Do I need a wedding planner? Help.......

istephiez · November 20, 2008

Hello there

I am headed to PDC area this weekend from 11/23-11/26. I have been reading posts from all of you guys and have been sending out e-mails to all the hotels for the past month trying to get answers to my questions and set up site meetings. Its sooo frustrating as many of you likely already know because Mexico doesn't answer e-mails as quickly and thoroughly as I'd like. I even have a travel agent who is trying to get as many sites on the books for the trip.

Just curious if anyone has any suggestions of things I should know before going down there and if anyone suggests hiring a wedding planner to help in the process. I am a producer and finding myself to be very annoyed with the lack of control I have on this and just trying to be as organized as possible. If you have used a planner or are one please advise as I'd love to set a meeting while I am in town.

Thanks!!

pdcbride09 · November 20, 2008

Hello!

I highly advise using a wedding coordinator. I don't know how you can do a destiantion wedding w/out one. I am using Paula from Blue Parrot. She is very thorough in her responses. But it looks like you are going to have your reception at an AI resort.

I just looked online about 2 weeks ago and noticed that at the Viva Wyndham Maya, they have a very reasonable wedding price. Although it's not rated pretty high as far as resorts go. I was VERY close to switching to Viva Wyndham for our wedding. The most expensive package is $1390 for 10 people, then it's an additional $25 pp after that. That includes your meal and all your drinks!! that's a deal!! Especially if you are only having 20-30 people like us. But we decided to keep it at the Blue Parrot Beach Club.

One is because we already put a deposit down(for the second time, we switched coordinators) and 2 because it is in town and you are near everything. You can find really good deals in the actual town versus the AI resorts. We didn't feel comfortable having people pay so much to stay at the resorts. Plus you are more obligated to stay there to get your monies worth!

Happy Planning!!

MarieSam · November 20, 2008

Although I know you're in the process of just trying to make contact with some venues and coordinators, I think getting a WC will all depend on whether you have your wedding at a resort (which usually comes with some sort of wedding planner/staff) or at a non-resort venue (which I think usually requires hiring an outside WC).

Based on my own experience and some comments from other BDW brides, it seems like the WC's in the Riviera Maya/Cancun area aren't always quick to respond and take some time much to an anxious bride's dismay. Also keep in mind that the area is just beginning to enter its "high season" with the holidays approaching, so perhaps that's another reason for the delays.

Trust me, I totally understand your anxiety being a News Reporter/Producer myself. I'm used to having control of the situation and always being on top of things. *sigh* I think every bride gives up at least a little bit of that control when you opt for a destination wedding, but in the end, like all other BDW weddings, it all seems to fall beautifully into place!