non AI wedding options

[debbie421]

Hi ladies! So of course I just asked a question about AI's, but I'm also wondering if there are non AI wedding options. Meaning we would stay at one of the amazing AI's you mentioned, but go somewhere off site for the wedding. Is anyone doing this?

[FutureMrsRoss]

It looks like we'll end up with a non-AI at the Ritz. Really, it came down to money. If I choose a super-nice resort, there is a good chance most people can't afford it (Le Blanc at 500/nt, Royal is just a little less) and if I choose an average resort, then I feel like I'll be spending money trying to make the place look better/food taste better, and I don't know if that's where I wanted to spend it. So, for us, we decided a beach location, fab food, an outside photog and no requirements for guests to stay at the hotel were all important to us. Strangely, the Ritz fit the bill, and at the correct price point. I can provide more info if you're interested

 

For other resorts - the Marriots are not AI, but they probably will want the bridal couple to stay at the hotel (or one of them. I think you can stay at CasaMagna and get married at JW.) There are also dinner cruise options (rent out the boat) or public beaches/restaurant options all over.

 

PM me if I can help! I'm just as confused as anyone, but I have lots of info!

[debbie421]

Thank you! That's a good way to look at it. Did you look at any options that weren't hotels at all? A beautiful remote beach you could have catered or a great restaurant not on hotel property?

[San Fran Sarah]

If you are looking at the RM then here is my review of a few non AI hotels: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t22796

We were also looking at non-AI's.

[debbie421]

I've looked online at all of those and they're beautiful! And I see you picked Ana Y Jose, one of our top choices. Are your guests staying there? I'm afraid Tulum might be too rustic for some of my guests (small children, people used to AI's), so I'm wondering if there's something more resort-y nearby for them. While we an stay in beautiful Tulum!

[San Fran Sarah]

There are a lot of non-resorty options in Tulum but there are also a few AIs that people can choose to stay at even if you dont have your wedding there. My guests are staying at Eurostars Blue Tulum (for a lot of the reasons you mentioned). Dreams Tulum is just down the road too . . . so people with kids could stay there. Let me know if you have any questions!

[debbie421]

San Fran Sarah, I think you and I are going to get to be good friends! Right now this sounds like the way I'm going to go. Why did you choose Eurostars over Dreams?

[San Fran Sarah]

We chose Eurostars because it felt more intimate like a boutique hotel. We went to Dreams and it was beautiful but just didn't feel very "us".

[Marriott Cancun Weddings]

The Marriott Resorts in Cancun do not require guests or Bride & Groom to stay at the Resort, although we strongly encourage it by offering great rates in rooms and concessions.

Please, feel free to contact me if you have any doubts.

 

Warm Regards,

[FutureMrsRoss]

No, I didn't look at any non-resort options. To be honest, the whole point of us doing it in Cancun was to have it easy-breezy. I tried to plan in New Orleans and here in Colorado - but it kept getting insanely expensive with all the seperate locations and outside catering. I wanted to find a place that had packages (which Ritz claims to, but doesn't really) and was nice enough for me to feel comfortable with. I just figured, it's the Ritz, they probably won't screw it up.

 

However....you have to work with the Catering Manager to get anywhere at Ritz - and this is a problem. The catering manager doesn't really care about you if you're going to have a simple reception in a restaurant (which is what we want since they have a restaurant on the beach) - so it seems to be pulling teeth to get the date info I need. Sigh.

 

As such, we're looking at some AIs as a back-up. I'm not really sure where to start, but I'm using this forum as a guide. I really want it all packaged up and ready to go - but with my own photog. I don't really care about colors or favors or flowers or spa packages or centerpieces - I just want to be on the beach and have a reception with great food! Sigh.