JMK923

Lol I don't think many brides remember eating! Your just so caught up in having a good time! Although I'm glad to hear another positive review about the buffet.

Bubblez - I absolutely love your pictures! Your day looked so perfect I get butterflies thinking about my wedding day approaching!! Thanks for sharing

Kaya - That sounds delicious! I LOVE surf and turf and it sounds like your guests do too!! I don't think you can go wrong with chicken I would have picked the same thing. Jenny - We have a variety of guests as well so the buffet was a safe bet... And not to mention stress free! Yes, I decided to get a 3 tier cake even though I've heard mixed reviews. Some brides said theirs tasted really good and others didn't care for it. However, I saw with the new memorable moments collection they introduced new flavors! So I'm doing a different flavor in each tier - red velvet (which I love), vanilla and Oreo. Regardless of the taste, I more or less wanted a cake for pictures and so that we could do the traditional cake cutting. Lil Pumpkin - your pictures turned out beautiful!!!

We're having the BBQ Deluxe Buffet because there's something for everyone, and we added the beef medallions to it. I was looking into the Family Style dinner initially but I feel like the tables would be so crowded between centerpieces, plates, etc. and then the side dishes being on the tables...

I spent a lot of time too, and agree it is very tempting! I'm probably going to stick with my original plan also. I would love if I could use the centerpieces from the package though. I may check with my WC about pulling some elements as well. I'll keep you posted. The Soirée package is stunning!! That was also my top choice

Quote: Originally Posted by Jennypert I just found out Karisma has introduced a series of totally new wedding packages for the Azul and El Dorado properties. If your wedding is soon, you may not want to change. But, the new packages and website are definitely interesting and worth considering. http://www.memorablemomentsweddings.com/ The roll out of the new packages may be part of the reason for the slow responses recently. Aren't the new collections beautiful? I was actually inquiring about the Coastal Bliss package with my WC Lynda. I haven't decided which route I'm taking yet. Based off her answers to my questions, the shade lounge can't be used for a cocktail hour (it's only a part of the ceremony decor) and they can't transfer any of the decorations over to the reception. These were two pretty important factors since the packages aren't cheap!!! Also, the music playlist is just a suggestion of songs for you to put on your iPod - they don't actually have music equipment setup to play the list of songs. However, the decor is gorgeous so I'm having a hard time deciding if it's worth all this extra money!! Also, for any of you who purchased the 'Pearl Package' this is now called the 'Always & Forever Package'. MAKE SURE YOUR WC CHANGES THIS FOR YOU ON YOUR DETAIL SHEET!! It's the same price but you get a lot more perks (candle light dinner on the beach, free wifi, discounted spa services, one night anniversary return voucher, etc.)

Wow ladies, so many beautiful rings! Aren't we lucky?! Here's mine

Lil Pumpkin, My heart aches for you! I'm so sorry that things didn't go as perfect as they should have been. It's a shame that they were so unorganized due to rain I appreciate you sharing your review because it makes me really start to think about a back up plan if the weather takes a turn. I would absolutely talk to your TA about all of this. Not to mention, you need to demand some sort of refund from them, and it's sad that you have to even ask for it after all you've been through. I do love your photo at the Cenote though, it is beautiful! Jackie

Quote: Originally Posted by endiz Hey folks, noticed there was a recent name change to Sensatori Resort Riviera Maya. Does this change anything for us? Does Karisma or Azul not own them anymore? I don't believe so... At least Karisma's website still reflects the same name for Azul Sensatori.Although, the one difference I guess is that its now 'Azul Sensatori Mexico' since they opened an 'Azul Sensatori Jamaica'. Where did you hear that from? I'm only curious because of my contract with them.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsHK Happy to help! It depends what you consider cool, but the coldest I've seen it get here means putting on leggings and a long sleeved shirt instead of shorts and a tank top. The lowest it gets is around 20°C, or around 70°F. Plus it is quite humid, so it feels even hotter than that. The beach can get quite windy, so if you're down there at night you might need a pashmina or something, but for the most part you'll probably be fine. Don't worry about a cover up for your wedding night though! The excitement, wedding dress, booze and dancing will keep you sweating all night long. Sounds like perfect weather to me Thanks so much for your input!! And yes, I especially don't plan on being cold the night of our wedding with all the festivities going on haha.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsHK Hey there! I live down here in the Mayan Riviera, and I can tell you that the weather is usually great from November to May. The rainy, extremely hot and humid season starts end of May and lasts until the end of October. You picked a really great time of year to come! It has been raining here for pretty much a month straight, but the last few days have been very beautiful. Nothing is ever guaranteed in terms of weather, but usually if it does end up raining it passes quickly and the sun comes out again. Don't bother checking the forecast for this area, it is never correct. Even the current conditions are usually wrong. Thank you so much! That's very reassuring I've been to the Riviera Maya once several years ago around the spring time and it was beautiful. I was worried about February being a little cooler.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lins1 Hi ladies!! Can anyone tell me where they got their canvas welcome/oot bags from? I live in Canada so would prefer to go to a store and grab them but online suggestions are good too. Thanks!! I've found some pretty reasonable OOT bags on www.americanbridal.com. They also have pretty reasonable wedding favors, decorations, etc.

