JennyBenz

Hey jsal! The B&G stay free is a bit tricky, not exactly what it seems. From my understanding, the lowest room category & least amount of days booked in your wedding party will be what's deducted from your total stay. So, if even 1 guest booked lowest cat. room and stays only 3 nights, that is what you'd be credited. So if you're staying longer & in a higher category, they'll deduct the total from what you paid. According to my travel agent, about 2 weeks prior to the departure date, the resort will review total rooms booked & refund you what's owed. Hope this helps =)

SOOO happy to hear that!! They really do have amazing customer service!

Hi Nicci, You're leaving SO soon, congrats and best wishes to you as you venture off to Mexico! Since this was so last minute, although the gesture of "surprising you" was sweet, it's also a headache! Your aunt should have been considerate & told you as soon as she knew she'd be going, so it left you time to plan accordingly. I guess many guests don't know what has to be done before you depart! But, what's done is done, she has to understand this is all mere days before you leave, and can't do much to change what is already planned & packed. I think the other bride's advice was great, about the thank you cards! You can also perhaps pick something up just to bring to her upon her arrival, so she does not feel "left out". Have an amazing trip, and wishing you all the best on your upcoming big day!!!

Elaine these are sooooo cute!!!! And you got them for FREE, even better!!

Hi jamilaimani !! Welcome to the forum! I went to the "dress rehearsal" weekend before we decided on the AS! We checked out Dreams as well. For us, we picked the AS because the staff there treated us like royalty! They were so accomodating, and we felt this resort had everything for everyone. As beautiful as Dreams was, I felt it was way more crowded than the other resorts we toured. The wedding coordinator on site who helped us was nice, but we didn't feel any special vibe from her, she took us on a quick walk through and we couldn't see any rooms b/c they were are full capacity. So at the end we decided on AS. I'm sure either choice you make will be perfect for your big day! Can't wait to hear about your trip once you return! THe rehearsal itself is very nice, they give you a presentation with all the details you need to book your wedding. There are also make-up & hair trials, and tastings that go on throughout the day! You'll have everything you need there to help make the right decision =)

Hi AGM! I'm glad to see someone is encountering the same issue as us LOL I don't want to expect less when I feel like I'd be setting myself up for disaster. Our RSVP's aren't due until January, but I was tthinking that we are sending out invites in October, and those who definitiely aren't going will most likely send them back right away. So that will hel pus get a better idea until the last day to RSVP. I loved the idea of the tumblers & so many other fun things like maracas, but to lug it all down there, we'd need 10 luggages alone! Thanks for the advice =) Hi Ryves! That's a great idea! How many guests are you expecting? We were thinking of doing an excursion, but that would be too last minute planning who's coming, who's not and when/where to go. So we'll probably stick with welcome bags or an onsite dinner/gathering. Thanks!! Thanks Tulumbride! I wish we could do an excurson with all of our guests, but in Mexico they can get pretty expensive, especially for 80-100 people =( We are taking our wedding party out though on an excursion as part of our thank you gift =)

Hi Gina, I was sure to ask my WC about any scenario possible and all is fine as long as they're booked as a guest at the hotel for at least 3 nights. I specifically asked even if I book aroom for them 3 nights, Th-Sun, is it OK if they only show up day of wedding [sat] and check in? She said it was OK should be no problems! =)

Hi Muthithar!! Hope all goes well with your booking and welcome to the forum! Yes, I just realized I didn't include the link, here you are: http://photocancun.wix.com/shenko_en#! Shenko Photo This link should work =)

