Azul Sensatori Brides - POST HERE!

[Cj1053]

Hello all. We are booked to have our wedding at the Azul Sensatori in July 2014. While I want to say things have been going great the communication with the off site wedding planners and managers have been extremely stressful. Most recent issue is that we put 200 on our credit card to book the wedding and they over charged us by $750. They have now admitted there was an over charge but we have still not been refunded the money and it's been 3 weeks since it was brought to their attention and we are now paying interest on the over charge. I was previously told by a manger we would have the refund on the card in a few days but nothing. Ive tried to email and call and our travel agent has also made multiple calls and nobody will call us back or respond. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I'm starting to question whether we should cancel our wedding here because of how things are being handled it makes me worry that they will continue to handle things this way. I don't want to cancel it as I have been really excited about having our wedding at the Azul but I just don't know what to do anymore.

[Kingz85]

Hi everyone

 

Just a question about the iPod play list for the ceremony.

 

Can it be on your iPhone if you don't have a iPod?

Should the song be a full song or should it be shortened ?

 

Our wedding is April 7, 2014 I'm also wondering what time the sun will set out time for the ceremony is 430pm would that be enough time for pictures after?

 

Thanks !

Oh and also does caribe photography do a good job? I picked them because I didn't want to pay the vendor fee. Has anyone who used them had a good experience? Anyone In particular to ask for?

[kaleighMCL]

Hi everyone

 

Just a question about the iPod play list for the ceremony.

 

Can it be on your iPhone if you don't have a iPod?

Should the song be a full song or should it be shortened ?

 

Our wedding is April 7, 2014 I'm also wondering what time the sun will set out time for the ceremony is 430pm would that be enough time for pictures after?

 

Thanks !

Oh and also does caribe photography do a good job? I picked them because I didn't want to pay the vendor fee. Has anyone who used them had a good experience? Anyone In particular to ask for?

 

Hi Kingz85!

 

I downloaded the wedding DJ app to my iphone - i cancelled the password and gave my phone to the wedding coordinator to use. The sound quality on the SKY Deck using my playlist was awesome - i could hear it as i was coming up the stairs clear as day. I used Claire De Lune and just instruction my FI which part to start walking...they played the whole thing and the whole song of mine(i timed when to start walking so it would end at a decent time).

 

If you plan on using a docking station only for your reception - ask what other weddings are around you, and what they are doing because the other wedding on the beach had a DJ and we didn't (i was told we were the only wedding that day) - so we were forced to cut our reception plan short to accomodate their music.

really do your research before planning or booking the karisma resorts.  Not only are they expensive for the guests but can quickly become pricey for the bride.  I am getting married at Azul beach.  Planning has been awful.  The initial wedding cost seemed low but they nickel and dime you for everything. Check out the approved vendors- Lomas travel (flowers, decorations) and Matias Cano & Caribe for Photo & video.  I found them to either be pricey or mediocre.  I am paying for my photographer to stay at the resort & now the dilemma is do I want to bring in an outside video guy ($800 vendor fee on top of his price)

 

In 2010 I went to a wedding at Dreams Cancun.  My friend got married there and her experience was nothing like mine & her wedding was beautiful.  The rooms were reasonable and all the guests had a great time.  Plus you are right on the main strip so if you gt bored on the resort Cancun nightlife is right at your doorstep.

I think it really depends on what you want out of your destination wedding and who you are inviting. My wedding was mainly older couples or couples looking for a relaxing getaway. The Azul is isolated, which fit our needs well. I really wanted a low key easy calm vacation for everyone - i also wanted them to really take the time and spoil themselves (we have the type of parents that 'don't want to spend OUR inheritance....annoying) so we figured they would be forced to do something they typically never would if a wedding was attached. For us it worked out perfect...i felt like we had the whole resort to ourselves as we were all roomed in the same two builings and were very close - and at night everyone went to the mojito lounge for partying!  If you want to do alot of stuff OFF the resort - this may not be the place because it is far.

