aimesmiles

Hi Christi 

i assume by the tanning machine its like a booth actually just googled it and it reminds me of ross from friends ha ha!! i've never seen one of those here we just have the airbrush spray tans, they use like a little airgun to apply it! They can use it to give definition and highlight areas such as more toned stomach etc!! Not sure all places do! i would say though either way it'd only last a week! maybe you could do what you said have one right before you fly and have a look online see if you can find an airbrush tan in a can and get someone to apply it for you!! hope i  helped a bit! x

Hi Lisa

we had a similar problem we wanted to get married at Tulum but First Choice we're better priced so i spokie to Jazmin about it all and we've arranged to get married at the Tulum gazebo then back to Akumal for the dinner in Le Arlequin the poolside party!! You could suggest something like this if its available!!! Sorry to hear its so stressfull chin up!!! x

Originally Posted by waybuloo 

OMG Girls am majorly stressing out!! 

 

Had an email from Jazmin yesterday saying that as of May 2011 anyone that booked through first choice will now be staying on the Akumal side!!  I booked Tulum & have booked the gazebo at Tulum for my wedding!!  As the rule is you have to stay on the side you are getting married in the email it said I may have to change wedding location.....excuse my french but WTF!!!!  So I called Mexico straight away & got through to Jazmin.....she basically said it was due to room allocation & that now Thomas Cook have the contract for Tulum & First Choice have it for Akumal?  My answer was but I booked last May!!!!  She has told me to put it all in an email & she will take it to her superior & see what she can do.  Meanwhile I ran my TA yesterday at Cooperative & she is calling First Choice head office this morning so will keep you updated.....but what a major stress....I have threatened that I will cancel the whole booking if they stick to their decision....god just what I need 17 weeks before we go!!!!

 

Also on the whole DJ thing....I booked DJ Bijan 11 months ago, at the time I emailed Jazmin & asked her if there would be a charge to use him, she replied that there is a charge for any DJ other than Bijan & the resort one Bob.  In addition to the email about Tulum yesterday I received another email saying that there had been a change in their policy & all DJ's other than Bob will be charged a $90 outside vendor fee  again WTF!!!! So I mentioned this in my phone call to her & again she said put it in an email & she will take it to her superior & see if on this occasion she can get the fee waived as I booked so long ago!!

 

I have to say she was really lovely but it seems like they can change their mind whenever they feel like it!!

 

On a different note....Abbie.....another bride I met on here got her maracas when she arrived in Playa Del Carmen for $1 each, I think I may do this as all the ones online seem really expensive.

 

Sorry for rant but am really stressing out now!!!!

Hi All,

I too agree with the other posts its YOUR day to spend with your OH in a place you both love!! Your guest are invited to share your day which they should see as a privilege, if they chose not too that is up to them!! Our guest seemed a little reserved about it but after a we got xmas out of the way most had booked we've now got a party of 32 going!! A few special people can't make it which is sad they have wished us well and look forward to seeing the pics on our return!! we're putting on a party when we get back to celebrate with everyone!! Don't give up if its your dream and what you want it doesn't matter who's there apart from you and him!!!!

Amie x

Quote:

Originally Posted by cm07zo 

Alright ladies.... help a broken bride!

 

Since I was a little girl, I always imagined getting married on the beach - I never considered destination wedding because I just couldn't imagine the cost; I knew people wouldn't be able to afford it, so I cut that thought from my head...

Then the FH basically told me why the heck would I let other people determine what I wanted to do for MY wedding.  Woke up, decided destination, picked GBP T, told people estimated cost, told them destination, etc.

 

Now that I'm actually trying to confirm up on things with guests, providing people a more concrete cost (estimations from agents), providing hotel name etc, everyone is complaining about the cost.

I'm basically being made to feel guilty for wanting to do my wedding this way because they aren't able to come.

I'm sorry - but 16 months notice to come up with $1000?  I have debt, mortgage, bills, insurance, school costs, etc.  I am in the same boat as everyone else - why am I supposed to feel guilty about this!?!?!

 

How did you ladies deal with the pressure?  I'm about to throw in the towel and say I give up and put the whole thing on hold for a few years... (again not what I want... but I rather wait than deal with every planning process in tears because of the guilt)....

 

 

Aren't weddings supposed to be a happy time??

Christi,

You look fab what a beautiful wedding dress!! 

Amie 

x

Originally Posted by cm07zo 

 

Hi Ladies!

