Moon Palace- 2014

[kimiko5280]

I'm doing a site visit at Moon Palace this weekend! Any recommendations on what I should do, see or ask while I'm there?

[robertandreneesayido]

@@jackielemman You are seriously my most favorite person on the plant right now. Your review has helped me so much! I have a few questions.. We are getting marrie 3/28/15 and I have had the hardest time getting them to schedule a site visit. Did you have a site visit? I feel like I am struggling so much getting answers and really hope that the site visit is the answer to many of my questions. 

 

Here are a few maybe you can help with.

 

Did they charge you to bring your own decor? I see that the groomsmen set most of it up which is my plan as well. I would much rather spend money on other things. 

 

Who did your lighting or did you also bring that from home and have the men set it up?

 

As far as the Bose sound system did they assist with that I read that you said your hubby wheeled it in but I wasn't sure what that entailed. 

 

Did you have a stage at your reception for dancing or was it fine without it?

 

This may sound so silly but what $ did you tip the wedding coordinator on site? I want to be sure we do this as well but have no clue what is appropriate I would hate to be cheap with this, as they are the most important part of the big day running smoothly. Did you tip anyone else?

 

Also I see that the company that does the DJ sent out prices for a bar set up did the resort have a bar set up free of charge or did you have to provide that? I really appreciate all your help, I can't seem to get a straight answer from my OC coordinator Brenda, while she is sweet it is always very vague. 

I'm doing a site visit at Moon Palace this weekend! Any recommendations on what I should do, see or ask while I'm there?

Was it difficult to book the site visit? We keep getting bounced around on dates, one second we are good then are told that we have to switch. It is so difficult to keep changing arrangements with work and a sitter as we already have children who will not be joining us. Who actually booked it for you? We keep getting bounced around. ;( Thank you in advance and have a fabulous time can't wait to hear how it goes. 

Yes, Moon Palace lives up to its' name for a beautiful wedding venue - as seen here. Best of luck all you Moon Palace couples, enjoy your journey and have an amazing life together!

Happy New Year to ALL !

 

 

team MTM asst, Lynda

If I was to use you as a photographer how would that work with Moon Palace? They only have one photographer on "the list" apparently.    They are a bit out of my price range too so upsetting. 

[jackielemman]

@@robertandreneesayido

 

I did not do a site visit. It was really hard to book since you can only travel during "off peak" times. Well i am a teacher and can do most of my traveling over the summer when I am off... which is of course peak travel times according to Palace resorts.

I am not so sure its even really necessary. All of the outdoor locations are beautiful! 

 

Communication can be difficult with the resort. It can take some time to get responses! I found that calling sometimes worked better. 

 

The resort did not charge me to bring in my decor. It was so nice having my groom and groomsmen doing all the set up! I knew it would be done right and could totally relax the day of the wedding! Save your money for other things!! We had very simple decor and it was beautiful.

 

The Bose Sound Dock 10 is amazing! We "wheeled" it in a carry on suitcase on the plane and then just kept wheeling it around the resort for all of our private events. saved us so much money! No one noticed that we didn't have a live DJ. Easy set up too!

 

We used Gama Grupo for the lighting, I think it was called the Disco set up. It wsa well worth the money! They are an approved vendor as well. Super fast communicators and were very professional.

 

We had ordered a dance floor but cancelled last minute. It is very much NOT needed! The terrace is plenty large enough for people to dance in the middle! 

 

The bar was included as part of the reception. If they didn't have something that my guests were looking for they ran to go find it. Then served the guest their preferred drink. The service was incredible!!

 

Tips are definitely worth while! We tipped all of our staff at each event-- depending on the type. Breakfasts and cocktail hours were around $10 per staff member. At the reception we gave $50 a staff member. Sounds steep but worth every penny!! They truly go out of their way to find what you are looking for and even taught some dances to our reception guests! 

