murmel

HAPPY NEW YEAR LADIES!!! Best wishes for 2017 :)

Hello Ladies! 

 

I am working on planning my August 2018 wedding. After a few life changes we are now considering a new resort. We are trying to decide between Azul Fives and Azul Sensatori. Can anyone tell me why they decided to go with Azul Sensatori as their resort? I am working on my research and all responses will be appreciated.

The food at Sensatori is amazing! That was our main reason for choosing this resort.

Did anyone have any issues with the number of offsite guests? When I did the room block, it was only for 20 rooms. And the rooms that were blocked were the standard jacuzzi rooms. I was told that each room has a max capacity of 3 guests per room even though they have double beds. On the site, it states that a minimum of 80% of the guests must be staying at the resort in order to host a wedding there. The rooms are all booked so my guests have had to stay elsewhere. Even though I've encouraged them to stay at the hotel, I can't FORCE them to stay there. 

Do your guests want to stay at the resort? Often the rooms are sold in blocks to other travel agencies/tour operators. So even though it says the hotel has no rooms, that is not necessarily true. You can try www.sunwing.com (under the hotel section for room only), Apple vacations, and/or ask your travel agent to look into finding more rooms. If you can't get any more rooms, try negotiating with them ahead of time to waive the fee. Usually guests are permitted into the resort for the day of the wedding (as long as you are paying for a dinner/private event. If you are doing the free wedding package and included dinner, you may have to pay a fee). However, that is based on the 80% rule of your guests staying onsite.

@@kat5849

Welcome! This forum is amazing resource to help plan. Azul does have a great kitchen which is willing to arrange special foods for dietary restrictions. (we had some with nut allergies and a vegan). I realize it's not the same, but the chefs took their time to find things to make everyone happy.

Please read the official forum for other tips and info about the resort.

www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/

Ladies who have been to Azul, can you fill me in on the lighting situation at the Palapa Yoga at night? We've confirmed this as our reception location and I'm wondering about string lighting above (since they're on clearance now!) I'm not sure if I can get away with warm glow bulbs, or if I need bright bulbs to make up for a lack of lighting... Any insight would be helpful!!

 

TIA!

Not really sure about the lighting, but if there is any it is limited. The warm glow bulbs will give you a lovely romantic feel, and often people have placed tiki torches around the area to help. Remember there is not much to string the lights to over the beach area...(ie. poles or palm trees). So you may not be able to have as many lights strung above the area as you may want.

I have also updated the Bridal roll call with the couple of new ladies who have joined us! Welcome!

Any 2017 Azul Sensatori brides out there?

Check out the Bridal Roll call list to see upcoming brides on the forum: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/page-2

Sarahjayne07- there are a few photos of "beach building 3" on the Official thread. It's just listed as the "beach location". Unfortunately the photos are from an evening event, so a bit difficult to get a real feel for it.

If I remember correctly, there is a stone ramp leading down to the beach on the right side (if you're standing in front of building 3 looking to the ocean). They set up an area, between the palapa beds and on the sand.

Did any of you use something other than numbers for your tables such as names of beaches, Mexican cities, Mexican drinks, etc? If so, what theme did you have and what names did you use? Thanks!

We used places we had travelled to, as table markers. I printed a photo of us in those locations and placed on the table.

Hi Ladies! Congrats to all! I have a question. I'm getting married 1/21/17 at azul sensatori. Ceremony is at 6pm on the sky deck and my reception is at zocolo beach afterward. I have over 50 people coming and I want to make sure there is plenty of lighting for the reception. I asked if I could hang string lights etc and a pinata over head but my coordinator is saying I may need to rent poles to make this happen. That seems so crazy. Any thoughts or advice on this please? Thank you!

 

-Sarah

If you look at the Official thread, you can see some photos of Zocolo terrace...not sure what location Zocolo beach is. If it`s the beach, there are some photos as well. Either way, both locations really only have a few palm trees around that they can possibly strings lights from. They may need some support around the edges to create the effect you are looking for.

