Amanda1520

Yes, the reception in the Pure Chill Out bar will cost you per person ( I think the prices are between $52-$59 pp). We had 28 people at our reception so doing it at one of the restaurants was out of the question. Either way you can't go wrong. I know alot of brides find it silly to pay the additional fee for the private reception, I kind of did to, but it is worth every cent and they do such an amazing job! It's great to see how they transform the PCB. Happy Planning! Quote: Originally Posted by josietoms So to get a private reception in the chill out bar thats when you pay the additional cost otherwise we can chose from a number of restaurants at the hotel? We travelled to the hotel a couple of years ago and my FI loved that bar!

Quote: Originally Posted by josietoms Thanks had a look through the older posts but unfortunately a lot of them have been removed from the relevant website. But i did get to see one, just wanted to see the set up. It all looks lovely. Also looking through older posts and what my TA said I am confused over the reception package re: the number of people for a private reception. There are 18 of us in total travelling from the UK and we def want a private reception - do you get a choice of where this is done or will we have to be in the main buffet restaurant? It just i cant email the hotel yet as it is too far in advance and hope one of you lovely ladies may be able to shed some light. The private reception is held in the Pure Chill Out Bar-which is a great location, it's right off the beach and spacious enough. They literally set up for the reception all day. We did the grill menu and I would highly recommend that. All of our guests said it was the best meal they ate during the trip. Hope this helps!

Hello Amanda, I completely understand what you are saying about Elena, I tried to express to her in a kind way my frustrations with her lack of communication. She really didn't seem apologetic, but I can assure you that when you get down there everything will be handled and done professionaly. I think they just do things differently down there and move at a slower more relaxed pace. Just take a deep breath and enjoy the last few weeks until your wedding!

Hi ladies, We just came back from our wedding and have a few items to unload. I have 30 Orange Satin Chair sashes, perfect condition. 30 Raffia fans that were tucked in the chair sashes and never used by anyone along with a few extra super cute beach bags. Our camera broke while in Mexico-word to the wise, be careful of sand getting in your camera. Please send PM or email [email protected] and I will send pictures. Selling chair sashes for $1 each, fans for .80 and beach bags for $2 each. Thanks!

DJ Mannia did our reception and I have to say they did an absolutely wonderful job! Luis was wonderful, they guys were at the hotel on time to set up the lighted dance floor and everything was done perfectly! Once the music began to play we asked them to slow it down a bit as they jumped right into the fast club music and our older guests weren't enjoying themselves. They did a perfect job of figuring out which songs to play and really did keep the dance floor packed until the end of the reception, at which point everyone shouted "uno mas", they complied and played one last song. If I could, I would have DJ Mannia do our reception back here! You won't be disappointed with them!

Hello ladies! So we just arrived back from our wedding at the Cat. We had 28 guests all staying there and everyone enjoyed themselves. If you've read reviews about the resort most of them are correct, the beach is rocky, the workers work tremendously hard and the grounds are gorgeous. The wedding itself was exactly what Josh and I envisioned and I couldn't be happier with the turn out. We did a private reception and they went above and beyond. It is well worth the extra money! We hired our own DJ (Dj mannia) and they kept everyone on their feet until the very end of the night, even causing the guests to chant "uno mas" at the end of the reception, they complied and played one final song. Ivan Luckie was our photographer, him and his wife are a fantastic combo! Her english isn't very good and I wish I knew spanish better so I could've been able to communicate with her better. None the less she had incredible ideas and combined with Ivan's artistic eye they are a great package. Any questions feel free to ask! But, I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed with the Catalonia. Josh and I did have a couple bumps along the way once we arrived and despite those we still wouldn't have changed a thing.

I'm confused-did I contact you about the raffia fans some time earlier? If so, I didn't remember and leave today for our wedding. Sorry about the confusion.

I have exactly 30-we are leaving this Wednesday for our wedding and I fully intend on bringing back the fans and selling them. PM if you're interested in purchasing them when we get back, which is Tuesday March 9th. Thanks, Amanda

Hi ladies! We leave Wednesday for our wedding at the CAT, we can't wait! Question for you brides that have done a private reception how did you guys set up your payment? I'm trying to avoid using debit cards as I don't want to pay the 3% international fee. We also are using Ivan Luckie so I'm happy to hear that he was pleasant.

Ivan! Nice to see you on here! Wonderful pictures of your friends' wedding. Josh and I will be in Riviera Maya in just 8 short weeks and are so excited to have you there to capture our big day! Your work is truly remarkable!

Quote: Originally Posted by Meyer2010 Great info Amanda, thanks! We have 6 weeks to go and I'm getting really nervous as we don't have a photographer yet. Ours fell through and now I'm scrambling! Does anyone have any suggestions ~ Erica Check out Ivan Luckie if you haven't already. We booked him for our wedding and his prices/photos are incredible. Good luck!

Hello ladies! As our wedding date approaches (March 6th) I am starting to put together all of the "little" things. For those brides that have been to the area do you remember if buying sand dollars and star fish are readily available? I am tying paper around them for our place cards and would rather buy them there versus putting another thing in the suitcase. Thanks a bunch!

Hey ladies- Just wondering what you guys are doing for centerpieces? Do you know if they provide you with them if you have a private reception? I'm really hoping I don't have to haul centerpieces all the way there. Also, I am wanting to have a pinata at the reception, can any of you recall seeing any near the resorts shopping areas?

