talicea7812

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD... Well it looks like having the reception at Hacienda Sisal is out. We looked into shuttling the guests from the resort to the restaurant and it would cost anywhere between $575- $650. Oh well...we gave it a good try. So I'm back to dealing with Azul/Karisma. Still waiting to hear back from Fabio- 3 days now. I'm so glad there is a sense of urgency on their end of things. I think I've pretty much resigned to the fact that I will have to pay a set up fee. Doing the math...its still cheaper for me to bring my own decorations & pay the set up than pay Lomas. I'm not trying to bring a lot of décor. Maybe some type of table linen (table cloth, overlay, runner?) napkins and chair sashes. Now that I've found an outside vendor that can do my flowers at a reasonable price...I can't get my mind off them. The pics I sent in are beautiful and now I REALLY want fresh flowers. Due to the outside vendor fees ($800 per vendor) my fiancé said he is willing to take the groomsmen out to the main road to meet the vendors. Another bride on here mentioned its a 2-3 mile drive from the resort to the main road/security booth. We are hoping to do the same with the cake vendor. Her price is half what Azul is charging. I'm not going to put any down payments on anything until I hear back from Fabio. For the time being...I'm searching for table inspiration.

Hi @@mrsrobertkarlik I am getting married at Azul Beach in April! I had similar concerns about hair and makeup- however, my hair is long, thick, and unruly. It takes a magician to tame my mane...and a lot of time. Anyway, I read reviews on the hotel salons- Vassa. The stylists are supposed to be good however, speak little English. People advise to bring a picture. Now, heres where I thought it might be a problem. Ive been in several weddings and have had my hair done for all of them. If theres something you don't like about the pic or your hair as its being done...your gonna run into a language barrier. Makeup I've read is nothing special. They use quality products but the application is something you could have done on your own. I am bringing in hair and makeup. I was given the ok because the makeup artist im using does airbrush & the hotel can't provide the service. so even if you don't want to use airbrush you can just tell the resort that's what they use. I'm supposed to pay for a day pass but I'm fighting that since they aren't staying at the resort to eat or drink- just pamper the ladies and leave. I'll keep you posted on how that turns out

@@beccafries as of now we are using our dinner reservation the night before the wedding. Kinda like a rehearsal dinner...even tho they can't guarantee me a rehearsal. Whatever, just an excuse to get the group together. Anyway, I have 25 guests. We are right where we need to be for it to not be a problem. As for going over...and im not 100% sure on this...I think they will do it, but for a per person charge.

So many of my posts have been negative lately...but today started off on the right foot. I have decided to fly my photographer in from home. I've mentioned before that I didn't like the approved photogs at Azul so I opted to fly in my girl and pay for her 3 night stay. Normally her packages start at $3000 and go from there. We worked out a deal that I would pay $1500 for the service + hotel and air. I check airfare everyday! Its been crazy high to fly out of Philadelphia into cancun. The cheapest ive seen is 489 for indirect and 660 direct. Today I found direct flights for $483! Score!!! So all photographer details are set and paid for... finally I can say I've made some progress If you want to check out who my photographer is...google Jenny Castro photography. You can find her web page and facebook. She's amazing

@@ng2015 well...I don't know for sure. ive read and will keep looking on forums to see if anyone has tried this yet. One bride commented that any outside vendors will not be able to get passed that gate...so for now that's all I know. Most recently I sent an email to Fabio, who's supposed to be like a head coordinator. It was a pretty lengthy complaint about everything I've dealt with from outside vendor fees to finding better prices on everything. I did finally get an email from Fabio but it was just to say that he's received my message and will get back to me. I'm putting up a fight for everything. I was able to get my hair and makeup approved bc they do airbrush and the hotel does not offer that. Im supposed to pay for a day pass but I reviewed the info on the passes and they are for guests who will be eating and drinking. the stylists are only there for a couple hours and don't take advantage of that stuff...so my argument is why should I have to pay a fee for services that the hotel can't provide- especially when the charge is supposed to be for things they are not taking advantage of. - Im also hoping to use this excuse for video. Ive come across some awesome videographers who do the cinematic wedding videos. I've looked at Caribe and matias cano and they don't seem to do that style. So I'm hoping I can use this to my advantage. As for flowers and cake...I see it this way- its no different then me bringing decorations from home or going into cancun or playa for stuff. I'm sure I will get stuck paying a set up fee...even tho I've been trying to fight this too. Im paying for a wedding package and private reception. the wedding package is supposed to include set up of tables and white linens. My issue is I want to use the same decorations that they would use, only bring them in my color scheme. My planner told me the charge was bc they are doing more work than usual...but that's not true. there is no difference in tying a white chair sash vs. a blue one. I would understand set up fees if they were doing something not included in the package...hanging lanterns, uplighting, etc. Basically, you are in luck. Your not getting married for another year. I'll be the guinea pig and let you know how all this goes. I'm happy to help out fellow brides. so many reviews and comments on Azul talk about the nickel and diming but no one seems to have tried to fight it or find a way around it. I have a vision in my head that can be executed...just not with Lomas in charge. I'll keep you posted

@@ng2015 Im trying to bring in as much as possible. someone on here said they wont let any deliveries come past the main gate...which is about 2-3 miles from the actual resort. My Fiance and the groomsmen are willing to take a taxi or something to the gate to meet the vendors. have you gotten quotes for flowers yet? who have you contacted?

