Azul Sensatori Brides - POST HERE!

[LRosario]

@@YvonneW

 

They tried to give me a hard time about that. They did make me pay an entrance fee for the outside guest before we arrived. I had a contract that stated all outside guest were free the day of the wedding. So I didn't understand why I was being charged. They said it was because of 80/20 rule. I didn't have 80% of my guest staying at out hotel. So we had to pay for all outside guest. They made us pay it before our arrival. I had my travel agent talk it out with them and they ended up reimbursing me for it because the contract was not clear.

[Sweetness14]

Hello Ladies!

 

I am working on planning my August 2018 wedding. After a few life changes we are now considering a new resort. We are trying to decide between Azul Fives and Azul Sensatori. Can anyone tell me why they decided to go with Azul Sensatori as their resort? I am working on my research and all responses will be appreciated.

I chose Sensatori because I am having children at my wedding and even though I only visited 3 resorts, my visits there was great. There was more than enough activities for children (especially the Nickalodean Playhouse) and for adults. It had both an adult only section and a family section. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

 

 

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[murmel]

HAPPY NEW YEAR LADIES!!! Best wishes for 2017 :)

 

Hello Ladies! 

 

I am working on planning my August 2018 wedding. After a few life changes we are now considering a new resort. We are trying to decide between Azul Fives and Azul Sensatori. Can anyone tell me why they decided to go with Azul Sensatori as their resort? I am working on my research and all responses will be appreciated.

The food at Sensatori is amazing! That was our main reason for choosing this resort.

 

Did anyone have any issues with the number of offsite guests? When I did the room block, it was only for 20 rooms. And the rooms that were blocked were the standard jacuzzi rooms. I was told that each room has a max capacity of 3 guests per room even though they have double beds. On the site, it states that a minimum of 80% of the guests must be staying at the resort in order to host a wedding there. The rooms are all booked so my guests have had to stay elsewhere. Even though I've encouraged them to stay at the hotel, I can't FORCE them to stay there. 

Do your guests want to stay at the resort? Often the rooms are sold in blocks to other travel agencies/tour operators. So even though it says the hotel has no rooms, that is not necessarily true. You can try www.sunwing.com (under the hotel section for room only), Apple vacations, and/or ask your travel agent to look into finding more rooms. If you can't get any more rooms, try negotiating with them ahead of time to waive the fee. Usually guests are permitted into the resort for the day of the wedding (as long as you are paying for a dinner/private event. If you are doing the free wedding package and included dinner, you may have to pay a fee). However, that is based on the 80% rule of your guests staying onsite.

[LeanneP]

Dear past Azul Sensatori Brides,

 

Did any of you use real tealights for the guest tables at Plaza Zavas and did you have any issues with them being blown out by the breeze?

 

We are using LED's for the paper lanterns and luminaries around the pool (i.e. where the light source is not visible) but were hoping to use real tealight candles on the tables. I have some tealights that come with glass bases but the sides aren't near tall enough to provide any kind of wind protection. I really don't want to lug down a case of taller clear holders to place the tealights in. My Karisma wedding planner suggested the LED's which are fine when the candle is not in plain view but look cheesy if you can see the fake candle flame.

 

I have my fingers crossed that another bride had luck with their candles staying lite.

 

(Obviously, if Mother Nature decides to deliver hurricane force gales that night there is nothing we can do. Just wondering what the chances are under "typical" conditions.)

Edited January 10, 2017 by LeanneP

[YvonneW]

 

Any of the past brides have their reception in the ballroom? If so, how did you guys decorate it? I'm trying to keep the tables pretty plain as the cost of this wedding is adding up. I did like the way the ceiling was set up below and asked the WC how much it would cost to set it up like that and she quoted me $3500 which is crazy expensive! Any pics, advice, or recommendations would be helpful! Thanks!

