brownsugarbride

I have the same struggle as you do. I'd like to invite everyone to my destination wedding, but we simply can't host everyone and come out of this sans debt. Yet, I'd still love to have an at home reception to celebrate with some of my loved ones. It's so tough---and good practice for making decisions as a married couple! (My hubby-to-be could care less and simply wants to spend as little as possible!) I also live in a condominium downtown. One nice thing about it is that they have a community room, which is a good place to host informal affairs. Another option I've been thinking about is an ethnic restaurant (e.g. Chinese). I met one such restaurant rep at a local bridal show, and I think they could be a really cost-effective option. Some Asian restaurants have really swank, modern decor that would make a great backdrop for an at-home reception too!

Caveat: The following is a personal opinion. I think different people have to do what works for them, but I personally dislike the idea of people paying to celebrate my wedding with me. I would rather work my budget to host an AHR that I can afford (hors d'oeuvres, backyard BBQ) rather than doing a sit down dinner and asking people to pay for it---especially when they will likely bring a gift, regardless of whether there is a registry.

Annette: That is really exciting! It looks like you can bring in 10,000 USD without declaring it, but still wouldn't have to pay taxes: http://yucalandia.com/answers-to-common-questions/what-can-i-bring-into-mexico-mexican-customs-rules-the-article/#What%20can%20I%20bring%20in%20duty%20free My concern would be making sure that you're not a target of a crime or vulnerable to being pickpocketed, etc. I usually carry some amount of USD ($100-$200) some currency of the place I'm in if I have it, and use my debit card to extract more funds when needed. Even though my bank charges me, those exchange rates are usually quite favorable.

This is good to know. I would really hate for any of my family or friends to have a bad experience because of this. So there are only 4 buildings, which means there's probably a decent chance that the resort will place my guests there. Hmm..

NOW Jade is one of my top choices thus far, but the sewage smell really worries me. Is this localized to a couple of buildings? Does the smell bleed over to any of the reception sites?

I'm sorry to keep asking so many questions, but one thing I see repeated a lot is that Azul Sensorati doesn't tend to give as many extras as other resorts do. Can anyone tell me exactly what those benefits are (e.g. free basic wedding, etc.)?

Dang it murmel! I keep trying to resign myself to not using Azul Sensorati because of the outside vendor issue, but then I go and read about your real wedding and review of the resort. *sigh* I keep going back and looking at the Sky Deck too....

I came across this great article this morning on the destination wedding section of Martha Stewart Wedding, and wanted to share. I really like the idea about pinning the escort cards to the map! http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/313244/good-things-destination-weddings/@center/312332/good-things#end

My dad is from Jamaica, and I went there fairly often as a kid. I remember having a great time climbing the falls, but I also remember taking a boat/raft ride down the river and stopping for fried fish. Delicious! If you don't have too many people, that could be a nice option. I'll ask my dad for some more suggestions for you!

I am originally from Philly (SW) but live down South now. I come back home to visit my mom fairly often though. The plan is to get married in May 2014, and Riviera Maya is my top choice because of the direct flights and choice of hotels. I just think I have TOO much choice and am getting overwhelmed!

Yizzyep: It sounds like you are planning a big and wonderful party. Have you checked into the Azul Sensorati bride thread? There are lots of past and future brides with loads of advice, and they may be able to help with some of your questions. Also, Wright Travel are Karisma Resort specialists, so I'm sure that any one of the travel agents could answer your questions as well. I hope this is helpful! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/23412/azul-sensatori-brides-post-here

Welcome Kelly! Those stops sound absolutely fabulous. The ladies (and occasional gent) here are goldmines of information---you are in good hands!

Thanks Carlota---this is great to know! So many lovely resorts, and only one wedding! LOL

I am still trying to decide on resorts in the RM and Grand Palladium seems to be getting great reviews! One issue seems to be that they do a lot of weddings per day. Does anyone have any sense of whether there is a limit to the number of weddings per day at the resort?

I adore all of your DIY projects but I am in LOVE with your invitations! (I have never said this before in my life or since I got engaged.) I would love to do something like that for mine!!! It's so fun to see another Philly bride on the forums too.

Azul Sensorati sounds like a fabulous resort, but I'm having trouble getting my mind wrapped around all of the crazy vendor restrictions! One of the things that I was interested in was having fire dancers and possibly a guitarist at my wedding. Are those options available (and other interesting entertainment)? Can anyone comment on the quality of the Azul-approved vendors? I would be bringing in a photographer from the U.S., most likely, or trying to schedule someone like Elizabeth Medina.

Thanks for all of your great suggestions! I did get into contact with someone at Wright Travel and they had some great insights into cost and accessibility issues across countries/areas. Among the several suggestions, the Karisma resorts came up. I think the resorts are absolutely beautiful and I've heard that the food is great. My issue is that Karisma and a couple of the other suggestions have exorbitant, unreasonable restrictions when it comes to outside vendors---a huge turnoff for me. I had hoped to have some entertainment like guitarists and fire dancers (of my choosing). If I don't pay for my photographer to stay for 3 days, I also have to pay a huge fee. Also, I have some serious doubts as to whether the stylists on resort can actually handle my hair, which would add even more to my bill. I don't mean to sound so negative, I am just starting to panic a bit about finding the right place for our wedding without tearing my hair out! LOL One of the awesome travel planners on here suggested that I check out Hacienda Tres Rios, and I've also been looking at NOW Jade.

Just to follow up on an earlier question, has anyone gotten married in the seaside garden? It looks so beautiful!

LOL..my cousin said the same thing! I come from a musical family but I want them to be relaxing and having a good time. (My mom sings and plays and directs choir, but she has said in the past even before I got engaged that she'll be too busy looking cute to want to work at my wedding, and I feel the same way!) I do sing, but I haven't sung in a long time and don't want to add an extra layer of stress onto my nerves.

I just love the look of this one too, though I would probably use different colors. One thing I worry about is having a chuppah with lots of moving parts. Especially with the wind, I'm guessing that that could potentially be a bit distracting!

On a completely different note, does anyone know what the property is in the picture linking to this thread from the main page? Just gorgeous?

Well, the issue is that I'm already planning to fly down my photographer. I'm not sure budget-wise if I can make it work but I may just try! Thanks!

This wedding looks fabulous and so do you courtyardbride! I would love to have a villa wedding, but it seems that villa weddings require quite a bit more planning and sometimes a bit more in terms of budget. (I promised my FH that we would work together to keep the budget low.) This is definitely a tempting possibility!

Sizzling! You guys look great! (I would probably bust my tail in those shoes, but you are working them! LOL)