weddingsinplaya

Hello!

 

The wedding referenced above, Jen and Adams, is one of the weddings we get asked about most! Renting a villa is a great option for those of you wanting something totally private and customizable.

 

Playacar has several beautiful options.

 

Here is more on our Playacar Villa wedding: http://weddingsinplaya.com/jen-and-adam-private-villa-casa-chaac-in-playacar/

 

~ weddingsinplaya

Congrats on your upcoming wedding KJRAZZLE!

We had the honor of planning a beautiful Persian wedding not too long ago. All of the traditions fit in perfectly with the location and decor and it was a magical day!

Our couple brought many items from home and we worked together to get whatever they were missing.

 

You can see their gorgeous wedding here: http://weddingsinplaya.com/a-persian-wedding-pontea-and-david-grand-coral-beach-club/

 

All the best!

 

~ weddingsinplaya

It doesn't surprise us that Grand Coral was quoted to be "the" place to get married in the RM. It certainly is beautiful... and popular!

Once a sleepy fishing village and now a bustling multicultural and cosmopolitan city, Playa del Carmen has quickly become "the" hot spot for destination weddings in the Mexican Caribbean. We are seeing more and more brides wanting something unique and personal, steering away from the pricy and restrictive all inclusive packages and Grand Coral and similar venues give them the freedom to transform the location to fit their theme and style.

 

Here are just a handful of the over 450 weddings we have planned at the Grand Coral over the years! We even had the honor of being featured on Style me Pretty!

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/stylemeprettywedding/

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/actress-amy-davidson-and-husband-kacy-destination-wedding-at-grand-coral-beach-club-playa-del-carmen/

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/danay-and-jon-destination-wedding-at-grand-coral-beach-club-playa-del-carmen/

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/a-persian-wedding-pontea-and-david-grand-coral-beach-club/

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/bethany-and-mike-grand-coral-beach-club-playa-del-carmen/

 

Enjoy!

 

~ weddingsinplaya

Originally Posted by brownsugarbride 

 

 

Luky-It sounds like we are getting married around the same time and strongly considering the same place!  Bridal twins!  In any case, we are definitely on the same page. I love the idea of spending time with everyone and then taking them off the resort for something special. I had hoped to take them on an excursion, but that's just not in the budget. Hopefully I can make up for it by having a really unique wedding with some special surprises.  

Hola!

 

A great option for an inexpensive excursion/experience for your guests is to take them to Akumal for a day. You can hang out at Half Moon Bay and snorkel with beautiful sea turtles. It's just 20 minutes from downtown Playa. Depending on the number of people, you can rent a van or bus or take taxis. Once there, there is a convenience store for drinks and snacks and a nice open air restaurant. Renting snorkel equipment for the day is about $15 for mask, snorkel and flippers and your guests can take turns going in so they can share.

The turtles aren't far out or deep, it's an amazing experience!

 

~ weddingsinplaya

 

 

 

Hi Laura,

 

As we just posted for Tammy, packages are tough as they usually limit you to using predetermined vendors. There are many planners in the area that you can hire to plan your wedding "a la carte". It's what we specialize in!

 

Here is a link to some of our happy couples who decided to elope, on a budget.

http://weddingsinplaya.com/eloping-in-playa-del-carmen/

Hi Tammy,

 

We've coordinated several small weddings and many for just the couple. There are plenty of affordable options for an intimate beach wedding in Playa del Carmen. The trick is avoiding "packages" and doing it "a la carte".

 

The legal paperwork is not at all complicated, you just need to be here at least 3 days in advance with your passports and have your blood work done.  A nurse is usually available to come to you. It's very quick. It does cost a little more than a non denominational ceremony though, and we do need to be sure a Justice of the Peace is available for you on your day.

 

There are many vendors to pick from and surely some in your budget for photography, flowers, etc.

 

Anything is possible!

 

Here are some of the elopements we have had the pleasure of planning: http://weddingsinplaya.com/eloping-in-playa-del-carmen/

 

Hola! Congrats on your engagement and upcoming wedding!

 

We love that you are searching for something unique! We work with many brides like yourself, who don't want a resort package and are looking for something different.

 

A cool idea is having a spiritual or Mayan ceremony at one of the beautiful cenotes in the area. Mayan ceremonies in general are unique and different, full of color and tradition, and a cenote is an incredible place for a very private ceremony in an incredible setting.

 

Check out our Cenote Weddings.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Of course! Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and an intimate sea side ceremony for 2 is certainly one of them.

