murmel

Hi everyone from sunny Mexico!

 

Quick update for those worried...the Zavas gazebo is up and has a roof structure. I will post photos soon!

 

I am meeting with the local WC tomorrow. So if anyone has a specific question send me a message ASAP.

 

If there are any other requests for photos or questions, please let me know. I will update you all with the answers to previous questions and new photos on the official thread as soon as possible!

Hi all

Going to Mexico Tuesday to do a tasting and some planning. We went to the bride rehearsal weekend last year but it was before we decided on a location so we weren't looking at individual particulars (ie: filet over lamb, etc etc) so my mom and I are going down this week. We are not staying at edr though, instead at the Hyatt in cancun since I work for the company and was able to use comp rooms there.

Has anyone gone and done a tasting prior to your wedding? Our sis march 29 so we have to have everything decided within the next two weeks. They are trying to be very strict about what we can taste though. Only two app, entree, dessert which I think is kind of not enough. We are having 5 separate private with different food at each. I'm getting really frustrated about this.

Also has anyone ever added something from one menu to another? They are saying if we do that, even if it is only one canapé, it becomes a custom menu and we'd no longer get the 20% off promotion we qualify for.

Any advice?......

Also we had been hoping to be able to leave one suitcase of things down there since we wanted to do some shopping down there but edr won't let us. I think Hyatt is going to let me as a professional courtesy so what stores, markets, etc would you suggest????

Thanks so much! I have not been stressed for the whole year (except for people booking last minute and me not being able to plan because. I didn't have a count) now that I can plan I have so much to do!!!!!!

Amanda

I can understand your frustration of not being able taste everything. We did a bride rehearsal years ago, and got random appies, small tastes of mains and mini desserts. None which we had selected. But we also figured if the samples were good quality and taste, then so should our final choices.

 

As for adding things from other menus...we got married at the Sensatori (sister resort), and added a extra course for our reception with no issues. That being said I did not have access to a 20%off discount either. Perhaps you can negotiate to add the extra course for a price (which would not get 20% off) but then still receive the discount on the rest? I found most of the time while talking with the WC, both offsite and on site, you tell them what you want and how it will work and usually they will agree. Sometimes it takes a little extra telling...vs. asking.

 

In terms of buying stuff, it really depends on what did you want to buy? Decoration, treats, wedding favours, etc.? It seems table linens, chair sashes, etc are cheapest online if you choose to buy them. Decor and favours it depends on what you might want. Both Cancun and Playa del Carmen have great local markets.

Thanks murmel. I guess that means kids? Do they have an adult section or an area where you can escape? We're older so don't care for the screaming kids section anymore. Been there done that lol!

 

Has anyone had a really small group for a wedding there, i.e. 6 or 8? If so, what did they allow you to have in terms of cocktails and a semi private reception? Or did they even allow it? Since for a small group renting a dance floor, etc isn't worth the money, is there somewhere that a group that size could go to party after dinner? Or would travelling into PDC for the night be a better idea?

 

thanks again!

There is an adult only section. That includes a pool, bar, swim up bar, and one of the buildings of rooms. Overall, there are kids around, but they go to bed early. So I would not be too worried. The Mojioto bar is good for dancing, but if you want a wild party, I would go into town.

Great! Thank you so much. Some people are very particulate about their booze. My sister only drinks Crown Royal and a friend's husband only drinks Dewar's scotch (yuk!). We like good tequila and will be disappointed if we can only find Jose Cuervo in Mexico.

 

 

I will check what booze is available!

 

 

Hi. For past brides, I really like this resort but I was wondering if anyone every had anybody in their group complain that there was nothing to do. I'd like a visit to this resort but we have friends that have to constantly be doing something. They aren't content to sit by a pool or on a beach for more than maybe one afternoon, which means they will be looking for stuff to do. From what I read about Puerto Morelos it's still a small town and the shopping and nightlife is non-existent. Can anyone help?? thanks!!

