Avens

Thank you!

For some reason, my photo above got cut off.  Here it is again!

it really is gorgeous! We did the huppa, I really loved the way it looks in the photos, but it probably would have been just as nice without.  The ocean is so beautiful!

Originally Posted by Brenners 

Barcelo is so gorgeous that you really do not need to do much to add to that beauty.  That is one of the tremendous advantages to having a destination wedding!

Our ceremony was at 3:30 (we initially planned for 4 like Brenners, but then moved it up half an hour to try and get some more daylight for photos, the sun sets earlier in January).  We started a few minutes late, as the coordinator forgot to pick up a few of our guests, and I refused to start until they were found (I would be choked if I came all this way for a wedding, and they forgot about me!).

We didn't have any extra readings or sand stuff, so it was probably 20 minutes for our ceremony?  We did the champagne,hugging, toasting thing, then group photos as well. We also did some bridal party photos at Playa Azul, then everyone headed back to the Palace.  The guests and bridal party went to the cocktail hour from 4:30 ish until 5:30.  We did photos with the photographer until about 5, and then joined the cocktail hour to mingle for a bit . We all headed to Palmerus beach around 6.  We extended our reception by an hour. 

We didn't really have much for speeches (one of husbands few requests). Best man, maid of honour, father in law had a drunken speech towards the end of the night, it was fun and us thanking everyone.  It still went by super fast! We definitely would have continued the party on - but hubby was suffering from food poisoning/24 hr flu or something, and had troopered all day - and was ready for bed. We encouraged the guests to keep going, and I think they went to the Carey Bar.

Originally Posted by Brenners 

We got married February 11, 2012.  Our wedding was at 4:00 and our reception was at 6:30.  Our ceremony lasted about 30 minutes (we had a sand ceremony and reading during our ceremony) and they have champagne for you and your guests afterward for a toast.  We had group pictures afterward then pictures of my husband and I alone as the sun set.  This time seemed perfect for us.  Our reception lasted 3 hours (we did not add on) but the dinner lasted fairly long as we had multiple people gives toasts.  Between our best man, matron of honor, us and family, there were 7 people total that gave speeches!  It was sweet and I would not change it but the time seemed to fly by!  This would be the only change we would make - to extend our reception.  Overall, our wedding was wonderful so we really have no regrets.  Good luck!

Yep, that's what it is!

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

Does anyone know if there is a menu at the Rodizzio (meats) restaurant or if it roaming gauchos with skewers of meat? I am trying to plan our rehearsal dinner and I don't know if the Brazilian restaurant is the same as it is in the states.

We did Playa Azul ceremony, playa Palmarus reception.  It was perfect.  Private for the ceremony, the beach is deserted at night, so it was still private for the reception and close.  I think there was a discussion about this a few pages back.  Don't be afraid to use the search this thread function.

I have pictures of both on my planning thread.

Originally Posted by mrsnova 

Based on pictures and the privacy I think Playa Azul would be the best place for both the ceremony and reception. The only negative I have heard is that it is pretty far from the hotel and you have to take a shuttle. 

 

Do you think it would work to have the ceremony at Playa Azul and then the reception at the Palace or one of the other banquet rooms (I chose the mint breeze package so the reception has to be in a banquet room)? Where is Playa Azul located in relation to the palace? 

 

I keep hearing that you can go look at each location and chose when you get there. I would just be worried if there is another wedding the same day and not having my first pick

Originally Posted by kbrandriet 

 

Thanks for the pictures! Did you do linen pants for the groomsmen? I am thinking that's what I want to do but then people say they will wrinkle bad which I know they do but did you seem to have a problem with that if your groomsmen wore linen?

They all wore Linen pants from Le Chateau.  We did have them pressed (and hemmed) the day before at the resort (because some people didn't think they needed their pants hemmed when I mentioned it months before  ).   My FI and his best man did, I'm actually not sure if the other  two had their pants pressed.  If you hang them up once you get there, it's humid enough that you shouldn't need to.  I had my dress packed in a suitcase, and I just hung it up and it was fine, I didn't need to get it steamed.

This is a long a$$ post, I quoted quite a few people to help answer questions.  Hope it helps!

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

Did any past brides have a little bachlorette party while you were there? If so I am looking for ideas....

We did on the Monday night ( we arrived Saturday, wedding Thursday).  It was a lot of fun! We had a "girls night" and all the girls that came surprised me and we went horseback riding on the beach, then we all went for supper at the French restaurant, and they got me a special cake, and the waiters came and sang a song to us (it's on facebook somewhere, so embarassing but fun!). After dinner (I think Dinner was at 9) we went to the Disco at the resort.  It was really fun to just all spend time together.

