KaraEbeth

We're not doing formal invitations. Desintation weddings can be as casual or formal as you want so I don't think there is really an "etiquette." We're just sending save the dates to those invited to the destination wedding and on the save the date there is our website url they can go to for more info. We plan on sending out annoucements with a pic from our wedding inviting people to our at-home recepetion. I believe our save the dates were about $48 for 30 (it would have actually been cheaper but I accidently ordered 5x7 and not 4x6 postcards)....I ordered them on Zazzle.com.

The boudoir shoot is a good gift idea, I will have to consider that. I went ahead and paid the $30 fee yesterday because I was far from 150 posts, lol. Love all your choices, so pretty!

@@talicea7812 finally! I've had time to read everything! You've done a wonderful job (even though I can't see any pics yet)????. I am totally starting one of these so I can keep my thoughts and plans straight lol. Also, love that you are involved in cheerleading, I too was a cheerleader and coached 4-6 grade for a year!

@@talicea7812 the photographer was willing to work with me and offered to pay half the fee, instead I asked if he would just discount his package since it's pretty much the same thing. That way there is just one payment being made to the hotel and he agreed with that. I am so thankful I have read these forums from past brides talking about photographers offering to work out a deal to offset the fee. I would have never known to ask. Most of the photographers I contacted were more than willing to help me out. Some though you had to purchase a certain tier pkg for them to give me a discount. I only came across maybe two that weren't really helpful about it and wouldn't discount their prices. And yes these brides complaining about $300 outside vendor fee....that's nothing!

@@ng2015 you will have to check out @@talicea7812 planning thread it's called Tina's Peacock wedding I believe or search "planning journals" and it will bring up all kinds of journals with great ideas. I think you can just do it by starting a topic and continuously posting. Thought it was a good idea though!

@@ng2015 no problem and thank you for the info that is good to know! I am going with Juan Navarro Photography, he's been great to communicate with so far and he is sending me the paperwork Monday so we can sign the contract but has reserved the date for us already. I'm really happy with our choice. I am looking into booking the photographer in a room for 3 days (if it's less than $800) so I can actually make the price for a room cheaper for my brother or someone since it would probably be the price for a single occupant otherwise. @@talicea7812 gave me that idea! @@talicea7812 your day is fast approaching so excited for you! I am slowly making my way through your planning journal (I keep getting interrupted) but I am loving it so far, you have done an awesome job! I may need to become a site supporter I am tired of not being able to see attachments haha. I am considering starting a planning journal also, there doesn't seem to be a lot of them for Azul Resorts or at least Azul Beach....this way I can keep te journal as I progress with planning to keep all info straight hahaha.

@@Jb2b I haven't gotten that far into my planning but I've seen positive feedback regarding the preferred DJ. You can check in the El Dorado forums too because I believe the same DJ is preferred there as well. You have to consider whether using an outside DJ is worth the extra $800 (or 3 room nights) tacked on to your total or if it will be just as much to use the preferred DJ. I think I'm just using an IPOD and speaker as we are not having a full reception just a dinner (possibly a private beach BBQ) and then moving on to the bar afterward. We're having a reception at home a month or two after we return so I don't feel paying for two receptions is necessary. If you're considering just using your iPod with speakers, I have heard there are apps you can use to help keep the music flowing and it fades music between the songs? May want to look into that. I can't remember where I saw it mentioned. @@ng2015, I checked with Carol regarding the sheers for the skydeck and she said they're the same size as the ones for the beach gazebo. If you're considering bringing your own though I would make sure they're a little long to be safe. I also got confirmation that my ceremony was moved to 4:00! Yay! Also have nailed down a photographer just waiting on him to draw up the contract!

@alexisinjamaica I am getting married in Riviera Maya but am doing coral, turquoise, and gray chevron and will definitely be referencing this planning thread you have so many awesome ideas!

@talicea7812, thanks! I've tried to keep my thumb on her so far by using the original email strand in any reply that way every email sent between us is included. I just signed up for the Always and Forever package that can qualify to be complimentary if you are booked in a certain room category for 7 nights or something like that and have a certain number of guests. We are inviting about 35-40 I believe but I expect probably 25? Not sure yet.

