JaxBchKay

We had a total of 31 people and we have a lot of drinkers One good bartender was plenty. I didn't see anyone wait more than a minute or two for a drink. We even had him making large rounds of complicated shots, and he handled it all with ease. I don't know if it made any difference in who we got but I told Juan Carlos early on that our group would most likely keep the bartender very busy. Knowing his attention to detail now, I would not be surprised if he assigned us a bartender he knew could handle it.

I didn't pay anything, we didn't know the bar would be ready so we told people to go to the lobby bar for drinks in between (it's not far) but since the bartender was there and started pouring, it was fine. There weren't waiters during the break and there wasn't any food but nobody minded that at all. I don't know if they do this all the time or if we got lucky but it worked out great. We had been at the resort for a few days already and our group had a reputation for tipping already which I think didn't hurt. We did tip all the wedding waiters and we tipped the bartender even more than everyone else because we kept him very busy.

Our ceremony was at 4 - Then we did a break for pictures and cocktail hour started at 6 with reception from 7-10. The time worked out really great, I was worried about guests having something to do during the break but our bar was already set up so they were able to hang out on the terrace and get drinks. The timing worked out really well, we weren't rushed during pictures or anything which was nice. If you aren't sure about timing, just ask your wedding coordinator. They can give you great suggestions. The lounge furniture is available for rent, and really lovely. It was about $200 for the set but it was a big set and worked really nicely. I only wish I had put it on the terrace instead of on the beach.

Hey all! I am still trying to get back into the swing of the real world after 2 amazing weeks in paradise! I wanted to share a few things from my experience that might be helpful. The resort - this place is absolutely stunning, the service is incredible. All my 30 guests were thrilled by all of it. There are always going to be a few small issues, but the staff immediately corrected anything as it happened and were so friendly and helpful!! We didn’t have a single bad meal the entire time. The French place was our favorite, but they were all good. Our private dinner on the beach was amazing! Our room was preferred club Beach Front – so we could walk right from our patio onto the beach. We were also in building 3 so close to everything including the swing bar on the beach which was awesome. We did have a little cash taken one day from our room, but it’s our fault for leaving it out. The average earnings per day is like $5 for most people there so keep that in mind also when tipping. We tipped everyone and they were so appreciative. We got good service even before we tipped, but of course it was even better after. Juan Carlos was amazing! I brought all kinds of decorations but really only had a general idea of how I wanted things to look because I didn’t do a site visit. I just talked with Juan Carlos about how I envisioned that day and left everything with him. I was blown away, it was stunning! You are in very good hands. Wedding Locations - There are 3 weddings pretty much every day from now till July, so in our 2 weeks there, we saw a LOT of different weddings at all three locations (4 actually since one was at the chess board gazebo). Tequila Terrace - I have to say that we felt GREAT about our decision to be on the Tequila Terrace, it is still my favorite location at the resort, but they are all nice. The Tequila Terrace is the most private, it’s way on the end of the resort and there isn’t a resort right next door on that side so you don’t get the walk through traffic that the other locations get. You won’t even notice any of the restaurants if they are open, the BlueWater Grill was closed the day of our wedding so we were the only ones around, you really don’t notice the people in the Mexican place or the buffet. We