Where to start?... :(

[tawa10]

Hi BDW Newbies!!

 

I have read a tons of reviews on resorts in the Mayan Riveria through BWD and online!!

 

How on earth do you choose a resort!! We have 5 different ones I am trying to pick from.... Any ideas on how to choose?

 

 

1. Moon Palace
2. Dreams Tulum
3. Barcelo Maya

4. Ibeostar Lindo

5. Riu Palace

 

I want to book a resort and then get onto the fun planning.

 

Please help!

Tawa10

[Milly11]

I am in the same situation as you .  We finally decided that we want to do DW for sure so I started planning right away. My top two choices are Dreams Tulum and Now Jade. I am kind of leaning towards Dreams but I am not sure 100%. Let me know what you decide.

[JayKay]

For us the hardest part and most stressful has been picking a resort.  We had narrowed our list down to about 5 resorts and from there went to our travel agent.  She was able to provide us with personal experiences with the resorts, plus pricing.  For us the biggest thing was price and that ultimately helped us make our decision.  Also, we made a list of what is important to us in regards to the resort, such as size, amenities, wedding packages ect.  Good luck with your decision!!

[SweetFire]

Hi there,  we have photographed at all those resorts.  Every bride likes different things so I would suggest reading the reviews and outlining what is really important for you to narrow it down a little more, for example distance, cost etc.  

 

warmest wishes and the best of luck,

 

Lori

[clgriffi7]

This is how I picked my resort:

1.  First you have to narrow down where you want to have your wedding (Mexico, Jamaica, etc).  If you could narrow it down to a town on the island (like Ocho Rios or Negril) or a location in Mexico (Riviera Maya or Cancun) at this point that would be helpful.

 

I chose Mexico because the flights would be cheaper for guests, and I chose Cancun because 1) the ride from the airport would be shorter, 2) the beaches are fantastic (thus why the area because famous), and 3) access to night life for the younger guests

 

2.  Based on personal preference and the guests you really want to come, decide if you are looking for family friendly or adults only.

 

My fiance's brother has 3 kids - so adults only was not an option if we wanted him to be there.

 

3.  Decide what type of wedding package you want.  Do you want it to have a private reception (ex:  on the beach) or is a reception in a portion of one of the resort restaurants what you want?

 

I definitely wanted a private reception where we could have a DJ and a dance floor.

 

4.  Look at ceremony and reception locations at the resort.  Make sure you are happy with at least one of these locations.

 

I wanted to have my ceremony at a gazebo and my reception on the beach.  BUT I didn't want my gazebo ceremony to be right in the middle of everything (ex:  right next to the pool) - so I looked for a gazebo where you can actually get pictures of the wedding without getting an old man in his speedo in the background.

 

5.  Then look at resort reviews to help you narrow down the last few resorts.  Look at reviews from brides, but also look on tripadvisor for vacationer reviews.  Remember that you and your guests need to have a great vacation expereince as well.

 

Hope this helps!!!  Of course there is no wrong selection so don't stress out too much over it. 

[Jnadair]

You could always list the five resorts and then make a chart of the pro's and con's of each...this helped me when I was trying to decide!  Good luck and I'm sure whatever you choose it will be beautiful and fabulous!

[greatbritain]

I did research and definitely utilized the forums here. I picked what would be most affordable for both my guests and for us as well as offered a decent wedding package! Good luck, but definitely use all of the ladies here on this site to your advantage, they have really been a huge help!

[JBean]

Price - and what they charge for extras (some places charge for EVERYTHING)

 

How many weddings do they do per day? Some places pump them out. I chose a resort that doesn't do more than one each day.

[preciosa41987]

iam having trouble finding one too, my main thing is budjet and since iam going during March, i want to avoid spring breakers as much as possible ..i even thought that ganna be kinda tough to do, ..but i have narrowed it down to the Rivera Maya area,..and thats about it! lol...everys single place has its pros and cons..

here are the places i was looking at and the things i didnt like about them that bothered me the most:

Now Jade- the area around it is ugly and i read dangerous! and no nightlife
 

Barcelo Maya Colonial & Tropical-this place is HUGE!!..i think it would be hard to find my guests! and they charge $300 for on outside photographer!..iam bring a friend who does photography you think they'll charge me?

 

dream riviera & dreams cancun- out of my price range

moon palace- really big! just think about it this place has 2,500 rooms!!..thats alot of people...

 

iam not trying to be a debbie downer, i am just expressing my feelins towards my own personal situation. If i could afford it and my guests i would get married at Dreams Riviera! but now iam having to look at somewhere else

[Milly11]

I was thinking about getting married in March as well but prices skyrocket during that period because of spring break. Did you maybe consider getting married in April or May??  It is a lot cheaper during those two months, especially in May. 

Originally Posted by preciosa41987 

iam having trouble finding one too, my main thing is budjet and since iam going during March, i want to avoid spring breakers as much as possible ..i even thought that ganna be kinda tough to do, ..but i have narrowed it down to the Rivera Maya area,..and thats about it! lol...everys single place has its pros and cons..

here are the places i was looking at and the things i didnt like about them that bothered me the most:

Now Jade- the area around it is ugly and i read dangerous! and no nightlife
 

Barcelo Maya Colonial & Tropical-this place is HUGE!!..i think it would be hard to find my guests! and they charge $300 for on outside photographer!..iam bring a friend who does photography you think they'll charge me?

 

dream riviera & dreams cancun- out of my price range

moon palace- really big! just think about it this place has 2,500 rooms!!..thats alot of people...

 

iam not trying to be a debbie downer, i am just expressing my feelins towards my own personal situation. If i could afford it and my guests i would get married at Dreams Riviera! but now iam having to look at somewhere else