Azul Beach Weddings 2015

[ng2015]

@jasstz @KaraEbeth @smhbv5

 

I didn't realize it until after I started the booking process but I wish I had gone with a GI preferred vendor because they throw in a bunch of extra bonuses. I originally had used destinationweddings.com but the travel agent I was working with was not being cooperative and giving me prices way above the group rates that Karisma offered me and not giving me information for the dates I asked for so I just hastily abandoned ship (although I think the lady I was dealing with was the only one in my area so I think it was her or nothing at all). I like my TA but we have to fight for literally everything. Oh well, live and learn and hopefully pass on the info here  

As far as vendors, I want to use Lomas as little as possible. I'm biting the bullet and paying the $800 fee for my photographer/videographer. I'm going with Playaweddings because I loved their work (believe me, I've scoured all the photographers and videographers and I like their work the best). They throw in an extra hour for free to offset the $800 fee. It's a husband wife duo so you only pay one fee.  I think since the pictures and video are the memories we'll have, I don't mind spending the extra money to make sure they're perfect.

 

About the DJ, I think we might go with the Lomas DJ because I can't bring myself to pay another outside vendor fee. 

Also, I remember reading somewhere on this site that you can go to somewhere like the local Walmart or Costco and pick up flowers Stephanie but you'll have to pay the setup fee which you would have to pay if you're doing other small decorations as well, with the max that they can charge capped at $250.

 

Hope this helps!

[KaraEbeth]

@@smhvb5 I am considering going with a photographer there. Their pictures on the Lomas website don't look THAT bad. I also considering getting a few Wedit video cameras!

 

I reserved our date ladies, 2/27/15! What time is everyone doing? I put 3:30 but really wasn't sure for February. The WC I've been communicating with said it gets dark around 5:30 this time of year.

@@ng2015 thanks for the info, I guess the way they have things up confuses me a little...so if you go through a GI preferred TA do they deal with all the communication between Lomas then? My agent usually goes through vacation express or apple and they also have their own wedding planners. When I filled out the inquiry for Azul someone named Erika contacted me and I've been very happy with her so far. Not much of a wait for her to get back with me regarding any questions I've had, not sure if she is who I will be dealing with most of the time or not.

@@talicea7812 thanks for the suggestion! I will have to look it up, I'm not able to see pics yet haha. I'm just booked for the lowest package right now because we're doing an at-home reception and don't see the point in spending a lot on a destination one too. (I'm compromising with my fiancé, he wants a party when we get home...I am okay with having everything in Mexico). I was just going to do the ceremony on the beach, maybe a casual cocktail hour while we get some pics, and then dinner at one of the restaurants, and partying at the tequila bar. (I am totally not a traditional bride haha). I'm one of the last of my friends to marry also so I know what NOT to do lol.

One thing I do remember from some of the venues here my friends have used, it isn't abnormal for a venue to have preferred companies you have to go through. However, the $800 is a lot more than what they charge here if you use someone who isn't preferred.

I hope everything works out for you!

[ng2015]

@@KaraEbeth congratulations on booking your wedding!! so exciting! We're doing January @ 4pm for the ceremony. When we were there in December for the Bride's Dress Rehearsal, the sun was totally set by like 5:15 the latest so I figure it'll be pretty close to that for January as well. 

Good luck with Erika. The difficulties I've experienced have been with the Miami office of Karisma. From what I hear, once you're in Mexico, the wedding coordinators there are much more put together and are way easier to deal with and will go out of their way to accommodate.

 

All the best with planning!

Edited February 14, 2014 by ng2015

[KaraEbeth]

Thanks @@ng2015, you too!

 

I'm wondering if I should move it to 4:00 so maybe we will have some nice colors in the sky around that time? What do you think? I'm really not sure!

[talicea7812]

When trying decide your wedding start time...talk to your photographer. They will often offer suggestions for the best time so you can have the most flattering lighting for your photos.

[KaraEbeth]

Thanks @@talicea7812! That restaurant you were talking about emailed me, did they just send you a small menu?

[ng2015]

Hi @@KaraEbeth!

talicea is right, the photographer will have a better idea of time for pictures. You'll want to be able to take pictures after the ceremony as well so you don't want it to be too dark. I googled sunset times (as well as average rain fall) for the year to give me a better idea. Worst case, you can always push up your time when you have a better sense from your photographer. Or if you're going to do a reveal with your hubby, then you can also take some pictures before the ceremony.

 

Keep me posted!

[KaraEbeth]

Good point @@ng2015 maybe I will stick to 3:30 then:) thanks!

[talicea7812]

Hey @@KaraEbeth

 

I have the small group menu as well as the large group.  The more I talk to the woman there the more excited I get.  IIeana is very responsive and helpful. 

 

I've been sending emails everywhere for price quotes for flowers, decorations, etc.  Lomas wanted to charge me outrageous prices for flowers bc I really want orchids.  They are an imported flower so more expensive...but ive been talking to this guy Marvin.  Ive sent him some pics of flowers I like and he's responded with some quotes.  Imported flower arrangements are only $10 more that the local! I am def willing to pay the extra 10 to get the orchids I love.

 

Hacienda sisal also works with a woman named Karla.  she handles the vendors and such.  she will also be sending me some quotes.  The area that I like has square table but the picture I found online shows round and I really like the look.  I just mentioned that I like it but prob cant afford the rental.  She said she would see what she could do about getting the table free!!! I'm really excited to hear back from her.

 

I hope this all works out bc for the first time since really trying to plan this wedding I am excited!  working with a limited budget is hard...and even harder when the resort is so inflexible! Hacienda Sisal may be the way to go!

 

I will stay in touch

[talicea7812]

So ive been looking into outside vendors in the cancun area.  I am trying to compare prices from Azul to those of local businesses. 

 

I asked Azul for a quote for a cake for 25 ppl  two tiers & I would provide the peacock embellishment. 

I was quoted $300.

 

After researching- I found royal weddings. Their online gallery shows several cakes.  I just copied the one that was the closest to my original pic.  Ribbon on each tier and flower decoration.  Huge price difference.