Newbie: Playacar Palace March 2013

[AmandaPierson]

I wound up going with Playacar Palace too so I'm really excited to hear what everyone has to say  I chose the Nautical package from CC but decided that I don't like the stool seating so I went for all white chairs  

 

Now I'm just trying to figure out pricing for the reception itself!  It looks like the banquet hall is going to be a lot to dress up (got the pricing from the Palace vendor) so I'm checking out other vendors and trying to see how much we could handle on our own.  I'd love to see pictures of whatever everyone here is doing and where people are hosting their cocktail hours/rehearsal dinners/etc.  Also whenever someone has an update on when construction is done (or pictures with how it looks or is supposed to look) I'd be so excited to see.  It looks like it keeps getting pushed back so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be in the clear by the summer.

 

II'm bringing my own sashes for the chairs and doing a bunch of candles for centerpieces in different heights.  So excited, can't believe I have to wait almost a year!

[dwbride2014]

Originally Posted by AmandaPierson 

 

I wound up going with Playacar Palace too so I'm really excited to hear what everyone has to say  I chose the Nautical package from CC but decided that I don't like the stool seating so I went for all white chairs  

 

Now I'm just trying to figure out pricing for the reception itself!  It looks like the banquet hall is going to be a lot to dress up (got the pricing from the Palace vendor) so I'm checking out other vendors and trying to see how much we could handle on our own.  I'd love to see pictures of whatever everyone here is doing and where people are hosting their cocktail hours/rehearsal dinners/etc.  Also whenever someone has an update on when construction is done (or pictures with how it looks or is supposed to look) I'd be so excited to see.  It looks like it keeps getting pushed back so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be in the clear by the summer.

 

II'm bringing my own sashes for the chairs and doing a bunch of candles for centerpieces in different heights.  So excited, can't believe I have to wait almost a year!

Hi Amanda!

 

I'm on the fence with the CC packages. My concern is the expense of doing all the decour myself but i'm a little picky and haven't fallen in love with any one entire design scheme. Can you share if you find a reasonably priced vendor? Also, are you using the house photographer or someone else?

 

I'm planning on having my cocktail hr on the cielo terrace and the reception on the beach. I haven't decided yet where the rehersal will be but i think i am going to use the 30 pp semi-private dinner reservation for that. Are you having a welcome dinner or a fairwell brunch? I also just asked for more pictures of the North Solarium and will try & post them when i get them.

[Lyman]

Congrats dwbride2014! and welcome to the forum I see you're considering an in-house photographer, and would really recommend that you spend the extra it takes to choose a professional instead - for such an important responsibility! 

 

You're already putting so much time + energy into creating the perfect wedding celebration to remember and cherish for the rest of your life! ...... choose a professional to capture all those irreplaceable moments in a photo record to last for generations to come! 

You'll be glad you did every time you look at them and revisit that incredible day! 

 

That's advice coming from many brides who didn't hire a professional (to save some money) and now wished they had, but can never go back for a "do-over"! 

[AmandaPierson]

I totally agree!  I almost went with another resort because I was feeling like the Colin Cowie packages were trying too hard or formulaic or what have you.  Doing the nautical with all white chairs (the tiffany chairs) cleans it up and gives you a chance to go in any direction color wise for a somewhat reasonable price (or at least what it would cost to decorate it otherwise).  Palace has a vendor, Zuniga, that also does flowered chuppah type arrangements too, but their website is pretty vague on pricing and so is the actually booklet I have from them too (http://www.decocancun.com/english.html).

 

I think I'm going to do my cocktail hour and reception both in the ballroom just so we can have air conditioning for the party itself.  I'm doing a rehearsal dinner and cocktail hour the night before, and am doing that on the cielo terrace (and then not sure about the dinner).  I've been to the hotel twice and just am torn on the north solarium since it's right next to the pool!  I wish they had another outside location for the rehearsal dinner (I think they're closing the South Solarium with the renovations for weddings) but I might do the beach and splurge (they have a per person service fee for beach front service).

 

As for the photographer, I struggled with that but decided to go professional.  I haven't booked officially but found a few websites I liked the look of in the $1800-2000 range.  It's a lot but I'd really love to have some great pictures of the night!  Plus I really doubt the in house photographer will be anything special when it comes to editing (especially considering how fast their turn around is) and editing seems to be where the pictures go from being something anyone could take to being art

 

Keep me updated on your plans and good luck with everything!!

[Lyman]

Great decision ! on going professional for the photographer it's something you'll be So! Happy! you did every time you look at them for the rest of your life, and revisit that wonderful day - sniff

plus generations to come will see their family (you guys) in times past and see firsthand how you all looked at this time in your life, and what an amazing wedding you had  - Priceless! 

[dwbride2014]

Thanks for the suggestions! I've started to do a little research now on photographers in the area so hopefully I'll find some that work with the budget & taste

 

I did also just hear that part of the Solarium is no longer there due to the expansions they are finishing up and I wanted to have either the ceremony there so that changes things a little bit.

[GenieBelle]

http://www.webcamsdemexico.com/webcam-playa-del-carmen.html

 

the webcam doesnt show to terrible much construction at the pool and my reception is in the north solarium area so thankfully the solarium wont be too much of an issue. I will let you girls know who are just starting to plan-what the site looks like now, when I get back in a few weeks.

They do construction at these type of places very very discretely. such as not to disturb the ambiance or the amenities.

I was at a Beaches when they were building a water slide into the pool and it was  barely noticeable.

Anyone looking for a photographer should check out Cecilia Dumas.com

[alanak]

Hi Ladies!

 

I just booked my wedding for April 21 2013 - what a relief! But one of the woman at the resort told me I can't pick my ceremony or reception locations until I'm at the resort! I don't think that can be true?! Help!!

 

She wrote: Please note, locations are not confirmed until you arrive to the resort and finalize checking your details with your onsite wedding coordinator. This will be according the number of guest you will have.
 

[GenieBelle]

Its sort of true

You will prepick a few months ahead with the planner but if lets say you booked the beach for the reception and you dont have enough guests for them to justifying setting everything up out there, it costs more.

You have to pay to have set up on the beach for under 30 people I believe, its a lot of work for them to do that and it requires special tables and whatnot.

This would the only location i see them being iffy about.

[AmyMarie13]

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum. We are getting married March 30th, 2013. I'm looking forward to any advice and pictures from previous and upcoming brides. Thanks!