There are the usual resort activities to keep folks busy- volleyball, soccer, kayaks, games, nightly shows, board games, etc. Puerto Morelos is quiet. But Playa del Carmen and Cancun are both only about 30 minutes away. So lots of shopping/partying in both those spots.

 

Overall, the Sensatori is a bit quieter, it is mainly a family resort.

Hi Murmel,

 

We were planning to have personalized shot glasses on the reception tables as wedding favors (yes - my family and friends will definitely use them!). I had assumed we could get the waiters to pour tequila shots for the toasts during the reception. I had also assumed we could specify certain brands of tequila such as Patron and get a bottle for the table. Maybe I'm assuming too much. Do you think this will be a problem? Should I make this a 'special request' on the detail sheet with the wedding coordinator?

 

JennyPert

Hi JMK923,

 

I was not going to do any decorations for the Welcome Cocktail Party on Zocalo Terrace except for some paper napkins we ordered in our wedding colors. But, if the small centerpieces are only $85 for 8, I'll order some. Where did you see them on the Lomas website? The cheapest I saw were $25 for a small vase with 2 roses.

 

JennyPert

I am heading down there tomorrow! I will check what tequila they have at the bar. If it's something they have the bartenders can serve it no problem. But I don't know if they will leave a bottle on the table. If it's a brand they don't carry, you might be able to request it, but pay extra.

 

I am going to try to meet with a local WC and ask some questions! And take photos...lots of photos!

This blog has been amazing to read! I would of never thought about some of this stuff you ladies have thought about doing. 

 

A few questions 

 

Did anyone happen to get the free private event for 16 rooms booked? If so are you using this for your reception? I was told that I could but I could not pick the location.. Makes me a little nervous because I would love near the pool but I feel like that is a popular location. 

 

We are having a cocktail party the Friday before our wedding. Did anyone have any ice breakers or anything like that at their cocktail party? Did anyone decorate for the cocktail party? 

 

For the reception I was going to bring the centerpieces with me because lomas is over priced. Have most of yall also brought the table coverings?? Or did you purchase that threw them?

 

I was looking at the Lomas site.. Has anyone herd anything about the Donkey at wedding for after?  Doubt we will purchase that for fun because every little thing adds up but thought it was pretty funny and would make for fun pictures.

 

Last question: Can we bring in our own alcohol to the resort? I know it is all inclusive but one day before the wedding we wanted to go out and get some patron to have at a or the table/s for shots?

 

Happy Planning 

The "free private event" is constantly changing. You'll have to ask for specific details from your WC. Sometimes it's a cocktail party, or the rehearsal dinner, etc.

 

Decorating for the cocktail party. Personally we just had a sign to announce the area of our event and then I brought napkins with our wedding colours for the waiters to use. You really don't need much.

 

Centrepieces...I would thing it is about 50/50 regards brides who bring their own vs. buying the Lomas ones. Really depends on what you want and the cost. If you plan on bringing stuff, remember it will have to come with you. The resort will not accept you shipping something ahead of time. The tables all come with white table clothes (no extra fee) and the chairs have white covers(no fee). If you want colours that is extra. We just rented table runners...which I think were $8 each for a pop of colour.

 

The donkey is not allowed at the Sensatori., which includes the beach area-sorry.

 

You can bring your own alcohol onto the property. However you would not be allowed to serve it at the reception. If you could get mini bottles you might be able to get away with it as a wedding favour....but not set up as a bar/shot area. Mind you, the bar tenders love LOVE LOVE making shots to get the party rolling! Perhaps come up with a signature shooter for your wedding. The Mexican flag shooter is quite popular! or they might have a tequila you and your guests would enjoy.

