780chick

I was married in 2012, but we did get two free trips through Transat and I can tell you the amount was the base cost not including taxes. I'm not sure why yours is less than that. I'm not sure if the rules have changed, but I would fight it!

Has anyone had Lillian as their wedding coordinator?  I have been working with Jacqueline up until now but just got an email saying that I will now be working with Lillian??  This makes me a little nervous since I have never heard anyone talk about Lillian...

I had Lillian last year and she handled our wedding of 80 almost flawlessly. There were only a couple of glitches - like having to wait for a second bus to transport people to the reception. You can read my very long review http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/barcelo-maya-palace-deluxe-all-inclusive/reviews/5916

Has anyone had Lillian as their wedding coordinator?  I have been working with Jacqueline up until now but just got an email saying that I will now be working with Lillian??  This makes me a little nervous since I have never heard anyone talk about Lillian...

I had Lillian last year and she handled our wedding of 80 almost flawlessly. There were only a couple of glitches - like having to wait for a second bus to transport people to the reception. You can read my very long review http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/barcelo-maya-palace-deluxe-all-inclusive/reviews/5916

It's been a year and still no video

Us too. Married March 28,2012 and now they won't even respond to emails. We spent thousands of dollars to capture our day and feel that they have taken advantage of us. They had quoted 6-8 months and kept promising us "soon" and every email was telling us another 2 weeks. The last email I have from them is from January.

It's been 11 months and no video and no responses to email now either. They are 3 months late and the last email promised me feb 15. Anybody know if I can request a refund through PayPal?

Canadian Brides. Time sensitive deal for today only. Theres a deal on convertable dresses long and short for bridesmaids. There is a limited number of colors - purple gray black red blue and green I think. They are $59 including shipping to Canada. I've ordered a couple of these before for myself and the quality is really good. http://www.dealfind.com/!/link.php?l=27225726

Canadian Brides. Time sensitive deal for today only. Theres a deal on convertable dresses long and short. There is a limited number of colors - purple gray black red and a few more I think. They are $59 including shipping to Canada. I've ordered a couple of these before for myself and the quality is really good. http://www.dealfind.com/!/link.php?l=27225726

I like orange cardstock and orange envelope. I think it would go really well together.

Originally Posted by chrisdior 

 

Hey past Barcelo brides I'm trying to decide where I should have my ceremony. We were not lucky enough to have a site visit and basically are planning everything based on pictures. I have chosen playa azul for the reception. At first I wanted to have it at 2 separate location (ceremony/reception) but now I'm unsure. I saw pics of the setup for a ceremony at playa azul and the landscape is gorgeous. Gazebo is definitely out as we want more of a beach setting. Just wanted some suggestions. please respond.

 

We had our ceremony on Coral Beach at the Palace.  This was perfect because it is a beach location looking over coral so nobody walks behind your ceremony, there are palm trees for shade for your guests and because it was close to everybody's rooms they had some time to go back and change or to one of the bars/buffets after the 3pm ceremony while we took our pictures on the beach.

Originally Posted by FireyNurse 

 

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!!

 

We just used the free centerpieces from the resort.  They put a tea light in the middle.  Plus we brought down other things to place on the tables: maracas, ribbon wands, matchstick mints, table numbers.  I think it looked nice! 

Congrats! I LOVE the pic.Thanks for sharing it with us! Do you mind if I ask which D.J did you use and would you recommend them?

We used discomovilcancun and they were great and reasonably priced. They have playlists on their website and I sent them must plays and do not plays a week before the wedding so they could get a sense of the music we liked. I costed them out to be appx half of what te resort would've charged us. I can't remember if they spoke English very well but I would have somebody MC/introduce all the important things- entrance, first dance etc. If you are hiring an outside dj, the resort charges $100/hour to use their electricity. We rented a generator from discomovilcancun for $200 flat rate. Here's a link to my very long review on our wedding. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/barcelo-maya-palace-deluxe-all-inclusive/reviews/5916

Katman, If I were to do it again, I wouldn't have done my makeup. I had gone to sephora and got all this "waterproof" stuff but we started with the underwater photos right away because of the lighting and we wanted to get shots in before the tourists arrived. If we didn't do underwater shots and just did pictures on the beach, I would do my makeup. Make sure you get a dress that is lighter fabric. My ceremony dress was satin and was heavy. This one was much lighter but weighed a ton when it got wet. My photographer was Gonzalo Nunez he is awesome and has such a calm and fun personality.

We stayed two weeks and did our TTD the second week when everybody left.  I did my makeup, but it was gone within minutes of underwater shooting.  I do have eyelash extensions which I love. Here are some TTD teaser pics from our photographer

 

 

 

We were just married there and had our reception at Playa Azul.  Here's a picture of the cold fireworks...not a pro pic

Originally Posted by MexicoHereICome 

Hi everyone!

