KaelaMcD

Misadelf- I really wanted a live band like it sounds like you do! But for a number of reasons, I ultimately wasn't comfortable. They did not tell me that I couldn't have the band at Blue Terrace, but they warned me that it would make the space pretty tight. Yes, they informed me that you need to have at least 45 guests (I'm pretty sure that was the minimum I was quoted) but no more than 60. We had 55 (including 7 children and even the children had their own "place setting." Even if they were infants, which we had 5, they had their own "spot" at every table.) So with our 55 guests, and their warning that it might make space a little uncomfortable, that was the first thing that made me hesitate on the band. The space issue could have been solved by moving to the ballroom (which I didn't want to go all the way to the beach in Mexico to have the reception in a ballroom) or moving to the beach (which just wasn't our first choice). But we ultimately wanted to be at the Terrace (which I'm now confident was the best choice). And, I agree that they were right. You could have fit a band, but it would have been pretty tight. The second thing that made me hesitate about the band was that my Lomas planner (Lynda) told me that they don't emcee at all. So you would have to figure something out on your own about how to make all the necessary announcements (ie; announce bride and groom, first dance, cake cutting, etc.). And, they were going to charge for a separate sound system/microphone to make said announcements or toasts etc. She specifically said we could NOT use the band's equipment for that. You also can't pick your music ahead of time, so you don't really have any idea what they will play! Maybe other brides have had a different/better experience, but without an emcee or being able to choose SOME of the music or use their equipment, I wasn't comfortable paying nearly $4000! Hope that helps!

Hey Ashley- Music was another "big deal" to me. I'm actually a music teacher, and can be a bit of a "snob" about it, so I toiled over this one a lot! :-) First, I wanted the live band, but we couldn't fit them, and all 55 of my guests at Blue Terrace so I settled on a DJ. I actually also contacted DJ Doremixx for a quote (just out of curiosity, because everyone was talking about them!). I never heard back, and I was getting close to my contract deadline so I had to make a choice. I went with the Lomas DJ (DJ All Music, the $1500 package) and have zero regrets! They were AWESOME! We went with the more expensive of the two choices, mainly because we really wanted to have an emcee, and Mega DJ (the cheaper of the two) does not include one. They actually had four staff members, the emcee, the "main" DJ, and the two other guys either helping him with the tracks/equipment, or running the bubble machine, handing out neon bracelets, or balloons, etc. In your contract with Lomas, there should be a tab that has a detailed list of the reception for the DJ including times of the events (first dance, garter toss, cake cutting, etc.) and you can also include a list of songs you want them to play (or not). They were very professional and kept the reception running on-time. They also did a fantastic job at playing the songs we picked (and in true DJ fashion running one song into the next so there's no down time where people think, "Oh, this song is over, I'm tired, I'll go sit down!") and choosing other songs that weren't on the list that fit our "genre" (which for us was mostly classics). And any time I popped my head over his computer for a request, that song was up next! I put on the list that I didn't want any pop and I didn't hear one Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber song (not that I don't like them, I was just trying to appeal to our entire audience of guests, which were mostly over 50 :-)) I thought they were great, and would definitely recommend them. For my ceremony music, my cousin played his guitar. For our cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception, we had the Mexican Trio, and they did such a great job too! It definitely gave the event a very authentic flare, and the guests loved the live music. Sorry the response is so long...I tend to ramble. But I know when I was planning, I wanted as many details as possible! Let me know if you need anything else.

karyc- All the tables they use are about 2.5'x2.5' (guesstimating here...) squares. For us, we had 7 tables of 8. They put them into rectangles (basically pushed six regular tables together) but then they had three people on one side, three on the other and two on one end. They are big enough that you can fit three people on one side when they're pushed together. This was actually a great idea, because then no one's back was to the middle of the room/dance floor, so everyone could comfortably watch the "action." The only downside is that it does make the tables kinda wide, so it was hard to talk across the table to people, but it really wasn't that big of a deal (I'll send a pic when I have one). Once dinner was over (which was fantastic, btw) most people were up dancing, moving around, etc. Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything else! I also have TONS of pictures of the property, so let me know if you want to see anything.

truitt2002- Thank you for the congratulations! I did not use the photographer offered by the resort/Lomas because I wasn't impressed with their work (and the pictures are really important to me). I used Playa Weddings, a husband and wife team from Colorado. They did both photography and videography, but they are technically one vendor, so I only had to pay the "outside vendor fee" one time. They are really strict about bringing in outdoor vendors. They charge an $800 fee in fact (Unless the vendor is staying three nights or more at the resort, which was the case with my ceremony musician who was a cousin of mine, otherwise they would have charged for him too! Craziness....)! Playa Weddings was kind enough to "split" the fee with me, by basically offering me an extra hour of coverage without charging me. They were a fantastic team, very professional, on-time, easy to correspond with via email (also important to me!) and we were overall very impressed. Visit their site at www.playaweddings.com They have done a number of other weddings at Azul Beach (you can see a few on their site) so they know their way around the resort, and have worked with the staff, etc. I highly recommend them! As soon as I have some pictures, I'll share! Let me know if you have any other questions! Happy planning. :-)

Hello Azul Beach Brides! I just returned from my wedding at Azul Beach (10/14) and it was absolutely PEFERCT! Just rest easy, because your wedding will be fantastic and your guests will love the experience. I plan to write a detailed review, but in the meantime, if anyone has questions about anything, don't hesitate to ask! We can't wait to go back!!!

karyc-I just returned from my wedding at Azul Beach (10/14) and had my reception at Blue Terrace. I don't think you can use round tables, because they utilize the tables that they use in that space during regular operation hours (ie; lunch and dinner). However, I was told you can have tables of both six and eight. I went with all tables of eight (it was better for my seating arrangements) and it worked out great! Let me know if you have any other questions.

karyc-I just returned from my wedding at Azul Beach (10/14) and had my reception at Blue Terrace. I don't think you can use round tables, because they utilize the tables that they use in that space during regular operation hours (ie; lunch and dinner). However, I was told you can have tables of both six and eight. I went with all tables of eight (it was better for my seating arrangements) and it worked out great! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Did you ask about the Wave Lounge? I am having my "rehearsal dinner" there, but just appetizers and drinks. I've attached a link to a picture. I think it would be beautiful! We're just too big at almost 60. Did you actually check on the max capacity with your WC or just the Lomas website? I'm already over the "max" on two of my private locations, so there is apparently some wiggle room. http://www.flickr.com/photos/godreamvacations/6329190059/

Hi Girls! I am a 2012 Azul Beach Bride (October 14th, it's getting close!). It's so fun to hear from all of you. I am pretty far into the planning (final contract is due at the end of the month) so if you have any questions feel free to ask. Happy planning! P.S. Alot of you have talked about photography/videography. I went with Playa Weddings after I saw two videos they shot at ABH. They are a husband and wife team, and booking them together means only ONE outside vendor fee. Here's a link to one of the videos where they did both the videography and photography. Happy Planning!