Shay12

Hey Ladies!! I'm booked for Febuary 24th 2012! Yay! Question... We are doing a beach ceremony and reception. Any idea what part of the beach is best? Or better? I can not find any pic or reviews of real weddings and receptions on the beach at the gran caribe or royal. Is it a bad idea? I'm interested to hear where you chose and why.

Ahhh! This is so fun!! I was thinking of bringing a photographer from home and then if there us another bride who is getting married the day after me, we could share the one photographer with wedding day and TTD. Does this make sense or has anyone heard of this? Or am I making things complicated like always?

Smikit! That is awesome! Thank you for taking the time to photograph and explain it all! Its brides like you that make this site so wonderful!!!

February 24th Gran Caribe Real - The Royal Yay!!! Anyone interested in sharing a photographer?

Hey Brides!! Here is our chance to make the most of our planning. Lets share, Date: Location: And where you are at in the planning process: Of course you do not need to be Feb 2012 to join us. or even Gran or Royal.... I'm Shaleen. Feb 24, 2012 Beach Beach and more Beach (but really having thoughts on the Chapel) We are getting ready to book this week. I spent the weekend re-researching all resorts to make sure that this was the one. My TA thinks I'm having Bridezilla tendencies really early on.... oh boy! But she really is AWESOME! I feel behind because it seems like so many brides are so much farther in the process. oh well.... Now I have to start thinking fast I'm not good at that AT ALL! It has taken me 3 months to decide on a resort and TA. Hope to: be booked this week Website at a minimum for viewing STD's started. hope to go out next week budget.... (scary) Start dieting and kicking up the gym routine to prepare for dress shopping

Beautiful Kathy!! Hey Feb 2012 ladies, Im going to start a " February 2012 Gran Caribe Real ~ Royal Brides " Thread so we can all be on top of our game

Thanks girls!!! .... It's such an emotional roller coaster!!! So I contacted my TA and she got back to me right away with an answer and what we are waiting for. ( I did check with the other TA and that just reminded me why I chose the one I did!) Happy (for now) We are going to book our rooms and wait on air. (it's close to $600 from MSP to Cancun right now) Thats crazy!! How did you all do this part?

Hi Ladies!! Just did my homework and read through the whole thread from start to finish!! We are getting married Feb 24, 2012!! It took us months to decide and convince and now we are waiting for our TA to give us the go ahead on booking. She said we should wait for flight rates to be released....?? I'm getting a little impatient, especially after seeing how so many of you are sending out your STD's We have been decided for 2wks now. And talking with close family and friends. Now another TA has been recommended from a close friend... I'm thinking about giving her a shot because I'm tired of waiting for this other lady. We have not signed anything so I guess I could but I feel kinda bad. We are doing Gran Caribe Real. I saw some mention of it early on but not any more. Do you think I'm making the wrong decision??.....ugh! See I just need to book already and move forward!!! What's the hold up! Well hello anyhoo!!

Kathy Congratulations!!!!! Then 2wks cruising Hawaii??!! You will never want to come home! Thanks for the update! Im glad you had such a great time and I hope you are still having the time of your life!

Hi Ladies!! I'm getting ready to book our wedding for Nov this year ... if all goes as planned in the next few days. Ive just finished reading all the past posts for this thread and I'm so glad I'm joining now at a time of good vibe!! What an emotional roller coaster!! Thank you Cassie for the reassuring review on Flora! I hope it wasn't just a good day for her... I hope she is great for everyone from now on. Maybe she has a better idea of what she is doing by now so that she can be a better WC. Who knows if she was just inexperienced... ya know? I'm so excited to join this thread and be a GCR future bride! There really is no way I would consider a DW without the guidance and support I have witness on this site! What a life saver!!

Searching for a great deal at a great resort!!?? One of my strategies is to search the popular travel sites and read reviews and get rates on my top resort choices during the month I would like to have my DW. Then I read the reviews on this site from real weddings and see real pictures!! But still I have no decision.... What was your strategy when you decided on your resort? Any suggestions?

Too. Much. Info.... My head is spinning. Sorry...