Looks like a great time!! Thanks for sharing

 

I was also wondering, and this question is for all past/ future brides... As I'm in the process of doing the table assignments for the reception, I know that the resort sets up round tables of 8... Did anyone have tables of 9? And if so, was there enough room at the table? Two of our tables have 8 guests each so that worked out perfectly, but the other two tables have 9 guests each.

You could fit 9 people, but it will be tight. Another option might be to do tables of 6... Instead of the eight. A little more arm room anyway.

Is there a pool with a swim-up bar that ALL ages can go to?

Yes, there are 2 swim up bars for all ages. One on the family side and one on the front side of Zavas.

I will find out for you Jenny. As far as I know the ceremony includes the white wooden folding chairs- no covers. But I will check.

Also, what size sheer panels are needed for the ceremony beach gazebo?  Does anyone know?  If so, please let me know and where were you able to order the fabric online?   Thanks again for the help!

The dimensions and suggested sizes for fabric are listed on the Official Sensatori thread. Click on the link below in my signature. I know they have changed a number of the gazebos (Zavas and the Sky), but I believe the beach one remains the same.

 

Also for any brides, I will be heading down in mid January for vacation and will be sure to get updated photos and sizes then. If anyone has specific requests for photos please let me know!

I have an 11 week old....and me time is when she is napping, or when Daddy is home! 

Does anyone have a contact for someone on the resort?  Our payment deadline is coming up this in 5 days and our WC seems to take at least 4 days to respond to the simplest question.  The only way I get an immediate response from her is to go to the Karisma website for Azul Sensatori and do the online chat. By the way, does anyone have recent pictures of the beach reception locations?  I saw them all in person last year but I'm sure things have changed.  Was there a preferred location for beach dinners?

They usually don't allow for you to deal with the on site WC, since they are busy with the actual weddings going on. The best thing I can suggest is doing the web chat, or getting the phone number for the WC based in Miami.

Does any brides, past or planning, know if you can swim at the pool next to Plaza Zavaz during your night reception?? Didn't want my reception super formal plus my family and friends are PARTY ANIMALS (even the old people). I was going to put a note in the welcome bags to bring their swim wear to the reception so after dinner we can dance and party in the pool!!!

Technically, the pools close at 6 pm. (This allows staff to clean, test, add chemicals to the pool) As well, the pools are not heated, so it might be a bit chilly at night. That's not to say that you can't jump in....I don't think I have ever heard of staff kicking people out...but I would not add the clause "to bring swimwear to the reception". As for picking a dress, if you have a hard time deciding, this is what I did: first try on one of each of the more common styles- ball gown, mermaid, fitted, a-line,etc. Then pick which style flatters your body best. Bring one person you trust, and will tell you the truth. Then try a few different models in the style you like. If you like one, write down the model style and go home and sleep on it. If you keep thinking about that dress, it's likely the one meant for you! Keep in mind you want to be comfortable since you'll be wearing it all day and dancing all night! Good luck!

Hello Ladies!!!!! I'm new here but have read the last 2months of thread!! Lol I'm having a 100 guest ceremony at Azul in Oct 2014 and am STRESSED already. I'm making favors, bringing decorations, trying to choose locations, don't want to sweat terribly during the receptions so thinking we should have it inside, hoping the food is good, trying to find a dress..... :eek: Have any of you negotiated upgrades or perks because your party was so large???? HELPPPPPPP!!!! Lol

The hotel doesn't really offer many perks no matter the wedding size. Unless there was a promotion going on...check their website. Sometimes bride&groom stay free...or your travel agent might be able to get a free cocktail party for you (although all those free events get capped at 40 guests, over that number you have to pay an additional per person fee)

Stacy, first of all....Congratulations! I am so glad to hear all went well, even with the last minute changes. And thank you for posting the photos. Even without the gazebo, it looks like Zavas will still be a great spot for a reception.