For our onsite coordinator I would suggest 10% of your total wedding bill-- we had other stuff on our wedding bill that had to do with the weeks activities. We ended up giving her $300 total. They work incredibly hard for their money and I don't think Joseline got a day off the week I was there. we were so grateful for her service. 

I haven't even mentioned on here yet that we totally ruined our wedding ceremony certificate... I was soo elated to be married I spelled October and twelfth wrong!!! After a good laugh with us she hunted down the minister and he brough us a new certificate and signed it for us! Now we have one for the great memory and another nice one to frame! I really is super funny but it was very nice of her to go out of her way one last time for us to make sure we were satisfied.

 

For your photog. Get a day pass or buy them one nights stay at the hotel. That'll get you around the fee. I used Naal Photography. I highly recommend her!!!

[TheBHolders]

@robertandreneesayido Brenda is my coordinator as well. I had a site visit scheduled in September when we were visiting Playa, but my fiance did not want to pay the cost to commute to Cancun. I visited Playacar Palace, while it is a beautiful resort with an amazing location, I feel that it was too small for our needs, plus more expensive for our guests. I told my palace sales lady, I think in Miami that I would be visiting Playa and she sent me a form to schedule a site visit. My site visit was scheduled with my assigned wedding coordinator. 

 

I will say the response with Palace is slooooooow. But, once Brenda replies she answers all my questions and is the sweetest thing. I have changed resorts, ceremony locations, requested event locations, and she has helped tremendously. I do wish I was able to do a visit to actually see the locations in person. But, this site has been a great help. Plus, the surprise will be part of the magic. 

 

I also plan to get a day pass for my photographer, I am trying to find a photographer/videographer duo. However, the only video I want is getting ready and the ceremony and possibly the beginning of the reception. So depending on cost, I may get an approved videographer.

 

I also plan to book a night for my DJ. I also thought about getting a day pass for him as well and having the groomsmen wheel his luggage in inconspicuously. But, that might not work. Plus, I think he would appreciate being able to lay right down after a long night .

 

I know Palace uses PSAV and JSAV. I have contacted PSAV and their response time is not impressing me at all. I am hiring DJ Discomovil and plan to send him my contract today. Even with the outside vendor fee, he is still very affordable.

 

Gama Grupo and Zuniga are listed as the preferred decorators. I don't plan on decorating the gazebo, maybe just some chair sashes or hangers on the aisle chairs. The ceremony is only 30 minutes, so I dont want to invest alot of money into it. I am fond of the gazebo draping. But, honestly who's going to notice or remember.

 

I am having a ballroom reception, I would love outside, but fiance wants to be in AC. So I'll have a welcome party outside . I plan to have curtain draping and uplighting in the ballroom, use their white table cloths, bring chair sashes, table runners, centerpieces, rent chiavari chairs, and plate chargers.

 

I'm planning to bring 2 beats pills speakers for our cocktail and welcome party 

[kimiko5280]

@@robertandreneesayido  Luckily I didn't have too much trouble booking a site visit. I'm sorry to hear that they keep switching things up on you! The lady that we booked with was Mayra Ramirez. Her email address is mayramirez@@PalaceResorts.com

 

@@jackielemman  Your reviews and answers to everyone's questions have been awesome. Thank you for all the planning tips and I'm glad to hear that your wedding went so well!

[TheBHolders]

Mayra is the lady I booked with as well. She put me in contact with the wedding coordinator at Moon Brenda and someone named Leidi. I'm not sure what Leidi does, so I'm guessing she's the Miami office. I had a virtual site visit via tripadvisor, YouTube and this forum

[robertandreneesayido]

 

@@robertandreneesayido  Luckily I didn't have too much trouble booking a site visit. I'm sorry to hear that they keep switching things up on you! The lady that we booked with was Mayra Ramirez. Her email address is mayramirez@@PalaceResorts.com

 

@@jackielemman  Your reviews and answers to everyone's questions have been awesome. Thank you for all the planning tips and I'm glad to hear that your wedding went so well!

