The new Paradisus Playa del Carmen (La Perla and La Esmeralda)

[Dyana]

@Mention Let me know how it goes! I'm thinking about Paradisus but the only thing that is holding me back is pricing. 

[Krista219]

I'm currently looking to book a wedding at this resort! Wondering if someone could give me an idea on pricing I think I will have between 25 -35 people (Aqua package, Photos, DJ, Flowers,  and Rehearsal dinner). Also I wanted to get married on the beach not the boardwalk is that an option? Please someone get back to me with any info !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

[MG1215]

Hi all!

 

Wanted to chime in here as our wedding is fast approaching (December 15th at Paradisus PDC) and I'm having an interesting time trying to plan everything. As a wedding planner and a believer in DIY-projects, I've been trying to get the ball rolling since we booked our wedding in April and believe it or not, some items are still not confirmed and tucked away. 

 

Our wedding coordinator Bianca (works out of the Miami Paradisus office I believe), has been great and pretty helpful/efficient in replying to emails and getting answers from the resort. JSAV has also been great to work with and are so quick at providing answers, quotes and email replies (THANK YOU!). Blue Lens was great as well - we are bringing our own photographer (Amanda Lloyd!) but will be using Blue Lens to capture the wedding ceremony and getting ready bits on video. Even the Spa managers have been so good about replying to emails on time and scheduling appointments for hair/makeup. 

 

Unfortunately, the area that is one of the biggest components and has led to many frustrating days and nights is decor. Initially, I was quite excited to work with Alquimia Events as their portfolios look absolutely gorgeous! However, I've had a terrible experience trying to get in touch with Perla (the owner or representative who works on the Paradisus weddings). I was desperately trying to find some time with her back in May/June but Bianca mentioned that Alquimia was really busy with summer weddings. Being in the wedding business, I could understand this, and although I would personally never let any client feel like they were less important than my other clients, I figured I would follow up with them in a couple months. I finally coordinated a time to chat with her in August (after a couple appointment times that she had scheduled but never followed up on). The call went great but again, I waited another 3 weeks to actually get a half-complete proposal from her with the items that we had discussed. Not to mention that the pricing from this company is absolutely ridiculous! I understand that most destination brides would probably pay someone to do everything instead of worrying about how to transport items or buy items locally but I strongly recommend that you look into this option as you could be saving thousands! 

 

I will definitely be escalating this with Paradisus management as they should provide brides with a second option for decor/flowers, especially if one company is this busy that they can't correspond with future brides. If you want any details, have questions or have any stories and experiences of your own similar to mine, I would love to hear from you!!

 

 

 

Hi Ladies,

 

I'm having my wedding at the Paradisus in Playa del caremen on May 16, 2015.  For those who are in the process of planning a wedding there, are you having any issues with viewing what Alquimia Events has to offer?  I don't see many photos on their website and when clicking on the portfolio page the pictures do not load.  Any suggestions or tips?

 

Thanks,

Anna

 

Anna - check out their ISSU page - http://issuu.com/perlac

[Catfoxinabox]

I am currently planning for Oct. 26th, 2014 (eek, so close!) and have run into the many of the same issues with Alquimia Events.  I had a deadline of Aug. 26th to get their proposal to Bianca in the Miami office.  Now, I met with Perla in March when I visited the resort and began an email chain from there to discuss options.  It was on average a 3-4 week turnaround per email for a response from Perla at Alquimia.  Needless to say, I was 2 weeks late in getting a proposal to Bianca, because I wasn't a priority until 2 weeks before it was due.

 

All of the portfolios and pictures that I saw when visiting were gorgeous, so I am not afraid of it being anything less for my wedding, but I do feel like I am getting robbed for the cost of the flowers.  I am re-using my bridesmaid's bouquets as centerpieces and still $1000+ on flower (even with Tailor Made package).  The process was very frustrating as apparently I chose very expensive flowers (red roses and yellow calla lilies) even though I had discussed them in person when I visited and was told they would not be too expensive.  Unfortunately, you are basically stuck with Alquimia Events at this resort for any decor.

 

All other teams have been very informative and quick to respond.  I has JSAV proposal done by June, photographer in July(only slow because I was debating bringing my own), and bridal suite within 2 weeks of asking.

[asabatino]

@@Catfoxinabox @@MG1215

 

I'm getting married at the paradisus on May 16, 2015.  I been communicating with Cecilia from Alquimia through email.  Although she has been very nice and helpful, I'm a little frustrated with their pricing.  I recently sent her pictures of a beautiful centerpiece which I know would be pricey but was very surprised. Ivory roses with White Holland hydrangeas and 4 phalaenopsis orchids $900 usd plus taxes without orchids $460 usd plus taxes each.