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/

PS. Are you planning a sunset ceremony....6pm...I think sunset is about 615-630pm in January. The sun will be setting behind your guests.

sarahjayne07 - there are a few photos on the Official thread of all the sites for receptions. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/

Has anyone at Azul Sensatori used their "baby products".? I am told they have things (for a fee) like toys and monitors and such at the resort. But I can't seem to get a detail list of what these things are. We leave in 3 weeks so I am trying to determine what all I need to pack

 

Thanks!

 

Also if anyone has been to the resort with babies- is it ok to drink the milk? I am not sure if it is the same or not?

 

Thanks

 

 

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Sorry for the delay. We have traveled with our little one and here is what I can remember: ***I think everything was free of charge, but you might have to request it.

In room:

Crib, bottle warmer, baby monitor (so you can sit on the patio and hear your little one), stroller, baby bath, bottle sanitizer, fridge, microwave.  * if any of these items are not in your room when you arrive, you can request them. As well, if the stroller is not what you need, go to the kids club and exchange it for a different one

Around the resort: the restaurants all have high chairs available at the front doors, and usually a few small toys. The kids club has a small area with toddler/infant toys which you can sign out for a day/week for your little one to play with. The kids wading pool is about knee deep, and slopes in from the sides, so an infant/toddler can sit at the edge and splash (this area is also mostly in the shade)

Food: the restaurants all have baby food in jars (purees in assorted favours) (this is included in your vacation package). The milk is fine for the little ones to drink. We usually took a few bottles to the bars and had them fill them up with milk. Then we kept them in our room fridge. This saved us from having to run all over the resort last minute. You can also request milk through room service (keep in mind, it will be brought in a glass. So order in number of glasses of milk you might want)

Babysitting: the sitters are usually the staff from the kids club. We have never had an issue. We had the sitter come to our room and watch our little one so we could enjoy a quiet dinner. I think the price was $12 US/hour (but it's been a few years), as well after 11pm there is an extra fee to pay for their taxi home.

@violetasi85. The resort is sold out my week too! We have 22 rooms though so that's a lot.

 

 

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It doesn't always mean the hotel is sold out. Often rooms are sold in bunches to different charter companies, so they show the room as unavailable, but often it still is through a different agency. If you are looking for extra rooms, have your travel agent look through different vacation carriers.

Beautiful photos LoLoJabs!

@@MurphyKieffer, We were in the same boat. I love pictures, but there was no way we could spend over $1500 on a few hours of photo snapping. I uploaded a few pictures from our photographer to my profile on this site, but I'm not quite sure if I posted the link correctly (they're also out of order?)! Let me know if you don't see them on the gallery on my personal page

 

Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing. Your dress is just stunning and it looks like everyone had a blast.

Our Mexico wedding isn't until May 14th but we got married in the ICU in NJ right before my husbands father passed and had another ceremony for his Mom, who is terminally ill with Cancer and, sadly won't be in attendance in Mexico.

Have any of you ladies seen, done, or plan do do any type of memorial at your wedding? I was thinking an empty seat with flowers? Does anyone have any better ideas? I don't know what, if anything would be appropriate :,(

My father passed away many years ago, and similar to you, my mother is in a nursing home and unable to attend (we were married by a judge in front of her). For me personally, I didn't want to have a huge reminder that they were missing the day (it was hard enough to deal with loss), so I found someone who personalized a small photo charm of my parents on their wedding day and attached it to my bouquet. It was my PRIVATE way of including them, without drawing attention to it.

Perhaps since it is relating more to the groom, ask him. Does he want a public symbol or perhaps something more private? Perhaps a custom embroidered handkerchief with their names to slip into his suit pocket. An old fashioned pocket watch with their names on it. Cufflinks with their initials.

Hello,

I was just wondering how your free reception turned out since I am also going with the free always and forever package and I have some of the same concerns. Was the "Semi-Private" room really semi-private? Was it cramped? Boring? lol Im getting married in June and I haven't been able to get much information about the free reception. Thank you!! :-)

Check out the information on the official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/73076-official-el-dorado-royaleel-dorado-casitas-royale-thread/

I believe there are also some photos of the locations.