 

Mayra is also the lady I am working with as well as Brenda. It is finally handled I think. She kept switching available dates it was very frusterating. I will know more in the morning if it is actually booked this time fingers crossed, flights have doubled since we started trying to reserve our dates. 

Does anyone have the 2015 apporved vendor list?

@robertandreneesayido Brenda is my coordinator as well. I had a site visit scheduled in September when we were visiting Playa, but my fiance did not want to pay the cost to commute to Cancun. I visited Playacar Palace, while it is a beautiful resort with an amazing location, I feel that it was too small for our needs, plus more expensive for our guests. I told my palace sales lady, I think in Miami that I would be visiting Playa and she sent me a form to schedule a site visit. My site visit was scheduled with my assigned wedding coordinator. 

 

I will say the response with Palace is slooooooow. But, once Brenda replies she answers all my questions and is the sweetest thing. I have changed resorts, ceremony locations, requested event locations, and she has helped tremendously. I do wish I was able to do a visit to actually see the locations in person. But, this site has been a great help. Plus, the surprise will be part of the magic. 

 

I also plan to get a day pass for my photographer, I am trying to find a photographer/videographer duo. However, the only video I want is getting ready and the ceremony and possibly the beginning of the reception. So depending on cost, I may get an approved videographer.

 

I also plan to book a night for my DJ. I also thought about getting a day pass for him as well and having the groomsmen wheel his luggage in inconspicuously. But, that might not work. Plus, I think he would appreciate being able to lay right down after a long night .

 

I know Palace uses PSAV and JSAV. I have contacted PSAV and their response time is not impressing me at all. I am hiring DJ Discomovil and plan to send him my contract today. Even with the outside vendor fee, he is still very affordable.

 

Gama Grupo and Zuniga are listed as the preferred decorators. I don't plan on decorating the gazebo, maybe just some chair sashes or hangers on the aisle chairs. The ceremony is only 30 minutes, so I dont want to invest alot of money into it. I am fond of the gazebo draping. But, honestly who's going to notice or remember.

 

I am having a ballroom reception, I would love outside, but fiance wants to be in AC. So I'll have a welcome party outside . I plan to have curtain draping and uplighting in the ballroom, use their white table cloths, bring chair sashes, table runners, centerpieces, rent chiavari chairs, and plate chargers.

 

I'm planning to bring 2 beats pills speakers for our cocktail and welcome party 

@@jackielemman Thank you so much! You have really helped me in so many ways by sharing your experience.

[TheBHolders]

I have the list. I will post it tomorrow.

[TheBHolders]

The vendors are below. I hope this helps. It was in a table when Brenda sent it to me and it did it's own thing when I copied it

 

Company Name

 

JSAV   Music

                http://www.jsavmexico.com/Brochures/

                 JSAV_Wedding_Brochure.pdf

PSAV  Music

      www.psav.com

Gama   Decoration

www.grupogama.mx

Zuñiga     Decoration

www.decocancun.com

La Cabina      Photobooth

Yahabibi    Florist

 

Latinasia  Florist

www.pinterest.com/weddingcancun

Styling trio   Hair & Makeup

Pirotecnia Cancun    Fireworks

Promedsa    Fireworks

[KatyM81]

Ladies I just posted my review! What a wonderful week we had!! I have copied it below. Please let me know if I can answer any questions.

 

If you are worried about the size, location, or communication issues of Moon Palace... let me assure you that it is all worth it!!!

 

Let me start with the cons since its short!

Upon arrival to the resort I found about 15 of my guests in the Nizuc lobby relaxing and drinking. I found out that some had been waiting hours for a room assignment. I checked in at the VIP lounge upstairs and was able to talk with Carlos who was very helpful and even upgraded many of my guests to better rooms for the inconvenience. He gave all my guests options of upgraded King rooms or rollaway beds. (these are actually very comfortable). Solutions were found for every problem and they were very understanding of my frustrations. There was a convention leaving the day after we arrived and the hotel was unfortunately sold out of double bed rooms until they checked out. Everyone was happy in the end.

