Trace2013

Hey SandyBeach.. haha. I just totally answered you in the other thread.. Just ignore that. You may want to consider revising your plans. It is very rare that swimming is allowed in the pools or in the ocean after dark at AI resorts. Plus, the bars closest to the beach/pool slowly start to close down as the evening gets later. I'm assuming they do this to not only have a chance to clean the pools but also the a la carte restaurants surround the pool so that would be a bit distracting for diners! I have not been to this particular hotel but its been my experience at every other resort (I've been to 8) including another Iberostar. We have a large group and are planning on having the entire reception at the Steakhouse and have hired an outside DJ for the entire reception and dance portion. But if that's not something you want to do, then you could easily head to the lobby bar for a few cocktails and then disco for those wanting more action later into the night?

Hey SandyBeach! Yep, we are tying the know January 9th @ the Quetzal! Our group is headed to PDC Jan6 - 13th. And yes, you read right.. I'm from the Peg - I'm guessing you are as well?

oh! Thanks for the info, that is super helpful. If they are close in proximity we may spare the argument and just go with the steakhouse for the meal.

hey AC! Oh my goodness, you must be getting SO excited! Sounds like you pretty much have everything set to go for November! Can't wait to hear all about it. We also ended up going with Adventure Photo after seeing their work, it looked pretty good! That $500 outside vendor fee was way too steep. We ended up booking a DJ for the reception, I didn't realize the disco was for rent. Oh well! Can I ask, is the Mexican restaurant the one closest to the beach? I want to have our reception their but want the Mexican menu so wondering if you know that? If not I can just ask Antonieta. Your bags sounds really good! We have decided not to do them, too much weight to take on the plane and pay for all those extra fees. We are staying an extra week after everyone leaves so we'll need all the suitcase room we can get. But I have ordered painted, personalized Maraca's for everyone - they'll have to shake them at dinner to have us kiss. It's either going to be super fun or else we're going to throw them all into the ocean before the night is done...hahah.

OMG! This is freaking beautiful! I can see why you're so excited!!!

Thanks Girls! (special high 5's to my fellow Wpg brides!) I ended up buying the dress.. I just couldn't resist, I knew it was the one. I ended up trying it on at the store again with a fingertip length veil that had a few lace/jewel details and it really made me feel like I was making the right choice. I have decided against the belt as a few of you mentioned the waistline not being straight across, it did look kind of awkward but I guess I was thinking I had to make it more "bride-y" but when its all together its so obviously a wedding dress I am not worried about it one bit.. It can be our little secret @ Peach - I was really struggling with the whole "is it bride enough" thing because the dress I had in my head was not at all like any of the dresses friends and family have purchased for their weddings... But, that being said our wedding is NOTHING like what they have done in hotels etc. I really considered getting a short dress because there are so many amazing short bridals out there - I say if you really want a short one you should go for it! It will be incredibly memorable as its not something people see everyday and so perfect for the setting... Besides, the veil, flowers and smile on your face will give away you're the Bride, I'm sure! Thanks again for your feedback!

HI Ladies, My FI is set on wearing shorts but we are getting "dress" shorts in dark charcoal for him and the groomsmen with white button up shirts. Personally, I didn't have a problem with it when he said he wanted to do that because we love the beach and thats why we're getting married there - for the simplicity! My dress is simple so I don't think he'll look underdressed next to me. He said he may wear a tie just to dress it up a bit, I love the idea. And all of us will be barefoot so I think it will all blend nicely. Plus - I would much rather the groom and his men be comfortable then dying of heat and a sweaty, miserable mess in all the pics!

The Mariachi's are always a lot of fun and can play anything, people tend to enjoy them quite a bit. We're not using live music for the ceremony but we get the choice as part of our package so we've decided to use them for our welcome party. I'm sure if you wanted something a bit more subdued they'd know plenty of beautiful, traditional Mexican music to play?

Hi girls! Like many of you, I've been looking for something really simple and "flowy" without a train that would work for our beach destination wedding without having to blow the budget spending upwards of $1500 on the dress. Although they are beautiful, I'd much rather have that cash in my budget for something else than on my back all night. When I was in the bridal shop and explaining what I wanted the sales girl were SO helpful and said "you know, that exact dress you are describing sounds a lot like one of the bridesmaid dresses we have..." I didn't want to be rude so I thought, why not? and tried it on... well. it was PERFECT! And available in white and the best part? $260!!!!!! So... Just wanted to give you ladies a heads up if you're looking for something a bit more simple and are on a budget, most bridesmaid dresses come in white and the cost savings speak for themselves! What do you guys think?? Does it look "bridesmaidy"? I haven't bought it yet, but I think its the one.. I might add a belt for the reception to glitz it up a bit but its sooo what I wanted and Im so happy! Hopefully you can see the link..