had our ceremony on the beach and had cocktail hour set up on the beach, but really everyone stayed on the terrace. I was thankful for the lounge furniture on the beach during the reception since there was a good breeze down there and hubby and I snuck away for a few minutes to cool off and be alone for a minute. I had the cake cutting right after dinner and it was delicious! I gave Juan Carlos some items I wanted on the cake and it was beautiful. The Beach Terrace – this one is the most public of the locations but it wasn’t really an issue for the couples using it for their reception because when the pool bar closes, everyone sort of leaves the area. You will get a lot of walk by traffic as people are going to dinner, etc. I ran by the wedding there on my way to my room when I changed into my reception dress and a few people from the wedding there made comments saying congratulations, but I don’t think it took anything away from their reception. The beach wedding location is where you will find the most walk bys during your ceremony or people standing watching. The Preferred Pool – The beach location for the ceremony that goes with the preferred pool is sort of off to one side of the resort (opposite side form the Tequila Terrace) but the beach flows right into another resort, and the Swing Bar is right there as well (I forget the real name of that bar but it’s the one right on the beach and all the seats are swings) There were several afternoons we were at the swing bar drinking and everyone was watching the wedding and clapping. If you don’t mind strangers watching, this location is really fun. The reception area at the preferred pool is really beautiful, I just wanted to see the beach, and you can’t at all from there. The chess board gazebo – this is usually a rain backup location but you can pick it if you like. It’s pretty, but also right next to the main lobby. They pull down curtains to create a bit of privacy, but the view is of the main pool not the beach. The Spa and Salon – We had a great couples massage, and my sister and one friend got their hair and makeup done at the salon. They did a good job, and both were pleased. The Styling Trio – I hired them to do a trial, my hair and makeup, my bridesmaids hair and makeup and my makeup for my trash the dress photoshoot. These ladies are Miracle Workers, if I could bring them home to do my hair and makeup every day I absolutely would. I had my trial on Thursday morning at 9am, and it still looked perfect for our welcome cocktail party at 6pm. Welcome Cocktail Party – we got the promotion where we got a free party when we booked our wedding. It was set up on the main pool terrace and it was beautiful. I didn’t ask about any of the details, just let Juan Carlos run with it and I was not disappointed. Resort Photographers – We used the photography from the Divine package for our welcome cocktail party. They did a nice job, but I would have been upset if they had been my wedding photos. They showed me about 150 images and I had a hard time picking 24, a few are great but most were just OK. Photographer – Dean Sanderson – He was the best! So much fun to work with and the difference was so clear, he gave great direction and advice. I can’t wait to see the final images, but the candids some friends took while Dean was shooting let me see that I made the right choice! Our trash the dress session on Monday was also a great experience. Wisteria Wedding Films – I hired these ladies for videography. They were so much fun! They live in Colorado but are doing more weddings in the Riviera Maya area. The price was very reasonable and I know the finished product will be great, I will share it when I get it. Disco Movil – They were great, I didn’t give them a lot of restrictions so they could just feel out the crowd. They kept everyone dancing and things went so smoothly. Photobooth- this was so fun and I am glad we did it! We only had it for 2 hours (8-10pm) while everyone was dancing. It was a huge hit and worth the money for sure. Sorry, I didn’t intend for this to be so long, but if you have any questions please ask.