 

Second issue was with rooms. I had a couple guests not be given their concierge room upon arrival and didn't tell me until 1 day before we left. Moon refunded their concierge charge... wish I would have known earlier because I could have had that issue fixed. 

 

Third annoyance-- Upon returning to the states many of my guests including myself had large holds on their credit cards from Moon Palace from room charges. We paid cash upon checking out but still had over $1000 worth of holds on our account. Called Moon and they were extremely helpful and removed the holds immediately with the credit card companies. Please let your guests know about this. It was a little surprising!

 

OKay done with the complaining because its really petty stuff compared to the fabulous week we had!

 

Resort Credits:

The resort credits are great for spa and trips but I found that its cheaper and a lot more fun to hire a private taxi for 10 people to go to ruins, cenotes, and shopping areas-- you have to ask concierge about this. Plus its a whole lot more fun to be with your small group rather than spend 6 hours on a hot bus with 60 people. I highly recommend the Coba trip!!

 

Activities:

It took us all a couple of days to figure out that you can get a daily schedule of activities from the Public Relations concierge in the main lobby! What a help that was! We missed a couple of shows and fun things because we found out afterwards. There are free paddle boards, snorkling, kayaks, and sailing on property! Had no idea until half way thru the trip and it was sooo much fun!! Ask lots of questions to other guests and keep your eyes open while you're walking around the resort for all of the wonderful free activities. There were a few large display boards around pools that had all of the pool activities with times and activities. Heard the romantic dinner was incredible from many of my guests. They had a wonderful 6 course meal and a saxophone player serenaded them all night. Every night while we were there they released baby sea turtles into the ocean. We went twice-- each time the sea turtles were less than a half hour old. Incredible experience!! So much to do for all guests!

 

Restaurants:

Soo much incredible food!!! Best restaurants Gondola, Momo, Bungabilla buffet, and the Mexican restaurant in the Nizuc lobby-- cant remember the name. The Mayan Coffee experience is a must do! Ask for it at the Mexican, Brazilian steakhouse or mayan restaurants!!  Room service breakfast and late night service was incredible. Great menu selections! If you're staying on the concierge level you have a second room service menu that has options from all of the top restaurants-- use it! 

 

Spa Services:

My FI and I the day after we arrived had a body scrub and hot stone massage together at the Golf Resort Spa. What a way to start the vacation!! So relaxing and the service was very professional. Other services done by my guests include: reflexology massage, holistic massage, seaweed wrap, chocolate wrap, citrus massage, facials, aroma therapy massage, deep tissue massages... I think there were more services but every one of my guests from young to elderly said it was the best they've ever had! The complimentary pedicure, manicure and back massages for being members and on the concierge level were wonderful. I thought they would be quick and lame but they took their time and make you feel special the entire visit. Daniel my pedicurist/manicurist was precious and wonderful!! My bridesmaids, mother, mother-in-law and myself all had their hair and makeup done at the salon at the golf club salon. Alfredo did a trial hair run a few days prior to my wedding. He looked at my picture ideas and then worked his magic! He was incredible at hair.. his makeup was not as good as some of the ladies but was definitely better than I could do myself! They all us MAC products and were willing to use my bridesmaids eye shadows that they had brought. Most of the ladies and Alfredo had been working at the salon for many many years! I highly recommend saving your money and just using their salon services on property!! Side note: They only offer airbrushing makeup and sunrise and the Nizuc salons... my makeup stayed on the entire night and I chose not to do the airbrushing! 

 

OKAY lets jump into the Wedding greatness!!!

