Martoca

It could have been in Martoca in Puerto Vallarta for 9,000 all of your guests Anyway I am sure the Caribbean is just as beautiful as the Pacific! congratulations!!

Thank you Congrats!

You are welcome guys! I know it is a big step in your life and I think if planners were more open from the beginning it puts brides at ease and then we can focus more on working on the issues that are a concern and narrow the problems down. Communication is key between planner and the couple who is getting married. It should not be a distrustful relationship. On the contrary, the more you know and I know as a planner then I can help you much more efficiently. That is why I charge a set fee and the rest is simply putting it all together for the bride and groom. That way, we can be open and no one feels they need to protect their budget from one another. Anyway, open communication and seeing the contract upfront shows exactly what we need to decide and therefore, gives the bride and groom a direction to go on. They are smart enough to follow the pattern once they know what they need to achieve. Jimmy www.martoca.com

You are welcome my friends. It works quick and it is easy to remember and it is almost exactly right! Unless of course you are Mariah Carey or something like that and then she may do 90% on diamonds and decorations and 10% on food HAHA. I love to help so if you have any questions feel free to chat me up. Even if you do not get married in our garden in Vallarta if I can give you advice I will be glad to do so; I may be able to help... a destination wedding is similar no matter what beach it is on Gracias!!

In Martoca Beach Garden we pride ourselves in helping brides organize the wedding so it goes exactly as planned. We make sure they know exactly what they are going to get; even if sometimes it falls short of what they expected. It is better to be clear and precise with our brides so they know exactly what they can afford and not to lead them on to false expectations. In cases when they fall short of their expectations it is the lack of an appropiate budget that usually hinders these bride´s plans. We suggest that before you contact a wedding professional you sit down and discuss your budget range with your loving partner. Make sure brides understand the costs involved in the basic parts of the party and therefore; budget accordingly. The following items are essential for any party and therefore must be accounted for in any budget. 70 % of your budget should be spent on these 7 items or factors, the other 30% can be for extras and other expenses. I call this the 70 on 7 rule. 1. Venue 2. Catering Service 3. Bar 4. Dj/Music and Dancefloor 5. Coordination/Wedding Planning/Design 6. Ceremony 7. Decorations Once these seven key factors are budgeted for THEN and only then will you be able to think of extras like fireworks, fire dancers, flower arrangements, transportation, tents, etc. These 7 factors are non-negotiable for your party. You must have them so you must come to terms with them and budget for them. Of course there are variations among the pricing for each of these items and it is usually directly related to the quality provided by the vendors for each item. A few examples for you to consider: Venue vary from 1,000 dollars and up to 10,000 or more. Center pieces may vary from 20 dollars each up to 400 plus. The bar may cost 30 dollars per person up to 120 per person per night. Tables may cost 6 dollars a piece to rent up to 140 dollars each or more. Ceremony arches may cost between 150 dollars up to 2,000 or more... Catering may cost from 40 dollars a person up to 250 dollars or more per person It is all a matter of taste and most importantly; your budget. So find out how much you have to spend and then organize these in matter of importance for you. For instance, if food and beverage are not as much of a priority as the setting and location is, then you may spend more on the venue than the catering. However, if you want food or drinks that are amazing and the venue is not as important then you would spend your money on that and not so much the venue. This will ensure your money is spent on what you desire the most at your party. So once you have this figured out you are on your way. Contact us or your wedding planner of choice and let them know what you have in mind and how much money you have to achieve it with. If they are any good they should be able to put something together to accomodate you. Maybe you will have to sacrifice certain things or quality but if you have your priorities straight then you will end up with a party perfectly suited just for you. Visit us and book your wedding with our help and venue www.martoca.com Jimmy Basanez