The boys did something similar, and went for the brazillian bbq, and we met them at the disco later on (though they got VIP and were upstairs, we didn't find them for quite a while).  We looked into playacrawl, but by the time we got everyone together and sorted out, it was just easier to stay at or near the resort.

Here is at the restaurant when I am being serenaded, and eating my special dessert.  It was a fun night.

Originally Posted by melcrna80 

Does anyone have pics of their place settings? I'm thinking about bringing down a few items but I'm not sure exactly- I don't want the table to look cluttered. Any advice/ pics would be helpful! Thx!

The only extra thing I brought for the tables was the name cards, which had ready to go, and they tied them onto the wine glasses for me (as I thought the basic foldy ones would fly away, and I left this until the last minute, so I didn't have time to find cute holders).

I ordered the bouquets as well.

Originally Posted by dwenski16 

I would sell the sky laterns, I was just reading about a bride who also took them just in case and that was the only thing the said NO about. Save room for something else that you can take~

Honestly, I think this makes sense.  If they have 100 weddings a month, and half or even a third of those people had sky lanterns at say 30 lanterns a piece - that is a lot of trash.  Even though they are biodegradable, anyone who has composted knows that the biodegradable paper products don't instantly disappear.   I initially wanted them to, but then I was happy I didn't.

Originally Posted by kbrandriet 

Hey ladies,
I am seaching for an outfit for my fiance and all his groomsmen to wear and was wondering what does my dad wear? does he wear the same as what the groomsmen wear or does he have matching tie or suit? It's all new to me and wanted to check with all you

 

Here's our groomsmen and our dads. FI's dad decided at the last minute to wear shorts, his mom was furious. We didn't really care though:) I really liked my dad's shirt, it was festive!

Groomsmen

My dad

FI Dad

FI, FI Dad and Groomsmen (FI brother)

and like someone said before - honestly your drink shouldn't be sitting around for hours - I hope you're getting refills!
 

A few more photos from our fabulous photographer - Sascha Gluck!

My review for him is here http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/sascha-gluck-photographer/reviews/5672

In my opion

We used Playa Azul for the reception - it was perfect. It's far down the beach so you don't get as many gawkers.  I saw lots of weddings at Playa Coral, and while the backdrop is gorgeous - it seemed very "in the middle of things".  They would block off the sidewalk for brides to walk down the aisle, and you'd get a back log of people waiting, and walking by.  You can still go take pictures on the rocks at Playa Coral after your ceremony, my sunset photo is there.

During the evening, I found it was always busy at the Coral beach too - as its right beside the restaurants - however you're usually not paying to much attention to them. It is also a smaller site - if you have a lot of people.

I originally was going to have both at Playa Azul - the reason I didn't was that everyone was staying at the Palace, and it's quite far from the hotel.  We were at Playa Palmerus and it was fabulous - we forget things in the room, people got cold and wanted sweaters - and it was a 5 minute walk away.

Photos are in my planning thread if that helps.  In my opinion, it was nice have the ceremony further away and more private, then be closer for the reception. 

Originally Posted by chrisdior 

A few questions (again... )

 

-First, I'm having a location dilemma!! Since I have not been able to do a site visit I would appreciate any advice.

 

I originally requested Coral Beach for ceremony and Playa Azul for reception. I emailed my photographer for advice and he suggests I flip the locations around.

 

My DJ package includes a projection screen and light up dance floor. Can anyone tell me if I will have enough room for this at Coral Beach if I decide to change the reception location? I'm nervous will the amount of people (estimating 40-50) and setup I won't have enough space. I would prefer everyone to be comfortable and not be squashed together.

 

Anyone else think the locations are better flipped than what I originally requested? It's hard to make decisions based on pictures.

 

-Q2, Does Barcelo allow any type of wish lanterns? I've seen pictures from past brides but I'm not sure if they have changed there rules? I know a lot of other resorts have banned them.

 

-Q3, I'm getting married in May, anyone suggest what month I should mail out the invitations. I recently sent out STD's in June. Also, what should I make the RSVP month? I don't know how long in between I should send them out. I don't want to be constantly sending people mail about my wedding and have people overwhelmed.

 

Thanks ladies!

There is a JoP for the ceremony, and its $300.  It is included in your total price, but you need cash to pay him.  If you have a friend or family member that can do it, just let your coordinator know and you saved yourself $300.