 

I was just wondering if any one knows if the resort allows the use of cold fireworks?!? I have found a D.J. and it is included in his package if its allowed by the resort. I cannot get my WC to answer any questions or anything (never mind this subject). Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated! Thank everyone! Happy planning!!

We just got back last month and the customs card has been updated. The Max amount is still $300 but the quantities have increased. It's two cameras now. I'm pretty sure they got with the times and realized that in this day and age people own more things. http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/139_10210.html WHICH ITEMS MAY BE INCLUDED IN MY PERSONAL LUGGAGE EXEMPT FROM DUTY? Goods for personal use, such as clothing, footwear and personal toiletries and beauty products, as long as they are appropriate for the duration of the trip, including wedding party items. Baby travel accesories, such as strollers and baby-walkers. Two photographic cameras or video recorders, 12 rolls of film or videocassettes; photographic material; three portable cell phone or other wireless networks; global positioning equipment (GPS); a portatil typewriter; an electronic calendar; a portable computer (laptop), notebook, omnibook or similar items; a copier or portable printer; a portable projector, and their accessories. Two sports equipment, four rods, three speedboats with or without sails and their accessories, trophies or recognitions, provided that they can be transported normally and commonly by the passenger, one stair climber and bicycle A portable radio for the recording or reproduction of sound or mixed tapes; or a digital sound reproducer or portable reproducer of compact discs and a portable reproducer of DVD’s, such as a pair of portable speakers, and their accessories. Five laser disks, 10 DVD disks, 30 compact disks (CD) or magnetic tapes (audiocassettes), for the reproduction of sound, three software packages and five storage devices or memory cards for any electronic equipments. Books, magazines and printed documents. Five toys, —included those that are collectible— and a video game console and five videogames. One device that permits measurement of arterial pressure and one for glucose, as well as medications of personal use; in the case of psychotropics the medical prescription should be shown. One set of binoculars and a telescope. Valises, trunks and suitcases necessary for the movement of goods. Passengers over 18 years of age, may introduce a maximum of up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco and up to three liters of alcoholic beverages, and six liters of wine; in excess of the above, cannot be imported without complying with applicable regulations and restrictions. Two musical instruments and its accessories. A camping tent and camping equipment, as well as their accessories. A set of tools including its case, it might have a hand drill, wire cutters, wrenches, dices, screwdrivers, current cables, among others. Up to two dogs or cats, maybe introduced as well as their accesories, provided that the corresponding  zoosanitary  import certificate issued by (SAGARPA) is presented to the customs officials.

The wedding coordinator set up our entrance.  We hid by the bar and then they said our names and we entered.  It was nice. As for customs.  It is $300.  Not sure what she was talking about. Perhaps pesos? One or more duty free goods which value may be proved with the invoice or note of sale and do not exceed $300 U.S. dollars or its domestic or foreign equivalent when the entry is by air or maritime transport or $50 U.S. dollars when the entry is by land. Alcoholic beverages, beer, manufactured tobaccos, cigarettes or automotive fuel may not be introduced within these exemptions. For everyone else that is wondering about other restrictions...  I have in bold the restrictions for photographers... for those of you using inexperienced ones: Luggage: Used or new goods for personal use such as clothing, footwear, and personal hygiene items that reasonably respond to the duration of the trip and that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes; one photographic camera and one video camera, and its power supply; up to 12 rolls of film or videotapes; filmed or developed photographic material; one mobile phone and one pager; one typewriter; one used or new laptop, notebook, omnibook or similar portable computer; one used or new portable copying machine or printer; two portable used personal sports gear; one portable radio/CD player; 5 laser disks, 5 DVD, 20 compact disks (CD) or tapes; books and magazines that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes; 5 toys, which can be normally transported by a person; medicines for personal use, provided that prescription must be submitted for psychotropic drugs; one set of binoculars; one portable musical instrument; one tent and one camping equipment; one surfing board or one windsurf board; and 4 fishing rods and its accessories.  

I bought my EmergenC at winners. I think it was $16 for a box of 30. London Drugs has it too. In their pharmacy section.

For the advil packets/tylenol packets i just perfer the travel tubes you can buy from dollarama fro $2. each tube has 10 pills so i think its a pretty good deal. I havent found emergen-c. thinking maybe getting the gatorade packs but no idea how much those are yet.

I bought mine from this seller on eBay gcishoponline. They were perfect but took about a month http://item.mobileweb.ebay.ca/viewitem?itemId=130489885394

If you are from Canada, there's a deal on these dresses including shipping for $59. You can choose long or short but the colors are limited. Black, red, green, purple, coral and cobalt blue http://www.dealfind.com/!/link.php?l=24216982

Hey Canadian brides, There's also a deal on those convertable dresses. Not too many color choices, but you get your choice of long or short for $59 including shipping http://www.dealfind.com/products/edmonton/vonvonni?a=2867c58a99f8

Love the attention to detail. The raffia, luggage tag rsvp, wrap around address labels. Great job!