If you are looking to legally marry, there are a few things you will need to prepare ahead of time, like paperwork and finding a Justice of the Peace, but still very simple and doable.

 

We have organized several elopements. Always very special and touching!

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/eloping-in-playa-del-carmen/

 

 

 

 

 

Hi!

 

First impressions are everything, so a skype meeting is a great way to interview your candidates as it's closest thing to meeting in person. It's a good way to see if personalities click and your instincts will tell you right away it it's a fit or not.

 

Thanks to forums and websites, you can check reviews, testimonials and pictures before deciding who to reach out to. In our experience, most of our past brides are happy to help too so you can also PM them, or ask the planner for some contacts.

 

We can't agree enough that experience is key. An established company will have built solid relationships with vendors and will also know what to watch out for. Very important.

 

In addition to all of the legal/formal questions, which are very important as Yazmin says, ask each and every question that runs through your mind, no matter how silly or insignificant you might feel it is... you need to feel 100% comfortable and certain that you are going to get everything you want out of your planner and wedding day!

 

Enjoy the process!
 

Originally Posted by brownsugarbride 

 

I read this trip report a couple of weeks ago by chance: this wedding sounds epic! LOL  Anything with a churro cart is my kinda party!  The unfortunate catch for me with villas is that the vast majority of them have minimum stay requirements, and staying with my family and future in laws for X number of days in such close proximity would not help my stress level, or theirs.   

 

Anyway, this looks just lovely and I'm glad to know that we have such expert planners here at BDW.

 

Thank you brownsugarbride!

 

It was definitely epic! And since this wedding the churro cart is in high demand We have had it at Grand Coral beach Club too. Always a hit!

 

A villa in Playacar is great because as you can see in the trip report, most guests stayed at a hotel close by. There are plenty of resorts and hotels in Playacar, most in walking distance or at most a cheap cab ride away, so you definitely aren't obligated to share your space!

If you're looking for a totally private and personal space for your wedding, consider renting a private villa.

The space is your own, totally customizable as it is a blank slate. No packages, hidden fees or surprise add ons!

 

There are MANY to chose from, from Playa del Carmen to Tulum! One of our favorites is Casa Chaac - a spacious villa in Playacar with a large outdoor area for a fabulous fiesta!

 

See one of our weddings at Casa Chaac here: http://weddingsinplaya.com/jen-and-adam-private-villa-casa-chaac-in-playacar/

 

And for anyone thinking of a non resort/DIY wedding, be sure to read our Bride, Jen's trip report. An amazing guide to planning her wedding in Playa del Carmen full of fun ideas!

 

Hello all,

 

What about a non resort venue? With all the great boutique hotels, condos and villas in the Riviera Maya, there are so many options for accommodations and then you can plan a totally private wedding at a venue that will cater to only you!

 

We specialize in unique and off resort weddings, you can see many of our non resort weddings on our blog:

 

www.weddingsinplaya.com

 

It's the best way to go for totally private

 

~ Erica and Maria, weddingsinplaya
 

Hi leboandlee,

 

As the Riviera Maya continues to gain popularity and grow at a VERY rapid rate, more and more wedding planners are popping up so we understand you have many to chose from.

 

We have lived in Playa del Carmen for over 20 years and formed weddingsinplaya and have been planning weddings for over 12 years. We have built great relationships with venues and vendors and know the area inside out!

 

Check out our testimonials and new blog redesign and feel free to reach out with any questions!

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/

 

http://weddingsinplaya.com/testimonials/

 

Enjoy!

 

~ Erica and Maria, weddingsinplaya

Originally Posted by Annie26 

 

Hi

 

We are thinking of having a Mayan wedding ceremony in November this year. It will just be the two of us and we will be staying in Tulum. Can anyone recommend a contact to help us to find a shaman and has anyone used a photographer in this area. We are on a bit of a budget but any help would be appreciated to know where to start and to hear of your own experiences. Many thanks

 

Hi Annie26!

 

Mayan ceremonies are so beautiful and colorful and make for such stunning weddings and photos!

 

We have been fortunate enough to be a part of many, such as this gorgeous Tulum ceremony just a few weeks ago:

http://weddingsinplaya.com/andrea-and-rob-destination-wedding-at-akin-tulum/

 

Wishing you all the best,

 

~ Erica and Maria, weddingsinplaya

Hi everyone,

 

We have been planning off resort weddings for over 12 years in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya and have built up a directory of the best, most reliable and professional venues and vendors in every price range and category for you to chose from.