[Jennypert]

Hi everyone

Just a question about the iPod play list for the ceremony.

Can it be on your iPhone if you don't have a iPod?

Should the song be a full song or should it be shortened ?

Our wedding is April 7, 2014 I'm also wondering what time the sun will set out time for the ceremony is 430pm would that be enough time for pictures after?

Thanks ! Oh and also does caribe photography do a good job? I picked them because I didn't want to pay the vendor fee. Has anyone who used them had a good experience? Anyone In particular to ask for?

You are in luck. Sunset in Cancun on April 7, 2014 is 7:04 pm. Daylight savings time starts there on April 4 and moves the time ahead one hour. You can check for yourself at this website. http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=923&month=4&year=2014&obj=sun&afl=-11&day=1

 

My TA used Caribe Photo for her daughter's wedding last year. She said they did a fine job but she wished she had 2 photographers since they had a large group and the one guy could not be everyplace at once. I am using Caribe photo also because I don't want to pay the vendor fee. I've heard a lot of good comments about other vendors and not so many about Caribe. If pictures are very important and you don't mind the extra expense, you should check some of the other vendor reviews on the site.

 

I'm using the WeddingDJ app on my iPhone for the ceremony and cocktail party. Glad to hear that the sound quality is good on the Sky Terrace.

[talicea7812]

HELP!!!

Can anyone identify this cenote?

[omontes]

 
Hi guys,  Thinking in photography and Videography, please take a look at our work,
http://www.OctavioMontes.com

Some Reviews: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/reviews/p/21614-octavio-montes-photography/

 

 

http://www.OctavioMontes.com

[BeachBrideToBe]

really do your research before planning or booking the karisma resorts.  Not only are they expensive for the guests but can quickly become pricey for the bride.  I am getting married at Azul beach.  Planning has been awful.  The initial wedding cost seemed low but they nickel and dime you for everything. Check out the approved vendors- Lomas travel (flowers, decorations) and Matias Cano & Caribe for Photo & video.  I found them to either be pricey or mediocre.  I am paying for my photographer to stay at the resort & now the dilemma is do I want to bring in an outside video guy ($800 vendor fee on top of his price)

 

In 2010 I went to a wedding at Dreams Cancun.  My friend got married there and her experience was nothing like mine & her wedding was beautiful.  The rooms were reasonable and all the guests had a great time.  Plus you are right on the main strip so if you gt bored on the resort Cancun nightlife is right at your doorstep.

Oh my gosh I totally agree! I am in wedding hell right now. They make it sound like having your wedding here is going to be such a wonderful, carefree, inexpensive experience. It has been anything but. Not only do my fiance and I feel like we have to hold our travel agent's hand - who is a Karisma GIVC Level 5 Diamond Wedding Consultant (so she should theoretically know her stuff) - but the resort nickel and dimes you for very last thing. They claim that your setup fee will be a MAX of $250, but NO NO NO. We are paying over $1000 for our setup. And it's really nothing extensive - and nothing they haven't done before because I have seen the pictures. Any little thing you would get elsewhere as a courtesy for booking your wedding there isn't provided.

 

Here's how they break down the set up fees: 

 - $250 for "general setup"  -> this includes, menus on the table, setting guest book and picture frames out and programs

 - $250 to string lights from the Gazebo to the surrounding Palm Trees

 -$250 to hang the paper lanterns from the Gazebo (30 count - flat rate even if you have less lanterns)

 -$600 dollars to hang sheers from the Gazebo posts TO THE GROUND  (Seriously, if I wasn't getting ready I could do it myself)

 

I am beyond disgusted and they try to make you feel cheap if you ask them for more cost effective options or tell them the price doesn't seem to align with the value. They also will not allow anyone from your wedding party to help set up.

 

I am bringing 80 people down with me for our wedding. Was hoping they would offer us a discount a price break since we are having that many people pay their outrageous prices for accommodations. Another poster asked if it is worth the price...In my opinion Absolutely Not. I would highly consider looking ANYWHERE else. 