Thank you ever so much for the information. I just wished Sensatori did more of a package so everything wasn't as separate!!

Completely understand about the ocean but if we can find a nicer beach and just as nice hotel that would obviously be lovely. Just doing my research which I'm pretty sick of at the moment lol takes over your life a little doesn't it.

 

 

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Totally understand the overwhelming part! LOL There are lots of great resorts, just trying to find the one the offers the most of what you need is tricky. Some of the advantages to Sensatori- size (not to big or too small, just over 400 rooms), the staff and service is amazing (I travel A LOT, and it still is in our top 3), the food is fantastic (again, been to a lot of resorts and this is by FAR the best food we have ever had!), the wedding staff on site are really  good and professional (the Miami based ones that you have to deal with before you head down though are the pits), the airport is easy to get to from multiple locations and the resort is only 30 minute drive.

If you don't mind larger hotels, you can also check out the Dreams resorts or Grand Pallidium resorts in the area (the beaches are nicer, but they are hotels with between 800-1200 rooms). Or for adults only, Excellence is beautiful.

Do I need a runner/wooden plank thing for an aisle in the sand?

 

Amy- they supply the wooden plank aisle in the sand as part of the wedding package (no extra fee). If you want a runner/fabric on it, you would need to supply or rent that.

This is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm new to this so still trying to suss it out.

We have pretty much decided on the azul Sensatori hotel for our wedding. Not quite booked yet, as j wanted to fully do my research before hand. As I have been researching I have since found out of the so many extras that come with it all

Firstly we are having a very private intimate wedding, about 11 of us in total. All staying at the Sensatori. So we were trying to weigh up what's the most important things....

So as I have gathered we can't bring our own things for the wedding, if we do, there is a fee?

I also can't use my ceremony decorations for my reception dinner?? Like the flowers, chair bows, linen etc?

Is there anyone on here that also had a small wedding, if so what did you do after the wedding? I'm just trying to get the timing all straight and what the plan of action would be.

Is there any reviews of the resort photography companies?? Also what packages did everyone yet?

I'm also very very nervous about the beach at the Sensatori, yes I'm terrible and have been searching trip advisor from head to toe and have come across numerous reviews about the beach not being as lovely as Mexican carribean beaches should be, for example full of sea weed, churned up

Looking, full of rocks...have you all heard this too?? Obviously with having a beach wedding I want it to look pretty and the views to take our breathe away. We are hoping to get married in April 2017, anyone know of this would be a good month for the weather/rainfall?

Hair and make up costs?? And do you show them pictures what you'd like? Is the name up the style you asked for? Would very much appreciate anyone that could help out with my questions xx

 

 

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Not sure I will cover all your questions, but we'll try: first off please read the Official Sensatori thread, there is a lot of great information/help there: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/72018-official-azul-sensatori-thread/

- you can bring your own decorations to the resort, but will have to pay a CASH set-up fee directly to the wedding coordinators on site. This fee usually ranges from $75-150US (depending on how many guests and the amount of decor)

- you can use the SAME flowers at both the ceremony and reception. BUT you MUST specify this to the wedding coordinators

- they will NOT allow you to use the same chair covers/bows at the ceremony and reception. If you are doing a private dinner, the white chair covers are INCLUDED.

- after dinner, many people, with both large and small weddings will go up to the Mojioto lounge for dancing and live music.

-photography- please see the Official thread

- beach. The beach is quite narrow, but the sand is nice and in the last few years they have been adding new sand. So the beach itself for the wedding and photos is lovely. Going into the water, the ground is rocky and coral based....it's a dead coral reef which got push up years ago during a hurricane. (it's not their fault) And yes, there is some seaweed on occasion...please remember it is an ocean. The resort staff clean up the beach each morning, and just before a wedding to ensure it looks pristine.

-spa prices (I am not sure currently, I got married there 5 years ago), but the staff is very professional and as long as you bring pictures to show what you want, everyone seems pleased with their results. They will redo it, until you are happy! I would likely suggest more of an updo, since it can be windy.