 

Check out our newly redesigned website where you can browse the blog and see some of our past weddings to get an idea of what we can make happen for you!

 

We're here if you have any questions, anytime!

 

~ Erica and Maria, weddingsinplaya
 

www.weddingsinplaya.com

Hey! i just planned my 456th wedding at Grand Coral last Sat. May 4th, w Danay and Jon and it was wonderful. I don't know if you know but part of the club burned down 1 month ago and they redid the palapa (palm leaves roof) in 3 wks! I was quite worried as the space was not as fantastic as it usually is (i have been planned there since its beginning, when it was Blucacao in 2007) but all WENT WONDERFUL! here a few photos and have fun planning... The club has only one manager and she is superbusy, so you better contact a planner of your choice to start your wedding. Personally i alert you that most dates are taken (i have 4 weddings there in Nov. and 1 in Dec) so .... hurry up! Here the plan of the space, so u see how many tables you can fit... practical so you can start planning now!

BIG hug, +

Maria from Weddingsinplaya,com

Originally Posted by alyssafroberts 

 

Hello,

I'm having the most difficult time deciding on a resort for our destination wedding. It's extremely overwhelming! Does anyone have any recommendations or horror stories (so I know where to stay away from?) I'd like to keep the cost for our guests are $1300 per person (or less) for 7 days.

 

I appreciate any help you can give!

 

Thank you,

Alyssa

Alyssa, 

welcome to the Forum and be S T R O N G! Destination wedding is ... a destination, so you learn about it going on. I love resorts with a touch of ecological and relaxing and Sandos Eco Resort is a good choice without killing the bank account. Call Fernanda the planner or send me a message if you like the place. I love AI weddings but i prefer non AI weddings, so why not have the rehearsal (Free) dinner at resort and then experience an off resort wedding? if not all your guests stay at resort it will be cheaper. In any case: my advice to you is look at all websites you lie and send all emails for info: asking for hidden fees as vendors fees and extras. Anything u need or any advice, I am here. I have been living in Playa for 17 years and planning for 13 so shout if in need!

Maria

Originally Posted by n0tURavrgeBride 

 

Soooo... I decided and made a deposit!!!! I'm going for Grand Sunset Princess!! Playacar was my #1 choice, but unfortunately it went over our budget.

Ocean Coral Turquesa is alright, but didn't like the location and too many reviews a out it's not so "Turquoise" beach. I even seen a lot of pictures myself of a not so attractive beach.

Again, not picky but that does matter to me.

However, it's got great prices! I was given a quote of 894.00 plus 365 tax for April 17, 2014 (1 week).

I'm just happy I finally made my choice, and onto the planning now!!!

Hello N0turavrgeBride, well done: Princess has 2 hotels (identical one in front of the other) and the wedding planners are helpful there (just organized a wedding w a client and her rehearsal out of resort).

See what she has to say, about her April wedding:

 

Ladies,  Planning a wedding in another country can be stressful and nerve racking for brides. Trust me, I know...I am a true perfectionist and stressed out way too much about wanting things to be perfect for the big day. I found Maria Tripaldi of Weddings in Playa through someone I briefly met, I took their recommendation and ran with it. Words cannot describe how incredibly relieved, happy and oh so impressed I was to have her by my side. She truly made our wedding experience in Playa Del Carmen better than I even imagined! Maria found her true calling in life by becoming a wedding planner, she is passionate, experienced, detailed and on her A game 100%. I ended up going with so many of her referrals when it came to our rehearsal dinner, hair, makeup, flowers, etc.... and was so happy I did. She has been working in Playa for a long time (11 or 12 yrs?) and knows what she is doing, trust me I know how stressful brides can get about wanting everything to be perfect on their wedding days and when planning a destination wedding, a good wedding planner is key...Maria is it! By far worth every penny and then some. My husband and I couldn't be happier with her performance and we are so glad she was the one we put our trust in, since at the Resort the planners are overwhelmed with 5 weddings a day and do not have much time. She took away so much of the worry and stress of our big day and we were able to relax knowing it was all under control. I could go on and on, but you get my point... I am a raving fan!  You will be so happy that you chose Weddings in Playa to help make your day the most amazing moment yet.  Hope this will help you and many undecided brides... Maria  

Originally Posted by CassidyWess 

 

I am scared about the process of hiring the wedding coordinator.  I have talked to two, and it seems that no matter what I ask, they always seem to just say they can do it.  Sounds good, but sounds like a total sales job.  They will tell me anything until I get there, and then the real story kicks in.  Kind of wish there was an Angies list or similar.