 

I have decided on this resort for my wedding!  I am very excited!  Wedding to be July 2012....

 

For those of you who were married here - can I ask what the avg cost per guest was?  Red tag has some offers at 800pp plus taxes, but also says about 1700 pp plus tax!!! 

 

My family is by no means well off! and I mean, I much prefer the cost of 800 pp!!!

 

 

What were you averaging the cost out for people?

 

 

Would be much appreciated!  Thanks <3

Hi there,

Are you talking $ or £?

We have just booked for November 2011 and the cost for 2 sharing was £2246 for 2 weeks with first choice!! 

Amie

Christi - I know i am devastated i had booked Sara Tamargo who i'd heard brilliant reports about but Jazmin said in future if i wish to book any outside supplier check with her first its something to do with health and safety and hotel policy!! I'm trying to convince OH that 240usd isn't too much to pay for hair and make up but IT IS, i'm a hairdresser and i wouldn't expect anyone to pay that!!! 

This is cut and pasted from the email she sent me!!

Hola Amie,
Sorry but I dont know this company, from other suppliers just DJ Bob and DJ Bijan because both always do a lot a wedding parties (DJ Bob is the main one because has more parties), and also please keep in mind that If you going to hire an external suppliers (I dont mean DJ Bob or DJ Bijan because they have arragementd already with Bahia) you need to cover the day pass charge, it is 90usd per person,

Hope that helped

x

Hi everyone,

I have been reading the posts ever few days but haven't commented in a while!! we have now booked our 2 week stay as too have 32 of our family and friends which we think is a great number! We're getting married at the Tulum gazebo @ 3pm, 9th November followed by dinner at Le Arlequin at 6pm the a poolside reception from 8pm with Dj Bijan!! 

Here are a few things i've come across whilst booking -

There is a 90usd charge for all Dj's except Dj Bijan and Dj Bob who have an agreement with the hotel!!

 All outside suppliers such as make up artists and hairdressers are not allowed!! They said they would consider making an exception but again it will cost 90usd!!

Jazmin was very helpful regarding extra decorations i want to bring she said no problem if i bring them she'll sort them out!!

Hope everyones planning is going well!!

Amie

Hi Adele   I have emailed you all the info i have on both private dinner and restaurant dinner!   

I suppose its down to personal preference we are having our meal in the Arlequin restaurant as our budget doest allow for a private one as well as a good DJ so we decided that the drinks and dancing after were more important to us!! We felt that with 35+ people the restaurant will be rather full anyway and i doubt you'll even notice the odd couple in there you be enjoying your own guest far too much! I've read some reviews on here that have said they put other dinners at the other side of restaurant and i believe the tables are decorate but i don't know how exactly but with $4000 i'm sure you can decorate them nicely LOL!!

Which side are you getting married at?

Anyway lots for you to think about hope i've helped! good luck with the rest of your planning give me a shout if you need anything!! 

Amie x

Hey there Christi i've just about to email Jazmin to double check on pool party prices as $540 would work out as $11 each for 50ish which seems alot if your not having that many?? Traditionally married bridesmaid are called 'Maid of Honor' or 'Matron of Honor'  but its just old fashion she can be whatever you want her to be!! which photographer are you having?

Hello Andree welcome to the site you will find out some great info on here!! We are staying at the Akumal side We are having our wedding ceremony at the Tulum Gazebo and then back to Akumal for dinner and a pool party! When is your wedding? which side are you? 

Hi Leafluvr

It sound like shes quoted you for one of the theme dinner which range in price depending on what you chose to eat and drink??? i have the info if you PM me your email address i will send you all the stuff i've got for you to read through!! A Meal in one of the restaurants is included in your wedding package for an unlimited amount of GBP guest, it will also take 1 of their dinner reservations each!! Hope this has helped a bit!

MORE INFO FROM JAZMIN she told us that in our package (Unforgettable) there are only 2 bottles of Moet included which serve around 8 guests each, extra bottles are $93 or sparkling wine $22. Also the wedding cake 'included in the package' is only for 10 people so the options are to have the cake instead of dessert for all the guests or pay extra for a bigger cake!! 

Amie

Hi girls,

Right i have confirmed with Jazmin included in the cocktail party is the table covers etc and lights around palapas ...........

She was referring to the DJ lights when she said they weren't included so there will be no dancing in the dark lol!! 