 

Wedding Date: Sunday, October 12th

Ceremony Time: 4:00 pm

Ceremony Location: Tucan Beach

Package: Complimentary symbolic ceremony

Coordinator: Abril- off site, Joseline-- onsite

Reception and Cocktail Hour: Tucan Garden/terrace

Cocktail Time: 5:00 pm

Reception Time: 6-10 pm (paid extra for 2 more hours-- worth the money)

Complimentary Packages: Unlimited events for booking over 75 nights and a free 1 week honeymoon stay 

 

Decoration Rentals: Gama Grupo

We rented the Disco design with the light up columns and strung lit lanterns for the reception. Stunning... More beautiful than I could imagine. We also rented their gold tiffany chairs, coral table cloths and napkins, gold chargers, gold napkin rings, white and coral fabric for huppa at ceremony. They were very patient during the 1000 times I had to change the number of guests and add/subtract items from my list. They set up early in the morning and were there to pickup right at 10 pm! 

 

Music:

We bought and brought with us the BOSE Sound dock 10. OMG ladies!! This was genius! We used it at every event and never had it at max volume. Saved us sooo much money and we get to keep it!  :)My FI who is not very tech savy went to a guitar center store and purchased an inline amplifier and microphone. Mind you he wheeled the BOSE system in there with him and they were able to get him all hooked up to have a microphone! We made a Spotify playlist for each event ahead of time and had no problems using bluetooth to play the music!  Make sure if you are doing this that you have the playlists downloaded-- there is no wireless outside! 

 

Officiant: 

Dont judge a book by its cover!!He was awesome! First impression was not so good... his hair was all over the place and looked like a 70's hippie!! His ceremony was personalized and very special. We did traditional vows, exchanged short personal messages, and had a groomsman do a prayer. After the ceremony you sign a certificate. Funny story--- soooo embarrassing! I was signing the certificate and was clearly over joyed with happiness because I couldn't spell Twelfth or October, our best man signed where the officiant was supposed to sign and our officiant signed where our witness was supposed to sign! I slipped a curse word.. luckily only my bridal party heard me!! MEMORIES!!!! The officiant gave us another certificate at our final meeting with Joseline and we all died from laughter!!

 

Onsite Coordinator:

Joseline was incredible. So wonderful to work with and really made us feel like we were her only couple during the week! She must have had 10 weddings the week we were there. Here is my recommendation... if you read anything please read this!!!

Every email and conversation I had with her, I expressed my sincere gratitude and appreciation for what she does. They work really really hard... too hard and I can only image how much money they bring to the resort and see pennies of it. During our first meeting we gave her a very good gratuity card. This set the tone for the week with her. I am sure that she would have been lovely to work with but we wanted to make sure that she understood how much we appreciate her services. During our first meeting she went thru every private event we had scheduled and a backup plan for weather issues and how the ceremony will work. There was no actual rehearsal with the bridal party but theres no need to practice. Everything went very smoothly.

She was at almost all of our private events! I swear she never sleeps. 

On the wedding day I saw her with another wedding party. Once she was finished with them she came right over and found our groomsmen who were setting up small decorations that we had brought with us. She led the entire group to the beach and got people in their seats and the ceremony to start right on time. She was literally the director behind the scenes!! Amazing job. You should try organizing 40 crazy loud Italians from New York!!She stayed the entire reception and even helped us pack some of our decorations we had brought. we saw her throughout the week and had our final meeting the day before we left. There were no additional charges on our bill and we gave her the rest of her gratuity to thank her once more. 

 

Horse and Carriage:

Must do. Thats all I can say. It was the best 15 minutes that my mom and I had together. They take you around the resort and drop you off right at the beach. Its an incredible entrance and absolutely beautiful.

 

Flowers:

Used Maya Floral and was in contact with Marvin the entire time. We ordered bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and center pieces. They ere beyond beautiful and arrived right on time. My FI and groomsmen picked them up in the lobby and tipped a bell hop to take them to the reception area. I highly recommend their services! I used the free bouquet from the resort for my bouquet toss!! It was beautiful but not even comparable to the product we got from Marvin at Maya Floral.