Hi Gina! I booked DJ Doremix and Shenko Photography. I found Shenko by sheer coincidence b/c another photographer who was already booked for our date recommended her- I could not have been more happy to have this happen! Her work is amazing and truly inspiring =) The link's below if you want to take a look at her work/pricing. Also, her work is top notch and yet her prices were WAY better than everyone else we researched! Same goes for DJ Doremixx- The highest recommended DJ in the area and cheaper than the resort's DJ. I couldn't find any reviews on the resort DJ's so I wasn't willing to settle & hope for the best. Yes, as long as you book the vendor a room in their name for 3 nights, the resort will allow them on-site w/o additional charges. It's still cheaper than the $800 outside fee. And also as mentioned below, if they're a guest technically at the resort for 3 nights, they can come before the wedding to meet us at no charge. Also good to know, from what I understand the vendor can check in only on the day of the wedding even if the 3 nights starts before that day. As long as they check in before bringing their equipment in, the resort won't give you a problem. Hope that helps =) Quote: Originally Posted by GinaP Hey Jenny, Who did you book for your photographer and DJ? I also booked outside vendors and was going to pay for them to stay 3 nights because it is cheaper than the outside vendor fee. They both have no intention of staying there. Do you think it will be a problem that we do this? Lynda said it was fine, I just don't want to get there and have any issues. I didn't even think of day passes for the photographer! I think they want to meet before the wedding and I think the DJ does also. Thanks! Hi Nicci! I can't believe your MOH is making excuses for not handling the situation right away! I give you credit for trying to stay calm about this, b/c I would be very upset with my MOH if she acted as if this wasn't of importance. I'm sure a bit of it may be embarrassment, but regardless it has to get done, the clock is ticking! I hope it works out, and just tell her it means a lot if she takes it into her own hands ASAP, as you have enough to handle. Hi Christine, Yes, you are correct about the measurements and also 2 sheers is fine for the beach gazebo. I think the blue & green would look nice together =) I LOVE eBay!!! They have so many amazing bulk packages for everything you'd possibly need! And that's a great deal they're giving you for the sheers, good job!!!

Hey wildangel! We wanted to do a cupcake tower instead of the traditional cake too! Only after reading reviews from past brides our resort's cupcakes aren't good, boo =( But, as part of our wedding package, we receive a "sweetheart" cake, which is a small heart shaped cake. We'll be having ice cream bar & fondue instead of cake, but we're using the heart cake specifically for cutting of the cake & a few pictures. Since dessert includes cake & creme brulee, we didn't think having more cake would be worth it. I'm not too traditional of a bride, so I really didn't even think of the anniversary cake you're supposed to have. We can't bring any food back to the states, so we'll probably have a cake when we return to NY. From that cake, we'll probably save a slice to have a year later if anyhting. Hope this helps =)

This is such a great picture, and also a perfect way to look back and see how much hard work you put into this wedding!!! I love those fans, I'm thinkign of doing the same thing, can I ask where you got them from? I'm excited to see all of your craft projects, seems like you have quite a future in the DIY business

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that happened to you You know, i always have the same complaint about the post office, they NEVER ring a bell or try to deliver it to someone that's probably sitting home waiting for their package!! It's happened many times, with very expensive items that could have been stolen or damaged! I would first file a claim with the post office and also send these pictures to Vistaprint & I'm sure they'll send you replacements. Hope it all works out!

Hi Nicci- oh no OK.. so it seems you have only a few weeks before you depart to your DW. Take that dress & your BM to the best seamstress you know. Sometimes, it's better to go where you bought the dresses from, so if need be they might be able to order extra material in the same color/fabric. They will make it work. Do it ASAP, so you don't have to worry at the very last minute. Ask your BM if she's willing to do whatever it takes to make it fit [even if it means shedding a few lbs]. I don't want to sound rude, pardon me if I do, but if she waited until now to try it on, she has to be willing to do anything necessary to fit back into it. But, I can say I've seen BM's before not being able to zip their dress at all & the seamstress pretty much created a whole new dress in a a few days to fit. It's possible, don't stress, but let your BM know to handle this right now and it will all work out =)

Hi jenya! The only way around the outside vendor fee of $800 is if the vendor is a guest at the resort- Which means booking a room for them for minimum of 3 nights [of course!] I did this for my DJ & photographer, here's how we did it: For the DJ, since they only need to be there the day of, we have to book at least 3 nights to waive the outside fee, but with our great rates 3 nights still came out to $600 or so, therefore we still saved money. Our photographers wanted to meet up before the wedding, so instead of having to pay a day pass for both of them [more than $100 for both], we decided to book 3 night stay for them as well. Since there are two of them coming, we offered to pay up to the amount of the outside fee for their stay [up to $800], if they paid the balance. At least this way, I get to work alongside with my photographer and even though it was still $800, it was being used for something rather than just an obnoxious "entry fee". And the photgrapher & her husband agreed to pay the difference [they wanted a "break" & time to relax], so all worked out! Hope this helps =)

Hi Ladies! I was wondering, from our past AS brides, have any of you had a live performance at your wedding? I'm looking into a guitarist or steel drum band for our cocktail party. Any feedback would be wonderful thanks!

