mic813

Finished my review http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/now-jade-riviera-cancun/reviews/7078 Feel free to ask me questions about anything I didn't mention

The package includes one centerpiece. I saw one centerpiece on my ceremony table and for some reason there was another once I got to the reception. So I got two but didn't pay for it.

I had both LED lights and tea lights at my reception in the Bamboo room

I kept looking for you too! My bridesmaid said she talked to you at the 'disco' and then someone mentioned you passed along best wishes at the reception. Glad everything went well. I did see your groomsman a few times and peaked at your reception (I think you were cutting the cake). You looked beautiful!!!!!

Got back on Friday from 11 glorious days and an amazing wedding at the Now Jade. Like all other previous brides have told you, relax and Pilar and her staff are amazing. They take of everything and more. I plan on catching up on the thread and answering any questions I can and starting my review this afternoon. If you have any questions please let me know. I couldn't have planned a wedding without this thread and want to pay it forward. No official pictures yet, but here is a candid from my friend

Hey ladies, Getting married this Saturday at the Now Jade. Originally leaving Wednesday but decided to move it up one day because of the potential snow storm in DC/Baltimore. Weather looks fantastic and although I haven't heard from Pilar much, keeping my fingers crossed that everything will run smoothly. Promise to write a detailed review and answer any questions upon my return. Michele

So hopeful. My group loves to drink. Sounds perfect. Thank you!

Me too!!! Do any past brides or anyone who has visited the resort know about their top shelf alcohol? Vodka brand, whiskey, etc?

Did you add in the $350 outside vendor fee? I wanted to use an outside florist but decided it would ultimately be cheaper to just use the resort

I am getting married at 4:30. Two of my bridesmaids and I are having both are hair and makeup done and the spa scheduled me for noon. My photographer wanted me ready in the room by 3 so they can take getting ready photos with my girls. Hope this helps. I can't wait for the mimosas!

Thank you!

Does anyone have the children's menu? Thanks!

Does anyone have a copy of the 'wedding book'? I am getting married next month and Pilar has yet to send me the Planning form but I did receive it from another bride. One of the questions on it says " Will you need Flower Arch or Bamboo Canopy set up? These are included in the packages for Beach or Garden ceremony and are optional . (Page 16 wedding book) I know I want an arch but not sure what the pictures look like. Thanks

My reception is in the Bamboo room. So maybe it is different.

The $250 is for a private bartender I guess. My mom insisted since my crowd loves to drink and doesn't want to wait. :-) Signature drink shouldn't have any cost involved.

First of all congrats! I am getting married next month at the Now Jade. My initial budget was much lower then I am actually spending, but I also convinced myself not to use the resort photographer and splurged on Del Sol. There will be 29 people including me and my man. Divine package $2999 plus 11% tax DJ for 3 hours $350 * 3 = $1050 Extra person charge (depends on if you order extra cake and food at cocktail hour, I'm not) $500-$750 Flowers at the resort add up fast - I would budget about $300 for them (in additional to what is included in the package). Centerpieces - I am bringing my own because the prices advertised were as high as $250 a table. Maybe budget $750, but it really depends. Other things to budget for: hair/make up trial before the wedding, private bar at the reception ($250 if you choose to), your dress/jewelry/shoes, wedding favors, Save the Dates and Wedding Invites, other decor (table linens, bows for the chairs), your fiance's attire, wedding rings, wedding party gifts and your travel. All in all I splurged on a few things I didn't expect to and am spending between $12,000-$15,000 (I am afraid to add it up). A lot of money but I think it is hard to have a wedding cheaper then at home that will be anywhere near as nice. And you get to spend several days with your closest friends/family versus only a few hours.

Is anyone having an informal welcome happy hour? I want to include this information in my welcome letter (which will be printer prior) and need to include location. What would you recommend for location? I am thinking Friday at 5:00/5:30? I remember reading that if you mention it to Pilar she may be able to set up some chips and salsa at no charge.

I bought each of my girls (only 2) a nice pair of polarized sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut. They were both about $100 (after 20% off with Macy's card), one was Ralph Lauren and was Vogue. I was lucky the salesperson was great. I showed him a picture of my girls and he had great suggestions based on their faces/look. Who doesn't need a nice pair of sunglasses for their Mexican vacation.

Great article to read and share on Mexico travel safety. http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2012/12/safety-in-mexico-media-hype/ Is anyone else using an outside photographer? Included in the Devine package is an hour of service and 24 prints plus a photo book. I have been talking directly to the resort photographer trying to get him to swap the hour for a photobooth or off site shoot later in the week but I am not having much luck.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take out my frustration on you. I have had emails from Pilar unanswered after a month. Only I after I resent them to her did I get a response. And things she told my mom on the phone were the opposite of what she told me in an email. Luckily I am not worried about details, I know it is beautiful place and everything will be great. If I could just get my mother to adopt my philosophy the stress would be gone.

I am sure everything will be great once we arrive, but there are questions that we do need answered prior to arriving. I know they work hard, but we still deserve a response to our questions eventually.

Hey Jenn, My wedding is less than 2 months and I am starting to get really frustrated by the lack of response from Pilar. My mom ended up adding a calling package to Mexico to her Verizon cell phone plan for $3.99 month and the minutes are really cheap. She called Pilar directly and got a lot of our questions answered. Pilar said she was going to send me an email confirming everything we talked about but of course I never received it. So maybe try giving her a call.

Thank you. Perfect!

Can any previous brides tell me how the taxes work on the wedding package? For example the Devine package is $2999. If you look at the a la carte services, most of them say plus 11% tax and 15% for service. I am working on my budget and trying to determine where tax will be charged. To the $2999 I assume 11% plus 15% for any extra person charge And 11% for any other extras (flowers, DJ, etc.) Thanks. 2 months from yesterday for me!!!!

I love the cake in the last photograph. I am getting married in March and the cake is perfect for my blue colors. I'll have to remember to print out a copy so I can show Pilar. Great photos again by Melissa. I can't wait for her to capture my day.