***Iberostar Laguna Azul Brides***

[cristina2011]

 

 

Originally Posted by emilyisawesome 

 

Hi Christina,

 

I am getting married at ILA on March 3, 2011 and am planning to have dinner at the new beach gazebo set up.  I will write an update when we are back.  Unfortunately we aren't doing a beach party so I won't be able to provide any feedback on that.

 

Enjoy your last 8 weeks of planning!

 

Emily

 

Hi Emily, do you mean the palapas?!?  If so, please take lots of pictures!!!  I'm confirmed for the palapas & gala menu on April 4, and I'm hoping to hang pink paper lanterns from the ceiling of them.  I'm not sure if I'll also have to invest in some mini lights to hang inside them, depending on when it gets dark.  I'm interested in seeing what table decorations they offer (if any).

 

Where are you having your ceremony?  I'll definitely be thinking of you March 3 & eagerly awaiting your pics!!  Have an amazing time & congrats!!

 

Cristina

[Vero007]

Hi Kelly,

We will be traveling to ILA as well but in late Jan to early Feb 2012(best price seals the date). I got Sunwing at 1553$ and Transat at 1499$ but that's before pricing comes out in May. In your professional opinion, should I hold off until May when the pricing come out? I was aiming at 1300$/pax, as I had seen before, is that realistic?
 

Originally Posted by Kelly62 

Hi there!  Just wondering who you've gone to for your quotes?  I am a travel agent AND a future bride at IBL....getting married in May 2011.  Our group rates ex Halifax came in at around $1197.  It is difficult to quote a year ahead however as the fuel surcharge can definitely bring your rates up higher.  Most tour companies (i.e. Sunwing, Nolitours) offer a one-time price reduction as well, wherein you have one chance when you see the price moving down to lock in to the reduced price.  Check with your travel agent to see if they have offered you that option.

 

If you have any questions feel free to contact me!  [email protected]

 

: )

[Kelly62]

Hi Vera.

 

Where are you departing Canada from?  I will definitely get some rates for you.  The good thing about both of those tour operators is that they will offer you a one-time price reduction...so even though your initial price could be $1390 for instance once you put in for the reduction (the price generally starts to drop around Christmas) you could end up around $1190 or so as I did.

 

The issue this year is most definitely the fuel surcharge.  The price of fuel is rising quickly and the cost of flying will increase accordingly.  Also, because there have been several issues with Mexico this past year, more people are looking at Cuba and of course increased demand can also make the cost rise.

 

I would be more than happy to offer you the best rates possible.  Just let me know your departure gate (s) and I will request rates and advise.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  You have picked a wonderful resort...I am getting married there on May 4th...and if a travel agent is choosing it you can trust that you are on to something!

 

Kelly

[emilyisawesome]

 

Originally Posted by cristina2011 

 

Hi Emily, do you mean the palapas?!?  If so, please take lots of pictures!!!  I'm confirmed for the palapas & gala menu on April 4, and I'm hoping to hang pink paper lanterns from the ceiling of them.  I'm not sure if I'll also have to invest in some mini lights to hang inside them, depending on when it gets dark.  I'm interested in seeing what table decorations they offer (if any).

 

Where are you having your ceremony?  I'll definitely be thinking of you March 3 & eagerly awaiting your pics!!  Have an amazing time & congrats!!

 

Cristina

Hey Christina,

 

Yes I mean the palapas!!!  I will try my best to do a little hands on research for you - If you are like me the more pictures you see the more comforting the planning process is.

 

As for the ceremony - we are confirmed for the beach.  I was in Varadero last August for a holiday and managed to squeeze in a tour of the ILA.  While the gazebo overlooking the resort is beautiful - I really want to get married on the beach.  Let's hope the weather holds up.

 

We leave in 10 days - eeeeek! 

 

Emily
 

[DeeBrideToBe]

I booked my trip today with Nolitours through Kelly62! Leaving April 13, 2012. Kelly got us an amazing price and is super nice and helpful to boot!

 

Emily, I am looking forward to seeing your pictures of the palapas.Have a great wedding!

[DeeBrideToBe]

Yahimara sent me some pictures of the Palapas gala option. These are NOT my photos, I am taking no credit for them. I noticed that several of us was interested in seeing pics of the palapas so I thought I'd share. I think this is the option I am going to book, it looks beautiful!

 

 

 

[Vero007]

What are the available times for the ceremony? They keep offering me 4pm and I want 3pm. Is this so hard to accomodate?

 

[cristina2011]

I think they do ceremonies at either 2pm or 4pm.  I'm guessing they won't do 3pm because there wouldn't be enough time between weddings (in case both brides want the same location).  
 

Originally Posted by Vero007 

What are the available times for the ceremony? They keep offering me 4pm and I want 3pm. Is this so hard to accomodate?

 

 

[cristina2011]

If ANY of the February/March brides could provide any additional insight/tips, PLEASE share!!!

I'm specifically wondering about 2 things:  

(1) could you hook your iPod up at the palapas?  or can you play an mp3 disc?

(2) has anyone had the private beach party afterwards and is the DJ any good?

 

We leave for the ILA this Sunday and I can't wait to see the resort & various settings.  We plan on having our ceremony on the terrace (depending on how it looks in real life) and reception at the palapas with the gala menu.  Sooooo many last minute details to do.  

 

Thanks in advance to anyone that responds to this.  I'll do my best to provide a thorough review for you future brides when I return.

 

All the best,

Cristina

[DeeBrideToBe]

Congrats Cristina and have a great trip! I was wondering about bringing my ipod down there next year as well. I think I'm going to plan on bringing regular cd's, just in case. I look forward to reading your review!! Are you bringing table decorations or favors as well? I'm a bit concerned about weight. I'm sure your wedding will be amazing! Have fun!

 

Dee