bshortzie

Congrats!!! I am so happy for you both. I can't wait to hear all the details your wedding. Post some pics too! I am glad you liked your reception on the Terrace. I have viewed pictures and the fire pit looks very cool. Were there construction walls up around the pool before you left? Was it an eye sore? We were also worried about overcrowding around the other pools. We are leaving on the 25th.

I forgot the name of the terrace but it starts with a B. You have to go through the hotel and up the elevator to get there. It looks pretty in the picture. I just wasn't expecting all of this 2 weeks before the big day!

Hey Westin Brides, Just wondering if you were informed this week that the main infinity pool will be closed for the the next "few weeks" due to a leak. This has also caused them to close La Playa resyaurant, where my reception dinner was supposed to be held. They have moved me to a terrace, which I am fine with. However, my fiance is freaking over the pool issue since it was their largest and now may cause crowding, as well as an eye sore. Did anyone know about this abd if so, for how long?

You have done a wonderful job. Everything looks beautiful. I love your ring!

I am glad things are going well for you!! Things are moving along here. I still have an undecided guest and one who broke up with her boyfriend and doesn't know if she can afford to come now. I can always add them on so I guess I'll keep them out of my count for now. Less than 8 weeks to go! What did you mean when you said only one sound system listed? AR eyou getting 2 for the $200? I was wondering how the system was going to get from my ceremony on the beach to the patio of La Playa for dinner...

I contacted another wedding planner who is helping with the legal part of our ceremony and she said it was best to use who the Westin offered. I only want live music for the ceremony anyway. We got the A/V system so we can use an Ipod for the rest. I am bringing my own photographer and the issue of fees for that never came up.

Thanks for the info. Now I have a better understanding and can try to figure this whole thing out!

I was wondering if anyone is hiring their own musician/DJ and was asked by their hotel resort to pay a $150 musician's union fee for bringing in someone on their own. I person I was going to hire is from Cabos. I just don't understand the whole situation...

Anyway... I had a question to you all about open bar? Are you all using the full domestic, or are you doing a specialty drink, or how are you working this? When I received the 2007 banquet menu they had this basic bar, and it was so affordable, and they took it out for 2008. I told Lorena, this is what we wanted because we really just need the basics, nothing fancy, and she told us the domestic or high end bar are our only choices. I'd be happy with just beer, wine, margaritas and soft drinks. This was a tough one. We actually sat down and calculated the max number each person would drink and decided it would be cheaper to do by consumption. What you can do is remove the premium selections (or other things you don't want) from the bar menu so they are not an option for people to choose. We have a few things we are going to take off so that will cut down the cost significantly.

I guess my set up is like #3 but I am not using the flowers. I am getting 2 bags of rose petals through the Westin, either both orange or one orane, and one yellow, depending on what I can get. Are you thinking of ordering silk rose petals or real ones? I have heard so many stories of people trying to bring live flowers into Mexico and they were immediately taken away. I thought of the silk petal idea but being that it is right in front of the ocean, I did not want to risk any blowing into the water or getting mixed into the sand (I'm thinking environmentally!). I know the prices can be expensive but sometimes it may be worth it just for the guarantee and lack of headache. After the reception (actually dinner for us), we are going to go over to one of the bars in the hotel that Lorena told me was open until 1 AM and could accomodate us.

I am not using the bamboo sticks either. I have requested tiki torches since we are doing it at sundown. I am having chairs with white covers and coral bows. There will be a white runner with rose petals and I will have a Chuppa made of bamboo and flowing white fabric, with a few gerber daisies. There will also be a table up front.

Is kelli castineiras from the Mex Sum salon?

I had contacted the mariachi trio that was listed on previous threads: Mariachi Los Cabos Internacional [email protected] When he gave me the quote of $350, I emailed him back and said a fellow bride was recently quoted $150. He told me the prices have been the same since last year and $150 would be for 1/2 hour or so which they do not contract for. So, I guess I am sticking with my IPOD plan. We are getting a rechargable, cordless player so we don't have to deal with a plug. When I asked Lorena how much an extension chord would be, she quoted it for over $200. Can you believe it- for a flippin' extension chord! They get you for everything...

I am having a 3 tier chocolate cake with berry filling. Maybe that's why its higher but I will email Lorena. Lorena always asks what I envision or what I want and then she will find it. I guess she doesn't understand that sometimes price dictates decisions and I too would rather see some options to choose from. I tis definitely tough planning a wedding in Mexico over email from NJ. I have to figure out the hair and makeup as well. Did you really hear bad reviews about the Westin salon?

You can call your airline and make arrangements with them. If not, bring it on the plane and ask them to hang in the first class closet.

I think having a few special drinks available or doing beer/wine with a signature drink would be okay. People do pay a lot of money to attend and celebrate with you. This would cut your costs but be enjoyable.

Congrats and best of luck!

It's great that you're starting your research now. I have less than 3 months and I wish I had found this site months ago!

This is a wonderful resource. I've learned a lot already! Best of luck with your planning.

Welcome to the forum. Best of luck with your plans!

Welcome to the forum. Best of luck with your planning!

Hi Melina. Welcome from a fellow Jersey girl!

Hi Stacey. Congrats and good luck with everything!

Stephanie- I find it funny that you were quoted $5 a person for cake. I was quoted $8! I have to find out about that one... Barrie

Maura, Forgive me but as a "Newbi", I am unsure of what "pm" is. Can you let me know. I would love to see the list from the salon you are using. I think in general, it seems to take some time for them to get back to all of us. Lorena has been pretty good and only disappeared once for about a 2 week period. I was stressin' when I couldn't get a hold of her. Are you having a hair trial done or just bringing pictures?