MOrdonez

When I was there, which was the last 10 days of November and first week of December, the weather was good about 75% of the time (in terms of wanting to have it as your wedding day 'good' with blue sunny skies and no crazy winds) . Temps were perfect at around 27'-31'. I heard that the weather is more stable but hot in March and April. Have you tried asking a couple photographers from down there?

Yep! Not a fan of the new site at all

We used Samuel Luna this past November and he was AWESOME!!! Replies quickly to emails, great to deal with....and I just love his work! Should take about 2 months to get them back.

I'm at the resort right now and we walked by their booth on the resort and I think they are WAY OVERPRICED for the quality work you get.....in my opinion.

OOPS! *FOR YOUR ADVICE

We leave in 14hrs!!!!! I can't believe it's finally here..... So excited ....... and trying not to look at the weather forecast THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THE PAST BRIDES WITH YOUR ADVICE......IT HAS HELPED A TON!

We leave in 14hrs!!!!! I can't believe it's finally here..... So excited ....... and trying not to look at the weather forecast THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THE PAST BRIDES WITH YOUR ADVICE......IT HAS HELPED A TON!

Quote: Originally Posted by DinaQtobe The weather has been great so far for us. Hoping for blue skies and no rain Thursday!! So, so good to hear!!!!! We wish you all the best

Quote: Originally Posted by macyhickman09 I'm still struggling with a photographer. I am kind of down to 3: Ivan Luckie, Juan Navarro, & Samuel Luna! Does anyone have any recommendations? It is such a huge decision! Did you search under vendor reviews - There is a few reviews on each of them....I think.

Quote: Originally Posted by macyhickman09 Hi everyone! I am curious as to how pictures will work. My ceremony is at 5:30 and the reception is from 6-9. However, we want couple and family photos. When would we take couple photos if the reception starts right after the ceremony? Has anyone run into this issue. Will they let us not eat dinner until 7 in order to give us time to take photos while the guest are at the reception? Thoughts please!!!!!!! hhhmmm......you might be able to ask the coordinator not to serve the meal until 7pm......we have a cocktail hour so we didn't run into this issue.

Quote: Originally Posted by LucyLuckyToes Hi All, So most of you seem to be doing what we are doing and getting married before you head down. I'm Irish and we married in March and now my family is asking when are we going to get married in NY as they all want to fly over. How did you let family know that you already did the deed ans they should just enjoy the destination ceremony?? Stressed!!! We just kept stressing to everyone that the wedding is in Cancun in November and that was it - we were not going to have 2 ceremonies......we kinda muttered over that the 'legal paperwork' would be done prior to leaving with our parents only cause we made the mistake of saying that the wedding was symbolic and we don't need witnesses...... but didn't say much more than that.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsWilletteToBe Good to know--thanks! We are going to have about 60 people and some have used our travel agent, but others have not/will not. I guess I will just give them the ones from my travel agent and then attempt to get the others little by little. Also, how strict are they about adding more guests after the rooming list in confirmed? I would think they would welcome the additional business, and that we would just pay the extra at that time, even if it's after we have paid our final invoice, but who knows. We asked that when we paid our final invoice and they said to just let them know. We have had a couple more people added to the group but I will let her know this week. I can let you know how that goes.....but I think it will be fine.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsWilletteToBe So I'm getting a head start on plugging in my confirmed guest into the Rooming List spreadsheet that my WC sent me (it's due 2 months before the wedding, so for me that's in a few weeks) and I noticed that in addition to the guests names, children's ages, and hotel they're staying at, they are also asking for HOTEL CONFIRMATION NUMBERS!! WTF?! Who has time to get confirmation numbers for everyone??! Previous brides, did you absolutely have to have this for the WC to accept your Rooming List?? I find this ridiculous as they can just as easily look for this with the guest's last name. We had a couple confirmations numbers missing when we sent in our rooming list and they just asked us to get back to them, it didn't seem to be a big deal. Since we are having a small wedding it wasn't a huge deal for us BUT I can see with a bigger wedding this would be a real PAIN! Did you use a travel agent? They should have everyone's confirmation numbers if you did.

Quote: Originally Posted by monicamb I got married June 5th 2013. My mini video is available to look at on Vimeo under Rafael & Monica Gran Caribe. Who ever is interested. THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!!!! YOU LOOKED GORGEOUS AND IT LOOKED LIKE YOU BOTH HAD AN AMAZING DAY Was this video done by the hotel?

Quote: Originally Posted by macyhickman09 Also, does anyone know how much it cost to get your hair done by them at their salon? Hair at the salon is $70 and makeup is $60 + you get 15% off on your wedding day with some of the wedding packages. If you want trials done, a hair trial is $45 and makeup is the same price, $60 - no discount with the trials. You had also asked me about Samuel Luna. He works for himself and you can contact him directly from his blog for quotes, questions, etc. http://www.samuellunablog.com/ some reviews of his work and services you can find here: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/samuel-luna-photography But look around this site is great for reviews on different photographers in the Cancun area. You would need to book a date and time with an outside photographer + pay an outside vendor fee to the hotel ($350). Hope this helps

Quote: Originally Posted by macyhickman09 I am getting married in May 2014 at Gran Caribe Real. Can anyone help me with explaining the photography more. I know that there are photo packages that you can buy through the resort. If you do this does that mean that Gran Caribe provides a photographer for you? Has anyone done this or has everyone hired their own photographer? Pictures are very important to me! The resort photographer doesnt have the greatest reviews. If you buy the photo package through GCR they do provide the photographer. Based on other brides reviews I decided to get my own photographer. We will be using Samuel Luna, you pay an extra vendor fee ($350) but it will totally be worth it - Pictures are super important to us too. You cant relive the moment once its gone.