Cassidy, i am with you there. Try to ask re. possible clients, it is better to talk to their clients that had the wedding already so you can get the honest opinion - on paper all are fantastic, in reality, very few. What i do with my clients who are new is providing them with 3 phone nr or emails of ex clients : ex brides are happy to answer and talk about their wedding... you know how magic that is (or you will know).

Another good tip is skype w the coordinator and see what she/he offers: some are skilled some are greeen... post the right questions and see what they say. I am appalled by the number of new kids coming to Mexico without preparation and starting a wedding planning biz (in Playa there are over 30 new coordinators, some do not even have a website) without guarantees for the clients. Always protect yourself and be cautious, it is a must, but do not let yourselves be stressed, you will find the one that really knows what she is doing and will have the fun and pleasure to lead you to a stress free wedding day. 

Best,

Maria

Originally Posted by prgoddess 

 

yeah, unfortunately that is still way out of my budget... looking for something under $1000.  i don´t need a photographer for the whole day...

 

I know a lot of good photographers that will do a service of 3 hrs for 1000usd, unfortunately the resorts charge up to 800 usd for the vendor's fees so it is very sad you have to pay a lot for  services. ONe great photographer is Naiara at Naal, another Mirko at MilaniPhoto, they do not advertise because they are small but not everyone can pay a lot for ads .... send a msg and i will give you their emails. 

Maria

Hello there, 

I think you mean Soliman Bay, there are many villas there and the space is adorable for your wedding! are you getting married at Villa Yardena or which one? the date is near and i will propose you only the photographers that i know are free. Under 1500usd: Naiara from Naal photos and Mirko with Milani Photography. Over 1600usd: Studio H photos and PlayaLovesme. I can send you emails if you need, let me know.

Maria

As a wedding planner for 11 years in Playa del Carmen, i have listened to a lot of great vows: how about writing your own? what do you think about it?

Tony yesterday said this (and authorizes me to report it):

Let me start by saying when the part comes to: I DO , i think you should have to say it twice, since you made me ask you twice to marry you. It would be easy to stand here and say things like: ` í love you´ or ´you're my everything' and to use words like ' forever ' or 'eternity' but those words are for couples who don't already know those things. All those are true about us, and I believe you already know that I am eager to make you feel them throughout our marriage. I instead think about how difficult it is to work as hard as we do, raise our little girl, keep up with daily chores and maintain our responsibilities, and as I think I'm also reminded of what led me here, marrying you. You represent everything I need not only in a woman: Lord know you've got me covered there, but in a lifelong friend and a strong partner. When I think of the future, just knowing you're in mine provides me with a sense of peace that only comes when you know someone who loves you has your back. Thank you for always having my back. I am standing here today in front of the people we love the most to make you this vow: I will always have your back. I will always love you, protect our family and always work hard to ensure you have a partner you can be proud of.

Lovely.... now what would you say to your love?

To Normas09: off the resort is possible and beautiful: it's for the bride n groom who dare go beyond the experience of resort and want to have an exclusive and secluded space for their big day.

It can be cheaper - all depends from what alternatives do you  explore...

You will be very happy taking your time to enquire brides who 'did it' and planners who do it.... Information is your best way to collect all experiences and create your own.

As an off resort planner for 11 yrs in Playa del Carmen, i find out that it takes a certain couple to do it, original, whimsical and that loves to travel - if you define yourself unique in that sense, maybe you can leave the path of the ´cookie cutter wedding´and go beyond-

either way, you will have a fantastic wedding!
Weddingsinplaya.com

Buenos dias!

 

Take a look at this one

www.restaurantaldea.com

It is downtown Playa, next to a real ruin and a cenote. You could take over the whole garden
 

Hi darling, 

it is completely normal to be undecided!

Of all the resorts you have picked the less kids friendly is the Riu Palace Mexico. There are quite a few reviews online of families who went there with kids and they were the one who had the least fun!

Secrets Maroma is about 20 min North of Playa on a beautiful beach, quite quiet!

Playacar Palace is just by the ferry and Sr Frogs... said that said all!

Princess is 10 min north of Playa on a quiet beach too.

I would definitively go for the fist or the last!

Hope this info helps

Saludos

Erica