salsa_bride

Quote: Originally Posted by NABUMBAH I think that we invited over 300 people (sent out around 140 invites) and we're expecting less than 100. Keep in mind that your wedding is well over a year away and things change - We lost about 8 guests due to two pregnancies - two guests are due right near our W/D. Ironically these guests were on our "absolutely will be coming to our wedding" list - one was my cousin who I am close to and the other is the best man and his fiance. What do you know? life throws people curveballs in the form of new life sometimes I'm of the same mindset that I think realistically... our guest list will be more like 100. I totally expect things to change in 16 months, but I'm also nervous if we underestimate who will attend. anyhow... I would try to make a realistic estimate on your guest list. As in, We're inviting all of these people, but we know that these people would not miss it. And then add about 30% to make your final list. It's possible that all of those guest will come, but realistically they won't. So try to make a reasonable assessment and then work from there. And don't stress. you have loads of time. Promise! Thanks for the reassurance!! It really is a great comfort!!

Thanks Christine - I was just looking at your website and noticed you changed your plans from Jamaica to Napa. We were engaged in Negril in November and I still miss it everyday. That would have made for a beautiful wedding - although I have a cousin that just came back from Napa and she LOVED it. We really would love to have a beautiful, warm place to have our loved ones celebrate our special day so it is as memorable for them as it is for us. I guess we're lucky that we still have a bit of time to research and really look at our best options. BTW - I'm going to Canada's Bridal Show tomorrow!! It feels a bit weird cuz i'm not really going to actively recruit local vendors... maybe look for local photog for our engagement pics and for invitations, oh, and for dress ideas too.

Hm, well, I guess we have to open up our options to other locations to better accomodate our situation (maybe we'll save Cabo for our honeymoon!!!). So in summary of our wedding needs: Budget - 20-25k (CDN) Guests - approximately 150 (needs to be affordable, easy to book for that many people) Ceremony - would like traditional Catholic ceremony Reception - this is where we thought DW could save us some money, but we want it to be a private event (no wandering sunbathers or other toursists in t background) I am open to looking at other locations in Mexico (maybe Dominican)? How did you gals plan your DW when it came to confirming numbers? Did you send out invites first to get confirmed number of guests? How do you do that without booking the location first? And how do you book unless you know how many guests are attending? I feel like it's a catch 22??

LOL - glad you didn't have that heart attack Tammy!! Although, if it was in 2007, I would have already had the heart attack first!! Many of our guests are part of families of 4 or 5 (many will probably book together) with many children - so that should cut odwn on number of rooms needed. I have to actually go through the list and figure out how many rooms we'd need. After all this consideration, we're still not ruling out Mazatlan... but how disappointing to hear that the the vendors there are difficult to deal with. Was it because of the language barrier maybe? I'm hoping that my friend who lives there will be able to alleviate some of that stress as she is fluent in the languange. If we go ahead with Mazatlan, there will be less chance of all the guests staying in one hotel because AI's aren't that abundant in Mazatlan (which i don't think is as fun when all the guests are separated). At least in Cabo, we can arrange to at least TRY to have everyone in one place or be in the same vicinty... Are resorts in Cabo close to each other?

Issue #1 Our complete guest list is around 250 people. We have a lot of family and friends who have committed to coming to our DW - We have guestimated anywhere between 140-170 people who will come. I'm guessing this is not the norm for most DW couples as much of the pricing I'm coming across (e.g. Sheraton Hacienda at $75 US/person) is not going to save us any money. Issue #2 Our other key concern is ensuring that Cabo is an affordable destination for our guests. Even though we are looking at AI packages for them, Cabo isn't that cheap when coming from Toronto Canada (we're seeing AI pkgs starting at $1500 and up). Do you know if travel agents are helpful in arranging group AI discounts for large wedding parties such as these (we are planning to contact someone at selloffvacations.com and maybe agent at Flight Centre). Anyone out there that's had to plan a DW with this many guests? Recommendation on places/locations that will be able to accomodate? Thanks!! Darlene and Manoj

I love the strapless satin also... it's very classy... the babydoll is very cute, but I'm not a fan of the skirt... looks a little curtain-y to me? just my humble opinion.

I love the Pashmina idea with the custom tags!! So unique, useful, and something that will be used and remembered!! can I steal ideas here?

Thanks Tammy! Since my background is Filipino, our Catholic ceremony custom includes spanish traditions like the coins (arras), veil and cord, candle lighting, and having "sponsors". I've heard that they have this tradition in Mexico as well - I'm assuming that this would be part of the ceremony, or would I have to request this specifically as most tourist couples wouldn't have this in their wedding. My other question to couples who have the Catholic ceremony - because it's not recognized as a "legal" marriage in Mexico, what have you done to make it legal? E.g. have a JP do it also? Do a civil ceremony when you return home? thanks!

