gingerlover36

I have a question...1st has anyone picked thier colors yet? If so what are you doing? AND If you have...do you plan to make your ceremony decorations/colors be the same as reception? I was thinking of doing two different looks but not sure if its a good idea or not

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Even though I wasn't married on the sand, I ended up getting wedges just in case. Nicole is right about the wooden aisle runner not running the length. A lot of brides get sandals for the ceremony and then change into heels for the reception. Yeah...I REALLY want to wear heels since I am just 5'3" but being a generally ungraceful and clumsy girl I think sandals will probably be the way to go. Just hate admitting to my mom she was right. lol

Quote: Originally Posted by Nicyx ok, here is a short list of 1 i did AGES ago.... lots have been deleted as they havent been around for months & months but are ALWAYS welcome back :-) Ive just added some of you on from the last few pages ******SORRY IF IVE MISSED ANYONE JUST ADD YOURSELF****** CeeCee76 - Sun Palace - 11 Jan 2011 fsuambs - Riu Palace Riviera Maya - 15 Jan 2011 Lindobride14 - Iberostar Paraiso Lindo - 22 Jan 2011 Linhy - TBC - 22 Jan 2011 josietoms - Catalonia Riviera Maya - 24 Jan 2011 cjb0arder13 - Azul Beach - 31 Jan 2011 xcitedbride - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum - 08 Feb 2011 Mischaka - TBC - 19 Feb 2011 barbiegirl 27 - Dreams Tulum - 2 Feb 2011 jrb - Riu Palace Riviera Maya - Feb 2011 gingerlover36 - Azul Beach - 26 March 2011 margin123 - Dreams Villamagna - April 2011 roxmysockz - Dreams Riviera Cancun - 08 April 2011 Nicola - Riu Palace Riviera Maya - 06 May 2011 michelle2011 - Barcelo Maya Palace - 28 May 2011 mexbride83 - Ceiba del Mar - 28 May 2011 bigboponthebeach - Azul Sensatori - 28 May 2011 diamondpooch - Barcelo Maya Palace - 28 May 2011 pinchem to roberts - Turks & Caicos - 28 May 2011 rosieposie - TBC - May 2011 erinbrooke124 - Royal Islander - 14 June 2011 peterpanpixiedust- Dreams Cancun - 18 June 2011 AishaB - TBC - 31 Dec 2011 WOW I COUNT 5 OF YOU FOR 28TH MAY!!!!!! :-) xox I added AZul Beach for me

Question for any brides who were married on the beach - were you able to wear heels? or is that just ridiculous?

Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Awesome! Have you decided on a photographer?? Not yet. My friend's bf opened his own photography business but isn't doing it full time right now. I looooove his photos but concerned with lack of experience doing weddings. Do you have any suggestions?

Hello I am getting married at Azul Beach on March 26, 2011!

thanks for the congrats everyone. seriously this site made me concerned b/c I remember the issue of the hotel not being able to accommodate all the guests. So I may have sent my save the date email out once a week and put updates on my facebook but looks like it worked out. hahha

Hello, I haven't contributed much since joining but I just wanted to let you girls know that I have officially booked Azul Beach for March 26th 2011. Its going to be a big wedding and we got clearance prior to booking but the fiance and I just fell in love with the intimatness (I think I made that word up) during our site visit. So far we have 34 rooms booked in about 3 weeks! I think I put the fear of god into my guests that the hotel was going to sell out if they didn't. But I must say that reading through everyone's planning journals, reviews, etc has been amazing! Really helpful! I am trying to get on the planning wagon now since we are 10 months our and i still don't have a dress but I am so excited!

Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb Has anyone seen the Sky Deck in person? I'm having my ceremony up there and was thinking about hanging 3 large antique picture frames from the wooden structure. (So it looks like there are paintings of the sky behind us.) Obviously I would want them to be behind us but not so far behind... maybe like 2 feet. Wasn't sure if this was doable. (If there's a middle beam in the wooden structure.) Also not sure if it would look weird because of the glass around the edge of the deck. I hope you can imagine this not sure if I am painting a very good picture. I'll be there next week...I will try to remember to take pics of it for you.

