Eureaka

Cancun09 - So exciting that you will be leaving next week! We were scheduled to leave on the 29th, but due to our flight being canceled and moved 2 hours late we are thinking of switching to the 28th. I can't believe you have 117 guests coming! That is wonderful! I'm sure you will have a unforgettable time!

Unfortunately I do not have another link for making a receipt. Luckily I saw the head's up on here and having been keeping them all. If you can't find one, I would think just typing it all out in word (or whatever program you use for the MAC) and break down the cost of the items in each bag and then state how many bags you have.

Good luck!!!

Tina - I am sorry to hear about the iPod set up!! I wonder why it wouldn't connect? We have iPhones, but they said that they should be alright. After reading this I'm thinking of taking our laptop that has the capability of burning CDs just to be on the safe side. Hopefully they will give you more of a refund! Just remember, when it all comes down to it - your guests had a good time and I'm sure danced the night away I can't wait for your review!

Nibsmom - Whoohoo! Glad to hear the traveling went well and that you arrived safely! I am using the Traffic Tours company for our transfers so thank you for the reassurance! Best wishes for an amazing wedding day!

MrsGin09 - I'm sure the ballroom will be nice! You will enjoy the AC! We are having our cocktail hour on the Bugambilias terrace and then dinner at the Arrecifies restaurant. We aren't having a private reception since it's only 17 of us and we are having a formal AHR on August 28th.

Hi everyone!

It was quite a busy week/weekend so I feel like I haven't been on forever.

Tina - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your wedding day! I can tell from reading your posts that you put a lot of effort into your planning and it is always nice to hear when things run smoothly!

Nibsmom and Honey - Best wishes for a wonderful wedding! I'm sure it will be amazing and I can't wait to read your reviews.

Nibsmom - I'm sorry to hear about the eBay incident. My FI lives off of eBay and it's no fun when things don't work out. I'm sure whatever you decide will be perfect! I have had weird wedding nightmares here and there, but I'm finding that it's getting more and more difficult to fall asleep. I feel like I have "to-do" lists floating around in my head!

I had my shower yesterday and it's officially setting in that time is running out FAST!!! I am currently in the middle of a flight issue which is no fun. We received an e-mail on Thursday (yup.... less than 3 weeks before our departure) that our 7:40 flight has been canceled. We were rescheduled for the flight 2 hours later, but I'm stressing because we were already cutting the "3 day rule" close. I e-mailed the resort and they have reassured me that it won't be a problem. My FI thinks it's a good excuse to leave a day early, but I'm not so sure about that. Guess we'll have to see....

I found the wording I'm using for the sand ceremony (whoohoo!) Now I just have my final fitting (Thursday), music, and jewelry which I'm being super indecisive about!

Thanks for the input Tracy! I hope your AHR went well! I find myself "stressing" about the AHR, but really looking forward to actual wedding at the MP! We are going to have 18 guests there so it will be nice and small. Hopefully everything will run smoothly!

Just an update - I finally heard back from my on-site! Wahooo! I have gotten two e-mails in the past two days. Marlyn helped me out (once again!) I'm slightly frustrated because I requested the Tucan gazebo and didn't get it, and tried to switch my dinner reservation and they said no. I'm definitely going to keep at it, but I'm really trying not to be too pushy in hopes that it will help once I get there. Next on the list, figuring out sand ceremony wording and music.... hmmmm...

Tina - SO happy to hear that you are there and enjoying yourself!!!!!!!! That is absolutely fabulous! Best wishes for a wonderful stay at MP! I can't wait to get there myself!

I hope US Air doesn't give me grief about the wedding dress. We have a direct flight so it's going to be all or nothing! My guests will be there 2 days prior, but I'm a little nervous about the 3:00 thing. We get there 3 days prior, but our flight get in around 10 something. They are 2 days prior, but their flights were the later group (arriving around noon). Here's hoping for a smooth flight schedule on those days!!

I really need to start thinking about music. I'm super stressed with the resort right now. I STILL haven't heard back from my on-site (e-mail June 22nd). I sent Maribel another e-mailing asking what I need to do to get this problem resolved. It's getting to the point where it's not just frustrating, but it's becoming a problem. Yikes! Not sure how I feel about what is to come if this is how communication is going. I took Tina's advice though and hopefully I'll get a phone # for contact. I also like things in writing though.

Tina - It is adorable that you two will have two separate anniversaries! Twice the celebrating each year. Congratulations!!

