Moon Palace- 2014

[MikeCantarellFilms]

Hello brides-to- be

 

I want to share with you this wonderful film, we had a lot of fun doing this musical videoclip.

 

[FutureMrsSam]

 

My review of the amazing Moon Palace:

 

Travel Dates – October 31 – November 14

Wedding Date – November 6^th  @ 3pm

Number of Guests – 28 (25 adults, 2 kids, 1 baby)

Wedding Location – Ceremony: Beach 3pm

                                     - Cocktail Hour: Toucan Garden 4pm- 5pm

                                     - Reception: Toucan Terrace 5pm – 9pm (paid to extend the reception by 2 hours)

 

Things we brought in our luggage:

- Orange paper parasols for the bridesmaids (3 bought from Luna Bizaare, $8 each)

- Light orange lace parasol for bride (bought from Luna Bizaare, $45)

- Orange maracas (bought, $1.50 each)

- Table numbers (handmade)

- Table number stands (bought from Michaels, $3 each)

- Senor and Senora sign (handmade)

- Tumblers for bridesmaids. These were a big hit as they could fit two full drinks in them and the bartenders and servers were more than willing to fill them up ($6 each from Target)

- Bubba Keg cups for the groomsmen. We ordered special orange writing that said GROOMSMAN and then their name. The guys LOVED these and toted them everywhere (bubba website)

 

Services we used:

 

Dream Art Photography (Perfume Package, 2 photographers for 5 hours (2:30pm-7:30pm) with 1 hour videographer)

Honestly, this was the most expensive part of our entire trip and was a massive splurge but I couldn’t have been more happy with their customer service and amazing photos they provided us with. They were super pleasant and kept everyone smiling at the wedding. Tatti was amazing and took care of us girls…and her artistic eye is unmatchable. Tatti showed up at around 2:15 to take pictures of us doing finishing touches and we got some really special shots. After the reception they let me know that the pictures would be ready in a week and that I could review the photos and pick up the discs from the wedding office before I left. It was incredible, there was over 550 AMAZING photos! Plus the wedding video was sent to me the day after the wedding! My husband and I loved taking a look at it and sent it to everyone right away. They did an incredible job and honestly they were more than worth it even though they were on the pricey side.

 

Gama Decorations

We ordered very minimal decorations from them. Just centerpieces and some orange round lanterns. We wanted Mexico to shine through and be the main focus of our wedding so we just wanted touches of colour and sparkle.

 

Styling Trio (Hair and makeup from Adrian, plus bridesmaids and mother of the bride)

On the day of the wedding, like any bride, I was a little nervous but as soon as Adrian showed up with his team, they completely lightened the mood and put me completely at ease. From the moment I met him, he won me over with his charismatic charm and genuine smile. Not only did he do an amazing job on my makeup and hair but he made me feel like a princess. The techniques with the airbrushing were so flawless and he was able to enhance my features without making me feel like I was wearing a mask. I’m a pretty carefree person, but he constantly checked in with me to make sure he was going in the right direction. I ordered a flower from the resort and they put it in my hair exactly the way I wanted it. The other team members that worked on my girls did an incredible job and for $50 my ten year old niece (flower girl) got her hair and makeup done. I know the Spa is supposed to also be amazing (we used our Spa credits on pedicures, manicures and massages), but honestly I can’t believe that anything can top him! The experience was definitely something I’ll treasure as another amazing moment during the wedding day.  

 

JSAV(5 hours of service – microphone and speakers)

Because of our small party, I opted to not get a DJ. I created our entire cocktail hour and reception playlist using an App called Wedding DJ. I LOVE music so I was happy to do it but I spent months figuring out the songs and changing the order, etc. It took a lot of time and effort BUT everyone loved the music and we danced the night away. If you’d like my playlist please let me know J For the service, I can’t say anything bad about them. They showed up on time and went a little late because my playlist had a couple of my favorite songs still on it. It was nice not to have to worry about the setup/cleanup but we probably could have duplicated the services by bringing a speaker system. It was about $425 for the service so I didn’t mind paying it because it was still cheaper than buying a system and lugging it around everywhere.

 

Horse and Carriage

LOVED this. I initially thought it was a little cheesy but the entrance was amazing and it was super special for my brother and I. Everyone was surprised and made most of them cry. I still love watching it on the video…so unique and special.

 

Ok…MOON PALACE

This was an amazing resort and is specially built for large groups that are travelling together. There is a ton of space, so it was easy to find a spot on any given day, no matter the time. We were able to eat at any of the restaurants without a reservation (except the Golf Course). All of the food was spectacular and we made sure to try them all! The Jacuzzi tubs were well used by all of our guests and the Spa was a huge hit. Most of the ladies went for manicures and pedicures and a lot of the couples did massages together.

 

**TIPS**

 

Palace Vacation Planners – you go to these people to book everything from Spa treatments to excursions. They are trained to upsell so be careful of the fine print!! Also keep in mind that they take FOREVER. Every visit I made there usually lasted from 45 minutes to over an hour. Make sure to get printouts of your resort credits to see what they’ve charged you (they double charged me for golf and it was a couple hours before they reversed it).

