Newbie Azul Beach 2013

[renese79]

Hello! New bride here! I have so many questions! my Fiance and I JUST got engaged and have a CRAZY turn around for May 17 2013 wedding (i know!!) and we still need to pick a venue and we love Azul Beach!!! BUT...I keep hearing such polarizing things about this property. On the one hand service is amazing and property is beautiful, then I hear that they nickel and dime you for everything, their photographers suck and so their cakes? I mean which is it, did people love this place or hate it? We are just doing the pearl package with a couple of perks so I'm curious to know too what brides who had more limited budgets experienced... how was the decorations? How was the dinner? Did they at least try to separate you from the rest of people eating at restaurants.  Were they pure misery or heaven?! I can't seem to get a straight answer.. oh and did any body actually go with a photo vendor on their list that they DID like? What was your timeline (ceremony at 3pm, cocktail at 4? dinner at 5?) Help! 

[murmel]

Hello! New bride here! I have so many questions! my Fiance and I JUST got engaged and have a CRAZY turn around for May 17 2013 wedding (i know!!) and we still need to pick a venue and we love Azul Beach!!! BUT...I keep hearing such polarizing things about this property. On the one hand service is amazing and property is beautiful, then I hear that they nickel and dime you for everything, their photographers suck and so their cakes? I mean which is it, did people love this place or hate it? We are just doing the pearl package with a couple of perks so I'm curious to know too what brides who had more limited budgets experienced... how was the decorations? How was the dinner? Did they at least try to separate you from the rest of people eating at restaurants.  Were they pure misery or heaven?! I can't seem to get a straight answer.. oh and did any body actually go with a photo vendor on their list that they DID like? What was your timeline (ceremony at 3pm, cocktail at 4? dinner at 5?) Help! 

Welcome to the forum! I got married just down the beach at their sister resort the Sensatori. Overall, the resort, service and food at Karisma resorts is outstanding. As for their weddings, they are professional and everything runs smoothly. (Just remember you are in Mexico, and can't necessarily control everything). So that being said, the cakes are nothing to write home about. Usually not decorated very well, and dry. We literally got the smallest cake to use for a photo op and then stuck to the normal desserts which are fantastic! The photographers that are recommended...well some brides are thrilled, some not. Here is a link to the official Sensatori thread, if you scroll through there are cake examples and also some links/examples of some of the photographers. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread/30#post_1875974 Hopefully that helps a little. As well, most things that are available at Sensatori are also available at the Beach. For decor, there is not to much included. Read the details in your package. The centrepieces to rent are pretty expensive depending on what you choose and how many guests you are having. Many brides bring simple decor with them to help with their themes and reduce budgets. As for the dinner, I am not sure where they host it. But usually they offer a semi-private meal. What this means is you are in one of the restaurants, but usually off to a side, and slightly separated by a divider/curtain/etc. you are offered your own wait staff(again this will vary in number depending on party size.). They then provide a set menu dinner, which is different from the restaurant. In case you are not with a travel agent, highly recommend you use a GI certified one. They are linked to Karisma resorts and often have exciting perks to offer brides that book with them. Here's the link to one I can recommend: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/80338/karisma-hotels-givc-and-gi-wedding-consultants-wright-travel-agency Hope that helps!

[SunwingWeddings]

Originally Posted by renese79 

 

Hello! New bride here! I have so many questions! my Fiance and I JUST got engaged and have a CRAZY turn around for May 17 2013 wedding (i know!!) and we still need to pick a venue and we love Azul Beach!!! BUT...I keep hearing such polarizing things about this property. On the one hand service is amazing and property is beautiful, then I hear that they nickel and dime you for everything, their photographers suck and so their cakes? I mean which is it, did people love this place or hate it? We are just doing the pearl package with a couple of perks so I'm curious to know too what brides who had more limited budgets experienced... how was the decorations? How was the dinner? Did they at least try to separate you from the rest of people eating at restaurants.  Were they pure misery or heaven?! I can't seem to get a straight answer.. oh and did any body actually go with a photo vendor on their list that they DID like? What was your timeline (ceremony at 3pm, cocktail at 4? dinner at 5?) Help! 

Hi Renese79!

 

First I would say check with Azul to make sure that they have your date availability for May 17! The hotel is fantastic - we work with them quite regularly and come back with very happy newlyweds. The food they serve for weddings is very good - we recommend the Family Style Dinner. In regards to photography, we would recommend Matias Cano on their list as the photographer to choose!

 

Happy Planning!

[lindsywojo]

I would love to see your pics. Our wedding is set for Sept 6/2013 at AB. I am most concerned about the reception site options and bringing in my own decor.. Any advice and pics would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Lindsy
 

[MelB13]

Hello Aul Beach Brides!

 

I am new to this site and discovered this thread. It is sooooo helpful! Destination wedding planning is stressful enough so its nice to have practical insight from other brides!

 

I was wondering....has anyone hired a destination wedding planner outside of Azul Beach? I am working with Luxe destination wedding planners and originally signed up for their opulence package but after seeing what the resort already includes was thinking of downgrading to the Bliss package to save $$$. It seems as though Azul Beach pretty much takes care of everything when it comes to the ceremony and reception?!?!

 

Any input would be helpful!

[tracey lynn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by asposeep 
 

Hi everyone! 

 

I am looking for some help regarding excursions while we are at Azul Beach.  We really want to take our guests out on a Catamaran for the afternoon but it seems like to arrange through the hotel it is super $$$.  They are quoting us $88 per person if they feed us lunch and $68 per person if they do not feed us.  This includes scuba dive gear but nothing else. Has anyone found anything along these lines (or another great excursion) that is less expensive? I just wonder if going through the hotel is the wrong way to approach this. 

 

Thank you!

Ashley

Where did you end up going for your excursions? I'm hoping to go to the ruins but don't want a long 12 hour trip, and snorkeling at the mesoamerican reef. We were given the Lomas info, but wondering if you went with someone else?

 

thanks

tracey

[lperraton]

The wedding planner has given me a limit of 65 people for our wedding.  Is this a new limit or is there wiggle room once you start the planning process?? I was hoping for around 90 and am not sure if I can cut down the invites by that much!!

[tracey lynn]

I thought the ballroom could fit 90. Is it a certain reception location and that is why there is a limit?

[lperraton]

They told me it was hotel policy. I hadn't even picked locations as of yet. Is anyone planning a wedding larger than 65 people I would love some input!!

[lewhitten]

I am looking into options for hair and makeup, and was considering hiring an outside makeup artist. However, I do not want to pay the $800 outside vendor fee. Has any has experience with this at Azul Beach? Are there ways around it, besides booking a room for the makeup artist?