@@ng2015 thanks, I'll check with Carol. I asked to move my ceremony time to 4pm and she said she would put in the request and I still haven't heard back, that was over a week ago. I'm going to sens a follow up email I think for the Jet Fete blog when you're on the site just search "isla mujeres" it wouldn't work for me either. @@jd0922, I have the complimentary "always and forever" package, which I guess used to be the pearl but they changed it (and also apparently took away the bouquets) bummer.

Okay @talice7812 & @@ng2015 I swear I replied back to you guys and it had apparently logged me out and didn't post my comment? Anyways... @@ng2015 thank you for the info about the s'more party, I didn't know it wasn't traditional s'mores that is kind of disappointing... @@talicea7812..That is absolute insanity, I really hope they get it together for you. I would be freaking out. I found this from the initial email from Carol so you'd think they would be belowing up your phone for their money: All selections must be emailed in writing and sent at least 90 days prior to your ceremony date to so that selections can be confirmed and added to your wedding detail sheet prior to the deadline date. Your detail sheet must be finalized and paid for in full no later than 45 days before your ceremony date. The online profile I was talking about is from the Karisma Wedding Portal. Did anyone else use this initally to reserve there date? I had to create a username in order to pay the $200 to reserve the date and then I got an email from them listing my username and a generated password. Every time I've tried to log in since then I get a notice that the username and password doesn't exist. I just thought it was strange because I took that as I could sign in and continue paying the remaining $750 for the package? So confusing.....either way I will email Carol (and hope for a reply) to see how I pay. @@jd0922 I didn't know a bouquet was included I just thought it was this listed below (also from my initial email from Carol). All of our wedding packages include white uncovered beach chairs, small table with white linen, wooden plank aisle runner, and ceremony music equipment

@@jd0922 love you're ideas they're so unique and I love your bridesmaid dresses! I had no idea you could send the WC pictures and ask for quotes for their flowers I thought you had to choose the designs from the site. (You can tell I am not far into the planning process right?) Those are good ideas though about splitting up the centerpieces. Also, look at one of my comments from yesterday, I listed the size of the sheers they use per my WC Carol. That may help you regarding the size of your sheers but based on your picture, since it wraps around the pilars you may want to go a little longer to be safe. The bouquets aren't that bad on Lomas' site it's the price that scares me. What are you doing as far as photography and all that?

@@ng2015 those are a good idea too! I haven't heard anything about a bonfire other than the s'more party, so to have a bonfire with the bbq it's $50/hr?

@@ng2015 no problem, I'm considering using them as well. I am going to at least get a couple of quotes. I also saw on a forum (I think it was the Azul Beach 2014 forum) a real touch flower company called Bloom Bridal the website was www.bloombridal.com. Their bouquets are really pretty but almost more than a real bouquet. It would be nice to be able to save the bouquet and take it home...but then again it would probably sit and collect dust, LOL. I also saw a boutonniere on Pinterest with just a sheer ribbon looped and a starfish, I thought it was kind of unique and would save money on boutonnieres. I I am considering these for aisle decor as well, I think they would be easy to make and not too hard to pack and bring with me. If we decide to go forward with the beach BBQ I am considering just renting lanterns and tiki torches from Lomas. I don't want to but Tiki Torches will be an easy way to have lighting and if I use small lanterns on the tables it should provide lighting too and i was going to try and maybe use some starfish propped up or something. Haven't got that far yet. @@talicea7812 & @@ng2015 the lack of communication from these people worries me and I sit and obsess over things until they're taken care of.... I originally had someone named Erika but I guess she was just to answer initial questions prior to me reserving the date then once I put down the deposit i was assigned to someone new (Carol). The biggest problem I've had so far is the timliness of the answers. I get that there are 365 days in a year and at most 2 weddings a day but I don't feel that they are so busy it takes a week to answer an email. @@talicea7812 how are they just now sending you finalized stuff when your wedding is just a couple weeks away? The email I have from them says everything is supposed to be paid and finalized within 45 days? @@ng2015 I will "inquire" with Carol regarding the sheers for the sky deck and see if I can get an answer. Also do you guys have online profiles on Karisma or Lomas' site to pay toward your balance or add items or choices on or do those all just get relayed to Lomas and they send the info to the onsite coordinator, how does that work? When I originally paid the deposit I thought i had made a username or something where I could go back and keep paying but when I tried to sign in prior to hearing from a planner it wasn't working. I thought Lomas' site was set up kind of the same... Maybe I am totally wrong here.

