Barcelo Maya Palace Brides

[juliboley]

Originally Posted by chrisdior 

 

A few questions (again... )

 

-First, I'm having a location dilemma!! Since I have not been able to do a site visit I would appreciate any advice.

 

I originally requested Coral Beach for ceremony and Playa Azul for reception. I emailed my photographer for advice and he suggests I flip the locations around.

 

My DJ package includes a projection screen and light up dance floor. Can anyone tell me if I will have enough room for this at Coral Beach if I decide to change the reception location? I'm nervous will the amount of people (estimating 40-50) and setup I won't have enough space. I would prefer everyone to be comfortable and not be squashed together.

 

Anyone else think the locations are better flipped than what I originally requested? It's hard to make decisions based on pictures.

 

-Q2, Does Barcelo allow any type of wish lanterns? I've seen pictures from past brides but I'm not sure if they have changed there rules? I know a lot of other resorts have banned them.

 

-Q3, I'm getting married in May, anyone suggest what month I should mail out the invitations. I recently sent out STD's in June. Also, what should I make the RSVP month? I don't know how long in between I should send them out. I don't want to be constantly sending people mail about my wedding and have people overwhelmed.

 

Thanks ladies!

We are having both our wedding and reception at Playa Azul because it is more secluded than Coral Beach, but Coral Beach is closer to the resort.  In order to get to Playa Azul, they transport your guests in a bus and you in a golf cart style thing.  I have attended one wedding at Barcelo Maya Palace and it was also on Playa Azul.  For me, Coral Beach was too close to the other resort guests and I wasn't excited about potential strangers walking through (even though I've heard you don't notice at all).  Playa Azul seems like it has more than enough room for the dance floor and screen, but I don't know about the spacing at Coral Beach.  I think I would stick to your set up of getting married at Coral Beach and doing the reception at Playa Azul.

[MexicoHereICome]

Originally Posted by mrsnova 

 

For those who had live music at the ceremony which options are there and were you happy with it?  I know it is included in the package I am just debating if I want to do the live music or not because I have certain songs in mind for at least when the wedding party and I walk down the aisle. Thanks!

I have yet to have my wedding yet however I thought I would share what I'm doing with you as far as the live ceremony music.....We are having the violin person play as people gather and sit and playing our own music for the processional....Your guests may think its a nice touch to have someone playing music as they wait.

[juliboley]

We're doing the same thing.  I'm too particular about the processional, but I liked the idea of having a violinist while people wait for us.

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

I have yet to have my wedding yet however I thought I would share what I'm doing with you as far as the live ceremony music.....We are having the violin person play as people gather and sit and playing our own music for the processional....Your guests may think its a nice touch to have someone playing music as they wait.

[mrsnova]

Thanks guys, that is a good idea! Might as well use the live music since its included! Do you know what other instruments besides the violin can be used? Do you know if you can pick the songs they play..or at least from a list? 

[kbrandriet]

You said your total price what do you mean by that? We are doing the Mint Breeze Package with a Symbolic Wedding Cememony.  Is the Minister included in our price and we just have to pay $300 dollars out of our package price to him in cash? Just wanted to make that clear.

Thanks!  

[NIKKI2013]

Hello Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe Brides!!! I am having a little bit difficulties with planning my wedding. I have booked the hotel and flight and reserved my wedding date for March 22, 2013 @ 5:00 pm in the Gazebo!!! YEA for that but with communicating with the WC has been a bit of a challenge!!!!!! I have picked the Mint Breeze package because that allows the most people.So when going through the steps to have ran into a few road blocks. The first one is that I have really picky eaters in my group. Some dont like seafood, some dont like veggies, and some dont eat meat.So I was wondering if I could have the option to have 2 main dishes on the menu..They said no so we are going with pesto boiled chicken. Second set back is the reception area even though the mint breeze has it set in the banquet room I thought they would be able to accommidate my reception in the pool area. Well that has brought me to where I am now and that is that I am going to have to change my package to be able to have my reception area the pool area. Let just say that this planning process hasnt been the most enjoyable one. My WC is Victoria and her response time is terrible. With that being said I ready to be in Mexico marrying my best friend and the greatest man on earth! If anyone have advice for the reception area, DJ, Photographers, Makeup Please give me some insite!!! ALL ADVICE IS GOOD ADVICE!!