So...to speak more on the lack of communication. Ive expressed my concerns to my coordinator, then emailed corporate, the onsite planner, then went on the karisma & Azul facebook pages. The FB comments are what finally got a response & someone contacted me by phone- which is tough to catch me. Ive since emailed him and my coordinator. Carol refuses to respond to any more questions/send quotes until I talk to the top guy. so here I am...50 days from wedding and just waiting. I've sent the same email twice...no response yet. Nothing has been done other than book the location of the ceremony & reception. Payment is supposed to be due for the reception next week... I'm a control freak. Type A personality when it comes to planning. So this is driving me crazy

a tent on the beach sounds awesome! I wanted to do something kinda indoor/outdoor. I went a dw years ago and it rained so we used the backup location...the terrace. the bride was so happy we ended up there. I loved it too...so that was my motivation for picking chil.

@@CDC-SRW how many people do you have? I think the max is 30

Here are some pics the Florida Coordinator sent me of Chil Terrace. Hope that helps. @@CDC-SRW I am a little crazy and looked up Azul beach on google earth. is the guard shack all the way at the top of that long road? any estimate on how long it is? doesn't look like something that can be walked...however, that wont stop me if need be Just curious

so funny!!! this is my friend! I was in this wedding and she's now my bridesmaid! small world I dunno why the pic didn't show up but she's the girl with the side pony and lilly in her hair

This is what ive read about bringing items for favors/OOT bags. Save all receipts. You should put no more than $300 worth of items in each suitcase. Include in each suitcase a list of the items contained in the bag. Have documentation on hand showing that you are coming to mexico for your wedding & will not be returning with the items because they are gifts for your guests. Customs main concern is if you intend to sell the items you are bringing into the country. I intend to be very meticulous about what I bring with me and save everything!

@@KScheer Not sure how I got the emails but here they are: hairenquiry@@gmail.com besobrides@@gmail.com Ive email back and forth with Beso several times and all emails are in perfect English Im also going to do a trial here at home to give myself a better idea of what I want. Im going for a planA & planB kinda thing...all depend on weather. Im gonna do the trial next week. I have a pic on pinterest that I like...however, I may not like it on me...so we'll see. I'll post pics

52 DAYS TO GO... and im so impatient. I sent some questions to the Azul planner (as of now they are not aware that I am looking into doing a reception off the resort) My coordinator responded saying that her supervisor has tried to contact me and that I must talk to him before proceeding. Well, I tried to contact him and haven't heard back. The waiting is driving me insane. I need answers. I need to make decisions. Basically I need to know "how much." How many extra hours do I have to work at the daycare? How many extra shifts do I have to work at the pub to make this wedding happen? and by April? There is no sense of urgency with these people. also...still waiting to find out how much transportation from Azul to the restaurant would be. I got a quote from cancun limo and it said $270 per hour but Azul to hacienda sisal is $374? so which is it? so again...waiting for a response

Hi everyone! I was just reading through the comments on here and someone was looking for hair and makeup outside Azul sensatori? im getting married at Azul beach and I am bring in hair and makeup Here's how to do it...the resort doesn't offer airbrush makeup. Insist that airbrush is what you want and they will allow it. Im supposed to have to pay a day pass fee but I am also fighting that. I've read the day pass descriptions on Lomas and they are for guests who will be staying to eat and drink. The makeup team will only be there a limited time and not taking advantage of the resort offerings. I've read on here that if you are persistent they will make accomodations.

@@CurlyKristen I don't know if im brave enough to show my natural hair. only a small number of ppl have ever seen it. lol

@@CurlyKristen im not really sure how straight it makes your hair. my hair is curly, wavy & frizzy. But If I want to wear my hair curly I have to wear tons of product! If I want to wear it straight its a long process and the slightest moisture in the air ruins my hard work. I know its supposed to help you with frizz and make your hair more manageable. if it makes my hair straight...I wont be sad! My issue is when im in mexico I don't want to spend half my day taming my mane. Plus, I get really embarrassed by my hair because if I go in the pool or ocean and get my hair wet...when it starts to dry its out of control. I usually have to wear a baseball cap and tie my hair in a bun. I just want to be able to swim and layout without feeling self-conscious about how my hair is drying. Hopefully the Keratin can help me out with that. Plus as long as its not too windy the day of the wedding I would like to wear my hair mostly down. I don't want to worry about it frizzing out for pictures or dancing. Im paying a lot of money for my photographer...I don't want to look at my hair and be disappointed in my pics. You can prob tell its been an ongoing love hate relationship with my hair. anyway, I lucked out and purchased a full keratin treatment on living social. its regular $250!!! the coupon was offering it for $125 and I happened to sign on during a flash sale? (never knew about that) anyway I ended up getting it for $112! So excited and hope it helps! Ive switched to keratin shampoos/conditioners and noticed a change...this should be sooo much better