 

Photography--

Naiara Altuna from Naal Photography http://naalweddingphotography.com/

 

I considered her a guest at our wedding and purchased day passes for her and the assistant. Worked just find and no one but the front desk questioned it. Her prices are reasonable and her work is incredible! She was on property from 2:00 until 9 pm. I highly recommend her!! Go look her up!

 

Mariachi Band--

We purchased a 6 person mariachi band for our entrance and cocktail hour entertainment. WORTH THE MONEY!!!! 8 showed up and marched us into the cocktail hour. My guests were absolutely shocked and loved the entertainment. They played for 45 minutes and took pictures with us. I still get chills thinking about their voices!!

 

Banquet Catering/Cocktail Hours:

The service was incredible-- many of the staff we saw at all of the events, it was nice to get to know them! we tried every banquet menu except the Japanese option. By far our favorite was the Mayan option that we had at our wedding. Everyone raved about it! The Italian was no so bad but no as good as the Italian restaurants on property. The International and Mexican cocktail hour menus were the BEST!!!!! Those are a must for your cocktail hours. We have some picky eaters and they were devouring the food. The bar setup for private events is awesome. If they don't have something they'll go hunt it down for you.

 

Locations of Private Events:

Wednesday night Cocktail hour-- Caribbean terrace-- There was a set up fee per person but worth the money again!! What a way to welcome everyone to paradise! Its a beautiful terrace with sofas and a beautiful bar.

Thursday Breakfast- Arrefices Terrace-- It was a bit warm at 9 am but stunningly beautiful. 

Friday Cocktail hour: 5:00 pm on Tucan Terrace-- Beautiful view of the ocean

Saturday Dinner-- Bungambillo terrace-- beautiful area with a large gazebo near by. Perfect location

Sunday-- wedding event day all at Tucan Terrace and Garden-- Beautiful area! Between Nizuc Lobby but closer to Moon Grand Lobby.

Monday Breakfast-- Aqua Ballroom (Across from Nizuc gift shop)-- Has one wall of windows but is pretty plain inside. 

Tuesday Dinner- Aqua Ballroom due to weather-- It was nice to be inside for some of the events because of the humidity but the ballrooms just dont have much of an atmosphere.

 

It was really nice being able to have the whole group together for at least an hour everyday but by the end of the week I was really tired of wrangling everyone. if I could go back i would have not scheduled any events after the wedding. I love my family and friends but I always felt like I was planning something or had to be some where. It would have been nice to relax the last couple of days. Keep this in mind brides! 

 

Private Tequila Tasting:

We added a private tequila tasting to our rehearsal dinner evening and this was sooooo much fun! They had 22 different tequilas for people to try and the staff knew everything about each bottle. They suggested different kinds according to your preferences. I don't even drink tequila and I found at least 5 I enjoyed. Who knew there were dessert tequilas?! This was a little pricey but worth the money!! 

 

As you can see we added a few extra things to our wedding week but we really tried hard to spend our money wisely. Forget about all the small details like gift bags, presents, decorations etc. People would much rather have entertainment and experiences during their vacation! OOT bags are a great idea but its a lot to carry down and they get expensive fast. I did purchase mosquito bands for everyone-- they were a savior! We are bit up like crazy!! Bring some after bite spray or ointment... multiple tubes!!!!!!!!

We spent less than $10,000 on the wedding and have been told it was the best vacation that our guests have ever taken.

 

I hope this helps some of you! If I have forgotten anything please ask! I hope your wedding is as wonderful and memorable as mine! 

Thank you so much for your review and for giving us all of these details! It is really helpful and definitely soothes some of the nerves... Giving the wedding coordinator a card with part of her tip early was such a great idea, I will certainly be doing the same!