Hey all! Our wedding was yesterday and I have to say that this place is so amazing!! The wedding was gorgeous, Juan Carlos is wonderful and the day was fabulous!!! I'll share more later but you have nothing to worry about ladies, this resort was the best decision we made!! Dean Sanderson was our photographer and he was the best, with Wisteria Wedding Films as our videographers who are just s pleasure and we used Disco Movil for our DJ who kept everyone dancing.

I just got confirmation of my appointment with Juan Carlos on Monday a couple hours after I arrive to go over everything. I happened to ask about the private transfers to and from the resort that were included in the Divine package when I booked my wedding and I'm glad I asked as they no longer offer that service. Even though I paid my balance on the package back in December so they didn't charge me the higher 2015 price it was never mentioned that this would no longer be included. It's ok because our group contract includs a shared van type transfer for everyone which we will just use but wanted to mention it in case any of you other 2015 brides were counting on that ride to and from the resort

We are using the Tequila Terrace for our reception. I think you really can't go wrong with either one. I believe that the Beach Terrace is a bit bigger, I personally chose the Terrace just because I like the look of it and the set up better. We are using the Pool Terrace for our Welcome Cocktail Party next Thursday so I will let you know how that goes We leave in 6 days!!! So Excited!!

I haven't had my wedding yet, but many brides did the toast right after the ceremony instead of a standard receiving line and said it worked great. They will have waiters standing behind the ceremony on the beach with trays and glasses so it should go smoothly. You get a champagne/sparkling wine toast with any of the packages, just the number of people inlcuded changes I think. We are only doing a couple of first look photos so I don't think we need much time for them, if I'm finished a little early with hair and makeup then we will do them a bit earlier but I wanted them done while guests are going to be seated so they don't see us till we are coming down the aisle. We are doing our cocktail hour on the beach and the reception on the Tequila Terrace. I hope that answers all the questions, Let em know if you have any more, I'll be able to better answer them when we get back Leaving in 21 days!!

@@Breanna2015 - We are moving our party to the resort club at 10pm, come join us!! Since we are wedding buddies, it would be fun. I'll even have my party dress on by then LOL

I gave everyone 2 options (per Juan Carlos) but I have a couple of special diets in the group and he said those are handled differently. So I have one celiac and one vegetarian - I told him the same meal could easily be for both so those two people will get whatever the resort wants to make that is gluten free and meat free. If you ask your WC about it they can give you good guidance.

For the welcome letter - I am putting a general Welcome to Mexico - and then listing the events like our welcome cocktail party - the basic timeline for the wedding day and the schedule for our group trip to Xcaret. I am also including our request about social media and photo sharing. I don't want to look at my guests and see a bunch of phones in front of faces, so I am asking that nobody have phones out during the ceremony. During the reception they can snap away but I will ask that they not share those on social media till I have had a chance to share some. I am thinking we might need a wedding hashtag so we can see everyone's after the fact. For the program- I'm doing fan programs, since it will be pretty warm. Then I will list who is who in the wedding party - the timeline for the ceremony - cocktail hour etc. (since there now has to be a big break between ceremony and cocktail hour) I want to note what time the photobooth will open and that sort of thing and I will list the menu there since I'm not doing menu cards. I'm going to put a reminder on the program also that goes something like: The Bride & Groom would like you to be fully present during the ceremony, and have hired professional to capture this joyous day. While we appreciate you wanting to help us document this special event, please keep your cameras and phones silent and put away until after the I do's unless you have been specifically asked by the Bride & Groom to do otherwise My timeline looks like this right now - might have to move a couple little things still but: 2:30 PM Photographer and Videographers begin Photos of Guys getting ready 3:00 PM Detail Shots (Dress hanging, shoes, rings, etc.) Photos of Girls getting ready - hair and makeup done by 3:45 3:45 PM Guests begin seating 3:50 AM Couple first look photos 4:00 PM Ceremony 4:35 PM Champagne toast & Group Photo - Everyone Attending Photos for wedding party and family 6:00 PM Cocktail Hour begins DJ starts music 7:00 PM Reception Starts 7:10 PM Dinner Served 7:25 PM Speaches/Toasts 7:50 PM Cut the cake 8:00 PM First Dance Photo Booth Opens 8:10 PM Pictures with Sparklers on Beach 8:30 PM Photographer Finishes 9:30 PM Videotgrapher Finishes 10:00 PM DJ Finishes PhotoBooth Closes Reception Ends

Well, now I'm frustrated. I was thinking for some reason that our ceremony was 4:30pm, that's what I put on my invitations and told all the vendors - now Juan Carlos says I am scheduled for 4pm and it can't be changed. It's a good thing I haven't had my programs or welcome letters printed yet! I have to rework the whole schedule!!! UGH!! My OCD is not happy today - someone please pass the wine so Bridezilla stays in check.

I wish I was as ready as you two are! I'll get there I hired Disco Movil as well - I guess that makes it easier on them - two weddings at the same resort, same day LOL. I think that all of this would be easier if I wasn't so OCD! I'm trying to let go a bit just to get things finished.

@@TCM4252015 - We are both the day before you on the 24th, so we will all be there at the same time! So excited! I couldn't decide between the DJ and the videographer - so I booked both! I started feeling guilty after I did it but my fiance is so great, he said obviously it's what I really wanted, so it's fine. Such a lucky girl!

@@breanna - Yes we are close! I'm freaking out a little bit, I feel like there is still SO much to do! How are your plans coming along?