Hey murmel! You actually answered a question I've had in my head for months already LOL I was hoping not to have to worry about guests staring into the sun during our ceremony! Glad you just mentioned that, although it's a bummer the sunset won't be in pictures unless we go to the lobby LOL

Hey Rachel! I can't be of much help on the exotic gazebo info- I didn't even know they had that LOL But, for pictures, remember that you're photographer is a professional- He/she can make the darkest of nights look like sunrise! I've seen some amazing images shot during dusk and they are spectacular! One I remember seeing [not sure where, I'll try to find] is when it was pouring rain on the beach and the shot taken you would have NEVER known- plenty of light and the rain actually made the picture even better! I would say Google images so you can see firsthand what can be done at different times of day. I would also ask your photographer, after all, they will know better than anyone! They will be sure to get the best shots at the perfect time! The first look prior to the wedding, completely up to you- I know some brides are a big "no" when it comes to seeing to FI before walking down the aisle. I think I will do the first look b/c it's those raw moments & emotions between just the two of you that I want to have forever. I want to walk down the aisle w/o crying my eyes off seeing him LOL But it's a personal choice, but either way any moment will be right and your photographer will know it =) Buying duty-free liquor is a great idea!!! You can also take a trip into the towns by the resort for liquor, but I'm not sure which one will be cheaper- I'd go duty-free b/c they can't rip you off haha! I think it's a good idea to have a little something in your room for when you have guests come by and just want to relax on that gorgeous balcony!! And for those who aren't happy with the strength of drinks being made on the resort, tell them to ask the bartender to double up on the liquor and throw him a few bucks I wouldn't worry so much about this, b/c if guests want stronger drinks they'll ask or drink more LOL Hope this helps Quote: Originally Posted by RachelTX Has anyone done the Exotic Gazebo? It's a MUCH better deal if you are doing white sheers. You get the sheers (wrapped around the poles), two large floral corsages and rose petals from 48 roses for $250. Just white sheers and 2 large corsages are $320. Murmel you mentioned that you didn't have them wrap the sheers around the posts. I asked my coordinator, even though you said not too , and she said that you had to wrap them. Will it really not be a problem when I get with the onsite coordinators to have them left loose? Also....the exotic gazebo has a thatched roof, is that something they put on the gazebo at Sensatori if you choose the exotic package? Because the gazebo there is plain. If there is no thatched roof added, do you know what the top of the gazebo would look like if you did have them wrap the sheers around? Also, I want my wedding to be at sunset, so we've scheduled it for 5:00 at the end of January. Sunset begins at 4:50 and is set at 5:30...this will make for amazing wedding photos I figure. My question is....what do you think I should do about pictures of my FI and I? Should we try and do "first look" photos before the wedding to have sunlight, is there enough light at the resort to do the majority of pictures after the wedding? I figure we'll do individual family pictures prior to the wedding just trying to get my head around the timeline of the rest of them and the amount of light there will be and the amount of light required! Has anyone seen "post sunset" pictures taken at the resort? Have any ideas where I might find some? Someone mentioned, possibly in this thread, or maybe in reviews I read that they purchased bottles of liquor duty free and brought them into the resort to make their drinks stronger. I don't need stronger drinks, I don't think , but my parents have gotten a honeymoon suite and we would like to do a little entertaining on the amazing balcony. I checked with my coordinator to see if we could purchase liquor from them and do it that way but they do not allow that in the rooms. Do you think it would be a decent idea to buy liquor in Mexico and just have it in the room? I'm not talking about throwing a raging party or anything in the room, just a place people could hang out since my sister will have my 6 month old niece with her....and of course when we hang out we would like to have some drinks! Thanks for any info/advice/direction you've got!

Hi soonCB! Thanks for the advice =) You're right, it will be a big chance of going down there in hopes the markets have enough qty. to fulfill our needs. That's actually a great idea, to call ahead and order some things to pick up. Unfortunately, the resort wants nothing to do with outside vendos, so even if there's a delivery to the lobby, they'll want to charge us an "outside" vendor fee [$800!!]. But I will definitely check to see if I can perhaps call some stores in the market ahead of time and see if we can do a bulk special order. I'm sure someone will be willing to negotiate a very good price for all the stuff we plan on buying =) Yes I do want to print a bunch of personalized tags & stickers to put on some of the items. I think that's a good way to add a personal touch, and won't take up much space in our luggage =) Thanks again!! Quote: Originally Posted by soonCB Another option for avoiding bringing everything down you could give people the welcome bags at the airport before the flight (I guess this would only really work if most of your guests are traveling from the same place). My other suggestion would be to try to order some of the stuff before you go down to ensure that there is enough. Perhaps they could deliver to the hotel? I would just hate to plan to buy everything when at the destination and them not have the quantity you need. I am sure you can find a local vendors as Mexico is a popular wedding destination. Perhaps ask the wedding coordinator for suggestions? I think you have a great start with the items you plan to include. A great and easy personal touch is to print off personalised labels or tags to attach to some of the items. I really like the idea of addressing the post cards for people to send you well wishes or even to use like a guest book.

