mrendic

Oh I just saw this- The casita spa offers this 'water ritual"( i believe that's what it's called) and you start in the locker room where you first shower, then go in a steam room or sauna, shower, go into the water journey room- which is 1) a hot tub 2) this huge pool with numerous different jets that massage you- you can go around to the different jets to massage different parts of your body (neck, back, legs, etc) then there is a freezing cold pool that you're supposed to go in, then an outdoor pool that you can go to and relax. It's completely free if you are staying in the casitas, you can just go to the spa whenever and do any of it (steam room, hot tub, jets, whatever you feel like) and when you do all of them in a specific sequence they call it the water ritual or journey or something... lol. It's also free with any spa service you do so if you have a sky massage that you're doing as part of the free package, its something relaxing to do before or after. I did it before my wedding day appointments and it helped calm my nerves so much, I was a mess before I did it.

That's seriously one of the worst parts about a DW- being sure that someone important will be there only to have them back out. It definitely shows you who your real friends are though

I ordered my bags from wedding chicks.com... groomsmen and guests got the same bags- bridesmaids got their own special bags which were noticeably better quality. Here are a few pics Groomsmen bag with some of the contents Bridesmaids & MOH bags- they had TONS of stuff in there (first aid kit, makeup bag with lotions, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, etc etc, bridesmaid tank, personalized stadium cups, note pads, and soooo much more)

There is conditioner in the room and if you need more you just have to ask your concierge for it. They can supply you with a lot of stuff aside from what they have in the rooms. Razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Not the best quality but ya know... also the casitas spa has showers in the women's locker room if you ever go and do the water journey (definitely relaxing.. i did it the day of the wedding) and I really like the conditioner they have in there. Oh and if you stay in the casitas you can do the water journey anytime... not just when you have a spa appointment. As far as fire dancers, there definitely is a fire dancer show. It was on both sundays that we were there so I'm pretty sure it is a weekly thing. I'm pretty sure all of their shows are repeated each week but they change it up so they aren't exactly the same as the week before. The shows are so much fun, especially because they get the guests involved before or after the show with these hilarious games. I think we went to every single show while we were there lol

Oops the actual spa services picture didn't post... here it is again...

Here you go! Also, beach bar & guacamayas do not serve any sort of food- jojo's is a sit-down restaurant so I don't think that really helps. I think the only way that you can actually get food served is if you pay for a private cocktail reception or if your guests sit down at one of the restaurants and order food.

We used real candles for our centerpieces and some stayed lit, others blew out. Some of our tables were closer to the ceiling fans so the candles blew out on those. My mom kept trying to re-light them and eventually just gave up. lol. If you're very anal about the candles staying lit, I wouldn't risk it, because it just depends on the day. Some days were definitely more windy then others. But if it doesn't bother you if a few blow out, id go for it!

I got my hair and makeup done at the spa. It was me, my MOH and one of my bridesmaids. They were actually really great, my MOH started her hair earlier (while I was getting my nails done) so she got hers done at the main salon but they actually let my other bridesmaid get hers done with me in the bridal suite so that we could talk. Then when my MOH was done with her hair she joined us in the suite and we all talked and drank champagne. I did the water ritual beforehand (I highly recommend this is you are as anxious as I am!) so my hair was still wet, and they dried it for me at no additional charge, normally they charge some crazy amount to dry your hair. Overall, it was great- it does take forever so make sure you plan accordingly & I would highly recommend doing a rehearsal!

Leaving for EDR in the morning. I can't believe it's here already! If anyone needs any photos of anything specific or any info that I can get while I'm there, let me know!

LOL. I can just see our best man getting drunk and losing all the money or something crazy.

It does! Thanks a lot! My TA said to just tip the people I thought did an exceptional job so maybe I'll just set money aside for everyone and see how it goes. Did you just give it to them yourself or did you have someone in charge of handing out tips?

Quick question for those of you who have already had their weddings. What did you ladies do as far as tipping the wedding vendors? Im talking about everyone from the officiant, to on site coordinator, to photographer, stylists at the salon, etc? We know 100% that we will tip the waitstaff at tucanes and of course all of the regular resort staff, but I keep hearing mixed things as far as the actual wedding vendors & people associated with just the wedding aspect. I was hoping someone who has already been there will have some insight!

Thanks!! I really really want to do a catamaran. I think that is on the top of my list right now and maybe something with ziplining. Or xacaret. so many choices!

We will be there from the 4th until the 14th- I think we will do one on the 5th and one on the 12th or 13th- that will give us enough time to enjoy the resort. We probably just wont even worry about a group excursion. Thanks so much for all the info!

Oh wow so much info!! Thanks. Xacaret looks really awesome so we were thinking about maybe going there. I was also reading some reviews about "captain quickie's" tours and all of the reviews are really amazing so thats another option that we have been considering, I don't know if you have ever done anything with them. I think the FI and I will do a couple of excursions when the guests aren't around, we really wanted to do something with everyone but it just seems too complicated to try and put something together for the group

Hey ladies. Did anyone do any excursions/ plans to do any in Mexico? Any suggestions?

You're getting married 2 days before me!! Woo