 

Sorry for the rant. Is any one else dealing with this????

 

 

 

[talicea7812]

@@BeachBrideToBe

 

My heart just dropped!!!  The set up fees are insane! I am bringing my gazebo sheers, chair sashes, table runners, napkins, some glitter painted wine btls and peacock feathers.  I am using a florist off the resort because the flowers are only a fraction of the cost of lomas but my FI needs to go to the security gate (2-3 miles) to pick them up.

 

I have asked over and over again about the set up fees.  My karisma planner knows I intend to bring my own items (sheers included bc I asked for measurements).  My most recent reply was that it is max $5 per person per event.  So with my small wedding the total should be no more than $250. 

 

I'm tired of the emailing back and forth.  I'm not going to fight it now... they will have to deal with me in person bc if they dare say I have to pay $600 to hang some sheers...so help me God I will go bridezilla.  This resort is downright awful.  Ive read all the reviews that when u get there its so great...but the journey leading up to it has been one of the worst experiences I can remember. If you are a bride with a large budget you will love this place...bc all they want is money.  Who do they think they are trying to charge $600?!?!?!  Isn't it $100-$150 to rent and have lomas setup?  

 

I think its bullshit that you cant set up your own items.  I have family & friends who have volunteered to help out.

 

I am only a couple weeks away from my arrival down there.  With all the money I am paying to stay there, things better go smoothly.  I am at my wits end when it comes to dealing with this company and I feel bad for the on site coordinator bc if these sudden costs pop up...He will be sorry he ever met me.

 

If it weren't so late in the game I would have taken my business elsewhere.

BTW...when are u getting married? are u at sensatori or another karisma resort?

[Jennypert]

This is disturbing!  I didn't realize there would be a separate $250 charge to hang the paper lanterns in Zavas Plaza.  With all of these extra set up charges, do you think they are 'punishing' people who decide to not pay the exorbitant prices from Lomas?  

 

Note to Talicea7812 - last year, we walked from AS down to the security guard gate and over to the resort next door, Secrets Silversands.  It only takes about 10 minutes or so to get to the gate.

[murmel]

Oh my gosh I totally agree! I am in wedding hell right now. They make it sound like having your wedding here is going to be such a wonderful, carefree, inexpensive experience. It has been anything but. Not only do my fiance and I feel like we have to hold our travel agent's hand - who is a Karisma GIVC Level 5 Diamond Wedding Consultant (so she should theoretically know her stuff) - but the resort nickel and dimes you for very last thing. They claim that your setup fee will be a MAX of $250, but NO NO NO. We are paying over $1000 for our setup. And it's really nothing extensive - and nothing they haven't done before because I have seen the pictures. Any little thing you would get elsewhere as a courtesy for booking your wedding there isn't provided.

 

Here's how they break down the set up fees: 

 - $250 for "general setup"  -> this includes, menus on the table, setting guest book and picture frames out and programs

 - $250 to string lights from the Gazebo to the surrounding Palm Trees

 -$250 to hang the paper lanterns from the Gazebo (30 count - flat rate even if you have less lanterns)

 -$600 dollars to hang sheers from the Gazebo posts TO THE GROUND  (Seriously, if I wasn't getting ready I could do it myself)

 

I am beyond disgusted and they try to make you feel cheap if you ask them for more cost effective options or tell them the price doesn't seem to align with the value. They also will not allow anyone from your wedding party to help set up.

 

I am bringing 80 people down with me for our wedding. Was hoping they would offer us a discount a price break since we are having that many people pay their outrageous prices for accommodations. Another poster asked if it is worth the price...In my opinion Absolutely Not. I would highly consider looking ANYWHERE else. 

 

Sorry for the rant. Is any one else dealing with this????

 

 

 

 

 

@@BeachBrideToBe

 

My heart just dropped!!!  The set up fees are insane! I am bringing my gazebo sheers, chair sashes, table runners, napkins, some glitter painted wine btls and peacock feathers.  I am using a florist off the resort because the flowers are only a fraction of the cost of lomas but my FI needs to go to the security gate (2-3 miles) to pick them up.