[TandAGetHitched]

I’ve been reading this forum for a few weeks now and it was so helpful in selecting our resort! Thank you all for sharing so much info! We just landed on our date and our resort for our May 2018 wedding. We are planning 30-40 guests, with some teenagers in the mix. 

 

I'm not a DIYer and I'm in the middle of my MBA program - so I'm looking to mitigate any extra work with making/buying/bringing lots of decorations. I know we'll pay a bit more for this with all the rentals, but sometimes convenience is just worth it. Hoping for a minimalist look and feel. 

 

A few questions for past and upcoming Azul Sensatori brides...

 

1. private events – does anyone know the going rate on these? We are planning ceremony on the beach, followed by informal cocktails at another bar, followed by dinner and dancing. Based on photos and everything I've read on this forum, we are hoping to secure the Plaza Zavaz for the reception. 

 

2. Has anyone used the photographers offered by the resort? Or better yet, just had one of your guests, who is not a professional phototag, take photos? I’m really not interested in paying travel for a Minnesota photographer.

 

3. Has anyone just gone with the Always & Forever [free] package? I don’t want a lot of fuss, extra work, extra costs – just wondering if it looks good, as a basic package. Maybe add a little flare with rose petals in the isle, but planning to keep it white and simple.

 

Again – thanks to everyone for sharing and being so open about their experience! Wedding planning is a whole lot of work 

Edited January 15, 2017 by TandAGetHitched

[DestinationDelgado]

@@TandAGetHitched I'm also in Minnesota! We are getting married this May, so I obviously haven't been to Azul yet, but I can speak about some of what we are doing.

 

We are using the always and forever complimentary package. It comes with the necessities (gazebo, chairs, tables, and white linen), but not much else. We are bringing down decorations in suitcases and renting flowers from Lomas. I would strongly encourage you to bring as much as you can, because Lomas decor is insanely expensive. We are bringing string lights, LED candles, and tulle for the gazebo. It's manageable and plenty enough, given how gorgeous the setting already is!

 

We are flying our photog down from MN. We got several perks in our wedding package, including a free room, so that will offset the cost of his stay. I also opened a Delta AmEx and got 50,000 free miles, which covers his flight. Photography was super important to us, so that's why we splurged but it's really a personal preference!

 

Our private event is just the cost of food, minus 20% (because of our contract). We will have 30-40 people and it shouldn't be more than $700.

[TandAGetHitched]

@@DestinationDelgado - thank you!! I can't wait to hear how your May 2017 wedding goes - beautiful and gorgeous - I'm sure!

 

I want to avoid any extra fuss, but yep, after reviewing the Lomas rental prices - looks like I'll be planning the same setup you are - bringing some decor. 

 

What MN Photographer are you using? 

 

We are also expecting 30-40, so good info on the private event. Where are you hosting your reception? 

[DestinationDelgado]

@@TandAGetHitched It is coming so fast.. so exciting and overwhelming!!

 

Our reception is at the Palapa Yoga. Our first choice was Plaza Zavas, but it was already booked

 

We are using Studio Twelve:52. Love them.

 

I should add that our current package includes apps and drinks for the cocktail hour. If we get two more rooms booked, our reception dinner would be covered. There's a lot of fine print in the contracts, so make sure you get as many perks as you can!! Are you using a travel agent?

 

I have a giant suitcase I got from a fellow destination bride for free. I can pass it on to you after our wedding if you'd like!

[TandAGetHitched]

@@DestinationDelgado - it'll be here before you know it!

 

Yes, we are using a Travel Agent - Kate's Travel out of Mankato. She came highly recommended by another bride and is on the approved TA list from Kaisma. She's in the midst of negotiating our contract now - as we only just picked our date a few days ago. 

 

I'm torn between Palapa Yoga and Plaza Zavas - both look amazing. My biggest fear - rain. if it rains and we got moved into a ballroom, I might break down. the whole reason for a DW is to be outside  

 

yes - keep me posted on the decor - can't wait to see pictures of your wedding!