Now Sapphire Weddings Formerly Paradisus Riviera

[babestaaa]

I believe the quote you were getting was probably the day pass at $65. Outside vendor fee is $300 for each, but Anel can and did give us the flat rate $300 fee. Since I last posted she gave us the ok and was not charging us 2 day passes for our wedding planner and her assistant. I am working with Yazmin because I don't wanna stress anymore then what I am with travel agent, bookings, decor, etc. By hiring Yazmin we will have the price of our decor and extras downpacked and we're already counting roughly $100/ea (since we're not doing the ceremony seat cover set up charge cause we have different chairs we're using. We're (me and the fiance) are saving a bunch because we have about 15 rooms we put deposits on so we're definitely bringing plenty of service. Our travel agent got great rates, but also got the Now to give us complimentary rooms so our 7 night stay is paid for (hotel only!). But we have so many family going we're going to stay there the full trip and we may not have time to take a honeymoon since most guests are coming back to the state before they leave back to Europe, we're going to upgrade to the Gouverneur Suite for the price we would've paid if we were paying for our stay. Hopefully then I can give my (upgrade based on availability) to my sister (M.O.H). I sent an email last week to Anel regarding the price per person extra cause we have a handful of kids and since they get a special menu, I would like to know if they have a "special" price. Also if the florist they use have black magic roses, cause we get the bouquet, corsages, one centerpiece, and boutonniere as part of the Divine Package. ALSO found out I can request my photographer because although he isn't primarily for that resort, he is still employed with Adventure Photos so I spoke to him on facebook and he told me to email and request him and now it's confirmed! Thank goodness!! Photography is a big thing for me. Right now we're getting a lot more reservations that we expected and we expanded our guest list a tad and wow! We had a guarantee of 23 or so, now we're at a definite 40. Our budget is starting to seem low for the amount of people, but I'll try to gear away from the amount we're spending and just looking forward to everyone taking the time to be there for us on our special day!

Originally Posted by ps31 

Now I'm so confused...why are they quoting some people $65 for outside photography and some at $300?!?!?  What am I missing?  I just haven't asked yet because people on here have consistently stated they were quoted $65 for an outside photographer.  Did they 'change' their prices for 2012 (like they did for their packages) or do you think it's because of the revolving door of coordinators?

 

[MrsJohns2be]

Hello Ladies, Gents, Soon to be Brides, Brides,

 

I need some help deciding on a resort for my May 2012 wedding. I am doing a Beach ceremony followed by a Beach Reception or on a terrace overlooking the beach for 65 guests.

 

I have narrowed down my choices to 1) The NOW Sapphire or 2) The Royal (Real Resorts) - Playa Del Carmen. I am having a hard time deciding between the two, and may have to toss a coin Any input on either of these 2 resorts or why you chose the Royal or the Sapphire would be very helpful.

 

Brides that have had their wedding at either resort or any one who has done a site visit, I would love to hear your reviews or see any photos.

 

All please respond or send me a PM.

 

I have heard/read great things about each resort and some things that concern me. For example, The Beach at the Royal is not nice, the Sapphire's is better but the food/service, atmosphere is not as good as the Royal. Both are in comparision as for costs. I am unable to do my own site visit so I have to base my choice on reviews and photos which is tough.

 

 

Thanks so much!!!!

[lianee]

I chose the Now Sapphire based on location (fairly close to the airport), the photos/reviews (you have to take the bad with the good - people will always complain), and my previous experience with an AM Resort (the parent chain of Dreams and Now Resorts.  I stayed at Dreams Tulum and I loved it).  I really like that my guests don't have to wear wristbands - that was a big deciding factor for me.  I also like that you don't have to make reservations for dinner.  It's basically first-come, first served.  If you're on the ball, you can always get into the restaurant you want.

 

Originally Posted by MrsJohns2be 

Hello Ladies, Gents, Soon to be Brides, Brides,

 

I need some help deciding on a resort for my May 2012 wedding. I am doing a Beach ceremony followed by a Beach Reception or on a terrace overlooking the beach for 65 guests.

 

I have narrowed down my choices to 1) The NOW Sapphire or 2) The Royal (Real Resorts) - Playa Del Carmen. I am having a hard time deciding between the two, and may have to toss a coin Any input on either of these 2 resorts or why you chose the Royal or the Sapphire would be very helpful.

 

Brides that have had their wedding at either resort or any one who has done a site visit, I would love to hear your reviews or see any photos.

 

All please respond or send me a PM.