Quote: Originally Posted by lalanyc Oh boy, I've been meaning to upload my site visit questions sheet but here is an excerpt. We had a blank set of questions for each hotel, along w/ our little clipboard. They must have hated us! haha Dont forget to review their packages closely and push back on items you think are too expensive. Also, dont forget to take lots of PICTURES! Of course, we tailored our questions based on the information we had for each hotel but this could serve as a primer. Planners How long have you been a wedding planner? How many weddings have you overseen? Have you ever seen a wedding through a storm? What did you do? Will you be present on the wedding day? Do you work with anyone else? Who is your supervisor in case of emergencies? Would your role include directing people from cocktail to the people to dinner, etc? Whowould take your role in case of illness/emergency? Reception facilities What are the room/area options for reception? What is the maximum capacity of each reception area? Is there a fee to rent any area? How late can the reception go in each reception area? What is the rain plan? At what point in time can the reception be moved inside in case of rain? Days or hours before? Is there air conditioning in the reception area? If outdoors, is there air conditioning nearby? What does the physical set up look like? Where will dance floor go? Where is the cake and coffee placed? Where does the place card table go? How many people can dance floor accommodate? Where is the DJ set up? How is the DJ moved indoors if we need to change location after a certain hour? Where is the bathroom for the reception? Is it private for wedding guests only? Have hotel guests ever intruded on party? Will you provide an area for the bridal party to relax? Will there be any other receptions (wedding or other) during our wedding? Pictures Where on the hotel grounds do couples typically take pictures? Do you have photos we could view? Decor What décor comes with the reception? How flexible are you with décor? Can we provide our own decorations? What kind of lighting options are available? How much do extra items cost? (e.g., colored linens, lights under tables, etc.) What types of tables are available (rectangle, square, round)? What are your tableware choices, chairs, plates, table linen, etc? Would the hotel put out place cards and favors as well? Do you have pictures of different decorations/wedding set ups we can view? Servers What is the staff to guest ratio? How many servers during the cocktail hour? How many servers are there per table the day of the reception? Who coordinates/ manages the servers? What do the servers wear? Are they full time hotel employees or contractors? In what order are the tables served (i.e., is there enough staff to serve everyone at once or do waiters go in phases)? Is there a service fee for going late? Does the fee include service tip? Are there any additional fees we have not discussed? Transportation What transportation do the couple and guests typically use to get to the church (if applicable)? Can you provide transportation to/from the church? Are there taxis available for guests who do not stay at hotel? Other Do you have a backup generator in case electricity goes out? How does it work? Food •Set up Is the reception area set up prior to the cocktail hour or during? Do you provide glasses for champagne toast? Is this an extra cost? How far in advance is the food prepared? To order? 1 hour? •Reception dinner menu What are the courses for a 3 course meal? Is the first course a full appetizer or salad? Do you have childrens menu? How much would those meals be? Can you offer special order meals (vegetarian, peanut free) at no extra cost? Are there any foods in season that might be cheaper/better to use in dishes? •Cake What cake options do you provide (do you have "fake" filler cake options)? Is there a cake cutting fee in addition to the purchase of the cake? •Other How experienced is the chef? Will he be here a year from now? Do we need to order food for the on site vendors (photographer, band) or does the chef usually prepare extra meals at no charge? Bar •Cost What are the package options for bar service for the reception? For the cocktail hour? What liquor/beer does each option include? What is the rate for children? What age is the cutoff? Can we bring our own liquor? If so, what is the corking fee? Are there any additional fees (e.g., bar set up fee)? •Location Where is the bar set up for the reception? For the cocktail hour? How many bars will there be? How many bartenders will there be? •Time limits Is there a limit on how long we serve? Is there a limit on how late we serve? Is there a fee for longer or later service? •Other Can we do a specialty cocktail? Is there an extra cost for this? Is the champagne toast complimentary? Great list thanks! My fiance asked me if I wanted him to bring me a clipboard from work and I said DEFINITELY!!

just thought of another...what brands = top shelf liquor

Quote: Originally Posted by mykidsmomtx We are, unfortunately, not going to be able to do a site visit, but here are some questions off the top of my head that I feel would be pertinent: Review the actual venues Review "rainy day" venues (can't control the weather) Rooms/ammenities What decorations are included I'm sure there are a zillion others! Have fun and good luck! Thanks!! Good ideas!!

Quote: Originally Posted by carolina24 hi Here were mine when we went last year: Rooms--do we and/or the guests get upgraded because of the wedding? If guests are not staying at the resort, is there a fee for the day of the wedding (daypass)? Private Functions--how can we do a welcome dinner, rehersal dinner, farewell brunch? Do we reserve tables at a restaurant or do we pay per person for a private event? Photography--how long does it last, can we see examples of photogs work, how much is an extra hour? can we ask for specific shots (first kiss, ring exchange, etc)? When do we get the pics back? Music--what is included with the dj (dance floor, lighting)? is there music playing before ceremony (while guests are being seated)? do you provide a sound system for the ceremony (incase its hard to hear over the wind/waves)? Flowers--what is included in the package? when/how do i pick the bouquets? when are they delivered? can you design my bouquet from an inspiration pic? Ceremony--What is the wording? is it in spanish or english? can we change the wording or make our own? can people hear the ceremony at the location we choose (sound system)? is the location closed off or can other resort guests come and go as they please? how is the site decorated..flowers, flowy fabric, what type of chairs are used? Reception--What is on the menu? Can we change or modify items? Do we do a tasting? Can we choose the cake flavor, decoration, style? What locations are available for the reception? How is it decorated (flowers, lighting, table linens, centerpieces)? How many people per table/logistics? Where are the bathrooms? Is this a private area..wedding guests only? Beauty--What are the spa prices? Do we get a group/bridal discount? How far in advance to we schedule appointments? how many girls can you accomodate at a time? Wedding Package--can we exchange things (no video for extra photog time, etc)? do we get credit for things we dont use? can we bring outside vendors? is there a fee for this? RAIN PLAN--Make sure they SHOW you the different location options you can use if it rains. This was a deciding factor when we where choosing between 2 resorts!!! Hope this helps Wow so helpful!! THANKS! I just made a list!