 

I have asked over and over again about the set up fees.  My karisma planner knows I intend to bring my own items (sheers included bc I asked for measurements).  My most recent reply was that it is max $5 per person per event.  So with my small wedding the total should be no more than $250. 

 

I'm tired of the emailing back and forth.  I'm not going to fight it now... they will have to deal with me in person bc if they dare say I have to pay $600 to hang some sheers...so help me God I will go bridezilla.  This resort is downright awful.  Ive read all the reviews that when u get there its so great...but the journey leading up to it has been one of the worst experiences I can remember. If you are a bride with a large budget you will love this place...bc all they want is money.  Who do they think they are trying to charge $600?!?!?!  Isn't it $100-$150 to rent and have lomas setup?  

 

I think its bullshit that you cant set up your own items.  I have family & friends who have volunteered to help out.

 

I am only a couple weeks away from my arrival down there.  With all the money I am paying to stay there, things better go smoothly.  I am at my wits end when it comes to dealing with this company and I feel bad for the on site coordinator bc if these sudden costs pop up...He will be sorry he ever met me.

 

If it weren't so late in the game I would have taken my business elsewhere.

BTW...when are u getting married? are u at sensatori or another karisma resort?

 

 

This is disturbing!  I didn't realize there would be a separate $250 charge to hang the paper lanterns in Zavas Plaza.  With all of these extra set up charges, do you think they are 'punishing' people who decide to not pay the exorbitant prices from Lomas?  

 

Note to Talicea7812 - last year, we walked from AS down to the security guard gate and over to the resort next door, Secrets Silversands.  It only takes about 10 minutes or so to get to the gate.

 

This is disturbing!  I didn't realize there would be a separate $250 charge to hang the paper lanterns in Zavas Plaza.  With all of these extra set up charges, do you think they are 'punishing' people who decide to not pay the exorbitant prices from Lomas?  

 

Note to Talicea7812 - last year, we walked from AS down to the security guard gate and over to the resort next door, Secrets Silversands.  It only takes about 10 minutes or so to get to the gate.

Hmmm...okay this is disappointing to hear.

 

But everyone please take a breath! First step....don't ask the Miami based wedding coordinators how much the set up fee is!!!! They try to charge you for every dime( and really don't have the first clue about what the fees really should be)! Other than the actual items you are purchasing/renting through Lomas or arranging a private event (cocktail, dinner, etc)....this is all that should be on your detail sheet and discussed with the Miami based WC ahead of time!

 

Once you are at the resort, discuss the smaller details with the ONSITE WEDDING COORDINATORS!!! They are the ones that will actually come up with the set up fee! And I have never heard of a bride having to pay two separate fees for table decor and then the lanterns! Again I will caution you, discuss this with the WC onsite....not the Miami based ones! I realize many brides want to have everything discussed ahead of time, but this is one case where it may cause more harm.

 

Take the time to write out, or have photos of how you want things set up. So that once you arrive in Mexico and have your meeting with the WC there, it is easy for them to see exactly what you want. The local WC truly make the weddings perfect and seamless, as long as you can provide them the details in an easy fashion! 

 

Be prepared to pay the $250 in cash. Since they pay the extra staff who set up your decor separately. (up to now I have not heard that any bride has been charged more than the $250)

 

As for using an outside florist. First thing you have to be aware is that you will have to leave not only the resort, but the secure property area (Two different things!). I would suggest for your FI to hire a taxi to take him to the highway and meet the florist at the gas station which is directly across from the security gate. (only guests, or persons who have permission may get through this security gate, so the florist would likely not be able to enter) And yes that distance is about 3 miles. The actual security gate onto the Sensatori property is about 500 yards from the lobby. 

 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! I am sorry that the process has been stressful for some, but overall once you get there, know that the staff are professionals and are wonderful! The resort is gorgeous and your guests will love it!