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

Originally Posted by gizmopie 

 

I think I'm really confused.  I have the Divine wedding package and a reception in the Bamboo room.  My package says I get "1 floral centerpiece arrangement for the reception table".  Can anyone tell me if that is 1 arrangement PER reception table?

 

I've been busting my butt and probably getting on my fiance's nerves trying to figure out centerpieces, and I just realized that this may already be included.  Also, does anyone know how much money the resort will give me if I don't use their centerpieces?

 

Thanks!

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.  

Originally Posted by Retro Couple 

 

Quick question, but are lit candles allowed in the reception or do they have to be LED lights?

 

Thanks!

 

Chris

 

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

Originally Posted by Vika 

 

I also just got married last week. Deisy and Pilar took care of everything! they were amazing!!! I brought 3 suitcases full of wedding stuff and they managed to decorate and do exactly what I asked. They are very organize. I wish I can relive the day again. Will start working on a review shortly.

 

here is a photo one of the guests took

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

Originally Posted by Mlite83 

 

We went with

1. Smoke salmon with cream cheese

2. Boursin cheese canapé

3. Mini vol au vent with sea food

4. Beef brochette with blue cheese sauce

 

But honestly I don't know if that is what we got!  Like most of you we didn't know what a lot of the options were so we didn't really know what to expect them to look like...the appetizers we got all looked beautiful (from the pictures I have seen) and our guests said they were tasty (we missed the cocktail hour to do photos) but I'm not certain what everything was just from looking at pictures - one seems to have a fruit garnish which seems odd with our choices?  I have posted a couple pictures of the apps below -- I know for sure the round ones in the middle of the first pic are mini vol au vent and I am guessing the triangle toasts beside them might be smoke salmon or boursin cheese?

 

I wasn't concerned though - everyone said there was lots to eat and they tasted great. We had left overs since some many people had been snacking earlier in the day (our ceremony was at 4) or ate a late lunch.   

 

At the regular bars I recall seeing Bacardi Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, and Canadian Mist (Whiskey) most days but sometimes it was switched up - definitely had Crown in the lobby bar at least twice over the week we stayed.  I didn't tend to notice brands but I know the drinks were good (definitely not watered down as some reviewers have said on tripadvisor) and everyone seemed pleased with their options.  They also had cans of Bud Light which many people enjoyed after they wanted to switch it up from Corona.

 

*We asked for the mini bar fridges in the room to be stocked with Bud Light and Corona on the wedding day and they did so happily (and also put two bottles on wine on ice for us) when we were getting ready.  Similarly we ordered 6 packs of Bud from room service after the bar was closed and that was not a problem either....wow it sounds like we have a drinking problem!

 

As for booze - the preferred club lounge always had top shelf. 

In the preferred club lounge I know they always had:

Whiskey - Crown Royal

Vodka - Grey Goose

Scotch - Johnny Walker

-- plus a whole ton of other booze, we actually heard several comments about how surprised people were to see the quality of alcohol.

 

Hope that helps!

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

Originally Posted by ChocoTaco7568 

 

Quote:

Quote:

My Fi and I had to look up half the options via google images... glad we weren't the only ones

Me too!!!

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

Originally Posted by Nicole Graf 

 

Sorry about the double post but my phone won't let me edit. I don't know if it was mentioned before but I got a quote from Floreria Riviera - a bridesmaids bouquet with ivory roses is $40 plus $20 delivery fee. I have four girls, so this saves me $80. Figured I'd share that as well

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

Originally Posted by shannonmarie 

 

For those getting hair/make up done at the spa, how much time are you giving it before the ceremony? It's only my sister, me and my mother getting it done. Our ceremony is at 5pm and I'm wondering what time to schedule our appointments. I don't want to do it too early b/c I don't want my hair to fall out, but I also don't want to be pressed for time. I'd rather have more time to lounge around and sip on mimoas then to rush around getting ready

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!

Originally Posted by gizmopie 

 

I found the children's menu option here: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/78683/official-now-jade-wedding-thread#post_1744720

 

It said:

Children’s menus are available for $20-25

The kid menu: fruit cocktail, cheese burger, chicken fingers, spaghetti, and ice cream.

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
 

Originally Posted by mic813 

 

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.

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

Originally Posted by 1dutchie 

 

You mentioned private bar at the reception. Which locations does that apply to?

We are having our reception/dinner at Castaway restaurant and there is a bar there. Will there be a bartender there or does it cost extra to have someone serve drinks there? I thought it was included but am not sure..

I also read that they are able to do a signature drink. Does anyone know whether that is an additional cost?

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.

Originally Posted by Nicole Cancilla 

 

Hey everyone! I'm a May 2014 bride!! We are pretty set on having our wedding at Now Jade. I have a very very important yet kind of personal question. I have no clue on what to expect to pay for a wedding here or anywhere for that matter! I just know its suppose to be cheaper to have a destination wedding. Can anyone tell me roughly how much I should expect to spend with about 30 people I will do the divine package. I also want a DJ for 3 hours. I planned on just using the photographer at the resort. I am going to have 4 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls which I will want all to gave bouquets. Center pieces for tables etc

Just curious if there is anyone already married from there that could give me an idea of a budget??

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.

Originally Posted by kitkat863 

 

I don't disagree I was just trying to ease everyone's minds. This site was so helpful for me when I wasn't getting answers directly form Pilar. She would always answer just sometimes it took awhile to hear a response, which is when this site became very helpful. I wasn't trying to say you don't deserve a response just trying to help future brides since I was going through the same thing when I was planning my wedding. Sorry if I offended you.

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.

Originally Posted by kitkat863 

 

Future Brides ~ I know it is frustrating that Pilar takes forever to respond but TRUST me...she knows what she is doing. You will go over everything with her once you are down there and it will all turn out beautifully. They do 2 weddings/day plus can do a vow renewal also so they are ridiculously busy! The wedding coordinators get to the resort around 9am every day and I would see Pilar still there at 11:30pm! This is every single day for them. I was frustrated before I got down there but once I did I realized I was in very good hands!

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.

Originally Posted by jenniferandjeff 

 

My wedding is in 3 weeks and I am not getting any response from Pilar. Hoping that you gals can help me out. Can we use American dollars or do we need to convert our money over to pesos? We plan to do some shopping in Playa Del Carmen and excursions, do you think they will take American dollars too?

 

Thanks!

Jenn

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.

Originally Posted by Lindsay Green 

 

Hey There

 

I just got my final quote - and here is how the taxes broke out...

 

For the packacge price of $2999 - taxes of 297.20 were already included.

The 11% tax was added to the decorations, chairs, sound system, boquets and additional photography package.

The 15% service charge and 11% tax was added to the extra hors d'ouvres, extra meals, champagne toast, and cake.

No tax or service charge was charged on the extra hour extension, room drops or candles.

 

I hope this helps

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.