Lian Marie

Yes, it's pretty normal for locations to ask for a non-refundable deposit and most contracts contain a clause that states they are not responsible for various things including acts of god. If for some reason you have to cancel or move your date some places may work with you and allow you to apply you already paid deposit but it's not a guarantee. There actually does exist Wedding Insurance if you are really worried. I'm not sure how much it costs and the rules pertaining to Destination Weddings but you can look at Wedding Cancellation and Liability Insurance online provided by WedSafe for more info! - L

Have you considered hosting your wedding at a location other than an All Inclusive? There are several beach clubs that are very accommodating for weddings and they usually will hold lots of guests and will work with you on meeting your budget needs. Plus they have very few restrictions if any at all for time of day, type of music, locations, etc and you can bring in any type of vendor you wish. I know some hotels only allow their own photographer, flowers, cake, etc...just a thought!

Do you have their contact info? e-mail and phone? That would be a good contact for me! - Thanks!

I think its a cute idea. If you are concerned that it will take away from the actual reception you might consider using it for one of your events before the wedding such as the rehearsal dinner or if you're having a meet and greet. I haven't used it yet, but I am checking on prices right now for one of my weddings, I will let you know what I find out.

I use Maria from FlorMaster. She does amazing work. She doesn't have a website but I can send you some pictures if you want. She also uses this gazebo/tent arrangement with a white aisle full of rose petals for the ceremony on the beach. For her prices she gets an idea of what you are looking for and the type of flower and then with your budget in mind she makes an estimate and does a great job!

Make up is especially important for the pictures. I have a guy in Playa that did my make-up for a photo shoot and it was great! I have never once liked my make-up when I have gotten it "professionally" done throughout the years so I was really nervous with him, but when I finally got to see the mirror I LOVED IT! It looked very natural and great in the photos. He is only charging $60 USD. If you want to see pictures let me know.

Hi Matt - soooo very beautiful your story - I love this forum! And it's good to know that even the professional photographers do the whole "take a picture of me taking a picture of you" thing Hope to meet with you soon! L

Hi there. I worked as a concierge for a while in one of the hotels here and I faced this questions MANNNNY times....you shouldn't drink the water from the faucets - noone does - not even locals. But it is okay for bathing, brushing your teeth, etc... everywhere you go bottled or filtered water is used. A trick to be 100% sure your ice was made from filtered water is there will be a whole or indention in the ice! But, it is more or less inevitable that someone will get sick - be it from the food, water, or ALCOHOL. You can visit your doctor and tell them you are going to Mexico. Usually, they will prescribe you an antibiotic, usually Cipro, which is a miracle drug down here. The second you feel sick you can take one and within the day you should feel better. (You can also find it here at the pharmacies without a prescription.) Hope this helps! L

Hi there. I am a wedding coordinator in the area and I work a lot with the Acanto Hotels here in PdC. It is a smaller hotel with 7 rooms (holds about 28 people) and then you have the whole hotel rented out to you and your guests! If you are having more guests there are several nice but less expensive hotels in the area. Of course, you'd have to check the rate and availability for you dates...but it is an option to explore. Acanto Hotel & Suites - Acanto Boutique Hotel - Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya - Eleuthera Bahamas - in the Caribbean between Cancun and Tulum in Mexico good luck!

edited by host lian, this is your second warning about spamming. please read and agree to the vendor rules.

You can also look into doing a day trip on a catamaran and go snorkeling. Or you can go deep sea fishing.

deleted by host. Lian, please read the vendor rules. no soliciting/spamming

Hello all! My name is Leanne and I am a wedding coordinator/consultant here in Playa del Carmen. We are an indenpendent services outside of all the large resorts and my goal is to give you a more personalized and custom destination wedding! If you are interested please visit my website at Mayan Riviera Weddings or send me an e-mail. Congratulations and good luck!