Here is what I understand to be the case... For every individual you bring on to the resort for the day (i.e., anyone not staying with you at the resort)...it costs $1000 pesos (currently $81.79 CDN). They are then provided with a wristband which allows them access to the basic food, drinks and amenities of the resort. The resort only provide a limited number of day passes. This was really important for us to know. I have a co-worker and her husband who will be staying in Akumal the same week we are getting married. If we brought them in for the wedding...it would cost us $81.79 X 2 for entrance + 2 beach reception meals at $58.48 per person. So to bring them in and have them at the reception would cost us $280+ CDN. Needless to say, we decided not to invite them. As for the outside photographer...we will need to pay $81.79 CDN to bring her into the resort plus the same for her assistant (plus reception meals and, in our case, a hotel room as we're doing TTD the next morning). The new contract I received from the GS indicates a "$300 USD penalty if you bring an external photographer". I can only assume that this is in addition to all of the other costs to bring them on to the resort, feed them, etc. I have a few questions for the recent brides: 1) we don't want anyone to have to wear wristbands the day of the wedding...not a great look in the pics I think...is the resort good about replacing them the next morning...or is it even an issue? 2) does anyone have a pic they would be willing to post of their wedding cake? 3) how well does the resort/WP handle requests to upgrade flowers, centerpieces, etc? 4) I'm curious about the live music too. Did anyone have mariachi with their champagne and appies?