Most high arrangements that are too my liking (Roses nothing fancy) cost $500+. 

I live in a pretty pricey city (NYC) and i'm positive that I can find cheaper flowers here.  I too feel like I'm getting ripped off.  My next step was to checkout what other flower vendors charge and maybe bringing this up to someone from the wedding team at resort.  What are your thoughts?

 

@@KK2013 what was your experience like.  Were they flexible on pricing?  If you don't mind me asking what did you budget for flowers? 

 

@@asabatino are you using JSAV for DJ or bringing someone else in?  Outside vendor fees are $1000 per. 

I HIGHLY recommend using the room block with a travel agent.  If your guests book through expedia, then you will have to track down the info for each person to provide to the resort.  It's just one hassle off of your list when it gets close to the wedding.

 

@@asabatino I believe my equipment rental cost was around $2000 (including a TV to play a slideshow).

 

 

 

I am currently planning for Oct. 26th, 2014 (eek, so close!) and have run into the many of the same issues with Alquimia Events.  I had a deadline of Aug. 26th to get their proposal to Bianca in the Miami office.  Now, I met with Perla in March when I visited the resort and began an email chain from there to discuss options.  It was on average a 3-4 week turnaround per email for a response from Perla at Alquimia.  Needless to say, I was 2 weeks late in getting a proposal to Bianca, because I wasn't a priority until 2 weeks before it was due.

 

All of the portfolios and pictures that I saw when visiting were gorgeous, so I am not afraid of it being anything less for my wedding, but I do feel like I am getting robbed for the cost of the flowers.  I am re-using my bridesmaid's bouquets as centerpieces and still $1000+ on flower (even with Tailor Made package).  The process was very frustrating as apparently I chose very expensive flowers (red roses and yellow calla lilies) even though I had discussed them in person when I visited and was told they would not be too expensive.  Unfortunately, you are basically stuck with Alquimia Events at this resort for any decor.

 

All other teams have been very informative and quick to respond.  I has JSAV proposal done by June, photographer in July(only slow because I was debating bringing my own), and bridal suite within 2 weeks of asking.

 

Hi all!

 

Wanted to chime in here as our wedding is fast approaching (December 15th at Paradisus PDC) and I'm having an interesting time trying to plan everything. As a wedding planner and a believer in DIY-projects, I've been trying to get the ball rolling since we booked our wedding in April and believe it or not, some items are still not confirmed and tucked away. 

 

Our wedding coordinator Bianca (works out of the Miami Paradisus office I believe), has been great and pretty helpful/efficient in replying to emails and getting answers from the resort. JSAV has also been great to work with and are so quick at providing answers, quotes and email replies (THANK YOU!). Blue Lens was great as well - we are bringing our own photographer (Amanda Lloyd!) but will be using Blue Lens to capture the wedding ceremony and getting ready bits on video. Even the Spa managers have been so good about replying to emails on time and scheduling appointments for hair/makeup. 

 

Unfortunately, the area that is one of the biggest components and has led to many frustrating days and nights is decor. Initially, I was quite excited to work with Alquimia Events as their portfolios look absolutely gorgeous! However, I've had a terrible experience trying to get in touch with Perla (the owner or representative who works on the Paradisus weddings). I was desperately trying to find some time with her back in May/June but Bianca mentioned that Alquimia was really busy with summer weddings. Being in the wedding business, I could understand this, and although I would personally never let any client feel like they were less important than my other clients, I figured I would follow up with them in a couple months. I finally coordinated a time to chat with her in August (after a couple appointment times that she had scheduled but never followed up on). The call went great but again, I waited another 3 weeks to actually get a half-complete proposal from her with the items that we had discussed. Not to mention that the pricing from this company is absolutely ridiculous! I understand that most destination brides would probably pay someone to do everything instead of worrying about how to transport items or buy items locally but I strongly recommend that you look into this option as you could be saving thousands! 

 

I will definitely be escalating this with Paradisus management as they should provide brides with a second option for decor/flowers, especially if one company is this busy that they can't correspond with future brides. If you want any details, have questions or have any stories and experiences of your own similar to mine, I would love to hear from you!!

 

 

 

 

Anna - check out their ISSU page - http://issuu.com/perlac

[MG1215]

@@asabatino

 

I agree, her pricing is out of this world. I plan on checking out local florists, Walmart and Costco the day after I arrive to see what I can gather myself. I really don't want to spend $300-$500 on each floral piece. I'll be doing a lot of stuff myself and bringing a ton of luggage to save money. I don't know if the wedding team will react right away, but I do think if there's enough of us complaining out there, they have to take some form of action. Let me know if you talk to them and what they say. 

