Secrets Maroma Beach Bride

[JenJasonNYC]

Hi!  We had 55 people at our wedding - ceremony at the Gazebo (i had some awesome heels with my dress so i didnt want my feet in the sand) and reception at the Gazebo as well. The resort did a fabulous job, and Cecilia was also great - in the beginning. Everything worked out in the end, but i found it became more and more difficult to communicate via email with her as we planned the final details. We did not do a site visit. My best recommendation to you is to get down there a day or two before your guests and sit one on one with Cecilia to finish the final planning. There are so many things that can be done last minute without a problem, so just plan the bulk of what you need now (locations, timing, band/dj, photographer, videographer etc.) and take care of the little details (flowers, food, wine tasting etc.) when you get down there. (I suggest getting there a few days before so you can enjoy your time once your guests begin to arrive.)

 

If you have any more specific questions about the resort i'd be happy to help.

[JenJasonNYC]

Hi!  We had 55 people at our wedding - ceremony at the Gazebo (i had some awesome heels with my dress so i didnt want my feet in the sand) and reception at the Gazebo as well. The resort did a fabulous job, and Cecilia was also great - in the beginning. Everything worked out in the end, but i found it became more and more difficult to communicate via email with her as we planned the final details. We did not do a site visit. My best recommendation to you is to get down there a day or two before your guests and sit one on one with Cecilia to finish the final planning. There are so many things that can be done last minute without a problem, so just plan the bulk of what you need now (locations, timing, band/dj, photographer, videographer etc.) and take care of the little details (flowers, food, wine tasting etc.) when you get down there. (I suggest getting there a few days before so you can enjoy your time once your guests begin to arrive.)

 

If you have any more specific questions about the resort i'd be happy to help.

[kristinalilly]

Congrats JenJasonNYC!

I'm getting married at Secrets in the summer and was wondering which package you guys ended up choosing? Did you hire any external vendors? If you used the resort for photos and/or hair & makeup how did you find it? So many questions!

 

[rnwedding]

JenJasonNYC, I am getting married at SMB in Nov! I see that you had 55 guest, I think we are expecting about the same amount of people! If you don't mind me asking, did you purchase a package? and how much did you have to pay for the extra guests?? Did you also do a rehearsal with dinner? I have read some brides and the bridal party just go to one of the restaurants on their own, rather than having to pay for another function with extra cost...My fiance said he doesn't mind...thanks so much!!

 

Ro

[KCDawn]

Sorry to but in, but I think I can answer this.  We're having about 40 people and doing the Ultimate Package.  The additional cost is about $105 per person over the 20 people included in the package.  As far as reserving the restaurant, it doesn't seem to be an option with a large group.  The max number of people you can have is 25.  For a group of 10-25 they will charge you $18 per person plus tax & gratuity to reserve a space in one of the restaurants.  I had to get the per person charge from Valeria, but the guidelines for reserving the restaurant are in the pdf wedding guide on the Secrets Website.

Originally Posted by rnwedding 

JenJasonNYC, I am getting married at SMB in Nov! I see that you had 55 guest, I think we are expecting about the same amount of people! If you don't mind me asking, did you purchase a package? and how much did you have to pay for the extra guests?? Did you also do a rehearsal with dinner? I have read some brides and the bridal party just go to one of the restaurants on their own, rather than having to pay for another function with extra cost...My fiance said he doesn't mind...thanks so much!!

 

Ro

 

[ElleGee]

My wedding date is Oct 28, 2012. . but we will be honeymooning at the resort through 11/4 -  -so I will be there at the same time : )!

[K10Wyka]

Hi! I'm getting married 12-8-12 this year at SMB! We are getting married on the beach and renting a white vinyl floor for me to walk down the aisle because a girl needs her heals, then doing the ceremony either by the gazebo or in the middle area(circle) undecided. If anyone could tell me their opinions of the ceremony by the gazebo? Was it private enough?

 

And yes i have been having trouble connecting with cecilia too and i recently found this website to be helpful on things i didn't know before and then i contacted her and it was all true.

 

Any suggestions would be helpful! I did the site visit and loved the resort!

 

Kristen

[SecretsMBBride]

We are getting marriend at SMB May of 2013.  I have been working with Cecilia and the response time has been good some days and not so good other days.  I am working with a travel agent which has helped a lot, she steps in if needed and knows the resort and the management really well and has also been able to calm my nerves about dealing with a resort in Mexico.

[K3nelson]

Hi SMB Brides!!

I'm a newbie, too!  We are getting married on May 19, 2013...I have heard so many GREAT things about this resort and am so thankful to have found this forum!  I'm just starting the planning process with Cecilia and would LOVE your thoughts/expert opinions.  We are anticipating about 40 guests and are going with the Ultimate Wedding package. My initial questions:

1) Reception: Where do you suggest for an outside reception?  The Garden? Pool Terrace? Gazebo? I would like a sit down dinner and dancing.  Where is the best location?

2) Music:  Does anyone have feedback on DJ vs. Renting the sound system/ipod (DIY music?)

3) Rehersal Dinner:  I don't think I want to have a formal rehersal dinner..It looks like you can not reserve restaurant space for more than 25 without paying, correct? 

4) Bonfire:  Anyone do the Welcom Bonfire?  I thought this might be a good idea for a post-rehersal gathering? And it's affordable...Thoughts?

5) Anyone do Wedding Cake alternatives?  My fiance hates cake (I know, weird-O), anyone do anything besides cake?

 

I know tons of questions...am so excited and looking forward to hearing any advice you all have to give!  Thanks!

Karin (Denver, CO)

[stacers113]

Hey K3nelson (Karin) --

 

I'm getting married April 2013 at SMB as well. I had many of the same questions as you and would love to know if you found answers. We booked the Silver Package for 30 guests.

 

1. I did a lot of reading on forums and facebook before choosing the beach for the ceremony and the Barracuda Terrace for the reception. It all depends on what you are looking for. After booking, I realized I think it was the Barracuda lawn that people were raving about, but the naming gets kind of confusing. It seems like everyone (and the paperwork) call it something different.

2. Music -- I was thinking the same for the iPod. Have you heard anything about the DJs? Are they worth the $$$?

3. Yes, that's correct. Its $18 per head plus gratuity for groups over 10 I believe.

4. I was wondering about the bonfire too. I'm looking to do it for our post-rehearsal as well. Have you found out any information on it? I'm wondering how they private it actually is on the beach and if they make any effort to keep people who aren't in the party out.

5. Also looking into this... We weren't looking to do a traditional cake. My fiance doesn't like it either! Have you heard anything about other desserts either included or extra?

 

Stacey