typically a lot of stuff to do on a large resort. Larger resorts will be packed with lots of different areas to explore and plenty of things to do. Expect an abundance of activities both day and night for kids and adults alike. It's impossible to get bored at a large resort because there are ways to keep busy from morning till night. 3) You will usually have a lot of food options and eateries to choose from. With a larger resort usually comes many food options and eateries. If you want you and your guests to have a variety of food and drink options, a larger resort will often give you more than enough choices. 4) Every day will give you an opportunity to explore a different part of the resort -- it's like you're in your own city! If you're the type who wants to be able to do everything and anything without leaving your resort grounds, consider a larger resort. You can choose a different part of the resort to explore and experience each day. Besides restaurants and pools, larger resorts will often have a nightclub, lounges, bars and daily entertainment for you to enjoy. 5) You will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a lot of different people. If you love being social, a bigger resort will give you plenty of opportunities to do get your mingle on. For more information about larger resort options for your destination celebration or vacation, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel throughout the world. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Written by LATIN ASIA - Destination Wedding Decor Varmala is a tradition from ancient times where a beautiful garland of flowers (jaimala) symbolizes a proposal of marriage. Malas or hanging garlands have been used as wedding décor in India since ancient times. They have a special meaning depending on if they are Hindu or Buddhist. In Hinduism a mala represents the 108 names that can have the god Vishnu, the creator of the universe and the god of goodness, so, that’s the reason to use them in a Hindu wedding. The tradition of jaimalas is one of the many rituals in an Indian wedding. When the groom puts jaimala to his wife, they are declared husband and wife and all best wishes are in the jaimalas for a long, happy and healthy life together. The bride also puts jaimala to the groom. This exchange represent among other things respect for each other. But garlands of flowers (malas) are not only used in the neck. Today, you can use to beautify anywhere. If you want to make an impact from the first moment, you can use beautiful curtain at the entrance of the hall or to decorate the walls. The jhula, is a very important element in the wedding and if you decorate it with malas will look awesome. The focus of all Hindu wedding is the Mandap , which can be decorated with multiple colors: Some are simpler but equally beautiful designs. Amazing, right? If you need assistance on adding this incredible detail to your wedding, email Latin ASIA at: [email protected]} Source: http://www.littleindiadirectory.com/ultimate-guide-to-indian-flower-garlands/ For more information on LATIN ASIA's services, visit their website at: www.weddingcancun.mx Sakurako Yakushiji, COO, Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA, has impeccable logistics knowledge, extraordinary floral design skills with a Masters degree and international license in Japanese floral art. Having her own Hindu wedding ceremony at Agra India, she and her team understand the deep meaning of what it takes to create a dream Destination Indian wedding regardless being Hindu, Sikh or Ismaili Muslim. Saku has trained people from scratch not only to execute great performances, but to make every member of LATIN ASIA a better person creating new opportunities every day.

If you've always wanted to spend vacation bliss in an overwater bungalow, that memorable experience can now be yours in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the El Dorado Maroma Palafitos, which officially opened to vacationers in early September 2016. The luxurious overwater suites -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- are situated off the soft white sands of the Maroma Beach, considered by many as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. But besides the breathtaking views, these spacious 600-sq. ft. suites for two also offer a private infinity pool and an oversized deck with lounge chairs, glass bottom floors where you can watch the sea life move beneath your bungalow, and a ladder providing easy access to the clear turquoise ocean water. Each bungalow also features a private outdoor shower and a romantic indoor jacuzzi for two. Every bungalow is also equipped with: - King size bed - Air conditioning & ceiling fan - Smart TV - Telephone - Aromatherapy shower - Make-up mirror - High end toiletries - 100% cotton & thousand-thread-count sheets - Radio/alarm clock - Safety deposit box - Espresso Coffee maker and tea brewing station - Premium stocked minibar - The outdoor terrace is also equipped with luxurious wooden furniture, reading material and blankets Those staying at the all-inclusive suites will also have exclusive beach bed access, 24-hour room service and customized beach picnics. But the spoils do not end there, during your stay you'll also have your own butler, who can take care of all your unique vacation needs, including handling any pre-arrival requests and reservations to the delivery of reading materials, beverages and gourmet bites at the pool. The multilingual butlers will also provide services such as the unpacking of luggage, serving sunrise coffee experience and in-suite full breakfasts. Your personal butler will also ensure the suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged according to guests preferences. Palafitos guests can also exclusively indulge in rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with spa treatments at the overwater Náay Spa. And once your mind and body are at ease, you can dine on exquisite gourmet meals at The Haute Cuisine -- the overwater grill and wine bar serving only those staying at the bungalows. The eatery, which boasts spectacular ocean views and fresh tropical breezes, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from the open kitchen grill. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the Palafitos this past spring and I can without a doubt say, it's a slice of heaven perfect for couples looking to spend some much needed time in a paradise all their own. With the bungalow set-up and convenient butler service, you'll feel like you've traveled to your own oasis where luxury and comfort are in abundance. It's the perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary trip or simply those wanting to get away and be pampered. Reservations for the Palafitos can only be made through a select group of luxury vacation consultants, like Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agent group of the Best Destination Wedding Forum. For more information and assistance on booking your stay at the incredible overwater bungalow suites, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Dealing with Guests Who Want to Book Outside the Travel Agent Group Rate The art of getting all your guests to place their deposits for your destination wedding accommodations and finalize their booking through your travel agent can be hard -- we're talking rocket science hard. Because you'll likely have at least one guest who needs a little more time to book, another guest who goes rogue and THINKS they have found a better deal at the same resort, and of course another set of guests who decide they're going to stay at another resort all together. So how do you deal with this? The bottom line is: be open and honest with your guests from the start, and be sure they have full information on the process of booking their stay.. When wedding guests book outside the established travel agent group rate, there is often a resort surcharge for that person to attend any of your scheduled events. So let your guests know about these extra fees that must be paid if they book outside your contracted group rate. Since couples have arranged a group rate and held rooms for their guests in a group block, many brides and grooms do pass any additional charge for booking outside the group on to those guests who choose that route. So convey to your guests ahead of time what the ramifications are if they book on their own. Having guests book elsewhere could also put additional pressure on the wedding couple, as most resorts require a minimum occupancy to stay at the resort. Also when it comes to guests who decide to book lodging elsewhere outside of your chosen resort, make sure they know there will typically be a visitors fee for them to enter your resort and attend your wedding (if that is in fact, your resort's policy). These visitor fees can average anywhere from $75 to $200 per guests --so these unexpected costs can easily add up. Additionally, if a resort is full to capacity, they are under no obligation to sell these "day passes" to people wishing to enter for the day. Resorts will not overcrowd their paying guests by allowing in those staying elsewhere if they are full, meaning there's no guarantee they'll be able to attend your wedding at all! Now it's up to you whether you want to cover your guests visitor fee or tell your guests that they would be responsible for paying it on their own -- Most couples make it clear that any additional cost for those choosing to stay elsewhere would be the guest's responsibility, from transfers, to taxi to entry fee. Once these are all calculated into the total price, it is quite typical that the cost of staying elsewhere can actually be higher than just booking into the group block and staying on site. Additionally, the whole concept and experience of a destination wedding includes not just guests attending the actual ceremony, but leisure time spent on the beach with the wedding couple, or relaxing with a drink in the lobby bar -- all things that off-site guests would be excluded from experiencing. It's also important to emphasize to your guests that you've contracted the help of a travel agent, who can help ensure their needs are taken care of should any problems arise during the booking or travel process. Travel agents usually also have established working relationships with the resorts they work with and can quickly handle any issues or unexpected problems that arise -- giving you the attention and assistance you need, whereas those who book deals on discount travel websites often have no recourse or anyone to turn to who can offer immediate help. Most importantly, when guests stay off-site, they are missing out on the best part of a destination wedding -- which is the group trip aspect. It's the bonding of the wedding guests where you really foster relationships with people and long lasting memories, and these times can only truly be had when you are interacting with the group at the same resort. How Do You Tell Your Guests of the Importance of Booking the Travel Agent Group Rate? TA Wendy, one of the agents for Wright Travel Agency -- the official agency for the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- suggests that couples put something on their website or Save the Date that says, "We are delighted that you are considering attending our Destination Wedding, and to make your booking the trip smooth and easy we have contracted for the rooms with a Travel Agent who specializes in Destination wedding travel. If you are planning to come this is how you should book your reservation to ensure you are in our group block and a part of all the festivities." A simple statement like this will often deter guests from going off and travel shopping on their own. Unfortunately, there truly is no way you can force anyone to book according to your wishes, but you do have the ability to provide your guests with the knowledge upfront of what can, and will happen, if they decide to book outside the established group rate. Being upfront and honest from the get go, can save you a lot of headache, stress and most of all money in the long run! For more information and assistance about establishing a group rate at the resort of your choice, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