That's what I thought, if I spruce up the bags it would be so much easier to travel with! And yes, once we realized how much it would actually be to bring down there, we passed on the extra 10 suitcases LOL Thanks =) Quote: Originally Posted by 2012mrstobe Whew! You made my head spin with the thought of trying to prepare 100+ OOT bags for guests! But I think you are headed in the right direction by giving your guests an OOT bag with a true Mexico feel. The items you suggested are very good ideas. If you use the kraft bags, you can vary the color of the bags and the tissues to tie your wedding colors in (as well as making sure the hang tags incorporate your logo and your colors). As far as the bags, you can find them as fancy (with handles) or plain as you want them. It will be so much easier to wait until you get to Mexico and go into town to purchase those things since that will be an awful lot to carry over there. We only have 14 bags to prepare and although I put a personal touch on a lot of the items in the bag (first aid kit, room key holders, sewing kits, etc.) I will still be purchasing rum when we get to Jamaica as well as some local snacks to put in the bags.

Hey Jenna!!!! Your big day is approaching! Hope you're all set & ready to go How long are you going for, before/after the wedding? I am so thrilled to see another bride-to-be headed down to the AS! I'm sure you're super busy with everything you have to do before leaving, so if I don't get a chance again, congratulations & best wishes! I hope you have an amazing trip, a beautiful wedding, and we'll all be thinking of you on your special day!!!

That is gorgeous!!! Well done =) I love the colors!

So I have been seeing so many amazing DIY OOT bags from you all!! This was the one project I've been most excited to get started on. But, reality and my FI chimed in saying how in the world are we going to carry OOT bags for 100+ guests down to Mexico?! As much as I love the "Oh Sh*t Kits" and "in sickness & in health" bags, my FI doesn't feel it's a necessity, and it would add a ton of weight to our many bags we'll be bringing with us. So I'm back to square one. Help this confused girl out please -We have mostly families & couples going. But for our single friends rooming together, can we still get away with one bag per room? -We're thinking of ditching the custom-made tote bags for plain old colored craft bags. I went to a DW where they used them and handmade a cute little hang tag to go on the outside, it was super cute! -Instead of lugging down a million travel size toiletries, first aid supplies, etc. we were thinking of just taking a trip into town to buy everything. We'll be there almost a week prior to our wedding, so it gives us time before we hand them out at our welcome party. I also hear you can score some really awesome deals in the markets down there, and always haggle for a better price! Here's what I'm thinking of buying down there, so it's a real deal "welcome bag" from Mexico! *Mini tequila or liquor bottles *Maracas *Snacks from local suppliers in the market *Postcards, possibly with postage so they can keep or send - OR - Maybe address to us and have them send a favorite memory or well wishes ??? *Booklets of various excursions, and contact info for the agent at the resort [wonder if I can get this ahead of time?] *Some snorkeling & swimming accessories for the kids in the group *Our welcome letter with itinerary, contact info, & map of locations for the day of the wedding Any suggestions? Thanks ladies!!

Hi there cherany!! You are definitely not the only one experiencing this! I've been saying the same thing lately, what can I do?! We have all the vendors booked, menus selected, STD's sent, invites on the way to me soon, and know what decorations we're going to order. Everything else is a waiting game! We can't order deocrations b/c we need to see the size of the area we'll be on once we confirm total number of guests, as we will be anywhere from 80-115 people attending. We did an RSVP of January 15th for our May 18th wedding, thinking that would give everyone plenty of time to decide & make plans, which also goes for us. SO many things are decided based on number of guests, and who wants to order too much/little and go through more trouble. What i try to do is just keep searchng for OOT bags, decoration, and other ideas now. This way, when we know how many guests, all I have to do is click & ship! The next few months will fly, by the time you know it, you'll be busy bee all over again =)

Hi Kathryn! We'll be arriving May 12th. From Fresa, I was interested in having them do our cupcakes & cake pops, dessert table items, etc. The decorations for the most part we're bringing from home b/c I refuse to pay Lomas prices and really don't like what they offer. Thanks for offering, so generous of you!!

Oh what a great surprise!! Congratulations, now two very special moments in one year, that's amazing!!!