In Martoca Beach Garden we pride ourselves in helping brides organize the wedding so it goes exactly as planned. We make sure they know exactly what they are going to get; even if sometimes it falls short of what they expected. It is better to be clear and precise with our brides so they know exactly what they can afford and not to lead them on to false expectations. In cases when they fall short of their expectations it is the lack of an appropiate budget that usually hinders these bride´s plans. We suggest that before you contact a wedding professional you sit down and discuss your budget range with your loving partner. Make sure brides understand the costs involved in the basic parts of the party and therefore; budget accordingly. The following items are essential for any party and therefore must be accounted for in any budget. 70 % of your budget should be spent on these 7 items or factors, the other 30% can be for extras and other expenses. I call this the 70 on 7 rule. 1. Venue 2. Catering Service 3. Bar 4. Dj/Music and Dancefloor 5. Coordination/Wedding Planning/Design 6. Ceremony 7. Decorations Once these seven key factors are budgeted for THEN and only then will you be able to think of extras like fireworks, fire dancers, flower arrangements, transportation, tents, etc. These 7 factors are non-negotiable for your party. You must have them so you must come to terms with them and budget for them. Of course there are variations among the pricing for each of these items and it is usually directly related to the quality provided by the vendors for each item. A few examples for you to consider: Venue vary from 1,000 dollars and up to 10,000 or more. Center pieces may vary from 20 dollars each up to 400 plus. The bar may cost 30 dollars per person up to 120 per person per night. Tables may cost 6 dollars a piece to rent up to 140 dollars each or more. Ceremony arches may cost between 150 dollars up to 2,000 or more... Catering may cost from 40 dollars a person up to 250 dollars or more per person It is all a matter of taste and most importantly; your budget. So find out how much you have to spend and then organize these in matter of importance for you. For instance, if food and beverage are not as much of a priority as the setting and location is, then you may spend more on the venue than the catering. However, if you want food or drinks that are amazing and the venue is not as important then you would spend your money on that and not so much the venue. This will ensure your money is spent on what you desire the most at your party. So once you have this figured out you are on your way. Contact us or your wedding planner of choice and let them know what you have in mind and how much money you have to achieve it with. If they are any good they should be able to put something together to accomodate you. Maybe you will have to sacrifice certain things or quality but if you have your priorities straight then you will end up with a party perfectly suited just for you! Enjoy your planning! www.martoca.com Jimmy Basanez

You are very welcome. I do not know if it is typical but it is a format I use. I outline all that is needed and paid for in our wedding package and a description of each item. I thought it would help brides to see how intricate a wedding can be. It is not only a destination wedding; any wedding has these features. The prices are totally dependent on what quality and quantity of services a bride requires. I have seen dinners for 50 dollars per person and some for 180 per person. Or decorations for 1,000 dollars or for 10,000 or more. It really is up to the bride and the budget. Just like in life we are all different and need to adjust to our budget. But love is universal and I know this much; a rich or poor person loves their soul mate just the same,and that is what makes us all a like! Jimmy www.martoca.com