We've all been to at least one wedding in our lifetime, and while it is a joyous and celebratory gathering, no wedding goes 100 percent as planned. Things go wrong at weddings all the time, both big and small. But there are some aspects that a couple should consider ahead of time to avoid having unhappy guests during their Wedding Day. According to a recent article published in Brides.com, here are 5 things guests hate most about weddings: 1) Delayed Receptions Don't wait too long to feed the guests once the ceremony ends. At the very least, have a cocktail and appetizer hour to keep your guests happy before the reception begins. Also keep in mind that if you're having children present, there should be activities to keep them occupied rather than having them run around amongst starved guests. 2) Lack of Planning Keep in communication with your guests to ensure that they are aware of any changes to the schedule. Remember when planning, to think of every aspect of the day and carefully plan your details out -- having a wedding coordinator, or at the very least, a "day-of" coordinator is a great way to ensure that all bases are covered. 3) No Microphones at the Ceremony Make sure you have the proper tools (microphones) and sound system in place to ensure that your guests can actually hear your vows. This is especially important if you're having a ceremony outdoors (beach especially!), there's nothing worse than your guests traveling both near and far and then not giving them a chance to fully witness your nuptials because they can't hear them. Consider having microphones if you're not sure your guests will be able to hear you during the ceremony. 4) The Bride Venting About Her Wedding (At the Wedding) Don't be that bride who complains about her wedding while at the wedding! Yes, you may be stressed and exhausted, but expressing your disappointment to your guests and bridal party will make them feel uncomfortable during a time when they are there to celebrate you. 5) Cash Bar If you're having guests travel to your destination wedding, consider offering at least a limited bar if an open bar isn't within your budget. This article was originally published on Brides.com. Tell us, what is your pet peeve when it comes to attending weddings?

Most people probably think a week at an all-inclusive resort sounds like a dream, where you don't have to worry about food or drinks and the toughest part of your day is deciding where to eat dinner. But for someone like me, who has grown up going on adventurous vacations where you're constantly on the go and eating where your travels take you each day, the thought of being on a resort for a week made me feel a little apprehensive. But you know what happened? My husband, our two daughters and I stayed at Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya for a week and we didn't go stir crazy, actually we loved it! My qualms about the all-inclusive experience before our stay at Azul Beach Hotel was feeling like I had to stay on the resort the entire time to make the investment worth it. But in actuality, the all-inclusive experience gives you everything you need without having to feel like you need to adventure off the property for anything. Everything we needed to have a relaxing wonderful week in paradise was provided for us at the resort -- from a plethora of delicious food options, to activities and entertainment for both children and adults, and even an amazing spa experience -- we found each day at our resort exciting and new and it was honestly an amazing vacation for us all. When looking into an all-inclusive vacation, here are a few tips I would suggest you consider as you plan your travels: 1. Pick a resort that has a variety of food and dining options: some resorts like, Azul Beach Hotel, provide only a la carte dining options (which is fabulous because you indulging in meals that are always fresh and made to order). But other resorts will have mostly buffet-style dining and a few a la carte options. Take your preferred dining experience into consideration when looking for an all-inclusive resort. Also check and see if the resort offers room service, which is a great option to have even if you don't think you'll use it. My husband soon found himself opting for room service when he had late night cravings -- keep in mind that most resort eateries will close, so having 24-hour room service is quite helpful especially if you're a late night diner! 2. Consider the resort activities and entertainment options: if your vacation style entails keeping yourself busy, a resort that offers a variety of activities in addition to daily entertainment would be your best choice. Also look at reviews to determine a resort's style -- is it more catered for adults or families with young children? Perhaps it's a mixture of both. 3. Look at the resort amenities: Whether you love being poolside, enjoy a day at the spa, or like lounging on the beach all day -- make sure your resort offers what you need when you look for a vacation. Also consider the resort's size, as some people love being on a huge resorts where you can wander through the grounds and others like being able to move about the resort with ease and not much walking. The resort amenities and its size will play a big part in determining the overall vibe of the property. 4. Can you easily plan and do excursions from your resort?: If you're the type of vacationer who likes to adventure about during the day, choose a resort that offers tours and excursions that can be planned or scheduled on-site. While we spent most of our time on the resort, we did go off-site one day for a camel safari at the beach that was about a 30-minute ride away. It was a perfect little day trip that still allowed us to enjoy and explore, but it was close enough to our resort that we didn't feel like we were wasting the day traveling. And of course, it's always wonderful coming back to the comforts of your resort after being off-site for the day! Overall, the choice to go to an all-inclusive resort doesn't have to feel confining if you pick a location that offers all the options you need to have a relaxed and fulfilling vacation. So take your time to look over the options and don't just jump at the best deal out there -- consider your vacation style and preference, then make your decision based on what you feel will give you the best overall experience! For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or any other all-inclusive resort options, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel throughout the world. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya is known for its family-friendly setting, and through the resort's Nickelodeon Experience, parents and their children can enjoy the ultimate family vacation. One of the hotel's most popular activities is the Nickelodeon sliming -- an experience your kids will soon not forget. Through the concierge, your family can schedule a private sliming -- what is this you ask? Just one of the coolest activities that kids love where you can get slimed with Nickelodeon's famous green goo! Sliming is a ritual enjoyed by the likes of celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Will Smith, Katy Perry and Kobe Bryant. So children of all ages will love to be added to that list of honor! And when the resort's Nickelodeon crew arrives for your private sliming, they'll also make it fun with a dance performance to start leading up to the moment. Sliming includes up to 4 people with a private photographer for a fee of $98. To find out more about scheduling a private sliming during your stay at Azul Beach Hotel, click here. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

While Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya makes sure its youngest guests are well taken care of with special kids' menus throughout all of the resort's restaurants, the hotel also goes out of its way to create a fun dining experience for families with children through their character breakfast. Guests can start off their day by enjoying a delicious breakfast alongside SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the seaside eatery Chil. Families will not only get to enjoy an exclusive dining experience, they'll also get to meet and take pictures with the featured characters, who do their best to entertain diners. The morning we woke up for our early morning reservation, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the character breakfast, but seeing my little one's face light up when she was presented with a table full of colorful and delicious breakfast bites was totally worth it. And when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appeared during our breakfast to entertain us while we dined, it solidified just how cool this experience is for families with children. Our freshly prepared breakfast was excellent, all the kids present had fun and dining with a picture-perfect view of the sparkling ocean is truly a great way to start off your day! The character breakfast at Azul Beach Hotel is priced at $29 for adults and $17 for children. To find out more information about booking a character breakfast during your vacation stay, click here. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Written by Jonathan Katz of Drums in Paradise A destination wedding is something out of the ordinary, it’s different and exciting. You’ve deliberately chosen to take yourself and your guests into a new experience so you want to make sure the entertainment you choose is also something you’re unlikely to find at a wedding back home. Luckily, there are tons of amazing, unique ways to entertain your wedding guests in the Cancun/Mayan Riviera. Here are 5 of my favorite unique ways to entertain your wedding guests: Fire Show: This is a destination weddings staple and with good reason. Fire is mesmerizing, it’s dangerous, it’s beautiful and you certainly can’t do it in a typical large city venue (especially in the middle of winter!) Water Drums: Another unique destination wedding idea available in Cancun & Mayan Riviera are water drums. These drums create an enormous WOW factor as colors fly up in the air every time a drum is hit. Warm weather and the fact that you’re in a hotel with towels and a change of clothes just steps away means that you and your guests can even get wet and wild and splash around on the drums yourselves (if the show you book allows it). Live Drummers: If you’re looking to make a grand entrance, or to party bigtime consider live drummers. For high impact you can go with a whole troupe of drummers and dancers that can turn your party tribal for 30 minutes, or a solo percussionist can play along and reinforce the groove of your DJ as you party into the night. Glow Show: It’s like a fire show for the 21st century. Instead of fire, this show uses juggling instruments with ultra bright, high-tech pixel LEDs to display patterns and figures. These can even be programmed to include a special message, logo or image in the air as the artists spin them around. Acrobats: Many of the best circus acts, acrobats and dancers in Mexico move to the Riviera Maya to work in the local hotels and resorts. With the addition of a permanent Cirque De Soleil show and theatre in 2014 many more are arriving all the time. From girls hanging from hula hoops serving champagne to stilt walkers leading your guests in a limbo, or anything in-between, acrobats can offer a unique twist on regular wedding events or perform a more traditional type show. You and your guests have come a long way and invested time and money to celebrate this milestone. So if you’re looking to give back to them by making your wedding something truly unforgettable, I wholeheartedly recommend some exciting, unique entertainment to knock their flip-flops off! For more information on Drums in Paradise services for your wedding or event in the Cancun-Mayan Riviera area, visit: www.drumsinparadise.com -- to see a video preview of the variety of entertainment Drums in Paradise offers, . - - - Drums In Paradise is Cancun and Mayan Riviera’s drums and percussion specialist, offering quality fire shows, water drums, Brazilian drummers, Indian dhol, light shows, unique interactive drumming experiences and more. With respective backgrounds in drums/entertainment and hotels/customer service MexiCanadian couple Jonathan and Alejandra started the company in 2009 and have since rocketed to over 500 shows per year in the Cancun/Mayan Riviera and counting!