who does that?! refuse service!! omg what a terrible person...ur wedding will be amazing though and ur friend will get there!! im sure the hotel wont mind adding the cost!!! ps i just spoke to Fabio...the menu for 2010 that is up only shows the pick and chose not the set menus which are still available and will be sent to brides when they book and the prices are relatively the same.

hey girls, I leave in 8 days for AS I am not sure if there any specific questions I should ask the WC? Any suggestions? I want to make a sheet with my questions typed up so I don't forget anything while I am there. Thanks!! ...and Renee its cold and rainy here in NY too .

Hello, I am going to a site visit in 9 days!! Woohoo! We will be staying at the Azul Sensatori and will check out 3 other resorts during our 4 night stay. I was just wondering if anyone could suggest some good questions I should ask the Wedding Coordinators? Anything in particular I should check out at each hotel? Thanks I appreciate it!!!

thanks to both of u!!

I have a question? For everyone that has done some DIY projects...Are you shipping anything down ahead of time or packing? I know I am so worrying about the wrong things right now esp since I haven't booked AS yet (but going in 9 days for visit!!) But I am for some reason obssessed with centerpieces. THinking should I do them myself ahead of time or use theirs...if I DIY then should I ship...would that cost outweigh doing it myself... Also...what does Siggy mean?? hahahha I have no clue.

ohh i love both...hhahha I found a good website for shells if you need one

WHOA the menu IS MORE EXPENSIVE. I just called my TA and asked her if she knew anything she said no...having her make a call to the hotel to see if she can get any info!

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd And the official answer is...... Wait, are you ready for it? No way no how are we getting the Blue Terrace! Because we haven't paid our balance yet (due Monday), nothing is considered "official." They consider us to have been in "negotiations" up until now and therefore feel they have the right to change or renege on promises made. We added it up and in total our party is paying over $24,000 just for the rooms. We will have almost 15% of the rooms at the resort while we're there. We helped get them to capacity, and now that they're operating at full capacity, we get screwed. There are not enough censors for what I'm feeling toward them!! WOW! That is awful! Have your fiance call maybe you guys can gang up? Or have your TA threaten to pull your guests maybe?

what are some of the TA's you all have been using? I read a post today that kind of made me go Uh ohh! Someone said that Destination Weddings really pushes Karisma hotels and I noticed that at first she was pushing me there and I said I thought it would be too expensive but my TA said no she didn't think ti would be out of my budget. I guess it doesn't matter because so far from what I have seen and researched I love the look of both AB and AS. But just don't want to think that my TA (who I happen to like) has "gotten one over on me" I guess that is just me being paranoid/silly though b/c if I am happy with my decision to check them out then I shouldn't care how or why I chose them. ok enough rambling sorry....

Quote: Originally Posted by Tammy Host have you seen what happens when the weight of this forum is behind a bride? that is something to consider when thinking about using a TA from BDW...not only are they experienced in destination weddings (many of us ARE former destination wedding brides) BUT we all have great releationships with the resorts. we are one of the few companies working with the resorts to hold webinars, etc. Tammy Do you recommend getting a price quote through BDW and another TA? I am currently doing a "scouting" trip in 2 weeks through DW but my fiance contacted another TA and he made some good points and has requested that we let him quote our wedding once we decide. Also on another note I have had a good relationship with DW so far, but I had used her in booking a friends wedding so I knew she was good prior to starting up with her. Since the specialists there are from all over I think its most likely hit or miss.

hi celina What made you switch to AB? I am going in 2 weeks to Azul Sensatori and Azul Beach to check them and two other hotels out. Can you tell me what you really liked about AB? thanks and congratulations!!!! ~ Meghan Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 Hi fellow 2011 brides-to-be! I know I posted back when this thread first started, and I had said that we were getting married in Puerto Vallarta...but, well, we changed our minds and are now getting married in Puerto Morelos at Azul Beach! Our wedding day is 1/31/2011 (a Monday) so we'll probably head over the Thursday or Friday before, stay 7 nights at Azul Beach, then go to Cozumel for a week for our honeymoon. To say I'm excited is an understatement! I'm so glad to be booked, and our wedding day is less than a year away. I know it's gonna flyyyyy by. Lots of decisions to be made still. Oh! And I bought my dress in October, too...it just came in last week. I'm so in love with it. I want to lose at least another 20 pounds (though 30 would be better) but it's a corset back so I should be able to tie it up tighter if I reach my goal. Here it is: Looking forward to reading about all your wonderful plans!

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert ok, so here are the pics from the photographer. www.frommert.com/wedding andrea and I are at the end of the slideshow. Enjoy! Your wedding looked AMAZING!!!! I am getting so excited...site visit in 20 days!! How was the beach? I have heard its on a reef so it might be rocky in the water and all that. But how did you feel the actual beach was? Thanks!!