@@maggie316 Hi Maggie, where are you getting married? im finding my resort prices for cakes, dj, etc outrageous! ive contacted several outside vendors who are giving me practical prices. Im waiting to hear back from corporate about my quotes. the approved vendor quoted me $400 for a centerpiece while an outside florist can do all my flowers for that price! Its crazy

is this something that's crazy expensive? I would love to do it...it was something I planned on when I thought I was having a home wedding. My grandmom loved butterflies and whenever I see one fly by I tell my daughter its great grandmom watching over you.

Keeping my options open... If you've been following my blog, you know this hasn't been a very positive planning experience. I've been exploring my options and came across an adorable restaurant called Hacienda Sisal. I've been emailing back and forth with the planners there and really like them. They are helpful and responsive. The restaurant small group menu is the same price as what I would have paid at Azul but will give my guests an authentic Mexican experience off the resort. The positive to moving off the resort- Freedom to chose my own vendors. Let's do the math on what ive been quoted so far Cake- $150 (Azul quoted $300) DJ- $850 (Azul $1000-2000) Flowers- $350 (includes brides bouquet, 2 bridemaids, and 4 centerpieces-I attached pics I sent in) Karla-the wedding planner is in the process of drawing me up her own proposals. I have given her the same pics I sent out and got my pricing from. Who knows? She may have connections and get better prices or be able to work out a package deal. I'm excited to see what she comes up with. When I initially emailed her I sent the same pic I've attached here. Those are rented tables...the restaurant normally has square. She has even stated that she maybe she could get the tables at no additional cost! What? That's the first time I've been offered anything for free since beginning this planning process. The quote she's going to send me will also cover linens similar to what is pictured. the only downside I see so far is transportation. Since the restaurant is about 25-30 minutes away I would need to arrange a bus or something to get everyone there. I think that's the only area that would make it out to be more than Azul. Well at this point im keeping my fingers crossed that something will work out. I was beginning to feel the excitement again when it felt like I could get the wedding I want without putting myself in debt.

@@CurlyKristen part of my issue with the lomas flowers is that they charge a fortune for the orchids I want. I talked to a local florist who only charges an additional $10 for the imported flowers I want... Im sure they have a large selection...but I can't wait til we get down there to decide. these are details that need to be taken care of prior to our arrival. Plus I don't want to run into extra charges once we get there.

@cdc-swr if you don't mind me asking...how much are you paying for the DJ & how many hours? what day will you arrive at the resort?

@@CDC-SRW Your wedding is very close too...right? How is your planning? What are you doing about decorations? cake? music? hair & make up? Taking a cab out may be doable. The groomsmen don't need much time to get ready. even a cab fee won't be that bad. We are even exploring the option of having the reception at a local restaurant. Up until we came across the transportation issue it was going to be a better deal. I'm waiting for some price quotes on a bus or van to take my guests from Azul to the restaurant, however, I think that's going to put us over budget. this is so hard. I have this vision in my head that is affordable if azul didn't have the crazy vendor fees & poor vendor choices. The differences are insane. I sent the same cake pic to Azul and a local baker- Zaida Marcos. Azul quoted $300 (12.50 a slice) Zaida $4 a slice...so $150 for the cake. Azul DJ $1000+.... DJ Doremixx $850 (and has amazing reviews)

Hi @@beccafries I know your post wasn't directed to me but this is what I know. the collections are the same price. 2900 covers only the ceremony décor. I don't know if you're planning on a private reception but if you are its an additional cost per table to have them decorated in the matching style. I think its $300 per table. My cocktail party is included at no cost bc I booked with a GIVC travel agent. Its supposed to be valued at $500. The reception costs varies depending on your food selections. I think the range is somewhere around 18-30 a person. Blue terrace is supposed to be a minimum of 50. Chil terrace...not sure min but max I believe is 30. I know you can rent sound equipment to hook up an ipod. That's prob the route im going. Ive read the DJ doesn't speak much English and pretty much presses stop and play. have you already booked? when is the wedding? What is everyone doing about a videographer? Are you getting one? are you using a resort approved vendor or choosing your own. I don't know if I can fit it in the budget but as we get closer to the wedding day...its becoming something I really want- especially after searching different vendor samples. The day will go by so fast...I want to be able to sit down later and see it from a different perspective.

My mil didn't even consult me...which I was kinda annoyed by. Even my stepMIL asked me what she should wear. She then picked out a few dresses and asked me which one I like best. we ended up favoring the same dress.