Well, my wedding is next month and it's time to really make some decisions. I have been on the fence about both a videographer and a DJ. I would really like to have both, but financially I'm not sure I can swing it. So Quick Poll - If you could only have one, either a DJ or Videographer, which would it be?

@@atsterling and @@Kait2015 - sorry I haven't been on in a while and just saw your requests. I have emailed you both the budget sheet I made. Hope it helps! @@Rose4789, send me your email address and I will send it to you as well, just keep in mind that they will change prices most likely before your wedding and you will have to pay the new price. A lot of us found that out late in the game.

I agree, it's crazy, but here is a scenario for you 25 chairs needed x$11.60 per chair (including tax) then you need 50 chairs (25 for ceremony and 25 for reception) = $580.00 25 chairs @ $11.60 and 25 moving fee @$2.32 = $348.00 Something to keep in mind if you do chair sashes - if you bring your own, the resort will charge $1.31 per chair (including the tax and service fee). That means if you have 25 chairs for the ceremony and 25 chairs for the reception - you have to buy 50 sashes and pay $65.50 to have them tied on. OR you pay $32.75 to have them tied on to 25 chairs and then pay the moving fee. I'm thinking that I really only need 22 chairs for the ceremony (since the bridal party will be standing) so if I only rent them for the ceremony and then just do the included chairs for the reception then that will save some money but it's still a lot......... Sent this morning Hope it helps. Let me know if you have any questions I just LOVE looking at your pictures You were such a gorgeous bride! It gets me very excited about my day, only 87 days away now.

I agree - I purchased some table runners to bring with me which were $5 each so even if I didn't plan to resell them, it would still be cheaper than using the resorts. I also asked about vases for the table to put the bridal party bouquets in as part of the table decor and they wanted $10 per vase to rent. I can buy them at the dollar store and only need 4 of them. I know that NS includes a lot more in their packages at a better price than a lot of other resorts and even with the extras I am saving money over many of the other ones I looked into but it does feel like they are trying to nickel and dime us to death. I'm trying to find a balance between keeping things affordable and not having to bring a million things with me, but at this point even the baggage overage fees will be cheaper than getting most things from the resort. Now I'm trying to figure out if I want to spend the extra money on the tiffany chairs - which I love but at $10 per chair and another $2 per chair to move them from the ceremony to the reception, I'm not sure it's worth it.

Hey all! I am getting to the point where I need to decide if I am going to ship stuff to the resort in advance or carry it all down with us. I like the idea of it being there ahead of time, but also I'm nervous about things going missing, or not arriving in time. Did anyone ship down there? what was your experience?

Sorry it took me so long - I just sent it to you

I just sent you the excel sheet I put together. Hope it helps! Do you want the spreadsheet I put together? Send me your email if you want it and I will send it to you.

I took the budgets in PDF that you ladies were sweet enough to send me and put them into an excel file. I'm happy to share the file but remember it is not complete with all available options and is based on several sources. I'm trying to make it as complete as possible because I'm an accountant and budgeting is important to me

@@jh0510038 - I think as long as you have your email they will honor it. Now that I'm thinking about it some more he only said the package price would be locked in for me by paying in full by the end of the year. I am sure the prices of everything else will go up to the 2015 rates. I need to rework my estimates now with the new numbers. Does anyone have a budget sheet from the resort? I can't seem to get my hands on one. I think if i even got an old one I could update it and use the new pricing to figure things out.

I was so upset when Juan Carlos emailed me saying that the 2015 prices went up and would apply to my wedding. I booked last February and specifically asked then if I booked at this price then would they honor it if the prices went up since they prices for 2015 weren't available yet. I was told when I booked by Anel that the price would be honored. I asked Juan Carlos if they would honor the 2014 price since that is what I was promised and he said they would only honor it if I paid the package balance by December 31st. I went ahead and paid it since it will save several hundred in both the increase and the tax. Just frustrated. I did get the Bluetooth Bose speaker that I asked for from my fiance for Christmas so I have that now for our music for the cocktail hour and the reception. I realized the other day that I only have 4 months left and I'm starting to freak out just a bit. I have so much left to do. How is planning coming for everyone else?