Sorry to hear Zavas Plaza is still not fixed. But so happy to hear everything worked out well for your wedding! Congratulations on being a MRS.! And look forward to seeing photos

 

Oh dear! Well, don't despair. It always amazes me how quickly they can rebuild things down there. Have they confirmed you cannot have your wedding there now??? If the weather does work out for you, the other spot I would suggest would be the Yoga Palapa on the beach. They would usually set up a dance area on the yoga palapa and the tables/chairs on the beach in front of it. Beautiful spot as well. Keep us posted! And I would talk to the wedding coordinators as soon as you get there to find out what the plan is!

I'm wondering if any of you had over the 40 guest count and roughly how much more it ended up costing you. I was going through our guest list and its crazy almost 50-69 guests...

We had 63 guests. We did a private event, with the "pick and choose menu". We also hosted a cocktail hour, and we paid an extra fee for the extra guests (so 23 extra), but I figured our costs were still much less than hosting a similar party at home. In terms of your cost...that's really hard to say, since there are so many different options. It really depends on what you want your wedding to be. As well, it will depend on how many confirmed guests you get.

Hey does anyone know where I can find individual packets of pepcid ac, immodium, and little bottles of pepto bismol?

I used eBay to find these. Just be careful to check the expire date before buying.

LOL! So true. I just made friends with one of the servers, who kept running drinks to our room for my bridesmaids and I.

Hello ladies! I've been watching the website for a while, and we're just about to book with El Dorado, but I have a couple of questions for the experts. Does anyone know if there's a fee to have the reception at the Tucanes Bar? We're eligible for the private events. Are we allowed to use them on our wedding day? We have about 65 guests. If we can't use the private events on our wedding day, and we still want to have the reception at Tucanes instead of the Cocotal, are at least 40 people covered for dinner by the wedding package? We're just getting a little worried about the cost for so many people. Any help is appreciated!

When you purchase one of the wedding packages, there is a semi-private dinner at Cocotal included. To have a reception at Tucanes you must purchase a separate dinner option. You can find more information on the Official El Dorado thread. You can use you semi-private dinner for a different day...as a welcome dinner or a brunch for example.

I don't believe so... At least Karisma's website still reflects the same name for Azul Sensatori.Although, the one difference I guess is that its now 'Azul Sensatori Mexico' since they opened an 'Azul Sensatori Jamaica'. Where did you hear that from? I'm only curious because of my contract with them.

My guess is, the name change is specific in regards to the fact they now have a Sensatori in Jamacia as well. From what I am finding, it is still owned by Karisma, and there are no changes, other than the name.

Hi ladies!! Can anyone tell me where they got their canvas welcome/oot bags from? I live in Canada so would prefer to go to a store and grab them but online suggestions are good too. Thanks!!

Personally I ended up sewing the beach bags myself. But in Canada, most girls have ordered online or try the dollar stores. Then you can personalize it by buying iron on transfer paper at Micheals craft store, make a logo, print it onto the transfer and iron on!

Hello all! Just wondering if anyone else has been experiencing any troubles with their Miami wedding planners lately?? I've been planning my wedding since February and have already gone through 3 planners (elizabeth, perla and now Fabio). Fabio doesn't seem to have a sniff so I'm starting to get concerned! Hopefully they hire some more experienced planners before my date!....

What type of problem are you having with them? Often they are slow to reply, especially if your wedding is far into the future. As far as I know Elizabeth and Fabio are two of the supervisors and usually quite good. But again wondering exactly what is frustrating you?

I am glad you have been able to find a solution to your worries! It is hard planning a destination wedding, but SO worth it! Check out the official thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread

Here you will find photos of the resort, ceremony and dinner sites, ideas, and lots of planning help! Good luck

The bridal roll call has been moved to the Official thread (which I have been keeping up to date!) http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/84306/official-azul-sensatori-thread

 

Just click on the bridal roll call (section #17).

 

So happy to hear you feel relaxed and prepared! Best wishes for a wonderful wedding and a memorable time with all your friends and family. Can't wait to see the photos when you return!