Originally Posted by chrisdior 

Anyone having a symbolic wedding, is the "Justice of the Peace or Non denominational Minister" the person who will perform the ceremony? The cost was included in the price of the wedding package, but I'm confused because I've read past bride say they had a friend or had to hire someone for $300 to do the ceremony. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Playa Azul

Playa Palmerus

Playa Coral

Are the three main beach locations.  If you search this thread - you'll find lots of information and pictures about them. I found even googling them found lots of photos. If you look at my planning threat - there should be some photos of Playa Palmerus for the reception and Playa Azul for the ceremony.

Originally Posted by missfreckles 

Hey Everyone,

We just put our date on hold for April 30, 2013.

We are staying at the Barcelo Maya Palace

Sorry to ask a question that is probably been asked a few times on here.

What are the locations for the ceremony and reception on the beach?

I have heard of Playa Azul a few times, and Coral Beach.

Does anyone have photos of these locations?

As we are not doing a site visit it would be so helpful.

Thanks

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

 

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone that had a cocktail hour could give a little feedback as to what food they picked and what the Guests thought....I was thinking the Mexican, but Mom wants to go with the Caribbean. Any thoughts?

We had Carribbean, our guests LOVED it.  We were half an hour late because of photos, and the buffet was almost empty, and there was a fair amount of food.  It was nice, we had it on the palace balcony as the sun was going down, beautiful sunset, and was a nice time to mingle and such ( a little easier than sitting down at dinner).  For us it was worth it.  I know other brides just had a meeting point, and that worked well to (like the lobby bar etc.), it was nice having a spot just for us, our own bar, and music etc.

Here are some of the Pro and family shots from up there.

Just a friendly reminder to all the new brides looking - try giving the thread a search - I know it's long, but I know I've posted these pictures at least 3 times now. Most of the other questions (locations, flowers etc.) have been asked a million times, and there is a wealth of information on here!

I think only the coloured Calla Lillies and Orchids cost more.  I had white Calla Lillies in my bouquet, and I didn't even ask for them.

Originally Posted by juliboley 

If I attached the three page PDF of the bouquet options here, will you be able to view them or should I email them?  From my WC, "it’s not necessary that you choose the same bouquet, you can mix and match. The flowers that have an extra cost are: orchids, calla lilies, peonies (these are not regional flowers)"  

Here is mine with flowers.  My husband was actually the one that had a preference - I thought they both looked nice!  The nice thing is though - you can reuse the flowers (we put one on the head table and one on the cake table) so it saves you some money there (or at least helps alleviate the extra cost). We also kept the flowers in our room for the last few days - then passed them on to a guest that was staying later, so they got some use

One thing I just noticed - looking through photos, from the side/back and inside it looks almost like a plain one, to give some perspective.

Centrepieces at the resort were quite reasonable. 

I was quoted $42 for mine (and got one free). The salt and pepper shakes are in front, but there were limes in the vase.  I sent my coordinator a picture beforehand , and said I want something like this. She sent me the price and I picked the actual flowers when I had my meeting.  Seems worth it, you may save some money bringing your own vases, and trying to go to Costco and buying flowers - but totally not worth the time and effort in my opinion.  If you didn't want flowers - it might be different. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fi

 

 

reyNurse 

 

 

 

 

We are trying to decide on centrepieces and are struggling between paying for them at the resort or bringing our own down....can anyone give some advice on what they did?

 

We will have less than 25 people likely, nothing big and not too many tables, and were hoping for a vase with flowers and water and crystals in the bottom or something along those lines. I know the planner sent me some options they have but they are not exactly cheap, I am just not sure if the price is worth it instead of the hassle of taking them down with us.

 

thanks!!

Yep, you do. That's what we did the day of the wedding while everyone was getting ready.

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

Does anyone know that with the special premium arm band you receive with your wedding package if you get free room service?

I booked the photographer through the website and he had no problems. One of our guests did to, also no problems!

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

Hey Ladies and Gents,

 

I was just wondering if any of you all had booked through Barcelo website and if so did they have any problems at the desk? I just read about the desk completely loosing reservations and trying to turn people away that had reservation confirmation numbers and EVERYTHING! I have had many guests book though their site and I am a nervous wreck now!! I'm hoping this was just a rare fluke and not a regular occurrence. I'm guessing I just need to make sure everyone brings all documentation of confirmation and so forth but UGH.....I'd hate for anyone to start off their vacation with a sour taste in their mouth.

We had coconut and strawberry - they were both delicious!!

Strawberry had chunks of strawberries, so yummy.  The coconut was so creamy and yummy. Both were great.  We also used the violin and she was great.

Originally Posted by kbrandriet 

Hey girls!