Our wedding isn't till November next year so we only having a few guests booked so far i said that most people will have to have at least booked and put down a deposit to ensure a room in the same hotel etc by the beginning of Feb, i put together a small info package where i compared the prices of 1 week, 2 weeks, different tour operators and room options to encourage people to book if they couldn't make or afford one option maybe another would help? I wouldn't worry though you have a while yet they may book a late deal!! 

Amie x

Hi girls,

From what i understood from her email it was the lights around the poles and things i have emailed again to ask if they are available to hire seperately?

This is what she sent originally.....

"if you pay just for the drinks the illumination and lights are not part of the cocktail party, for sure will be service, tables and chairs but not like as I mentioned in my last email because is not in the budget , but If you wish to have it, the cost for everything is 960usd per 30people aprox, so please let me know"  

Most of the DJs i have looked at provided lights like disco lights etc i had a look at mood events but cannot view website in english, Jazmin recommended DJ Bob she said he is a real party boy lol he has 10yrs experience and sounds like he knows what he's doing!!  

P.S christi i can see your pic lol x

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdlillad 

Hi Amie,

Hair/Makeup - Sara Tamargo replied to me yesterday.  She said that it's $150 for the bride's hair and makeup and $130 for bridesmaids or others for hair/makeup.  She didn't mention anything about a trial, so I guess that's no longer included.  It's still a pretty good price compared to Fernando ($350).

 

DJ - I'm planning on having dinner at Gran Tortuga and then a poolside cocktail reception.

 

I think I misunderstood Jazmin about the DJ cost.  I thought based on what other girls wrote in this forum that its

(35 people * $5 for first hour) + (35 people * $3 for second hour) = $280 for drinks/bartender setup

 

When Jazmin quoted me $955 for 35 people for 2 hours, including setup, service, tall cocktail tables, chairs, bar with margaritas, pina coladas, sparkling wine, and beer, sound equipment, microphone, speakers, DJ services, lighting.  I *thought* the resort DJ price was $655 (because the extra costs list says $210 for DJ 45 minute set).  So I thought I could just subtract the $655 and get an outside DJ. 

 

I definitely need to followup with Jazmin on this, because I am confused.

 

Christi

Hi Christi 

Did you get around to speaking to Jazmin? i emailed her after your post and your right you can just subtract the amount for dj and get an outside one but there are no lights and things included! so i think  we're gonna go with resort Dj we had our hearts set on DJ Bob so i've asked Jazmin if we can hire lights etc but still awaiting reply! x

Hi Christi,

I was considering using resort DJ also and wondered if anyone had any previous experience of his work?

I've been in contact with DJ Bob he charges $400 for 2 hours and each additional hour is $100 he brings his own equipment, sound and light package, and a microphone which you are welcome to use for speeches.His email is [email protected] 

I've spoken to Jazmin she sent this to say - The pool party is 960usd per 30people maximun(every extra person will cost 11usd) and 3 hours of piñas coladas, margaritas, sparkling wine & beers +  special ilumination, sound equipment, speakers, microphone, lights and DJ to play or help you with the music- very nicely decorated, 

Note, If you wish to bring your own DJ is possible and there isnt any extra charge for this, you just need to cover the cost on top and thats it,

So i am now wondering whether to have the resort DJ as i feel like i'd be paying twice for an outside one! Are you having just a pool party or private dinner and pool party?  

i have also emailed sara tamargo with no reply!

Amie x

Hey Everyone,

Hope all the planning is going well our holiday is booked for 3rd November 2011 and the wedding for 9th November I'm so excited!!! those of you who are going soon must be bursting with excitement!! 

good luck

x

Hi Nikki

Yeah the dinner in the restaurant is included in the package and paloma said its for unlimited GBP guests!! You can have private reception after the dinner in the restaurant then you don't pay quite as much but each to their own!!

hope you sort it!! 

amie x

Hi Waybuloo, 

Had a bit of a nightmare day (this is gonna be a long one lol).......i've been in touch with Paloma Flores, First Choice and Thomas cook and this is what i found out...

... Thomas Cook do Tulum and Coba and the wedding package we what (at more than the hotel charge) but we don't wanna travel with them, didn't like them before and you don't get much baggage plus they can't guarantee us Tulum it's decided when you arrive. 

First Choice use Akumal for accomodation but they're wedding package is terrible the unforgettable package(£1400ish) is for just us no guests, they are extra. which i cannot comprehend!