Honey - Best wishes for a fun day at your legal marriage here in the states.

I was also nervous about the witnesses, but like Nibsmom wrote, I had it marked down that they need to be there 2 working days prior to the wedding. Luckily our parents are booked to fly in exactly that (we are exactly 3 days!). Fingers crossed, everything will work out. I was hoping that this would be one way to include them into the ceremony.

I'm starting to get frustrated with my on-site. I know I need to be patient, but it has been 8 days since I've e-mailed her and no response. ARGH! I e-mailed Maribel as well a few days later and no response from her either. I feel like 8 days is a lot considering we are leaving in less than a month!!

pyxystyx - I would also suggest contacting the weddings department. My contact in FL was able to clear things up for me. If you booked through the MP, I wouldn't see why it was a problem unless things have now changed with the new packages. I booked August 08 (old package) and I am able to do room nights OR rooms. If you booked through another TA, they might have different deals with the MP which could cause the freebie rules to change a bit.

Does anyone have the list of food you can have served at the cocktail hour? I really thought I had this, but I think I might have deleted by accident when I was going through e-mails.

Thanks!

Tina - Have you heard when you will be having your on-site meeting? I e-mailed my on-site (Ana Margarita) asking this and have not heard back. I'm hoping it is the day after we arrive? Also, when are you returning from your vacation? I know that you have been a very active member on the forum and I'm looking for to your review for any last minute suggestions.

Nibsmom - I'm sorry to hear that they are still not giving in to the rectangular tables. To be honest, I don't get why they aren't! I would say keep at it, but if you are unable to get them don't stress about it. Like you said, you don't want to be unhappy at the reception, but at the same time if you end up with round tables, don't let it make you upset! Also, when are you returning from the wedding? I leave the 28th.

On another note - has anyone heard what the occupancy rate is currently like? I know during the heat of the "swine flu" everything went drastically down. I'm wondering if it is still low or is more back to normal? I'm not sure which I'd rather!

Nibsmom - This was sent to me from the Moon Palace. One of the set ups has a rectangular set up. Not exactly what you mentioned, but it's not circular. Maybe they could do a "U" set up or just add another table? Thought it might help since it's a document from the resort.

Another decision I'm stuck on.... Right now I have our dinner at Barracuda as it's the only restaurant listed as not buffet and will hold 18 guests. After reading some reviews I'm considering switching to Arrecifes since it's sounds like the only buffet part is going up to get a salad.... Any suggestions as to which is nicer? Also, does any know if Arrecifes is air conditioned? That might be a winner right there if it is.

Morgan - Thanks sharing the pictures! I absolutely LOVE the ones on the wall overlooking the ocean!!!

Moon Palace Reception Areas.pdf

One more quick question - What is everyone's thoughts on the tours? I'm usually a "hang out at the resort" type of person, but I'm thinking I should take advantage of the included tours. I would really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from past or future MP brides.

Thanks!

Yay! Just got back from my dress fitting. I'm happy with how things are going so far. I think I'm going to switch up the head piece. My original plan was to have a side comb with some crystals, but tonight I tried on a different one that is more tiara-ish and I surprisingly liked it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by honey740 I was told today to get David as the photog I have to upgrade to the 820.00 package...I have to decide if I want to do that. What are you doing Tina?

July brides - You all are getting so close! You must be so excited! Your posts are certainly getting me motivated!

I'm also stuck with the photographer idea....I have looked at the packages, and I don't see one that is set up with what I want. I would like an hour prior to the wedding for getting ready pictures, the ceremony, and then about an hour afterward. I'm not super stressed about getting pictures at the "dinner" since we are having an AHR at the end of August. I also don't need an album since I'm hoping to put together Mexico pictures and the AHR into one. Hopefully they will work with me.

I sent an e-mail to my on-site (Ana Margarita Jimenez ) with a list of questions and haven't heard back about them yet. I was waiting for a response to send the photographer questions, but am getting a little nervous. I also saw that one of the brides on the forum had her and they said that they didn't see her until 20 minutes prior to the ceremony and that she was new. Hopefully this will be resolved as it is a few months later. Maribel was so wonderful that I think her quick responses spoiled me. I have considered e-mailing her about the photographer situation even though I have been assigned my on-site to figure it out and get it into my file!

We leave in a little over a month!! I can't believe it!

Hi everyone!

Just thought I'd send a quick hello! I haven't been on here as much. End of the school year is always a busy time for me!