What flavor would you say was the best for cake? (vanilla, chocolate, pineapple, coconut, strawberry)

Working with my wedding cordinator picking out stuff for our package we are going with.  Also what instrument  did you think sounded best between the flute, saxophone, keyboard, or violin?

 

Thanks!
Kelsey

Originally Posted by Brenners 

We had the violinist for our ceremony.  She was amazing!  We walked down the aisle to traditional music (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and Canon in D) and our processional was rather untraditional - All You Need is Love by the Beatles.  She did all genres of music very well.  As for cake, we chose the pineapple flavor.  It was delicious but I only had a couple of bites as I was so full after all of those courses!

Originally Posted by nicole80 

 

Hey fellow Barcelo brides!!

I'm getting married November 7, 2012 and we are emailing back and forth with our WC. Only thing is, we can't decide on a ceremony venue. What do you ladies think...Palmeras Beach or Playa Azul? Any thoughts?

 

And to Joanna: those are AWESOME cake toppers! Love them

Our wedding (pictures are on my planning thread) we did the ceremony at Playa Azul, and reception at Playa Palmeras.  In my opinion - it was perfect.

Playa Azul is really pretty, its at the end of the beach so there are far less people, there was a bit of a breeze because it was more open (for a late afternoon wedding). It also gave us some time for pictures etc, while everyone bussed back to the Palace.

We were initially going to have the reception there to - but it is quite a trek from the Palace, and I'm glad we didn't have it there - as I forgot a ton of stuff in our room (guest book, pashmina etc.). I have also heard that it can get more windy there in the evenings, and sad in food etc. has been an issue.

Playa Palmeras was a perfect reception ship, its located right in the no mans land between the Tropical and Palace - so it was literally 5 minutes back to our rooms in the palace (which was very handy for running back to get forgotten items).  A few of our older guests retired a bit early, and they were able to just walk back quickly.  The beach and walk ways really slow down at night, so you rarely saw anyone walking past. It is more sheltered, so we didn't really have an issue with wind.

I wouldn't want to have my ceremony there, as in the daytime - its right in the middle of the action.  The Palmeras buffet is open during the day, so people are always going to get food, there are loungers all around you (and in that exact spot during the day normally) and people swimming in the ocean in front of you, pool behind you - just a lot of activity. If you were having a later wedding (5 or 6, Palmeras would probably be okay).

That is my opinion!

We bought cake decorations...but they wilted in the fridge. If there are specific instructions - make sure they are clear! The chef was so choked.

I feel like we were piggies, we had a two tier cake with 33 of us, and we ate at least half! (and some more the next day ) Everyone loved the cake, it was so yummy!!
 

I did my nails and toes both a shimmery silvery light colour, my nails don't do well with the gels, so I opted to skip them.  My jewellery was silver, so it worked! I bet Silver shoes would work too,  I had green shoes, so I don't know about ivory- however I found mine on ninashoes.com - they had a lot of colours!

Originally Posted by cindy2013 

 

 

I also really love this idea, it's very personal

We did the same (and a calendar for my mom, she loves personalized calendars), we also made corsages/bouts for our parents (we had real touch flowers).  I also made arrangements with one of my bridesmaids who wasn't able to take her bouquet,and I gave it to my mom so she had a keepsake.

We also sent them all handwritten notes just saying how much we appreciated them. Until this website, I've never really heard of giving parents official gifts!

When we invited singles, it was kind of assumed that they had a plus one, because the trip was MUCH more expensive for a single.  I know I wouldn't want to come to Mexico for a week, hang out with people all week, then have to be by myself all day while my roomate/friend etc.and everyone else was doing wedding stuff.  So if someone brought a friend along, we included them in the festivities, however someone asked if their brother and girlfriend could come, and I said they were welcome to come and use the group rate- however there wouldn't be room for them at the reception (most likely).

It worked well - we were also ruthless with inviting though, and anticipated every invitation was a potential 2 people.

Originally Posted by janette34 

 

My best piece of advice would be work with your travel agent.  My TA secured our booking one year prior to our wedding date.  At that time our resort was advertising rates of $1850 per person but my TA got us a group booking rate of $1350 per person plus extra benefits.  Since we had booked as a group we also had a price drop gurantee, so if the price went down 45 days prior to departure we would get a one time price reduction - the rates didn't go down until about 2 weeks prior.  Also with our group booking we had enough guests travel with us so my husband and I went for free, upgraded luggage allowance and free drinks on the plane.

My story is the same! We booked in October 2010 (with out 10 person deposit), and we got married in January 2012. We sent out our Save the Dates around Christmas 2011 to give everyone lots of notice, then sent invitation a couple months later (so people could book ahead of time once we had all the proper info).