Barcelo Maya Palace Brides

KirstenChrisDW2016 · January 26, 2016

Hey All,

Quick question, has anyone created a destination wedding facebook page to keep guests informed and to stir excitement? If so, what did you post and how often?

I feel like my guests are not involved at all and would like them to get a little more excited but maybe it's too much to ask since it is my wedding and not theirs=)

Barcelo2016 · January 27, 2016

@@KirstenChrisDW2016

Hey! Yes, I did make a website and to be honest found it a waste of time. Only 4 people have looked at it and lots told me they didn't even see it on the invite! But maybe a Facebook page would work better? The only issue is the older guests who might not have Facebook. They might feel out of the loop.

snswedding2016 · January 27, 2016

@@KirstenChrisDW2016 I did a website and a facebook group and I agree with @@Barcelo2016 the website was a big waste of time...no one looked at it. My facebook group on the other hand was really popular and a huge hit. I updated it every time I had some news or for a reminder about final payments and passport renewals. I also posted pics of the the resort where we got married and after our site visit I posted another album with a little review. I also featured my bridal party members on there to introduce them to the rest of the group.

Now that the wedding is over I've asked everyone to post their photos on there. It is really cool because we can see everyone's trip from their perspective. I also used it a lot when we were in Mexico to let people know where we were, reservations, excursion ideas etc.

For those not on facebook we used paperless post. We used it originally for our invitations and then was able to message everyone in a big group with updates.

TaraW · January 27, 2016

I also did a Facebook event page, made it a closed group and invited everyone. All of our guests are on FB (some very active, others not at all!) It's been nice to post maps and schedules, along with helpful hints, answering questions, etc. I do intend on providing hard copies of all the info for everyone once they arrive at the resort for those people that may not be reading everything.

SammyMac · January 28, 2016

Wow this thread has been active lately! I love it. I feel you Canadian brides... but at least the Canadian dollar went slightly up today? It is definitely changing my budget a little

@@KirstenChrisDW2016 - we just have been using a private facebook page. Seems to amp people up a bit and it's just an easy way to send updates.

@@ashbuoni - Octavio's work looks great. I'm going to reach out to him, thanks!

@@TaraW - how is the planning going? I know we talked about hair and make up vendors and I'm sort of wishing I didn't put a deposit down for best moments. I emailed Style Trio yesterday, but I am worried it is getting a bit last minute at this point with the wedding coming up in less than 3 months. Ahh!!

@@Panda2015 - I'm extending the reception too. I'm having a hard time pinning down the cost. It is based on per person as well as anything extra you're doing like DJ, dance floor, etc. I think it's a bit pricey, but we are not doing a cocktail hour to make up for it.

Also... tried on my wedding dress the other day. Big mistake!! I'm still carrying some holiday weight haha it's back to the gym for me!!!

TaraW · January 28, 2016

@@SammyMac - the planning is going well, thank you! The adjustment in wedding planner sent me for a loop when I hadn't received any response in two months, but now we are back on track. All the main stuff had been pretty much done already, now we are just finalizing things like ceremony songs, etc. We found different versions of a few songs we loved and then sent those youtube links off to our WC. She's forwarded them on to the guitarist to see if he could learn and/or play the songs for us of if we need to choose new ones. We just didn't want anything very traditional or classical.

Sorry to hear you are having second thoughts about Best Moments. Any chance you can get the refund given that it's still so far away?? I've heard and read fantastic things about Styling Trio. I didn't book them only because of the costs given that I was the only one using them (bridal party of two! haha) I am thrilled with my communication with Beso Brides though and quite honestly I think I would have decided on them ahead of anyone else regardless of the size of my bridal party. Their prices are reasonable, great communication, does not require a deposit and is 5 min away from the resort! They have been so helpful and accommodating, I feel like I'm in great hands!

I think I was quoted a cost of 15.00USD per person per hour to extend the reception, but I can't recall for sure. We've already told them we want at least one extra hour added, but you can also make the decision somewhat last minute as well .... if you wish to extend it one hour or more, you just have to tell your wc one hour before the scheduled end of your reception, and they can tack on the time at that point. You also have the option of moving to the disco or one of the lobby bars to socialize after that, I guess it just depends on how many people are still left standing after a long day in the sun!

And if it makes you feel any better, my dress doesn't fit yet either! I started hitting the gym again pretty hard 3 weeks ago and I plan on making the most of the 11 weeks ahead! Serves me right for going on a cruise in November (it had been booked for 18 months so we didn't want to cancel) and then right into Christmas! Geesh!