@@talicea7812 and @@ng2015 Thanks for the info ladies. I'm going to make a note to look into those two vendors. I don't think it would be too hard for someone to meet the vendor somewhere to pick up the flowers. I also saw someone mention on one of the Azul Forums www.fresaweddings.com. They offer all kinds of stuff, decor, fire lanterns, hair and makeup, cakes and cupcakes, music and entertainment. I wonder if you would only pay ONE outside vendor fee for using them for everything hahaha. Also saw http://www.floresrivieramaya.com/eng/weddings.php @@ng2015 not sure if this is the same company as you mentioned or not. @@talicea7812 how many days did you have to book for the videographer? I thought i read somewhere a minimum of 3 days stay but I could be imagining that...it's hard to keep all the info. straight. Carol is my WC btw not sure if I told you that hoping I have better luck with her....worries me a little. Not sure if this is relevant to anyone else either, depends on if you're using beach gazebo but I inquired with her last week regarding the gazebo dimensions so I could figure out what I wanted to do regarding sheers and she said she doesn't have exact dimensions of the gazebo but the measurements of the sheers they use on the gazebo are 12 meters long and 1 1/2 meters wide. @@jd0922 congratulations your wedding is fast approaching. I'm jealous, I am so impatient I just want mine to be here already! What colors are you doing and are you having yours on the beach? I'm really trying to budget as well but the costs are adding up and it is definitely stressful.

Thank you for the info! I'm still trying to make a final decision about colors. I original was going to have the bridesmaids wear like a seaglass/turquoise color but I thought maybe coral would stand out better and have gray chevron ribbons with the aisle decor and maybe gray chevron table runners with lanterns on the tables if we decide on a beach BBQ. Not sure what color I would do for flowers though or if I should choose maybe an accent color in addition to the gray chevron? I've also gotten several responses from photographers down there, I need to make an excel spreadsheet or something to compare all the packages and prices I can't keep track of all the info!

What's the name of the vendor you're going through for flowers @talicea7912? Are you or some guests just picking them up the day of? Your wedding is fast approaching, so excited for you can't wait to see pics of how it all comes together! I'm so inpatient, we have awhile to go lol. ????

@@ng2015 I'm not using one. My stepmom is a travel agent so we're going through her. Are you?

@@ng2015, thank you I forgot also that the travel agency we're going through will have a website for us as well. I'm going to include a link for it on the wedding website we set up. Is anyone else setting up a wedding website? I think I'm going to use weddingwire.com. @@talicea7812 how are things going with the WC's? Your big day is coming up!

Also @@beccafries, I forgot to mention...I would just be up front with your friends about your plans to have a DW and with just immediate family and that you plan to have a reception when you return. People may have hurt feelings about it but I would hope they understand... @@ng2015 thank you for your kind words. I'm trying hard to not let it bother me, my mom and stepdad ended up paying their deposit for the trip yesterday so they came around. I'm hoping everyone else warms up to the idea too but if not then thats fine, it's not their wedding. @@talicea7812 I've been in contact with a few photographers down there and some have offered to pay half the fee if I purchase a certain level photo package and others have offered a discount. I haven't made a final decision yet but definitely a few good options. I was thinking about trying out the WedIt video cameras, thought it sounded cool. I've never heard of honeymoon wishes, thanks for the idea! I will for sure check it out. My fiance and I have been together 6 years so we too have a pretty established household and our kitchen lacks in storage so we do not have room to store a bunch of gadgets.