Good news! The FI has ordered his suit for the wedding! One more thing off the list! I think we have finally come to a final number which means we are a good to go for dinner. We are at 17, leaving us with only Barracuda (outdoors) for dinner since we are only doing the included dinner. I'm hoping this is a nice restaurant that has a selection to please everyone.

I am not doing decorations for the same reasons you all have mentioned! 1. No space in suitcases! 2. Hoping for natural scenery to help us out in this area!

One thing I do have to decide on/organize is the sand ceremony. My plan is to have guests place a shell into a hurricane vase as they enter the gazebo. Then during the ceremony we will add our shells right before pouring sand over them. I really want to use the sand right from the MP beach, but have read mixed reviews about taking the sand back into the states... I really would like to use natural sand instead of the colored though... Thoughts?

My last day for the school year is Friday so I'm hoping to do some serious finalizing of things next week between training sessions. If I don't get to it, I'm trying not to stress over it. Easier said than done though!

kmac - I know what you mean! As things get closer I keep thinking of stuff to do.

I'm not planning on using the DJ there. We are having an AHR and will be having one there. My FI is picky with the music so he will have some input in this area. I am the complete opposite b/c I can listen to pretty much anything! Another suggestion is to google wedding play lists to get some ideas. I got a "Destination Weddings for Dummy's" book (haha!) when I first thought of this whole DW idea and they give suggestions for some destination-type songs in there.

Thanks so much for posting the detailed review! I noticed that your flowers were Gerber daisies - I'm having them also! I loved your bouquet! I'm hoping to have the flowers incorporated into the cake as well since I'm having the "free" package and then just adding on. Thanks again!

August 1st is at 7:26pm

Camie - Thanks! This is awesome!

Tina - The only reason I'm thinking Tucan will be cooler is because the chapel has the glass, which is nice, but prevents the ocean "breeze" (probably more like wind tunnel) from coming in. I would just prefer Tucan over the Bugambilia since it is the closet to the Grand Moon section as this is where we will be staying. It will be a hike otherwise, but one we will be making if needed!

What is everyone's thoughts on make up? I'm fine doing my make up day-to-day, but not super confident in doing it myself for the wedding. I've been reading mixed reviews on the website. I was just wondering what everyone was thinking in this department...

Camie - You totally rock! Thanks for the dress suggestions and that list is awesome! It's nice to hear a "brides" perspective. I'm also a 5:00, but the wedding isn't until August so I believe the sun sets a little later? I mentioned to my mom (big mistake) about possibly getting married legally here in the states to avoid blood tests and that nonsense and she was very against it..."What is the point of even going to Mexico then, etc." but I'm still thinking about it. We are not having a religious ceremony, but I feel like it would be easier this way. I'm wondering if I could pull it off without anyone knowing?

Not so fun news - I just heard back from Maribel and I am unable to switch my gazebo location. The Bugambilia Gazebo was my last choice and both others are booked. I'm going to request again to have it noted on my file that I would like one of the other gazebos and hope that something switches. I'm leaning towards the Tucan with the heat problem and my FI. Fingers crossed!

Hey girls! Things have been pretty crazy around here so I haven't been on for a while. I'm still unsure about what to do for the gazebo... I really like the fact that the chapel has the water surrounding it and the pews, but my FI does NOT do well with heat!! Our wedding is 5:00 August 1st so the summer sun will be hitting it all day. He is going with the Mexico wedding since it's what I want, but I'm starting to rethink the chapel due to the heat factor. I had e-mailed asking to be switched, but now I'm not sure.. Hmmm

As of right now we are looking at around 15 guests, so we are going to be a small group. I'm starting to try to think of how I want to schedule the day. I'm thinking wedding at 5:00, followed by pictures, cocktail hour (or two!) and then just the included dinner from the package. We are staying 10 days ourselves so I am anticipating the free cocktail hour. During our original planning I was thinking of a private reception, but I have convinced myself otherwise since we are having a formal AHR Aug. 28th. Any suggestions for the location of the dinner for 15 guests? I would like to avoid buffets as I would feel silly walking up to a buffet in my wedding dress! However, as mentioned about my FI does NOT do well with heat so AC is basically a must.

Tina - I also asked for David Pena and they said the same thing. I'm hoping that it isn't a problem once we get there. I'm not sure whether or not you would be able to do the pay by the hour thing.

Time needs to slow down a bit!!!