- April should be lovely weather http://www.holiday-weather.com/cancun/averages/april

Hope that helps!

Hello All EDR 2015 Brides!!!

 

Can anyone shed some light on packing suitcases and getting thru Customs into Mexico with Wedding Decor / Gifts / OOT Bags / Silk Bouquets (if anyone did this)....?

 

Is the total still $300 per person allowed into Mexico as "gifts"  (Items you will not be returning with).  Or has this increased to $500 per person?  Do you have to "claim" these items on the forms they have you fill out on the Plane???

 

Did people pack all their receipts?

 

HELP PLEASE!!!!   All stories are welcome!!!

@@EriLu11

@@calgarybride2015

@@LoLoJabs

@@travelgal78

@@girlinthecity97

 

 

and Happy Wedding Day tomorrow @kfracassi

I don't think the dollar value has increased. Check out this forum for more details: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/4239-customs-in-mexico-declaring-wedding-stuff/

Hey Brides (& Grooms)

I would really like to do something a little bit fancier that Spoons for our rehearsal dinner and was hoping that we would be able to treat our parents, MC, the bridal party, and the MC's / bridal party spouses to dinner at Le Chique. In total this would be 16 people. Does anybody know if Le Chique takes reservations for groups that large? I assume if I tell the wedding coordinator that it is for the 'rehearsal dinner' that there will be an absurd fee associated with it so I am just wondering if when we get to the resort if I can call and make a reservation for that many people. Thanks!

Thanks

Just a heads up to those thinking about renting with Katy -- I contacted her and she was super informative and helpful, but will only be communicating with brides who are already booked until January 2016. She will begin taking new orders in the new year

Here is the info on Le Chique that I have:

Things to know:

1) adults only (18 +)

2) usually only serves groups of 2 to 4 (just the way the tables/restaurant layout)

3) as far as I know- they are unwillingly to make group reservations!

4) non-hotel guests are allowed to eat here (ie. make reservations and come into the resort, just for dinner)

5) they serve non-traditional plates of food. Do not expect steak and potatoes...it is a "molecular gastronomy" restaurant. This is a play on food using new techniques based in science and technology.

6) the fee for non-hotel guests is $150 USD/person

7) the fee for a hotel guest is: 8-9 courses $25 USD/person (does not include wine pairings). If you would like the wine pairings and 12 course menu the fee is $110 USD/person.

8) you must make a reservation through your concierge upon arrival and it cannot be made before you arrive (this does mean that on occasion it is difficult to get a reservation!)

9) dress code: Suggested business casual (ie. men- long pants, no flip flops. Women- sundress, nice pants, etc.)

Hope that helps! I personally am a huge "foodie". This is an amazing restaurant and one of the top places I have dined in, in the world. I can understand that people may not enjoy it as much, if they do not understand the work/science/artistry involved to create this meal. Please go in and have an open mind to the experience it will take you on!

The official restaurant website:  http://lechiquerestaurant.com/

Like the other girls mentioned, it also takes about 3 hours for dinner.

What color is the purple in the majestic flair package? Plum, eggplant or something else?

I would consider it a rich purple (think Crown Royal velvet bag)....here is a link to some photos. http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/MemorableMoments/

Hi Ladies,

 

Any helpful tips on how to travel with the wedding gown on an airplane?

 

Thank you

Make sure to have it in a dress bag, so no dirt can get on it. If possible before putting it in the bag, wrap it in white tissue paper, this helps reduce wrinkles and keeps small parts from getting tangled. Try to board the plane first and have the flight attendant assist you. If the plane has a front closet (most do NOT anymore), you can usually hang it in there. But most often you will have to fold it in half and place it in the overhead bin. If possible put your bags in first and gently lay your dress on top. That way it's on top and other passengers can't put their bags on top of your dress.

Hi all,

 

So I am just over a month away and trying to make sure I have not missed anything.  I was wondering about amps.  We are renting an amp for the reception to play our own music from and IPOD.  The miami coordinators did not answer me (I just sent another email) when I asked about if a cord is provided to connect the ipod and amp. 