Good for you @@talicea7812 time to put your foot down, I am interested to hear what she says back about that. I cut people like that off too. @@beccafries and @@talicea7812 We plan on just doing a party when we get back as well....somewhere cheap. Our house isn't big enough to have everyone over here. Originally we were going to rent a big tent and do a hog roast or something at at my moms (she has a lot of land) but the cost for the tent plus lights and all that would be more than to just find a cheap hall to rent. I really wanted to find a band but we will see how budget is after all of the fees from Lomas. Have you guys looked at the preferred photogs? The other option besides Caribe, Matias or something like that seems to have nice work then I look at the cost and it's $1500 for one hour seriously?! I was just going to go with Caribe but I've seen so many complaints about them.....so now I'm shopping around to see if someone will work with us on their package prices to make up for the $800 fee.....found some very nice very reasonably priced photographers but with the $800 fee it just sends it over the budget. Maybe I should just send one of our guests to a photography class instead?! We are inviting parents, siblings, and close friends to Mexico. We both come from divorced families so inviting the extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) really made the guest list too massive. I feel kind of bad because there are a couple of aunts and uncles I would like there but others not so much. I feel like I can't invite one if I'm not going to invite them all? Same for my dads parents....growing up I was pretty close to them but now not so much. I was just going to send out invites to be nice even though I didn't think some people would go but I was afraid more would RSVP than I thought and it would be way beyond my budget for Mexico lol. Plus certain family members can't play nice with both sides of the family so they can't come! Hopefully that makes sense..... I know there will probably be hurt feelings but they'll get over it.

@@talicea7812 @@acw271011 @@beccafries thanks so much for the input girls and so true that it brings out the worst in family (friends too for that matter)...it also will hopefully bring out the best in people as well. @@beccafries I was sending out save the dates to those invited to Mexico, as you've noticed most already know about it because they're the ones causing me stress right now lol and then I was sending out announcements when we get back with reception info or a simple invite right before we leave with reception info. @talice7812 I can't believe this bridesmaid that's been such a problem to you, sorry you've had to deal with all of that. I haven't had to deal with any drama like that so far but I can see one of my friends who is an attention seeker/ drama queen (literally about everything) doing that. Especially swooping in to take the credit on things. She mentioned wanting to plan the Bach party and shower but yet has not text me once to ask how planning was going other than to suggest places in Florida....and if one more person suggests Florida to me I will scream lol. My best friend is probably not going to be able to make it, she is pregnant and due in May and she and her family are on one income so she can stay at home with the kids and she told me she probably couldn't from the start and I understand. She's at least trying to stay involved by coming with me to the dress shop and all that. I hope things start to run smoother for you and you have an awesome DW and to those that dropped out and caused you stress, they're missing out. @@MariCorrea23 yes I live about 40 min north of Columbus but I work in Columbus. You have the same idea as me, get the heck out of this crappy winter weather! I can't wait for warmth lol.

@@talicea7812 thank you so much responding, not that it's a good thing that you've had your share of drama due to others too but I am glad you can relate and get where I'm coming from. I know I can't make everyone happy and coming from someone who is used to doing that its a hard thing to accept. it's just stressful, not everyone has really said they're mad about cost but I can tell that's what they're thinking based on some snarky comments made. I did look into moving our reservation later in the winter/spring but my fiancé and I really liked the idea of always having a good reason to get out of Ohio during our crappy winters so we settled on Feb. My stepmom is a travel agent so we are going through her and we've already put down our deposit so I would hate to lose that money and cause friction. The rate is so high because it's high season unfortunately. Some family (my dad, stepmom, and my cousin who is a bridesmaid) have had no issue with the cost, my cousin just said to me this morning....I'm thinking of it as a vacation so I don't get why everyone is being annoying about it....my point exactly lol. I did price 3 day trips for $600 something for people so they do have that option if needed. I'm just a little stressed because my stepdad just lost his job last week and I know it will be a little bit of a stretch for them to go now. Hopefully he can find a new job before next....I am thinking of offering to pay their deposit to help them out because I do want them there. Everyone else I just need to tell them if you can come great, if not we're having a reception when we get back. Hopefully people come around. We had friends that went to Hawaii to get married last year and she mentioned that her parents were mad about it at first then came around and later thanked her because they never would have went to Hawaii otherwise. You are so right BTW about everyone flocking to the open bar! Exactly! My fiancé and I have been there for a lot of these people for their weddings, birth of their children, etc and they are just totally withdrawn from the whole thing now after the moment I said we were doing a destination wedding. I am sorry you are dealing with your friend being so mean about all this, I just can't believe people. It's your wedding for crying out loud. It's just very selfish. If they can't go that's fine but at least be involved and ask how planning is going, etc. That's how I feel at least. I guess that has a lot to deal with why my feelings are hurt too. I expected my friends to be more involved. It's just crazy to me. Sorry of this is a jumbled mess I am writing it on my iPhone lol. Thanks again for listening to me whine and vent and if you need to vent as well you know where to find us hahaha. Hi @@MariCorrea23 I am getting married there on 2/27/15! Do you have much planning done yet or just date reserved?