Great thread! We just got married at Barcelo and both my wedding dress and TTD were made by babyonline too! I'm so jealous that you got to release sky lanterns. My WC told us they no longer allow them and so I brought back 50. Congrats on the baby! So exciting!

Check out my review here. Warning it is verrrrrry long http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/barcelo-maya-palace-deluxe-all-inclusive/reviews/5916

Awesome review! Looks like you used a lot of outside vendors. Did you have to pay day passes or fee to have the dj and makeup artist? I know you paid for the generator. Thanks for clarifying that.

No daypasses were required for anybody, however, even though I gave my WC the names of every company and the names of the people, my photographer was stalled a little bit while security called to check. Photographer - $300 outside photography fee to Kodak (now $500 I think) Videographer- no fee (they were part of the $300 Kodak fee) DJ - no fee but had to either a)pay $100/hour to Barcelo for electricity or b)rent a generator from the dj for $200 Makeup- no fee charged to me but on the wedding day my WC showed up with a slip to charge 30% of his fee to my room. I had already paid in full on the trial day so Adrian gave me the cash back to cover it. Barcelo takes 30% from whatever he charges to brides because he takes so much business from the hotel. This is fairly new so I'm not sure if Adrian is increasing his prices now I also had to provide dinner for all that stayed through dinner 7in total. 3 videographers 2 photographers and 2 djs. Keep that in mind cause that added a few hundred dollars to our budget line. I just seated them at a table at the back together.

Does anyone have the personal email address for Gonzalo Nunez the photographer.  I tried sending an email on his website but it won't go through.

Thanks

 

[email protected] he's also on BDW forum here under his name. He always responded within a few days if not quicker and his prices/quality of photos can't be beat.

Thanks for all the great information!! I have a few questions for you.  You mentioned there is a outside photography fee? My travel consutant said that I should not get charged for outside photography as long as you say they are with the wedding party...

Also I was looking to do a Catamaran Cruise for all the guests that come to our wedding as well but haven't been able to find one large enough.  What is the company you guys went through? Could you give me the name and contact information please. Also what did you end up paying for the cruise and dinner per person? I've heard it's a lot cheaper than doing the dinner at the beach at the resort?

 

Thanks, 

Kelsey  

Yes there are outside photography fees. Some hotels say you have to pay xxx amount or have the photographer stay xxx amount of nights. If you bring your own photographer with you, you should be fine otherwise the amount is $500 now I believe or two nights at the hotel to be considered a guest. You will have to check with your WC to be sure. We used Catamaya as they had the best email (sometimes over a week to respond though). Here is their pricelist. I was able to get them to drop the price to $3600 for steak or lobster and transportation from $10 to $5 for up to 100 people although I think it would be cramped with 80. We went from 3-7. The email was [email protected] they also have a website. From Catamaya: As follows you will find the options we have of a private sunset cruise for a group of 60 to 80 people:   SUNSET Charter with Snacks The standard snacks are: Mexican salsa, tortilla chips and assorted nuts. Hours              From 3:00pm to 6:30pm Cost                US$ 2,800.00   SUNSET Charter with Angus Hamburgers The lunch includes Green salad with Italian and French dressing, ., Mexican salsa, tortilla chips and an hamburger that our  chef grills on our stainless steel grill on the back of the catamaran. Hours              From 3:00pm to 6:30pm Cost               US$ 3,200.00   SUNSET Charter with Lobster or Steak The lunch includes:  Green salad with Italian and French dressing, pasta salad, mexican salsa, tortilla chips and to choice of one New York Steak or a  lobster tail that our chef grills (with garlic and butter). Hours              From 3:00pm to 6:30pm Cost                US $ 3,800.00   Very Important notes, All the options above include ·         FULL OPEN BAR, which is: Unlimited Beer (Corona),  rum, vodka and tequila, Sodas: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Juices: Orange, Pineapple and  Purified water ·        Snorkeling, the complete gear is provided. ·        Crew service ·        Two fishing lines. ·        Music and great fun!   ·        Only the tips nor transportation are included. If you need us to provide the round trip transportation, please consider USD 10.00 per person. ·         A 50% deposit is required order to book the date (via wire transfer), and the balance will have to be paid one week before the event.

I used Discomovilcancun and they were almost half the price of the resort. Barcelo charges $100/hour to use their electricity but discomovilcancun charged us a flat fee of $200 to bring in a generator. There was no day pass but you should check with your WC. You never know how quickly their policies change.