 

Did anyone rent an amp/use their own music for the reception. How did it go? Anything I should know or bring??

 

Thanks!!

When we got married they had the cord to connect the ipod/iphone to the amp. It was the connection for an older version (iphone 4 or older), but they do weddings daily, so I would think they has an assorted number of connections to allow for different MP3 players, phones, etc. As far as I know, you are only required to supply the ipod/mp3 player. To make it easier for them, please label the songs (ie. bride walking down aisle, grooms song, dinner playlist, first dance, etc.).

@linaco80- LOL! I am always reading posts. Just not posting as much lately!

Congratulations @@Aliyedwinramirez!

Hi!  I am getting married at EDR in April '16.  I was so excited when I book this resort, but I have become incredibly frustrated as the planning has started.  The off site WC has been awful.  I don't get a response for weeks at a time…I don't even have a locations confirmed.  This is so stressful considering we are have over 80 guests booked.  Can anyone please shed some light on what to do?  Can I switch WC?  At this point I'm committed to the resort and I fear what lies in the months ahead

There is a phone number which you can call and try to speak with the manager to get a different WC. However, they are all rather slow. A few suggestions:

1) type an email with numbers to the questions. That way they can see more clearly, what they need to answer.

2) try to arrange a phone appointment/online chat. That way you have a set time and their full attention. (follow up the call with an email with the points you discussed for follow up)

3) almost all the brides have found that the WC become more attentive the closer your wedding date becomes. I realize that's not much help right now, but as the date approaches, they seem to respond faster.

@@Aliyedwinramirez - sorry to hear the planning has been difficult. The Miami based planners are horrible . So, first of all, directly following your ceremony a "wedding cocktail" IS included. They just have staff bring trays of a drink you have pre-selected to allow your guests to toast you and your groom. Talk to the on-site wedding coordinator for this.

After that, you could tell your guests you will be doing photos and just tell them to meet at bar "xxx" (Zocalo, Mojioto, etc). That way, your guests all go to the same place, but you don't pay a ridiculous fee. (My cocktail hour had maybe 3 snacks...most people didn't even see food. So not worth it) It also allows for guests to grab food if they want, relax, or freshen up in their room without feeling they are missing something official.

Hi Briana,

Funny enough Zocalo al Fresco is likely my favorite site LOL. I know the photos don't show that great, but it's a covered terrace on the back of the Mexican restaurant. You have an ocean view and there are fans in the ceiling to help move air if it's hot out. A bar is directly attached and bathrooms are close by. It is a very private location, which is an added bonus of being able to celebrate with just your guests. (i could not use the location since we had to many guests) For decorating, I would suggest nice table decor with some small lights/candles. Don't try to over decorate, the view and atmosphere creates a wonderful space already. Plus the chairs are really nice (compared to the folding white wooden ones).

For your ceremony, I would suggest look into sunset times and plan accordingly. You don't want to be up there too late and not be able to see the view. It can be windy up there, so a smaller veil or having your hair back might be a good plan.

Good luck!

Did anyone have their reception at Plaza Zavas? We will have about 30-40 guests and I am worried that it may to big but would also just like to see more pics...the one they gave me was so small.  I get confused between all the locations as well..there are so many. 

Any recommendations for or having the reception there? or for another location?

 

 

Also our flights get in at 5:50pm in Cancun.  I was thinking about trying to have my welcome dinner that night...but thinking I would have to book at 8:30 or later...by the time we get all settled in.  Did anyone try to do this the first night? Did they have time?

 

Thanks!!

I would not book anything for your arrival day. Let everyone settle in, plus you don't need the stress. We used our dinner as a brunch. That's another option, if you want to kick things off right away.

Hi! I originally had zocalo terrace for the cocktail hour and Zavas plaza for the reception. The Miami coordinator just told me that Zocalo restaurant only can hold up to 100 ppl. :-( we have 105 booked with about 15 people let to book this week.

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Zocolo terrace / and the restaurant are likely to small for that size group. However either Zavas Plaza, Zocolo hut/plaza, ballroom, or the beach can accommodate over 100.

Hope that helps!