 

 

 

@@Catfoxinabox @@MG1215

 

I'm getting married at the paradisus on May 16, 2015.  I been communicating with Cecilia from Alquimia through email.  Although she has been very nice and helpful, I'm a little frustrated with their pricing.  I recently sent her pictures of a beautiful centerpiece which I know would be pricey but was very surprised. Ivory roses with White Holland hydrangeas and 4 phalaenopsis orchids $900 usd plus taxes without orchids $460 usd plus taxes each.

Most high arrangements that are too my liking (Roses nothing fancy) cost $500+. 

I live in a pretty pricey city (NYC) and i'm positive that I can find cheaper flowers here.  I too feel like I'm getting ripped off.  My next step was to checkout what other flower vendors charge and maybe bringing this up to someone from the wedding team at resort.  What are your thoughts?

 

@@KK2013 what was your experience like.  Were they flexible on pricing?  If you don't mind me asking what did you budget for flowers? 

[asabatino]

I plan on bringing a bunch of things down as well.  I emailed another florist today which was rated top on this website.  I will let you know their response.  Lets keep in touch.  How many guest are you expecting and what package are you doing?

@@asabatino

 

I agree, her pricing is out of this world. I plan on checking out local florists, Walmart and Costco the day after I arrive to see what I can gather myself. I really don't want to spend $300-$500 on each floral piece. I'll be doing a lot of stuff myself and bringing a ton of luggage to save money. I don't know if the wedding team will react right away, but I do think if there's enough of us complaining out there, they have to take some form of action. Let me know if you talk to them and what they say. 

[zillakas]

Hi everyone! We just returned from the LAFS visit and we got to meet with Perla from Alquimia. I showed her what I liked (@@asabatino ivory roses with hydrangeas as well) and gave her our budget but she didn't give me any definite info. She suggested we use Mums to keep the cost down and get the look of hydrangea but I'm not sure how that would look. Hydrangeas are not that expensive here in NYC, so I assume they cost more down in Mexico. We have the tailor made package so we are getting a lot of decor from Alquimia, but I'm also open to using another florist for centerpieces if you girls find a good one that's less expensive. I don't like that she works with brides so close to the wedding because it doesn't give any time to find another florist in case it's needed. I'm going to try to get a hold of her soon and get some definite quotes in order to decide if we should work with her or find someone else.

 

On another note, did you know that for a plated dinner, we have to tell them exactly how many of each entree we need a MONTH before? For example if I'm putting chicken, fish, and steak on the menu, I have to ask all my 100 guests what they would like and tell the resort a month before, so that the chef knows how much he needs. This is RIDIC !!! I've never been to a wedding where I was asked what I wanted to eat beforehand. As an "all-inclusive" resort, they should have more than enough of each option for their guests. My fiance is very annoyed with this policy, as am I. Maybe if more brides complain about it, they'll change this policy. Also, many things in the resort are not included - like coconut drinks on the beach, or lobster at any restaurant is an additional cost. Even RIU hotels (far cheaper) offer tons of lobster at their resorts. I think for the price they charge, they need to provide this to their all inclusive guests and not charge them extra for everything. 

 

Overall, the resort is pretty and service is good but if you want to have your wedding here, be prepared to go over budget.

 

p.s. we had great experiences so far with BlueLens and JSAV. We had an engagement shoot with bluelens and have a package picked out for our wedding already. We are using JSAV for equipment rental because we're bringing our own musicians, and Steve from jsav already sent us our invoice and is very helpful and detailed. I also met Itzel from YHI spa and had a trail hair and makeup -- it went well but not perfect. She knows what she's doing but I think I just showed her the wrong picture of what I wanted. If you're clear with her about what you want, I think she can do it. I have a ton of guests who want hair & makeup done so if anyone can recommend salons in Playa del carmen, I would greatly appreciate it. Everyone won't be able to get taken care of at YHI so we need some outside options as well. Thank you!!!

[IvanLuckiePhotography]

Blue lens is a great option of photography, It is good we have here many good photographers for different budgets, this way we all can have plenty of work and brides options as well

 

good luck on your planning!!

 

Cheers!!

[KK2013]

@@asabatino I budgeted about $4000 for my flowers.  The best advice I can give you is to ask Cecelia for the flowers that are in season and native to Mexico.  Share your budget, and tell her the shape/size/color you want and see what she can do.  That helped me a lot.  A lot of flowers like hydrangea are not native and depending on when your wedding is, out of season.  I had my heart set on peonies,  but they were going to be outrageously priced so I just put that out of my head.  Good luck!