Resorts policies on outside vendors / photogs *** VALUABLE INFO***

Everybody should pay attention to this. As a mass, the world can and WILL impact the hotel policies on outside vendors...

 

I'm new here and have spent a few days digging through this forum and found something that my good friend and neighbor Paul Schrank, of Playa Weddings - Videography in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya was saying on this topic.

 

His words sum up exactly what is happening in the Riviera Maya with these hotels.

 

Brides worldwide have an obligation to ACT.

 

Paul's words of wisdom:

 

 

Amen Paul.

 

Please spread these words to anybody planning a wedding in the Riviera Maya or elsewhere when being confronted about outside vendors.

 

cheers!

 

matt

Just to add:

 

I am getting married at the Riu Palace Mexico on April 23. I hired Paul for my videography. I was told by the WC it was not a problem to have an outside videographer. So I paid my deposit to Paul. AFTER THAT, the WC told me I will also be charged $100 fee by the resort because it "causes problems" with their on-site regulars. (I am going to pay the fee because it means a lot to me to have Paul as our videographer. His work is amazing and I am really excited to have him capture our wedding!)

 

I complained (via several emails) quite vigorously to the WC about the $100 "fee" policy and the fact that she didn't make it clear to me before I hired Paul. My complaints made no difference, probably because I was already committed to having my wedding there. These complaints need to come BEFORE BOOKING wedding/rooms at the resort. The only way it will change is if you threaten to take your business elsewhere. Of course, if I had known this before hand, I would have done it. But the way things work down there you don't have any contact with the WC until two months before the wedding. So I couldn't have any of my questions answered until after we and all our guests were already booked. It was only then I found out about the fee. Too late to do anything about it.

 

On a side note: I AM using the resort photog, because I've seen his pics and I think they are wonderful, and because he charges a fraction of what I have seen from outside photogs. NOT because of the fee.

Gosh this is really sad that they are doing this. I'm having somewhat of a similar problem at the Sheraton in Cabo, After I booked our wedding their they are now telling me no salon outside service vendors are allowed since they opened their new salon. I'm pretty pissed about this because I had already set up a hair and makeup person to come to my room. This really makes it difficult for people wanting to get married at a specific resort if they have all these stupid rules, kindof makes wanting a DW not as much fun.

I'm sorry they are making these changes on you too.

When you look at the big picture, everything is going to work out..it always does. Your destination wedding will be a positive experience and the goal here is to use hotels that focus on a perfect experience. I don't want to organize a mob here against any specific resort, but I do want to raise awareness. Together as a voice, we can slowly impact their choices with this no outside vendor gestapo stuff.

Awareness is the key. I think most of us have heard the words "the customer is always right" and I think this can apply...

Specifically speaking of photography / video, Paul's words are right on:

Tell them you'll be bringing in photographer(s) and/or videographer(s) as invited guests. Expect them to be treated as all your invited guests from outside the resort and don't tolerate any additional fees or penalties for choosing not to use their services. Nobody wants 40 American/Canadians complaining on the Internet, on message boards like this. You the consumer have a right to demand free market competition. They have the right to expect you to purchase a day pass for outside guests.

Cheers & prepare to have the best destination wedding experience on the planet!

Matt

Great advice Matt. When we booked with Dreams Tulum, I explicitly stated that I wanted an answer to whether or not we could have an outside photographer without paying a penalty or room fee. It turned out that they allow it and we do not have to pay any fees for a day pass or the 3 night room stay I have heard about with other places.

 

Basically, I wanted everything in writing from Dreams before I committed to that resort. In our research for a resort I excluded some possible locations based on their unwillingness to budge on the outside vendor issue. I found it ridiculous to pay the resort money for a service they were not providing.

Hmmm... I was planning on bringing in my Uncle who just happens to be a nationally known photographer to do my photos as well as a good friend who is an amazing makeup/hair artist to do that for me. These two people are obviously guests of mine as well and would be invited regardless. Do you think I'll have a problem with this...? I'm planning on having the wedding at one of the Iberostar Resorts.

Jaime,

I'm in the same boat--- A bunch of friends of mine from college are pro photos who plan on coming down and shooting the wedding for us. I'm getting married at Iberostar (Lindo). I had our TA tell the WC at Lindo up front that the bride is a photographer who will have photographer guests taking pics. The WC said they charge $300 for outside photographers, but I'll fight them tooth and nail on that one and get it in writing before we commit to a room block.

Hi Matt, cómo te va?

 

That was a great post, and really great information for couples to have BEFORE booking the resort, I think too many find out that bit of small print when it is too late to do much about it. I bet that those policies would change quickly if the resorts realize that freedom to choose a photographer is a big factor in choosing a wedding site for many couples.

 

best,

 

Elizabeth

This is a perfect example of how insane the rules actually are...

if you told them My uncle is coming to photograph my wedding. Seriously, do you think they will lift a finger and say anything? not a chance.

you will be fine!


Elizabeth, HOLA Amiga, I hope things are going well for you... Glad you like the advice here.. Keep in mind that my friend Paul had the wherewith all to compose it... he is a smart dude! I hope to see you soon!

Cheers!
matt

Matt thanks for the info.. I'm getting ready to book my resort in the next couple of days. I will now make sure to get an answer on the photography issue before I commit and get it in writting!