January 2016 Mexico Bride - Planning And Budget

[dreamweddings]

Hello ladies,

 

 

Welcome all brides of January 2016, you are all of to a good start by being on this forum.

 

Happy Planning

[JenniferH114]

@TaraMarie33 - We are at about $8500 right now, not including our ten day trip. We have 27 guests as of right now (including bride and groom). Here's a summary of some of the things our price includes, whether we added them or they were included in our package:

 

 - Private welcome dinner (four courses and open bar for two hours)

 - Ceremony

 - Cocktail hour with 8 different types of passed hors d'oeuvres

 - 4 hour reception with five course meal (steak and lobster) and open bar

 - DJ during reception

 - Private fire and percussion show on the beach (before reception)

 - Outside photog for six hours & outside vendor fee for photog

 - Purchase of custom maracas, paper fans and papel picado from a company in Mexico

 

I think those are the main items included in the $8500. We did get $850 off of our wedding package because of the room category we booked. Realistically, we are probably closer to $10k because we didn't really keep track of a budget on OOT bags, various other decoration items we bought and are bringing, paper goods (e.g. menus, invites), etc. Also, this doesn't include my dresses, rings, jewelry, etc.. This is really just "day of"/resort stuff, if that makes sense.

What is nice, though, is that we are not really getting charged for a bunch of individual items at the resort, such as napkins, chairs, etc. All of that is included, unless you want to upgrade, of course.

 

I could go into more detail but I don't want to bore you.

Edited February 19, 2015 by JenniferH114

[Moments That Matter]

Welcome to the forum, fellow Canadian TaraMarie33, and Congrats on your Mexican destination wedding coming up in Jan!!!

 

There are lots of great ideas here from all the resources you'll find to help with your planning decisions. We wish you happy research, and all the best going forward!!!

 

for some added inspiration, here are a few magical wedding "moments that matter" to show off our beautiful area!!!

 

...captured at the Grand Riviera Princess.....with more at this link: Grand Riviera Wedding Album 

 

...and this wee gem from the Barcelo Maya Colonial Wedding Album

 

...and from the Moon Palace Wedding Album....

 

Wishing you all the best with your plans and a wonderful journey ahead - cheers!!! team MTM

Edited February 19, 2015 by Moments That Matter

[Smellsey]

@TaraMarie33 - We are at about $8500 right now, not including our ten day trip. We have 27 guests as of right now (including bride and groom). Here's a summary of some of the things our price includes, whether we added them or they were included in our package:

 

 - Private welcome dinner (four courses and open bar for two hours)

 - Ceremony

 - Cocktail hour with 8 different types of passed hors d'oeuvres

 - 4 hour reception with five course meal (steak and lobster) and open bar

 - DJ during reception

 - Private fire and percussion show on the beach (before reception)

 - Outside photog for six hours & outside vendor fee for photog

 - Purchase of custom maracas, paper fans and papel picado from a company in Mexico

 

I think those are the main items included in the $8500. We did get $850 off of our wedding package because of the room category we booked. Realistically, we are probably closer to $10k because we didn't really keep track of a budget on OOT bags, various other decoration items we bought and are bringing, paper goods (e.g. menus, invites), etc. Also, this doesn't include my dresses, rings, jewelry, etc.. This is really just "day of"/resort stuff, if that makes sense.

 

What is nice, though, is that we are not really getting charged for a bunch of individual items at the resort, such as napkins, chairs, etc. All of that is included, unless you want to upgrade, of course.

 

I could go into more detail but I don't want to bore you.

Wow... I am so shocked that $8500 is covering basically 2 dinners and pictures and a private party. How many guests are you having??

[JenniferH114]

@Smellsey - We have 25 guests + bride & groom right now and I'm pretty sure it will stay at that number.

 

Our initial package (we chose the best option) is $2400, but we got $850 off for the room category we booked. That package includes the symbolic ceremony, flowers, my hair & make-up, cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, the band during the cocktail hour, four hour reception with five course meal and open bar, cake, etc. It is actually a really great package. This package price includes 20 people and it's $45 per person over 20.

 

The private welcome party is $25 per person.

 

Our photographer is Juan Navarro and he is running about $2100 for six hours of coverage with an assistant and the resort charges a $500 outside vendor fee.

Edited February 23, 2015 by JenniferH114

[Smellsey]

@Smellsey - We have 25 guests + bride & groom right now and I'm pretty sure it will stay at that number.

 

Our initial package (we chose the best option) is $2400, but we got $850 off for the room category we booked. That package includes the symbolic ceremony, flowers, my hair & make-up, cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, the band during the cocktail hour, four hour reception with five course meal and open bar, cake, etc. It is actually a really great package. This package price includes 20 people and it's $45 per person over 20.

 

The private welcome party is $25 per person.

 

Our photographer is Juan Navarro and he is running about $2100 for six hours of coverage with an assistant and the resort charges a $500 outside vendor fee.

How did you get a package like that? Through the resort? I am in Canada - where are you? That may be the difference as well. that is a super price!!!!!! I am budgeting about $15,000 but that is for 61 people.

[JenniferH114]

@Smellsey - That is one of the packages that is offered through the resort, regardless of where you are coming from. You can actually view the different package details on the Excellence's website. When we were first looking at resorts we knew we wanted adults-only, but we also didn't want to feel like we were being "nickel and dimed" for every little thing. We feel in love with our resort and the wedding packages offered were awesome, so we went with it. Our WC has been awesome, too. 

Edited February 23, 2015 by JenniferH114

[vancouverpetunia]

@@JenniferH114 - Where are you sourcing the custom maracas, paper fans and papel picado? I would like to find papel picado in particular. It would be great to source locally or at least from Mexico to avoid shipping costs and/or customs issues. We are getting married in the Mayan Riviera in April 2016. Thank you!

[Jewilso23]

Hi everyone!

 

My Fiance and I got engaged in December 2014.  We are planning to get married Feb, March or April 2016. I have just started looking at resorts and feel so overwhelmed.  Should I already be putting my deposits down or do I still have a few months to decide? We will Be traveling from Toronto and want to have a very intimate wedding of approx 10-15 guests with one child.

 

Thanks for all your help. This is so overwhelming!

[JenniferH114]

@vancouverpetunia - We are ordering from Maracas Mexico. They are located in Mexico, but you will still have to pay shipping because they are in Puerto Vallarta. If you are just getting the papel picado, shipping will likely be less expensive. It is $100(US) for them to ship our order.

 

http://www.maracasmexico.com/

@Jewilso23 - I think you have time still, but if you already know which resort you want it is probably better to lock it in. Our resort didn't require a deposit, just our travel confirmation. We locked everything in July 2014 and we are getting married in two months. We also booked our photographer in July, too. I am a planner, though, so most of the major decisions were made by the end of 2014.

Good luck and congratulations! It will go by so quickly!