 

Taxis from the airport – make sure your guests book a shuttle to go from the airport to the resort. It is only a 15 minute drive but the taxis were charging $60-$80 a ride. We had booked a shuttle in advance but some of my guests got stuck with a large bill

 

Resort Credits – As with any promotion, there were of course limitations to what you could use with your credits. Everyone maxed out their Spa credits but most people had a considerable amount leftover. We did use them for golf which was more than worth it (it was amazing). You can use credits to get discounts on some of the items in the gift shop but remember you still have to pay the 16%. The one thing I would NOT recommend is the $300(16% is $48) Romantic Dinner. It was a nice dinner but compared to the rest of the resort we could have had just as nice of a dinner anywhere else.

 

Weather – We were lucky and had AMAZING weather for most of the two weeks. There was only one day that was windy and a bit rainy. It was a warm 25-30 degrees during the day but at night the temperature was quite cool and most people donned sweaters or blankets. No matter where you get married, there is always a chance of rain…we were just lucky.

 

BUG SPRAY – the one low point in our wedding was when the sun went down and we were attached by a massive swarm of mosquitos! Luckily some of my guests retreated to get bug repellent for the group, but some of them already had upwards of 30 bites! I felt horrible for everyone (I was saved by my long dress and husband’s jacket). DEFINITELY BRING BUG SPRAY for the reception!!!!!!

 

My last tip…enjoy your time J Feel free to message me if you’d like to see pictures or the video.

 

I'd love to see your pics and video if you're still willing to share

[misbosox]

past Palace brides or those that have stayed there:   Does anyone remember how much the maracas sold for in the gift shops and what colors they had?    Or if anyone will be there soon can take a pic of the colors?    I remember they sold them, separately, pairs and I thought I seen a deal buy 3 for $15 or something like that.

 

We want to do maracas and I know I can get them cheaper through Amols, but traveling with all of them down won't be too fun.  Already have enough to bring down.

[calgarybride2015]

past Palace brides or those that have stayed there:   Does anyone remember how much the maracas sold for in the gift shops and what colors they had?    Or if anyone will be there soon can take a pic of the colors?    I remember they sold them, separately, pairs and I thought I seen a deal buy 3 for $15 or something like that.

 

We want to do maracas and I know I can get them cheaper through Amols, but traveling with all of them down won't be too fun.  Already have enough to bring down.

 

How many guests do you have?   We had 50 Maracas from Amols and I fit them into a small carry on suitcase, approx 21 inch.  It was actually the easiest thing to bring.  Just throwing that out there if you don't think you can find what you want on site.

[Matt Adcock]

past Palace brides or those that have stayed there:   Does anyone remember how much the maracas sold for in the gift shops and what colors they had?    Or if anyone will be there soon can take a pic of the colors?    I remember they sold them, separately, pairs and I thought I seen a deal buy 3 for $15 or something like that.

 

We want to do maracas and I know I can get them cheaper through Amols, but traveling with all of them down won't be too fun.  Already have enough to bring down.

 

Hello @@misbosox ! Have you checked out Maracas Mexico? They can ship anywhere and have the option of custom designs, very cool! Here is the Maracas Mexico website. Love maracas at Mexican destination weddings, very festive way to ask the newlyweds to kiss and a take-home treat for your guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TheBHolders]

@@calgarybride2015 when we were in Playa, we purchased maraccas from a local shop on 5th Ave for like 15 pesos, which is like 1 US dollar

When I find the ones we brought back for my daughter, I will post a pic. I was planning on ordering wooden maraccas from oriental trading and painting them myself

[goldammerpayne]

I love Moon Palace, but my head is spinning trying to look through hundreds of pages on these resorts.  I am hoping to find out 

 

1. How much your guest spent on their stay at Moon Palace for your wedding (total excluding airfare)

2. How many nights were they able to stay for that price

 

This would really help me determine whether or not Moon Palace can stay on my list.

 

Thanks, and happy planning!

[calgarybride2015]

@@calgarybride2015 when we were in Playa, we purchased maraccas from a local shop on 5th Ave for like 15 pesos, which is like 1 US dollar

 

When I find the ones we brought back for my daughter, I will post a pic. I was planning on ordering wooden maraccas from oriental trading and painting them myself

Sweet deal. I paid $1.65/pair at Amols but if You don't wanna lug them down that's a great price in Playa!!!

 

What scares me about the pic above advertising 'maracas Mexico' is those are identical to my Amols ones?'!?! Maybe they all use the same ones but Maracas Mexico will paint your wedding info on them, so in turn charges more.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited February 6, 2015 by calgarybride2015

[misbosox]

Yes I want to buy them through Amols that's my first choice, but I don't want the bulk of packing and traveling with them.  I already have enough to bring.  Taking down all my flowers, centerpieces, OTT bags, gifts and décor.  Was just hoping to not have to bring another bag with me.

[calgarybride2015]

Yes I want to buy them through Amols that's my first choice, but I don't want the bulk of packing and traveling with them.  I already have enough to bring.  Taking down all my flowers, centerpieces, OTT bags, gifts and décor.  Was just hoping to not have to bring another bag with me.

 

I totally get it, I brought down all the same stuff except for the flowers.

I had nothing breakable though (except 3 frames) so I could pack in pretty tight. The only thing that got 'hurt' was the flower girl pail. It got bent and some paint chipped off so I made sure my daughter had the nice side facing out haah!

Edited February 6, 2015 by calgarybride2015