Quote: Originally Posted by macyhickman09 I am confused about pictures, maybe someone can help! So I know you can buy a photos packing through Gran Caribe Real...if you buy one through them do they provide a photographer or do you still have to hire a photographer? Is anyone just using the one Gran Caribe Real provides? There have been some pretty bad reviews on the resort photographers......everything from communication to, unprofessional behaviour at the wedding and pictures. Just look thru the 2013 GCR thread like meowybells suggested and you will find it.

Quote: Originally Posted by mariposa6102 GREETINGS FROM CANCUN!!!!! BEEN HERE SINCE TUES AND IT'S BEEN NOTHING BUT BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AND BEAUTIFUL SMILES FROM US AND OUR GUEST!!! EVERYDAY NEW GUESTS HAVING BEEN SHOWING UP AND WE'RE TAKING OVER THIS RESORT!!! IT'S SO FUN HERE & LOVING EVERY MINUTE!! LESS THAN 24 HOURS TILL OUR BEACH WEDDING!!!!!!!! WOOOO HOOOOOO YYYYAAYYYY!!!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! I WISH YOU AND YOUR FI ALL THE BEST ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY!!!!! TAKE IT ALL IN CAUSE THEY SAY IT GOES BY SO QUICK!

I came across this article just in time!!!! Thanks for posting!!!!

Nothing wrong with doing things a little different.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lydia1120 I found some Destination Wedding Tips that I thought I would share with you ladies: Your beautiful Destination Wedding is just around the corner! Remember these essentials: SPF You will still get a tan when wearing sunscreen. Stay protected from harmful rays by wearing an SPF. Try to limit the amount of sun you see before your wedding day. Burns from the sun are painful, and don’t make for nice looking pictures. Also – nobody wants to go experience heatstroke/sunstroke. Not a fun experience. Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water during your stay! The sun is VERY hot, and alcohol dehydrates you and your skin. Make sure you look and feel fresh by staying hydrated! Protect your lips The sun can be harsh on the skin. Especially, your lips. Make sure to keep your lips protected during your stay with an SPF lip balm. Prep your hair Anyone having their hair done – make sure to wash it the evening before – unless instructed otherwise. Make sure hair is brushed and dried and ready to go the morning of the big day! Back-up plan Try not to get your heart set on one specific hair style. Depending on your hair style and texture it may or may not be able to exactly replicated, also keep in mind the climate of your destination. If it is extremely windy – you may not want your hair blowing around, and may opt for a more soft romantic updo or a classic chignon. Bring pictures Bring any pictures of your makeup and hair ideas for a thorough consultation the day of. For hair styles, bring a number of options, things you like and things you don’t. And styles for hair both up and down. Clean and moisturize For those having makeup done – clean, moisturized faces. Don’t forget your SPF! Eat Make sure you eat a good sized breakfast/and or lunch and have some snacks throughout the day. Fresh fruit, crackers – bring some protein or granola bars from home! Your wedding day will be a long one, you need to stay nourished and hydrated all day. Don’t roll the dice Don’t try any new skin or hair products too close to your wedding day in case of a reaction. Stick with your usual routine. Facials should be done at least 3-4 weeks prior to your wedding date, Waxing 4-7 days before. Remember your touch up kits Bring a bridal touch up kit with you. Keep items like extra firm hairspray, lip gloss or lipstick, pressed powder, blotting papers, bobby pins, sunscreen, breath mints, water and snacks with you. Get your beauty sleep Make sure you get plenty of rest the night before! Remember: Have Fun!!!!! Try not to think about what could go wrong, and focus on what is going RIGHT! Enjoy your time away with loved ones and savor every minute Those are great tips! Thanks for reposting!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by mariposa6102 Thank-you very much for this site tip. I'm ganna try it right now! No problem

Quote: Originally Posted by sweetjess88 Hello Brides! Is anyone getting a mariachi band for their wedding? Any recommendations? We're having the Mexican Trio, it was included in our Mexican wedding package.....my FI would of rathered the Mariachi band though.

Quote: Originally Posted by mariposa6102 Was just assigned Flora as my Onsite Wedding Coordinator. Can anyone who has had her as your WC please provide me with a quick "review" of her and how she assisted you on your wedding day????? Did you try the 'search this thread' function? I found it helpful for getting some reviews on my coordinator. You will see it directly under the title: 2013 Gran Caribe Real/ Royal Cancun Brides - Page 129. Click on, enter her name in the box that pops up and it will pull up all the posts in this thread with her name mentioned Not too long for you now!!!!!! You must be sooooo excited!!!!!

Yay! And only one month to go.....just in time!