@Panda2015

There is a vendor fee of 150.00 for your make up/hair people. (They get ya everytime!)

If you have 5 gals using the service I would just tell them up front what the costs of having it done with the vendor (in the comfort of one room), and costs with the Barcelo spa (I have a price list in case I didn't send that - it's not cheaper with them that's for sure!) , and then ask them which one you should book for them, or just see if they prefer to simply do their own hair/makeup. It takes all the questions and awkwardness out of the mix for you. In my opinion they should not expect you to pay for them but maybe that's just me? You can let everyone know at that time that if everyone wants to go with the vendor, there is a 150.00 fee that you will cover so they can enjoy that service.

Edited January 28, 2016 by TaraW

Panda2015 · January 28, 2016

Re: websites and Facebook. I did make a wedding website, although I'm pretty sure no one uses it. I just included the prices from our travel agent, things to do in the area (shopping, golf, attractions, etc., etc.). I didn't make a Facebook page because a lot of my guests aren't on Facebook and I don't want to feel like I'm bombarding them with wedding stuff. FI and I are really adamant about not making the whole week about us because technically everyone is on their own vacation too. It's just the day, and there isn't much to inform them about the day besides where they have to be and when. I think everyone is excited enough about the trip because a lot of people haven't been away before and because there are so many of us going.

Question: does anyone know anything about the water parks at the resort? I read somewhere (can't remember where) that it was an extra fee to get in and I'm just wondering how true that is, so I can budget buying a pass for each of the kids coming.

Oh god wedding dresses! I bought my dress two months ago when I was just over 3 months pregnant and it's expected to arrive in May, just after I give birth to my second. So I basically have four weeks to get in pre-pregnancy shape for alterations! LOL! This should be interesting.

@TaraW: Yeah, good point about the vendor fee. I don't think they're expecting me to pay, but I just feel really bad because I know how much they're spending already on the trip. I think I'll go with your idea though of letting them know the cost and the different options and letting them choose what they want, and I'm just offering to book it for them.

$15.00 USD per person isn't that bad, I was expecting a little more. Then again, all these little things add up quickly!!

TaraW · January 30, 2016

@Panda2015 I don't think there are fees to go to the water park/slides for the kids, I think it's just a cost to have them in the Barcy Club where there is scheduled activities for kids from 4-12. (A babysitting service basically) But since my kids are 23 & 25 I can't really help with that!

On that topic ... I do know that they offer babysitting services at the hotel (for guests that may want to leave their kids back in the room after dinner or for the entire reception, etc) for 15.00 per hour (it's a bit more per hour if they are under the age of 2 I think it was? Don't quote me on that tho - I don't have my notes in front of me!

Extra reception time - I had asked about paying 15.00 per person for people that don't drink alcohol, or perhaps leave early and don't stay passed the scheduled end time, but I was told nope, it's 15.00 per person regardless! (Of course it is!! They get ya with extra costs every time!)

Speaking of extra costs, I just heard back from my wc regarding my bouquet. My strawberry package includes my bouquet, and I have chosen just to have 3 dozen white roses. I have a rhinestone bouquet cuff I am bringing down along with some other ribbon and rhinestone sprays that I purchased locally, and all they need to get me is 36 roses and then put it together. I was just curious and asked how much more, if any, would my bouquet cost me based on what I asked for and what I was bringing down with me. Well, I was quoted 93.00 usd EXTRA to have this! (WTF??) I politely told her NO I wasn't paying that and they are going to make this happen within a reasonable cost, not charge me an arm and a leg for some freaking extra roses!!! (I haven't heard back yet! ) So beware of that, ladies! If you are choosing to have something outside of what the brochure offers, make sure you get a quote beforehand! I had to ask myself what exactly does my bouquet include if I have to pay that much ON TOP of the package? LOL

Edited January 30, 2016 by TaraW

Moments That Matter · February 2, 2016

wow! Welcome to our forum community all you newbies.....jackiet2016, Alemike, kthomp0615, and barcelobride2016!!!

JCWedding, your photos are spectacular - Wow!!! great to hear how happy you are with them! We always advise our wedding couples to choose a professional photographer - and this is why - awesome results that can take you right back to that magical moment. It's a photo story you'll cherish for a lifetime - Well Done!!!

The Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe is one of the most popular venue choices in our area for destination weddings - and you can see why in the photos captured there! It has so many picturesque backdrops that make your "photo-stories" even more special.

Wishing everyone happy research, and that you find the answers to all your planning questions.

Enjoy your journey ~ cheers!! team MTM

...some of our favs, taken from our Barcelo Wedding Album Story ... (to ramp up your creativity even more

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