Awesome! What day are you planning on getting married? We also haven't done much regarding the wedding besides picking the date and paying for the package.. We've finally decided that we are going to hire an outside DJ versus having to go through the hassle of getting a huge playlist together on ipods and then having to ask someone to take care of it. Thankfully, this website made our choice super easy! We are also beach bums and will for sure be getting married barefoot in the sand! Is there any other way?? haha. But I think we have decided the reception should be in the restaurant closest to the beach, we have been to Playacar last January and it was quite windy so we're just going to have it in the open air restaurant. Regarding your question, I have stayed at a few Iberostars in the DR, but not this one specifically.. Our room has always had a tub/shower combo but that is a question you can easily get answered by Connie to put your mind at ease? I am working with the Quetzal WC, Antonieta... I think it may just be the two of them coordinating.

ok thank goodness! Thanks for answering!

I had the same issue with my parents. Sorry but the neighbors down the street who I haven't seen since I lived at home do not get invited to a DW!!! I did give in and invite about 10 of "her people" but luckily they all pretty much declined. I told her she could go nuts and plan me the shower of HER dreams an it seemed to help things a bit. And the nice thing about your wedding shower is all you have to do is show up!!! Its true, things add up and if you are concerned about your budget you should be extremely picky on your guest list, I'd say the addition of 35 unexpected "yesses" has increased our costs by close to $5000! Luckily for us we want a DW because of our love of the beach and not so much to save costs (we have money saved).

Hi Ladies, We have decided to have a spiritual ceremony for the wedding in order to avoid the paperwork and testing that is involved with a legal ceremony in Mexico. My question is, since it isn't legal can *anyone* perform our ceremony? We'd really like to have a close friend do it versus some stranger JP that the hotel hires. Has anyone done this? Do we need special permission?

Hi LTLFAITHY We also felt like our guest list was huge but decided to invite everyone knowing that we'd probably only get half. Well, we invited 120 people and are at 78 reservations! Who would have thought?? SO, I'd say be careful what you wish for. Luckily for us, we felt our list was truly the "cream of the crop" and we are thrilled to have people in our lives who love us so much that they wouldn't miss our wedding for the world. But, the downside of course is that now my little DW that I didn't have to plan has just become a full blown wedding that needs to be planned! Its pretty pricey after you hit that sweet spot of 30 people (depending on the hotel package) because we are now paying per head for what feels like everything! haha. Oh well, life could be worse, right?

Holy! Thanks Matt, I never even thought of just booking a room.. HMMM.... NOW WHAT TO DO??!! haha.

Thanks Matt! Your pictures are stunning... I wish the hotel fee was not so steep so we could choose our own photographer but I just can't justify a $500!!!! dollar fee plus whatever the package will be. I loved the pics though, makes me happy I chose this hotel.

Hey Kali! Awesome, I can't wait to hear how your wedding went although I'm sure it will be fabulous! thanks for answering me, I think we are going to do a little rehearsal just to get our immediate families together for dinner but nothing fancy. Do you have a lot of people committed to coming? We have been overwhelmed by the response and now I'm stuck planning this huge wedding (in DW standards) in Mexico!!! I totally want to bombard you with questions as to what you are doing but I won't... yet. Hahah. Right now my FI and I are just trying to figure out exactly where to hold our reception - on the beach (but fear it may be too windy) or in a restaurant. Are you dealing with Antonieta?

Hi ladies, We really wanted to ensure our guests had the most time to save up/think about coming with us. We are getting married January 9th, 2013 in Playacar, Mexico. We ended up drafting an electronic STD that included the week we had chosen and our location in the Mayan Riviera (at the time, we were still negotiating the resort information etc). We wanted to send it out to get an idea of head count for our TA, this really helped to get us what I believe in the end to be an EXCEPTIONAL one week AI rate for a beautiful hotel (1225/pp for one week). We ended up going with the Iberostar Queztal in Playacar.. Although its not uber fancy like some of the other hotels on this site, we wanted something that had a little bit of everything because we have such a wide range of ages coming with us. We made the right choice as we now have 71 people who have placed a deposit to join us. I will definitely be sending out formal paper invitations as I sell fine paper for a living and would be hung at high noon if I went 100% digital! haha, although we know how much some people appreciate receiving a formal invite. I say, even if you don't know your exact date sending out the STD as soon as you know location and general departure info really helps to get a good idea of who will be able to come...

Hi JBride I am getting married January 9th, 2013 @ the Iberostar Quetzal in Playacar. We managed to negotiate an amazing price for our guest for the week of the wedding, 1225/pp AI! The Iberostars are all very beautiful hotels and Playacar is a great place. Secluded enough to make you feel relaxed but close enough to PDC for shopping or nightlife if you wish. We are flying out of Winnipeg, MB but we also negotiated rates with our TA for departures from Calgary, Edm & Tor. All are under $1300/pp. I suggest you contact a trusted travel agent that will work with the tour operator to find you your best deal. We are a great example of what a good negotiator can get you without having to give up location or amenities. good luck!!!

Hi Ladies, I am a Quetzal Jan. 2013 bride and so excited! Are you guys doing a rehearsal? Is it even necessary due to the nature of the wedding? we are planning on getting legally married here at city hall in Canada (much easier) and then doing a vow renewal vs the paperwork and torture of translations in Mexico.

Hi there! I am booked for January 2013 at the Queztal and we are SO excited! Have you spoke to the coordinator at the hotel yet??

Hi there! I am also an Iberostar Quetzal bride! We are booked to be married in January 2013. Have you started any major planning yet or connected with the wedding coordinator??