@@ng2015 thanks for the info. Girls, I need to vent. I'm a little frustrated tonight. We let some of our family and friends know more info regarding the rates and the deposit for the trip tonight and some aren't being very supportive and are upset about the cost. It's a little hurtful, I've priced a deluxe room with my travel agent for 4 days for some of our guests for $900 something to make it a little cheaper for them and we still have family complaining. Some of my closest friends whom I would probably have as bridesmaids if we were doing it here haven't really even asked how planning is going and they really don't even act that excited for us. It's just a little hurtful because my fiancé and I have always been there for them and while I by no means expect people to go and I understand if they can't afford it, I do expect them to keep their negative opinions about it to themselves..... Even if you can't afford to go you could at least still have interest in the plans. Sorry to sound like I'm whining my feelings are just a little hurt tonight.

Thanks for all the info @@talicea7812! I hope things start running a little smoother for you and you hear back from the head coordinator. I would be having anxiety attacks with it being that close to the wedding! I am type A to a certain extent, I like everything to be taken care of or I obsess over it until it's done....so I am interested to hear about how they respond to all of this. My fingers are crossed for you, please keep us updated! @@beccafries The email I have from the coordinator states that, "if the group exceeds the maximum noted above or if you prefer to be seperated from other guests at in the resort, then I private event can be arranged." I am assuming this means there isn'ta maximum or minimum for the private event if you're paying for it. She also stated, "private events can be held on the beach or other areas throughout the resort. We offer both standing private cocktail events (hightops and no chairs) they are two hours in length with one hour of food service." From what it sounds like you just pay the fees listed in the banquet menu I posted above. The only thing I've personally had an issue with is the fact that you have to pay extra (on top of the ceremony price if you don't qualify for it to be free) for the bouquets and boutonnieres plus any ceremony decor you want. I know @ some of the other resorts I looked at (Secrets/Now resorts in particular) the bride and groom's stuff was included. Some of their packages also included pictures and you have to pay seperate for those on top of the ceremony fee as well. I also emailed my WC back yesterday because I was only planning on doing the semi-private dinner that comes with the ceremony Always and Forever package about an hour or so after the ceremony (after pics) and then we were just going to go to the tequila bar afterward because I am having an at-home reception after we return and I do not see the point in spending an obscene amount of money to do it at both places. The problem is, the semi-private dinner is for up to only 25 guests and we're inviting 35 not including us. That's no to say everyone will attend but I emailed my WC to find out if we couldn't go like 5 people over for the semi-private, it sounds like the answer is probably going to be no based on the info in the email I have but I thought I would ask anyways. I don't have a problem paying seperate for a casual beach dinner or something I just won't pay for the s'more party I was going to do as my "welcome party" and then use the semi-private dinner as the welcome dinner instead but it's kind of irrtating if I have to do that and I'm only over by 5 people. Also, if the semi-private dinner is only for up to 25 guests then what am I supposed to do with the other 5 when we have the welcome party? Tell them, sorry you can't come? @@ng2015 @@talicea7812...not sure if you guys were planning on using your dinner or what you were doing for that, thought I would tag you guys and ask. It may not even end up being an issue if we have under that amount attend but still. Anyways, @@beccafries, hope this helps! Sorry to keep blabbing away haha.