Paradisus Riviera Brides - POST HERE!

[yolyd75]

Samg.. I live in travis.. Originally from brooklyn but moved out to si about three years ago...

[ktchi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumbles ktchi, have you looked at booking via a travel agent? Many of their packages include rt ground transportation. Our guests didn't have problems with cabs. The taxi queue at the airport is very well organized and getting a cab from the resort is really easy. Have you heard from Perla about your date yet? It might be worth it to give her a call and lock down the date. Congrats

Hi bumbles,
I looked into a travel agent and her prices were about $65 more than the room block rate that the Paradisus, but the rate included the airport transfer so I was trying to see if her prices were higher than if a person booked with the hotel and then got a transfer on their own.

I still haven't heard about my date. I e-mailed her again today and if I don't hear from her by the end of the week I am definately going to call and see what's up.

Thanks so much for the advice. Also I loved your slideshow and pictures- it was pretty much what made me choose the Paradisus.

[SamG]

As of today, we have 52 booked! So excited!

 

Yolyd75.... such a small world, unbelievable. It doesn't look like we'll get to run into one another down there. Just gonna miss you.

 

ktchi.... We were going to do a room block as well, because at the time it seemed that it was going to save our guests money as well, but since then..... the prices have literally dropped out! I'm so glad that we chose not to do so A) because of the drastic price change and because it gave us the peace of mind not having to lay out all that money. People can be very unpredictable when it comes to international travel! Expecially with all the nonsense that's been swarming around poor unfortunate Mexico. We provided our guests with the name and contact of the travel agent we were using and gave them the option of booking through our company, a company or their own or just using the internet. To be honest with you, the people that have ended up making out the best on the trip, are the ones that waited until now and are using the internet. As for Perla, she's extremely backed up lately, feel your pain! Invest in a calling card and give her a buzz. I find that 3 times out of 5 I can get her on the phone and she's very helpful.

[navarrabrooke]

Hi SamG - We are close to that. So far we have 40 adults and 9 children. Can't believe how close it's getting for us!

 

Since we want to do a before sunset ceremony, I'm thinking 5pm now to print on our invitations. But does this mean our reception would end at 9pm? Seems kinda early. Any thoughts?

 

Also, to those concerned about using a travel agent. We have been working with Joani at Destination Weddings and she has been great. Most of our guests have used her. Only 3 have booked on their own. I highly recommend using a travel agent!!!

 

Also, just got a travel zoo email today advertising a great deal on flights to Cancun from Chicago, in case anyone has guests coming from Chicago. Might also be deals from other cities. Here's the email...

 

As a Travelzoo VIP, you are receiving this Newsflash emailbefore other subscribers. CHICAGO--AUGUST 20, 2009-- Flights to Cancun from Chicagohave been quietly reduced to a new low price of $79 eachway. That comes to $268 roundtrip, including taxes, and isup to $150 OFF typical fares on this route. Travel is valid most dates September - March. Prices forflights around the winter holidays tend to be higher. The fare was still available as of 10:15AM CT, but couldsell out quickly. Book soon for the best prices andavailability. To find the lowest-priced travel dates and search multiplesites for the best deals, use Fly.com's fare calendars fortravel through November:Roundtrip fares to Cancun (CUN) from Chicago (CHI)

[SamG]

Navarrabrooke:

 

The only thing I would suggest with a 5pm ceremony is make sure you take your beach pictures before hand. The sun does goes down fairly early and it takes a while for the whole picture taking process, so I hear. We are doing a cocktail hour. Our ceremony is at 4 and Perla said, it takes about 30 minutes. Our cocktail hour is from 5 to 6, which I'm sure will start a little early, and then the 4 hour reception. We were considering having a 2 hour beach party to follow, but there is no need. The hotel is all inclusive and the lobby bar and club should be open. So we'll just move the crew along!

[MissyR]

I would concur with SamG. Our ceremony was at 3:30 and by the time it was finished and we had congrats champagne with the guests we were rushing to do pics before sunset and get back to the reception.

 

Our time was as follows: 3:30 ceremony - cocktails and appetizers from 4:30 - 6:00 with the mariachi band, dinner was at 6:00pm and we went all the way until about midnight. We paid extra for the extra time but it was totally worth it!

[abegail]

Hey girls!

 

My date is on its way and I have no clue what is going on!!! Perla hasn't really had time for me! any suggestions on food how about band /dj and photogs

[abegail]

I need some serious help planning! my date is October 16 of this year!! Any tips? what about food?

[amyschmidt85]

I just changed my ceremony from 2pm to 4:30pm cuz I wasn't sure what all the guest would do after the ceremony till reception time. After reading some previous posts about taking pictures before the sun goes down, do you think I should keep the earlier cermony time? Can anyone recommend any photographers?

[MissyR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amyschmidt85 I just changed my ceremony from 2pm to 4:30pm cuz I wasn't sure what all the guest would do after the ceremony till reception time. After reading some previous posts about taking pictures before the sun goes down, do you think I should keep the earlier cermony time? Can anyone recommend any photographers?

I think it depends on whether or not you and your DH will see eachother before the ceremony and how long you have your photog for. As an example, we had our photogs travel with us for the week so I wasn't as concerned with getting pictures before the ceremony as we did our TTD a few days later... but if you are hiring someone for a limited amount of time you may want to consider that. I don't know what time the sun sets in May - but if it's not until 7:00 or so then you should be fine.

Our photogs were awesome - Visual Cravings - they are a husband and wife team and they were great to work/travel with!