Just to compare notes... Rates below are "per person per night" and include all taxes/fees, valid for stays January 4 - April 14, 2012: Deluxe Resort View: $214.00 per person based on double / $392.00 per night single / $206.00 per person triple / $197.00 per person quad Superior Deluxe Garden View: $238.00 per person based on double / $440.00 per night single / $229.00 per night triple / $218.00 per person quad Superior Deluxe Ocean View: $250.00 per person based on double / $464.00 per night single / $242.00 per night triple / $230.00 per person quad Superior Deluxe Ocean Front: $256.00 per person based on double / $476.00 per night single (maximum occupancy 2 Adults) Concierge Level: $272.00 per person based on double / $506.00 per night single (maximum occupancy 2 Adults) Children 4-17 years pay $52.00 per night. Child rate applies only when child shares room with 2 or more adults For comparison purposes I will quote below rates for April 15 - August 18, 2012: Deluxe Resort View: $179.00 per person based on double / $322.00 per night single / $172.00 per person triple / $160.00 per person quad Superior Deluxe Garden View: $198.00 per person based on double / $360.00 per night single / $191.00 per night triple / $178.00 per person quad Superior Deluxe Ocean View: $210.00 per person based on double / $384.00 per night single / $202.00 per night triple / $190.00 per person quad Superior Deluxe Ocean Front: $216.00 per person based on double / $396.00 per night single (maximum occupancy 2 Adults) Concierge Level: $232.00 per person based on double / $427.00 per night single (maximum occupancy 2 Adults) Children 4-17 years pay $52.00 per night. Child rate applies only when child shares room with 2 or more adults You may already be familiar with the "Added Values" Palace Resorts offers when booking a wedding at their resorts. We can of course confirm the same group benefits: · Hotel will provide one complimentary Cocktail after ceremony with 5 to 9 rooms paid nightly for 3 nights or total of 15 room nights. (Function areas are assigned upon availability with the onsite wedding planner and confirmed upon arrival). Should you require additional functions there will be a surcharge based on the number of guests and type of event. · Hotel will provide one complimentary Cocktail after ceremony and 2 complimentary nights (based on lowest room category rate) for bride and groom with 10 to 19 rooms paid nightly for 3 nights or total of 30 room nights. Complimentary nights have a $10.00 per person, per night, nonrefundable charge for tips and gratuities applied. · Hotel agrees to provide one upgrade to a complimentary private function instead of a cocktail party plus 4 complimentary nights for the bride and groom with 20 to 24 rooms paid nightly for 3 nights or total of 60 room nights. Complimentary nights have a $10.00 per person, per night, nonrefundable charge for tips and gratuities applied. · Hotel agrees to provide unlimited private functions plus 7 complimentary nights with 25 rooms or more paid nightly for 3 nights or total of 75 room nights. Complimentary nights have a $10.00 per person, per night, nonrefundable charge for tips and gratuities applied. · Hotel agrees to provide the bride and groom with a room upgrade for a minimum of 25 rooms paid nightly for 3 nights or 75 room nights, based on availability. · Private Group functions are available without surcharge in meeting rooms and outdoor venues, except for beach and rooftop terraces with no elevator access, when using inclusive Hotel menus. The private functions provided by the resort will solemnly depend on the number of rooms booked through the group contract with Vacations For Less, Inc. Reservations booked through other sources will not be counted towards the group room block. Private areas are assigned based on availability. The above group benefits apply only when securing a Group Block Agreement which would lock in the rates for your guests and guarantee the availability of rooms. All rooms would have to be reserved through the group block which would mean that all your guests would have to book through our office. Reservations booked through other sources would not count towards your group block room night production. Palace Resorts is also offering a Resort Credit for all guests staying at their hotels: $1500 Resort Credit per room for stay of 5 or more nights, $750 Resort Credit per room for stays 4 nights, $500 Resort Credit for stays of 3 nights. The Resort Credits can be applied towards Tours, Golf, Spa, Beauty Salon, Upgraded Wine Selection, Romantic Dinner, Room Upgrades and Palace Wedding Collections. Depending on number of rooms required, when securing a room block at any hotel there is a good faith group deposit required by the hotel. The deposit amount is about 6% of the total estimated room revenue and I can let you know the amount based on number of rooms and nights you would consider blocking. The first group deposit would be applied to the cost of your room and/or any other rooms you may be paying for and any overpayment is refunded back to you upon finalizing the group which is usually about 30 days prior to arrival. Your guests would be required to guarantee their room reservations with a one night deposit at time of booking, there would be a second deposit due date set by the hotel (usually about 90-120 days prior to arrival date) to complete 50% of total room charges and final payment would be due 45 days prior to arrival date. Each guest would receive a confirmation invoice from us upon booking detailing the deposit/payment deadlines. Guests usually welcome the payment plan rather than having to pay in full if booking online and they can also make installment payments in between as long as each deposit is completed on the due dates.

I have been researching Riviera Maya AI Resorts for over 2 months!! I want to go during off season to avoid the crowds for my guest. Does anyone have an idea on what month would be best weather during the off season? I'm having the hardest time choosing a resort as well so if you have any suggestions that would be wonderful! Kid friendly no reservations for restaurants beach wedding options This is the greatest site EVER!!! p.s. Also need a TI

Im wondering the same thing! I can find any others to compare to Palace Resorts..... looking for benefits for bride and groom with several bookings.

Very tasteful!!! One of my favorites! I think I have found my resort. I like how you mentioned that there were options for where your guests could stay according to their price limits. Thanks for the review!

What is your budget for your guests? Are you talking with a travel agent yet? I have talked to a few but they want a date and a resort... and that is what I cant decide. A few pointers that I have gotten from travel agents is to go September - October (off season) Moon Palace (I'm assuming along with all palace resorts) is the most $$$ That's pretty much it. Not much help so I guess I'm on my own. I just keep reading reviews and comparing complimentary packages along with bride and groom incentives. I think I will call a few of the resorts to see what they say. I need a spread sheet to keep track of all these pro's and con's.... Just think this is only the begining!!! yikes

Im right here with you! Need to decide.... But every time I read a review, I fall in love with that resort. My list of 5-6 is constantly changing! The Palace resorts seem to have the best incentives for bride and groom. When I think of my wedding I think of glamour.... I dont know if that is going to go well with my cheap guests. Im looking for somewhere that is nice but affordable. My top 5 today: Gran Caribe Real Cancun Palace Barcelo Mayan Palace Deluxe Gran Sunset Princess NOW Jade