[chrisdior]

Originally Posted by mrsnova 

 

My WC is Jacqueline. The only responses I have got have been through my TA. My reservations were forwarded to her several weeks ago and I chose my wedding package a couple weeks ago. In the last email she did say that we would talk about locations when we starting the wedding planning. Just not sure when that will be . When did you start your planning process? Who is your WC?

 

On a side note: I have to say it is so nice to be able to talk things through and ask questions on this forum:) Makes it a lot less overwhelming! Thanks girls!

 

My WC is Claudia. Shes been awesome. Responds right within a day or two. We started the planning around May.

[chrisdior]

Originally Posted by Avens 

 

There is a JoP for the ceremony, and its $300.  It is included in your total price, but you need cash to pay him.  If you have a friend or family member that can do it, just let your coordinator know and you saved yourself $300.

 

 

Thank you for clarifying!

[chrisdior]

Originally Posted by juliboley 

 

We are having both our wedding and reception at Playa Azul because it is more secluded than Coral Beach, but Coral Beach is closer to the resort.  In order to get to Playa Azul, they transport your guests in a bus and you in a golf cart style thing.  I have attended one wedding at Barcelo Maya Palace and it was also on Playa Azul.  For me, Coral Beach was too close to the other resort guests and I wasn't excited about potential strangers walking through (even though I've heard you don't notice at all).  Playa Azul seems like it has more than enough room for the dance floor and screen, but I don't know about the spacing at Coral Beach.  I think I would stick to your set up of getting married at Coral Beach and doing the reception at Playa Azul.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

[MexicoHereICome]

Originally Posted by NIKKI2013 

 

Hello Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe Brides!!! I am having a little bit difficulties with planning my wedding. I have booked the hotel and flight and reserved my wedding date for March 22, 2013 @ 5:00 pm in the Gazebo!!! YEA for that but with communicating with the WC has been a bit of a challenge!!!!!! I have picked the Mint Breeze package because that allows the most people.So when going through the steps to have ran into a few road blocks. The first one is that I have really picky eaters in my group. Some don't like seafood, some don't like veggies, and some don't eat meat.So I was wondering if I could have the option to have 2 main dishes on the menu..They said no so we are going with pesto boiled chicken. Second set back is the reception area even though the mint breeze has it set in the banquet room I thought they would be able to accommodate my reception in the pool area. Well that has brought me to where I am now and that is that I am going to have to change my package to be able to have my reception area the pool area. Let just say that this planning process hasn't been the most enjoyable one. My WC is Victoria and her response time is terrible. With that being said I ready to be in Mexico marrying my best friend and the greatest man on earth! If anyone have advice for the reception area, DJ, Photographers, Makeup Please give me some insite!!! ALL ADVICE IS GOOD ADVICE!!

I totally feel your pain with the wedding planners!!! However, the closer you get the better they are at responding. I heard they do close to 100 weddings a month, keep in mind that when you get there everything will be perfect! This isn't their first rodeo. My WC is horrible with response time (I have Xhail) but I started planning in December (wedding this October) and everything is just about planned out (but we aren't done yet). It may not happen as fast as I had wanted it to go, but I feel like I am on track. You have a ways to go so don't worry yet. I have read about Brides getting there and changing everything once they were there and everything was perfect.  I know it sucks to have to upgrade the package (I had to do the same) but that's how they "get you"...more people want to have a reception outside and it is more of a pain to get the food out to the pool/beach. You can offer one "dish" however, they will accommodate vegetarians and food allergies....So if you want fish and someone is allergic then you can give them chicken. Now I don't think you can go overboard with this but they will do something for them. So, you can have a little wiggle room. Keep in mind that most weddings have a set menu and guest normally don't tell you they don't like veggies. Plus you are at an all inclusive they can hit a buffet if they are unhappy with your choice after. But it's you day do what makes you happy you can't make everyone happy.

 

I went with an outside photgrapher (you have to pay either an outside vendor fee of $500 or get them a room for 2 nights which is cheaper) I hired Ivan Luckie and he has been a pleasure to deal with and has GREAT reviews!! DJ I hired outside as well (cheaper then the resort...have to pay an outside vendor fee of $100 an hour for electricity or some DJ's will rent you a generator..mine charges $200 and then you don't have to pay the vendor fee) I haven't decided on make-up (you get your hair and make-up with the strawberry package) so I may just take the leap of faith and save some $$.