Hi Jenny! I did come across the WeddingDJ app and plan on checking it out. I'm not sure how I feel about the 'pauses' because we're doing a rehearsal the night before! I was hoping someone manning the iPod would just fade out each song at the appropriate time. I'm walking down the isle to an instrumental version of 'A Thousand Years' by The Piano Guys. I also like the cover version by Boyce Avenue but I think instrumental is so elegant. I booked my DJ through my WC so that it could be added to my detail sheet.

Quote: Originally Posted by Judithvsthomas Congrats to you too!! We've booked the ceremony location (rooftop) and reception (on the beach with a bonfire!) so far and the dj. When I read that the dj provides glow sticks and balloons I was sold lol. I think we're keeping the dinner pretty simple to keep costs down. I was all ready for the big Mexican feast but our wedding planner (in Ottawa) suggested to keep it simple since our guests will be eating amazing food all week that's already paid for! I appreciated that tip How far along are you? We have a few stragglers in the RSVP but not many left! 52 have booked so far and they all came flooding at the last min. So get ready The weather is also something I'm always reading about!! I'm with you on that one!! Thank you! The rooftop ceremony sounds beautiful and I love the bonfire idea on the beach! We're having the ceremony on the beach and the reception at Plaza Zavaz. Are you using DJ All Music? That's who we hired for our DJ and yes, I hear they have props which is exciting lol. I totally agree with you about keeping the food simple. We're taking the same approach by having an informal cocktail hour, as I don't see the point in paying for a private cocktail hour when guests can just drink and mingle at one of the bars. Right now I'm working on processional order and music for the ceremony. I'm using my iPod for this and lately I've been so nervous about mishaps happening and timing, etc. Once we receive all the RSVP's back then I'll start working on place cards, table numbers, seating chart, OOT bags and wedding favors. That is so awesome you have 52 guests confirmed already. We were hoping for a much larger turnout but will probably end up with 50-60 guests, and I'm really happy with that! I'm sure your right about the RSVP's all flooding in at the last minute. I'm still waiting to hear back from 100 people. I just keep telling myself to breathe

Yay thanks!! That makes me feel so much better

Quote: Originally Posted by Judithvsthomas Hey Ladies! I tried posting last week, but it disappeared... I'm new to this.. clearly lol. We're getting married at AS Jan 14, 2014 - Any other brides there that week!? Anyways, hope this post works!! Happy planning.. I'm sure I'm going to have 100 questions as the date gets closer!! Hello and congratulations!! I'm getting married February 8, 2014... We're pretty close I've been paying particular attention to the weather lately, and I'm curious what it's going to be like down there during the winter months. What all have you started planning so far? We're SUPPOSED to get our RSVP's back next week so I hope to wrap up planning here soon. Crazy how it all goes by so fast.

