jordanb

You might check into some of the big resorts, even if it's not your first inclination. Some of them do free weddings for the couple, with basically everything you said you wanted, if you just stay in a certain room class for a certain number of nights. They'll probably still charge you a fee for your photog, but if you go offsite to your makeup/hair artist, they can't charge you for that. For example, I got married at the Royal in Playa - they did have a free package, but they also charged $350 for an outside photographer. it would include your ceremony setup, coordinator, bouquet, dinner, etc. though: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/86106/playa-del-carmen-just-the-2-of-us Just something to consider!

Just sent it to you!

We paid or an extra hour up front!

That's weird- they didn't charge me and I got a note from the DJ saying that they were bringing them for free!

DoReMix djs thru the resort were great- and they bright all the props you were asking about, plus fireworks, free of charge. I brought the lanterns!

DoReMix djs thru the resort were great- and they bright all the props you were asking about, plus fireworks, free of charge. I brought the lanterns!

It sounds like your photog is staying at a different resort? If so, (based on my recent experience) you'll definitly have to pay for him, and the fee is currently $350 (or was 2 weeks ago!). In my case, I told my offsite coordinator my plans to use outside photography as I was making all the arrangements through her - a couple months out - when I provided numbers, meals, and other extras I wanted like dance floor. She then sent me a whole recap with all the fees I owed, broken down by each piece, which I paid before I was assigned my onsite coordinator (about a month out). I got a balance sheet back that showed everything paid, and my onsite had it when I arrived. She noted the outside photog with the front desk, and they had no issues getting into the resort to shoot from there! Does that help?

I got married there one week ago! Here's my review - maybe it will help you decide? We had a fabulous time - you can't beat the location (I highly recommend staying in Playa over just along the Riviera - gives your guests a lot more to do and see). Also, the resort is beautiful, and although I got a little tired of the food, all-inclusive is so much easier for a group, and it has the best I have had at any! Feel free to ask any questions. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/the-royal-in-playa-del-carmen-all-inclusive-spa-resort/reviews/6866

Hi ladies, I just posted my review of my wedding last week - hope it's helpful! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/the-royal-in-playa-del-carmen-all-inclusive-spa-resort/reviews/6866

Sorry, I meant that the guestbook, escort card table was to the left of the sweetheart table, farther back. At the entrance to the reception from the Gazebo. Our reception is at Gazebo beach, so the Gazebo where the ceremony was, is directly behind the sweatheart table.

I JUST got back from my wedding, so I don't have many professional shots back yet (and none so far that show the whole layout, ready-to-go), but these (one professional and some from friends during setup and the actual party) might help you! We did dance floor in the middle with three tables (for a total of 6, each with 7-9 people) on each side, and sweetheart table at the top, facing the ocean. Here they are setting it up, so you can see the layout - we also had a cake table to the right of the sweetheart table, and a table for guestbook, escort cards, etc. to the right, farther back. You can see how the sweetheart table is at the top of the dancefloor facing everyone here. Cake table is hiding behind us. Here is a closer shot of what our sweetheart table looked like. You can see spacing of tables in background here... And what cake table looked like up close... And finally, a professional shot from Del Sol of what my tables looked like when deocrated! Hope that helps!

Thank you! It was amazing! Review and pics of how everything looked the day-of to come!

Also, DoReMix Djs were AMAZING too. We had a light-up dance floor on the beach, and they brought fireworks, ballons, masks, etc. and handled the playlist and announcments flawlessly!

Del Sol Photography all the way in reference to your photog needs! I JUST got back from my wedding yesterday, and they were fantastic! I did a ton of research before I went and they just kept standing out from the rest. Photos to come soon!