So We are booking the wedding direct with the hotel for (£1150) this is for unforgettable and unlimited guest as long as they're staying at GBP and Paloma has been amazing trying to get us into tulum for the date we requested! she is looking into getting us into tulum!!!

what package have you gone for if you don't mind me asking and what extra's we're hopefully having the meal in the Tequilla restaurant then a DJ maybe by the pool or beach!!

amie x

Hi Christi,

Are you booking from uk? I'm having a small nightmare finding the right T.O the one i wanted to use only does Akumal and i heard you can only have your wedding in the side you stay at? we'd like the tulum gazebo not sure if this is true but waiting to here back from Paloma as Jazmin couldn't answer!! 

Good Luck with all your planning.

oh and thankd eldiexs Tulum looks stunning i can't wait!!!

Hello Everyone, 

I haven't been on here for a while & I'm still very much a noob!! 

We're hoping to be able to book our holiday/wedding at GBP Tulum sometime over the next few weeks, we're just waiting for some more info from jazmin, photographers, dj's etc before we finally book the day but we're hoping for 9th November 2011. we're expecting around 30-40 guests!

I am so excited and stressed at the same time and appreciate all advice offered from previous bride and brides to be!! 

Amie x

Hiya everyone

 

We too are still researching but are pretty definite on Gran Porto Real and are hoping for 09 November 2011! i've spoken to W.C and shes been incredibly helpful and replied very quickly!!

Good luck to all of you!! look forward to seeing how you all get on!! x

Thats exactly our situation!! its mostly family and close friends for ours!!  

 

amie 

x

Hi

 

just wondered if anyone had the contact details for the wedding planner/s at the gbp resort? would like to get some info and prices for things before we book?? are they helpful? 

 

I been reading a few forums and see there is more than one anyone had any experiences with them??

Hi all

 

When we had our children we opened them a trust fund with the children's mutual, well i have recently found that the have child trust fund cashback program where by you earn cashback from shopping on-line via their site paid into either their trust fund or your bank account, I'm not sure if you have to have a trust fund to use it.

 

i have used it for shopping at mothercare and asda and earned a small amount so far. We plan on using it for booking our wedding and holiday for the whole group and i worked out we'd get about £1000 back which can go toward my wedding!!

 

worth a shot if your trying to save money!!

 

https://www.ctfcashback.co.uk/travel-and-holidays

 

hope this helps!

Hi all

 

When i had my children we opened trust funds with the children's mutual they sent me a link to another project they run call child trust fund cash back in which you or your children's trust fund make money through spending on-line via their website i have used it for shopping at mothercare and asda!! 

 

i had a look and there are lots of different travel companies Thomas cook, beach collections etc. its free to join and you can earn up to 5% on some sites and by booking your whole group together you may make enough back to pay for other things!!

 

https://www.ctfcashback.co.uk/travel-and-holidays

 

its what im hoping to do so just thought id share!!

 

hope its of some help 

 

x

Thanks everyone!!

 

 

 

Welcome to the site Aimesmiles I am also getting married at the Gran Bahia Principe in May next year so any info you want just ask!!

Thanks waybuloo have millions of questions too many to ask in fact but i will definitely bear it in mind when my mind is boggled lol x

 

 

 

Aimesmiles...Welcome to the sight hun i am also getting married in November next year at the Gran Caribe Real Suites and Spa, carn't book yet though until prices are released which seems to be taking ages lol :-)

 

yeah tell me about it prices released in October apparently so only about 6 weeks now just want it booked so its real n i can get planning keep me informed how your getting on!! how many guest have you got going?? 

 

Oh and in response to the losing weight my little girl is 10 weeks old and so far I've lost 2 stone another 2 stone to go so joining weight watchers again soon!! I'm 13 st 11 now I've never been this size before but got 2 beautiful girls 20 months apart to show for it so it should drop off lol!! good luck to everyone one else and well done to those who have lost!! x

That's very true in a way that's what we've done tried to be accommodating to everyone there is another resort we prefer but i don't think its as big or as much for children and we have 2 children so have to think of that too!! it is hard to please everyone but i will be taking your advise i think I'll get everyones deposits to book and if people decide they aren't coming we'll go with second choice!!

 

and we definitely wouldn't force each other to go anywhere we didn't want to the decision is ultimately a joint one!!

 

thanks sweetluna great advice!