Shipping decorations ahead of arrival

[texasbride51013]

I'm getting married at the resort in May and I want to ship some of our decorations down ahead of time. Has anyone tried this? I don't know how much time to allow.

[AllieH]

Hi - I'm not sure which resort you're looking at, but I know when I estimated shipping costs for large boxes from Texas to Mexico (Riviera Maya for me), it was well over $500 for FedEx or UPS. Unless you know someone who does import/exports and can help you, it's probably a better idea to recruit some friends and family to help you carry your decorations down to mexico. the $25 or $35 per bag may be much less expensive than the shipping charges.

 

Plus...there's a chance your stuff could get held up in customs, and not make it to your venue in time - no matter how early you send it. It's a huge risk, and most brides choose the luggage route. 

Originally Posted by texasbride51013 

I'm getting married at the resort in May and I want to ship some of our decorations down ahead of time. Has anyone tried this? I don't know how much time to allow.

 

 

[Lyman]

I concur with AllieH......with all the people traveling to your wedding, the luggage route could be convenient and reliable.....plus give your friends n family the opportunity to add their contribution + help you out - win / win  

[JessiTaylor]

i wouldnt ship anything thats fabric (chair covers etc). my mum sent me a package from london to where i live in mexico, 1.5kg, worth around 650 dollars (dessy dress for BM, ties etc) and i got hit by a surprise tax bill of around 350 dollars plus extra DHL service charges, when queried, the lady said that fabric things are taxed highly (as well as goods over a certain price range). nightmare

[fiesty10]

Daughter #1 mattied in La Romana 2 years ago.  Shipped LARGE box with everything by Fed Ex with help from friend who works at FDX.  BAD IDEA!!!  Fed X Was super.!!  50# @$580.00   arrived perfectly  ahead of time.  End of good news.   Box was emptied,search, confiscated(?) items, repacked as in thrown in... Custom and import fees totalled another $400. based on the forms you have to fill out for shipper. and yes fed ex can trace you for xtra money that has to be paid.     BLAH....could have gone down day early and bought same items in DR.  Daughter 2 getting married end of 2014 in DR.  We will carry,slep,drag everything we need, be searched at airport, but never take our eyes off items, and probably have to pay import fee but no way as much.  
 

[Moments That Matter]

Sounds like you've figured out a much better way to get your decor items to the wedding, so well done, fiesty10 - and thx for sharing the better idea with everyone here.......all the best with the wedding for your second daughter, and Cheers!

 

team MTM asst, Lynda

[anisha]

Great info - I thought about shipping but I don't think I have enough stuff to even make it worthwhile with a small wedding, so I'll be schelpping it all in suitcases.
 

[SweetFire]

Yes, I totally agree with the ladies above.  Mexico's import taxes are in place to protect certain industries (one being the clothing industry) so items can get tied up in customs and taxed like crazy to get into the country.  Much easier to pay the extra luggage fees and bring it all down yourself.  You may want to look into some colapsable luggage if you don't plan on bringing it all back with you!

 

Happy Planning!

 

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

 

[projecttwayne2015]

If anyone is travelling from Canada. Westjet cargo I hear is pretty good but then again I am not sure about import fees.

[calgarybride2015]

I have heard horror stories about people shipping stuff to Mexico.

I've also been told some resorts don't like the idea because they don't want to be responsible for it until you arrive.

 

I will just pay extra baggage fees if it comes to it.   We get 4 bags because I have 2 kids, and they don't need 1 each, so we may be fine.

 

My fiance's cousin plans to move to Mexico this year, so we may get him to take our favors with him.