TammyM - I took a look at some pics at the Sheraton, and you're absolutely right, the place looks amazing - I love how the church looks. Do you happen to have any more pics I can look at of the church and the various areas where we can have a reception? Our main goal is PRIVACY during the ceremony and reception - no topless sunbathers walking by during the vows or any background scenery of people just lounging about. We want to have a "non-resort" atmosphere, if you know what I mean? Like the place is all our own. Am I asking for too much? Maybe some of you can recommend resorts that can provide this?

Thanks so much Kim!! I will definitely ask when i have questions!! My fiance also wants to join this forum...so keep an eye out for "salsa_groom!!"

Hi Glenda - we're still in the process of researching both. One advantage to Cabo, is that it is an easier place for guests to book all-inclusive trips there. Will keep you guys updated!!! In the meantime I'm still collecting information for both locations!

Thank you!! I'm starting to save all the documents re: price lists, etc from other forums - it's a good start!

Hello Cabo ladies - I have jumped here for a moment, taking a break in my Mazatlan wedding research... because all you beautiful Cabo brides have the most wonderful pictures and plans and are a WEALTH of information. I have to say Juan Carlos' pic alone are enough to want me to jump over to Cabo! My fiance and I talked on the phone last night at 3:30am as he tried to calm me down from my first mini-meltdown in wedding planning and we thought we would also do some research in having our wedding at the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas or maybe even the Riu Palace Mayan Riviera. My first question is in regards to Catholic ceremonies - how difficult is this to plan/organize in Cabo? Is this something that Riu palace there deals with regularly? To have ceremony in a church, then reception at the resort? Second question - how is weather in Cabo at the end of April? Third question - Any info on the quality of the food there and well, everything you can tell me would be fantastic. Sorrry, don't mean to make you repeat what you've probably already exhausted in other forums!! Thanks for your help and enthusiasm. This forum has been great!!

El Cid website is : El Cid Resorts | Mazatlan & Cozumel Mexico I'm having probs finding an official website for Torres mazatlan, I've just been getting their info from other travel sites. If you happen to come across an official website, let me know! Thanks! Darlene

Since I'm the first Mazatlan Bride here, I thought I would begin writing down my "learnings" and progress in the planning here for any future brides who plan to marry in Mazatlan. My fiance and I are planning for an April/May wedding in Mazatlan. This is when the prices for accomodations start to go down as they enter their slower tourist season. We have to make sure though, that we book AFTER Holy Week - as prices are at its premium during the Easter Season. Ideal time is probably late April into May. The weather I hear at that time is perfect. Not to hot, and not cold - if anyone hears differently, let me know!! I'm always concerned about hurricane seasons!! Ceremony: We will be having a Catholic Ceremony there - there is a large cathedral in the downtown area that would be beautiful, however, due to its location, it is not going to give any privacy as it can be a busy touristy area and may come with the problems of it being "downtown" (e.g. transportation there from the main resort strip, locals/tourists wandering on the grounds etc). There is a Catholic church that is within the resort vicinity (10 minute walk or so from the the Royal Villas resort) where an Irish priest can give the ceremony in either English or Spanish. Not sure of the name of the church yet or any other details. Reception: There are two resorts I'm looking at the moment for the reception. First one is El Cid Marina Beach Hotel (apparently they can provide shuttle service to and from the church). My girlfriend who lives there has been to a couple of weddings there and says it's a beautiful spot, where you can take a short ferry ride to a private reception area (ballroom - all glass, so you have a view of the ocean on all sides) and you can watch the sunset. The second resort that I've read as one of the most beautiful locations for a wedding is Torres Mazatlan (apparantly their grounds are amazing for photography). Catering: Since I'm flying guests in from Canada and other parts of the world, I would really like to provide an authentic Mexican meal at the reception. Going this route is much much cheaper rather than having the hotel provide it. My girlfriend has suggested a local catering company called Panama (for her casual party at home, they charged approximately $5 a head which includes clean up, utensils/plates, service - and the food is excellent!!) and they make the corn tortillas fresh in front of you!! For a wedding event, it will probably cost a little more, but even if it's double, who can beat $10 a head for a great authentic Mexican meal?? Hm that's it for now... will update as I learn more!!

Wow, such quick responses!! Glenda, a list of any vendors is a great start for me since I have nothing yet! I am planning to fly down to Mazatlan this Spring sometime to start the bookings and planning... so the more info I have to go down with, the better!! It will be a full week of meeting planners, vendors, etc.!! I'm curious to know what seasonal flowers will be available in April/May in mazatlan.

Hello all! This looks like a great site to help me get information on having a wedding in Mexico. Got engaged last November 13 in Negril Jamaica and now that the holidays are almost over, need to start planning! We are planning for a Spring 2008 wedding (April/May) in Mazatlan Mexico. One main reason is that I have a girlfriend that lives there that will hopefully be a great help to us. Also, we are not going the "resort wedding package" route... but I'm nervous and worried about getting guests there (from Toronto), securing suppliers (flowers, photography, etc etc). Anyways, can't wait to get started and hearing from ANYONE who has gotten married or will be married in Mazatlan. Thanks! Darlene