Quote: Originally Posted by Meyer2010 Hey Cat Brides!!! Let's get some chatter going! I just got the 2010 wedding package list. What perks is everyone getting? We are doing the Renewal of Vows ceremony ($399) but since we will have more than 10 rooms booked, we get it FREE!!! I wish I could post it but I don't have enough posts yet! ~ Erica I just got the prices as well. We are doing the Vows ceremony too, how did you find out that with 10 booked rooms its free? We have about 30 people attending so now I'm thinking that our package will be free. Does anyone know if the sand is hard where the ceremony takes place? I'm trying to figure out shoes for the Bridesmaids and don't know if I should have them get heels or not.

I finally heard back from Elena about the prices for bouquets and boutonnieres in case any of you brides are interested. She said bouquets start at $30 and bouts start at $5.

Hello ladies~ We paid for both the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmens shirts & ties. It will be part of their gift. We are also flying down a make up/hair stylist so no on will have to worry about that either for the big day, I'm just asking that they tip the stylist since we are covering the expense of the stylist's airfare. Hope this helps. I ordered the bridesmaid dresses from J.Crew and got a $225.00 for just $69.99, but make sure to act fast if you're ordering a dress from there. In my experience they change their sales and which colors are on sale pretty quickly.

Hi ladies! We are getting married on March 6, 2010 in Riviera Maya. I live in Chicago in the Lake View area. I would love to get together with you ladies when you decide to. Keep me updated on a date and place, I will keep checking the thread as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by CatBride09 Hi Amanda Wow the catamaran idea is brilliant, I would never have thought of that. Shame it’s so expensive. We are just having a reception at the PCB. As regards to videographer, we are using the same company for photos and video. They were recommended to me by a lady who previously married at the cat, I found her on Trip Advisor and have been chatting with her so I am only going on her opinion but she assured me they were great, here is the site http://www.mexicanweddingphotos.com/ She also recommended the hair and makeup lady, she is very expensive but for me hair and makeup is very important, she has been a pleasure to talk to. Doranna Hair Stylist - Freelance Italian Hair Stylist - Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya - Cancun - Tulum As far as I am aware the Cat has a hairdresser but no makeup artist I'm sure you will get lots of different recommendations from this site so just go with who you feel comfortable with Good Luck Sally Thanks so much for the info. I will definitely look into the hairdresser. Luckily I still have some time. Ivan Luckie is doing our photos and doesn't offer video at all unfortunately. So, the search begins for one. Thanks for your suggestions.

Quote: Originally Posted by koolatta Another quick question for those who had BM's: how much did you pay for their bouquets. I'm trying to organize the budget...yikes. Thanks!! (btw - no word yet on the flavors, they must be busy over there) I was wondering the same thing! Lately I have been dealing with Demetrio over at the Catalonia so I was going to ask him. He has been extremely helpful getting me prices for the reception and some other things I have asked for. I'll shoot him an email and see if I hear back from him!

Hey ladies! I have a couple questions, what have you guys done as far as a videographer does? I've been so obsessed with finding a photographer that I forgot about that. Also, I've been talking with Demetrio about renting out a catamaran, he got back to me with prices and oh man! The one that is right by the hotel is about $82 pp! that's more than the reception so I axed that. Do you guys have any ideas as far as a catamaran? Lastly, this may already be on here somewhere but what have you ladies done (or doing) for hair and make up? One of my bm's does hair but she certainly cant do all of us so I was thinking about flying down her friend that also does hair. If I pay for the flight it might be cheaper than hiring a local stylist. Let me know your guys' thoughts on any of the above Thanks~

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsPain2b Hey ladies, I am STILL having a nightmare choosing a photographer, everyone's seem fantastic but when I ask Elena and her team they never seem to have heard of them! Is this because they want you to use the Hotel Photographer perhaps? Anyway I am strongly considering Cecelia DUMAS, can anyone recommend her? I hear ya! We still haven't decided on a photographer. I haven't heard of the one you're talking about, but go with your gut instinct. The 2 in Mexico I have narrowed it down to are Octavio Montes and Ivan Luckie, then I have 2 from the states that I am meeting with to decide if we want to fly them down....decisions, decisions! Good Luck!

I have been emailing back and forth with Ivan, he is pretty good at getting back to you quickly. I'm deciding between him and flying someone out to Mexico. It's about a thousand dollar price difference. But, I'm with you Morgan, pictures are very important to me. I had to explain that to my fiance. Luckily he is on the same page as me now. Decisions, decisions. If we do end up flying someone out, I am forgoing the rehearsal dinner/welcome party and just asking everyone to meet at a bar in the hotel at a specific time so we can all get together.

Quote: Originally Posted by hulaqt One more thing - we did the Tulum Experience - zip lining, rapelling, cenote snorkeling and Tulum Ruins - 100 percent RECOMMENDED! Marcel was our tour guy and he was awesome!!!! You can book it at the hotel. That sounds awesome! I'm trying to find a fun excursion to bring all of our guests on the day before the wedding. Do you think this would be the type of tour everyone would like or something we should save for the 2 of us?

Thanks for the info ladies, this helps greatly. I will probably go with the private reception so we can have entertainment for our guests as well. Speaking of entertainment, the search is on for some good performers in Mexico. Any suggestions?

I will take the fans. Shoot me a PM and we can figure out shipping Thanks, Amanda