Quote: Originally Posted by lolita2014 Hello Ladies. I have been lurking for 3 weeks and want to introduce myself. My name is Lola and I am recently engaged (Aug 17th). I am getting married at Azul Sensatori June 20th, 2014. I was happy, at first, to have finalized a Resort and date, but now I'm freaking out. We have until Friday to submit our room block contract. Prior to planning, my fiancé and I were sure that we would have 25-30 guests. I have since realized my best friend (and hopeful maid of honor) starts IVF next month and would be due in July. Therefore, no out-of-country travel. I just realized my next choice for maid of honor has lupus and is very sensitive to sunlight (she would need sunglasses throughout the ceremony). His proposed best man, just relocated for a new job, has a toddler and has already expressed concern about expense. Between us we have 4 friends getting married between April and Labor Day weekend 2014 (one will also be destination and the other 3 will be in 3 different states). So, I am seeing some mutual friends having to make a choice as to which wedding they can attend. I burst into tears after my brother said he intends to use his time-share in Mexico and offer it to other family members as well. I'm seeing our number of potential guests being less than the ten rooms needed for us to have our group rate. Has anyone had this happen? I'm scared to ask people to book under one rate and then find out 2 months prior that the rate has increased because we can't book 10 rooms. I also see no need in having a wedding if we have a very small turn-out. I would prefer to elope, but my FI refuses. My mom says I'm overthinking things and shouldn't worry, but I am. Can anyone share their experience? Thank you, Lola Hi Lola, Congratulations on your recent engagement! For our wedding we blocked off 20 rooms in order to get the special rate. However, I don't know exactly how many rooms you need at a minimum to hold a specific rate. We have to release any unused rooms by the end of October so we do not get penalized. I can definitely relate to your stress. My FI and I were initially going to elope in Bora Bora and have a huge reception party back home with all our friends and family. Then, I realized I couldn't get married without my parents present and a lot of our family and friends were upset. So, we decided to do a destination wedding in Mexico since it's closer and invite everyone Regardless, we knew we wanted to get married somewhere warm and on a beach! I also understand you being upset with the dwindling guest count. We invited 275 people to Mexico and expected about half to come. Well, my RSVP's are due back October 1st and we have 40 confirmed so far. We expected a lot more than 40 people! But, with a destination wedding I feel like you really have to go into it with the understanding that your best friend or close family may not be able to come. I did get REALLY upset when I saw some of our RSVP's come back, because literally no one from my mom's side of the family can afford to come. And, if it makes you feel any better, we aren't having a bridal party at all. We thought with a destination it just makes everything way easier. Don't stress, just enjoy the planning!! Jackie

LilPumpkin, have an AMAZING time!! So very excited for you and looking forward to seeing lots of pictures! Best wishes!!! Jackie

Hi Kaya! Lol glad to help I actually don't know the measurements of the sandboxes, but my WC suggested 2 and that's what I have on my detail sheet. We'll also have about 50 guests. For couples, I plan on using one escort for both their names which will free up space. Sounds like you are doing something similar. That is a REALLY good question about the sand! I just sent my WC an email to make sure it's included. I've learned from other brides on this thread that you need to be as specific as possible and list out every single thing you want on your detail sheet. For instance, I emailed my WC a few weeks ago about flower arrangements for our sweetheart table. It turns out, that she had to literally add a sweetheart table to my detail sheet! Otherwise, they may not have had one setup for us at the reception. I started freaking out thinking of all the other "common" things at weddings that you would think are included, but you may need to point those things out for a destination wedding. Thank you for bringing up the sand!! I'll let you when Lynda responds.

Hi Kaya! My WC is also Lynda and we went through the same thing months ago trying to book DJ Doremixx as well. I was disappointed but DJ All Music has so many great reviews from other brides on this forum! I'm not even stressing over it anymore! Everything will work out great Jackie

Has anyone done or is anyone thinking about doing a candy bar display setup during the reception? I was wondering if anyone had any luck with bringing their own candies (i.e. chocolate melting, etc.). Thanks!

Hi KTBeach! We are using DJ All Music for our reception and I've heard great reviews about them on this thread. I've also gathered information on them through my WC and also Lomas' website for pricing, equipment setup, etc. http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/planning/ You can also refer to Lomas' website for pricing on the guitarist for your ceremony and cocktail party, and I believe they have videos for all the different types of live music too! Jackie

Hi Jess! Same here, I was trying to bring less bulky items with me. The bird cage card holder is $30 (which is very close in price to others I've found) and the sandboxes are $20 each. I didn't see these on Lomas' planning site, I just asked my WC. There are a few other items that aren't on the site but they were able to accommodate my requests. If there's something you are looking for I suggest just asking