I thought today I could best help brides by showing them an actual contract and what it all may or may not include. Take a look and use it as a guide for your planning and budgeting in Mexico. Prices may vary according to quality and dates and such... but this is a great guide. Enjoy amigos - Jimmy www.martoca.com The Vendor and the Client agree that the Client shall pay the total sum agreed here below in USD dollars or in its equivalent exchange rate in Pesos at time of payment, in return for the services contracted herewith; Both the rental of the Venue and the services and coordination of events listed below shall be included in this total price. A service Gratuity will be appreciated an it is a customary 10% for service. In this case 400 Dollars is fine; However, it is only due if the client is completely satisfied. The Parties agree that the following items and services shall be included within the Vendor’s responsibilities and the cost as stated in this agreement: The Venue Rental with Coordination and Designer Services: will be responsible for decorating the Venue with multiple Tikki torches, palm tree lighting and Chinese style lamp lighting and candles lining/accenting the garden paths, walkways and around pools. Designer and Coordination and Personal Assistance: The Vendor will also supervise, design, set up and take down and clean Venue and coordinate and assist with unlimited emails as needed and Skype when necessary during the months prior and until the conclusion of the event the next day for any needs which may arise involving the wedding or help to guests. Reception Area: We will provide a reception Pergola “lobby†tastefully decorated indicating table seating charts and offering a delicious Lemon/Cucumber freshly made “agua fresca†with tropical decorations and flowers and an area for hostess to meet and greet. Decorated Lounge Area: Good quality decorations to be agreed upon with designer from options available of sofas for the garden with lounge tables for guests to mingle away from the dinner area while pictures and ceremony finishes. Ceremony Area: Vendor will provide ceremony area and chairs for 35 Guests. Decoration will be simple yet elegant with seasonal flowers and palm leaves or such. Ceremony does not include minister due to fact that this is to be chosen by bride at a later date and costs may vary. Bride may increase decorations and elegance of arch or flowers as she desires; and may do so directly with Odette from catalog of choices. Mariachi Hour: Mariachi Band fully uniformed great quality band with 8 or more musicians will play to celebrate right after ceremony or when decided by client. Shows Entertainment: Flamenco/Spanish Guitarrist Belly Dancer Fire Dancer Shows are included as well. DJ & Dancefloor: 8 hours of non-stop service and fun. Will provide sound for Ceremony as well. Includes lights and Plasma Screens for videos and lighted dance floor. You may choose playlist. Hors ‘ Ouevres Hour: Middle Eastern inspired Appetizers served after ceremony on trays served by sharply dressed servers; 4 items per person to be chosen from menu options by catering chef. 3 Course 5* Plated Dinner: 3 course dinner based on client’s choice from assorted menu. Ingredients are fresh and imported when desired quality is not found locally, such as it happens with prime quality steak. Menu includes Shrimp, Steak, Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper, Chicken or Pork or Veal choices with your choice of sides. Your choice of Soup, Salad, Appetizer, Main Entree and Dessert. Please choose 3 of these 5 courses. Vegetarian dishes when requested please inform Odette 30 days prior to wedding date how many want Vegetarian Option and where they will be seating. we will gladly accomodate. You may serve all the same or maximum 2 choices of Main Entree *excluding the vegetarian plates which are exceptions. Sample Courses would be for example: 1.- Salad, 2.-Main Entree and 3.-Dessert, or, 1.-Soup 2.-Main Entree 3.-Dessert and any combination of 3 that you desire. Catering Furniture and Center Pieces: All the furniture, dinnerware, linens, wine glasses and water glasses and center pieces with seasonal flowers and local flowers are included in the price as listed above; this includes seasonal flower arrangements and lanterns. You may upgrade any item by discussing it with the designer and paying the difference in price; If for example you want to have Wood top tables instead of linens and so on. Bride and Groom Head Table: Decorated special table for Bride and Groom. Special Bottle of Champagne or Bottle of choice with set up for table Open Bar provided for 8 hours: Scratch bar with fresh ingredients and well blended drinks with brands such as Don Julio Tequila, Malibu Rum, Bacardi, Smirnoff, Cazadores, Herradura, Absolut and Concha Y Toro red and white wine. As well as digestive liqueurs such as Bailey’s, Amaretto, Frangelico, Chinchon and beer will be Corona, Pacifico and Negra Modelo. Full Top Shelf Bar service provided for 8 hours with complete service. Guests will not need to bother to go to the bar for service. Midnight Taco Bar: Set-up and cooking tacos on site with freshly made salsas. Includes serving of tacos Pastor and quesadillas for 35 Guests. Additional guest fee: If guest count exceeds over 35 guests, the extra guest fee will be 100 usd per person. Minimum fee for event will be based on 35 guests regardless an actual reduced guest count and it is set at 13,900 dollars which does not include the optional 400 dollars satisfaction based gratuity. EXTRAS AVAILABLE: If client desires to add any serviceswe we will gladly work for and negotiate on her behalf to find the best vendor to suit client’s needs. Samples of extras are: Transportation: Shuttle from Hotel to venue and back to hotel is 350 dollars for up to 35 Guests. Photographer/Video Fireworks 300 Dollars for 30 Second Show 9. The Vendor and the Client agree that the Client shall pay the sum of 13,900 USD dollars in return for the all the services described above and contracted herewith; Both the rental of the Venue and the services and coordination of events listed above shall be included in this total price. The Parties agree that the following items and services shall be included within the Vendor’s responsibilities and the cost as stated in this agreement:

Hello Brides, I cannot stress enough how important it is for your budgeting purposes to determine how many guests will actually attend the wedding. I feel so bad for brides who calculate the wedding budget based on 60 guests who in good faith say they will attend and then 30 guests actually book the trip and show up! Unfortunately for the bride this causes a huge dissapointment not only emotionally but strictly in budgeting terms. To all friends of brides and brides themselves, please make sure you can make the trip before you commit because the 100 or so dollars per person wasted on no shows could be the difference between a simple but tasteful wedding and a superb, highly decorated wedding and with the money saved the brides could even have enough for souvenirs and cool entertainment like Mariachis, Taco Bar, extra lighting and many more goodies. 100 to 250 dollars a person is a range which is common in weddings for catering and table decorations so if 30 guests do not come it could mean a difference of 3,000 up to 10,000 dollars in budget for catering and table decorations. So please watch this part of your planning. I think it is the most common mistake in budgeting. For those who cannot make the trip just let them know there will be a night out to toast the couple and have a send off party at their expense obviously since you are paying for the wedding and they should undertand. Good luck and save money , Jimmy Basanez [email protected] Martoca Beach Garden www.faebook/martocaweddings.com www.martoca.com

Very beautiful amiga!!!