 

I have heard/read great things about each resort and some things that concern me. For example, The Beach at the Royal is not nice, the Sapphire's is better but the food/service, atmosphere is not as good as the Royal. Both are in comparision as for costs. I am unable to do my own site visit so I have to base my choice on reviews and photos which is tough.

 

 

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[MrsJohns2be]

Thanks Lianee! I appreciate your feedback! I have heard great things about the AM Resort chain. The Sapphire is a beautiful resort! and not wearing wristbands is a plus! I didn't think of that . Congratulations on your wedding!!!

Originally Posted by lianee 

I chose the Now Sapphire based on location (fairly close to the airport), the photos/reviews (you have to take the bad with the good - people will always complain), and my previous experience with an AM Resort (the parent chain of Dreams and Now Resorts.  I stayed at Dreams Tulum and I loved it).  I really like that my guests don't have to wear wristbands - that was a big deciding factor for me.  I also like that you don't have to make reservations for dinner.  It's basically first-come, first served.  If you're on the ball, you can always get into the restaurant you want. 

 

 

[babestaaa]

http://www.facebook.com/NowSapphire?ref=ts

 

Here are a lot of great pictures and reviews. I am quite the picky individual, but really loved everything about the Now Sapphire. Another thing to consider would be the wedding package and see which has more +++. GL

[babestaaa]

I read somewhere on FB discussion under Now Sapphire that the photographer in the wedding package is only with you for an hour...Anel confirmed this yesterday. Did everyone know or was I oblivious?! 1HR?! Are they kidding? w.t.f. grrr!

[lianee]

I think that's pretty ridiculous.  I just sent an email to Adventure Photos asking how package upgrades work.  I'm hoping that you just have to pay the $200 difference between the 1-hour package and the 3-hour package.  It would be such a rip-off if they make you pay the full $799 on top of what you're paying for the Divine wedding.

 

PS - if anyone wants the price list for Adventure Photos, just send me your email address and I'll forward it to you.

 

Originally Posted by babestaaa 

I read somewhere on FB discussion under Now Sapphire that the photographer in the wedding package is only with you for an hour...Anel confirmed this yesterday. Did everyone know or was I oblivious?! 1HR?! Are they kidding? w.t.f. grrr!

 

[Vanessa56]

Lianee - please let us know what you find out. I had no idea the photographer was only there for an hour. Thats a bit upsetting, but if they let you upgrade and pay only the $200 difference, then I don't think that's too bad. I was still expecting a little more. It makes sense now why you don't get that many pictures with the package - they're not there long enough to take more!

[jsal4]

Hi fellow Now Sapphire Brides! I am heading to the resort next week and have a meeting set up with Anel. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will add it to my list. then report back to you. Here's my list so far:

 

Any substitutions for wedding packages?

How many days in advanced should we arrive?

Welcome reception private vs non-private? Cost?

Cupcakes instead of wedding cake?

Floral arrangements - how many come in the package? If we bring our own, can you provide vases?

Fireworks?

Webcam?

What is the latest the wedding can go to?

Sweets table? Cost?

What type of alcohol served?

Can we have our own Officiant?

Spa prices

Can I bring my own color/personalized napkins?

How much per person over 25 people? What does that include?

Outside vendor fees (florist, photographers, etc.)

Preferred Club for Bride & Groom / Parents?

Is it better to get an additional 2hours of photography or upgrade the package? How much to upgrade for 3 hrs.

[lianee]

These are great questions.  I can't wait for the responses!  Please share what you've learned when you get back!

Additional questions I have - is a sound system/mic provided for the ceremony? How are the tables set up for the reception?

Thanks a lot!

 

Originally Posted by jsal4 

Hi fellow Now Sapphire Brides! I am heading to the resort next week and have a meeting set up with Anel. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will add it to my list. then report back to you. Here's my list so far:

 

Any substitutions for wedding packages?

How many days in advanced should we arrive?

Welcome reception private vs non-private? Cost?

Cupcakes instead of wedding cake?

Floral arrangements - how many come in the package? If we bring our own, can you provide vases?

Fireworks?

Webcam?

What is the latest the wedding can go to?

Sweets table? Cost?

What type of alcohol served?

Can we have our own Officiant?

Spa prices

Can I bring my own color/personalized napkins?

How much per person over 25 people? What does that include?

Outside vendor fees (florist, photographers, etc.)

Preferred Club for Bride & Groom / Parents?

Is it better to get an additional 2hours of photography or upgrade the package? How much to upgrade for 3 hrs.