2ndtimesacharm

I would recommend checking out this vendor on Etsy for the luggage tags:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80475174/clear-vinyl-luggage-tags-and-worm-loops

I only needed 15 and they were by far the cheapest.  Very fast shipping and quality is very good.  Looks like shipping is about $13 to Canada.
 

Ladies - here are some pics that my WC sent me of the rooftop lounge decorated for a wedding.  This is their alternate location in case of rain.  It put my mind at ease to see the setup so I thought you'd like to see it too.  Obviously I hope no one has rain on their wedding day but it's not looking good for us!!

Originally Posted by ChelseyB 

 

hello brides, 

i am recently engaged and have started searching on where to get married.  Sensatori keeps coming back to me as the best location even though i'm trying to branch out and look at other places to compare.  I'm sure you guys all did that too. What made you choose Sensatori as your final decision?  is everyone happy with this decision so far or were there other places in the area that you wish you would have looked at a bit more.  I would appreciate any advice you can offer to someone who just got engaged 2 weeks ago but is ready to start making some wedding planning decisions. 

 

oh one more question,  how far in advance did you book your wedding with sensatori?  is a february/march wedding do-able if i start planning now? thanks so much  you guys.

Chelsey

Hi Chelsey,

Come up with a list of what's important for you and your FI and then see if Sensatori ticks off most, if not all, of the boxes.  I'm having a VERY small wedding so my preferences and needs might not match yours but we started planning in January of this year and we're getting married next week!  I think Feb/March is totally do-able for you.  I'm looking forward to going to Sensatori and my expectations are high based on all the wonderful things I've heard about it on here.  However, there are a few things I wish I knew in the beginning and wish I checked into further before deciding on AS.  First, you may have heard that the outside vendor fee is $800.  So if you decide you don't want to go with the resort photographer,  you need to pay the resort $800 or book 3 nights at their resort for your photographer.  If you want an outside DJ, another $800.  Florist or cake designer?  $800 and $800.  This is an insane amount of money, in my opinion, and it has rapidly increased over just the last few years.  This really bothers me.  The other thing I noticed is that options available through this resort are MUCH more expensive than at other resorts or if you were to book on your own.  For example, we REALLY wanted to hire a mariachi band for our cocktail hour.  I'm still super disappointed we won't be but it is $700 for a trio of guitar players (full mariachi bands, even more).  Other resorts charge $300 for this same 45 minutes of entertainment.  Had I not shelled out $800 for the vendor fee, I would have considered splurging on the mariachi, even at that inflated price, but now we really can't.  So again, it comes down to what things are important to you: family friendly, gourmet food, lots of restaurants, no wristbands (for some reason this is important to me!), close to airport, great beach, close to shopping, ???  The list is long and there are so many options in this area of Mexico.  I'm not trying to tell you NOT to book at AS, I'm just saying I wish I had looked into it more.  Maybe the end result would have been the same but maybe not!

Originally Posted by Mnd3A 

 

Hi ladies!!

 

Congrats to all the brides-to-be!!

 

Here is a lo-res preview from our fabulous photographer, Citlalli Rico!!

 

xo

 

 

Gorgeous!!!  Can't wait to see the rest!

Originally Posted by ELAINENYC 

 

 If you go to ebay and type in the search "coil bracelets" and "Vertical Transparent Plastic Card ID BAdge Holders Zip-Lock Top".  I planned on removing the whistles and attaching the coil bracelets to the badge holder, which I am using as room key/money holder for guests. Since guests are placing money and room key in it, I decided to get the ones that have a zip-top so it stays securely inside the holder.  Also, I plan on having printing something off of Vistaprint to place in the holders..not sure what design I am doing yet, but the standard business card size will fit in these holders. Unfortunately I do not know about the bracelets at Oriental trading.

 

I ordered my coil wrist bands from this store on Ebay:

http://stores.ebay.com/creativeidsupply/Wrist-Coil-Key-Chain-/_i.html?_fsub=4502804015&_sid=940593105&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

I didn't care about color (so bought the assorted pack) and know my guests probably won't use them again after the trip so I didn't want to spend a ton.  I believe these shipped from China but I had them within a week.

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

 

 

 

My husband and I were married at the Azul in October, and we just went on a babymoon (I am due in September) at the El Dorado, but we stayed at the Royale side vs. in the Casitas.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!  Best wishes for a healthy and uneventful pregnancy!! 

Originally Posted by tkuzma 

 

I went searching for the last list of wedding dates, and it took awhile to find.  Thought I'd repost- sorry if it is not the most up to date!

 

Dori exactly 1 week to go for you! Hooray!!!

 

June 2012

2ndtimesacharm - June 26, 2012

THANKS!!!  3 days 'til departure!!  Can't wait and can't believe it's here already!!

Originally Posted by JennyBenz 

 

Hey ladies! So my WC has gotten to me, and I hope you all don't mind me venting a bit

So I've been working with WC Amanda from the Miami office and I know I'm still 11 months from our wedding- But is that a reason to take SO long to respond? Now, I was well aware going into this that I have to be patient in getting responses, and I think I've been fair. BUT, for the simplest question or two I have, she took almost 10 days to answer me! I have a slew of questions to ask her, but I feel if I send it to her a few at a time, it'll take me easily a month to have all the answers I need. Are you all experiencing this? Any suggestions? I know I could try calling, but when it comes to numbers & fees I want that all in writing so in case they try to pull a fast one, I have proof. The final straw: One question I had asked her which was very important to have an answer to ASAP b/c I couldn't book my photographer without it-  She took more than a week again to answer! [i even stressed how important it was and resent the email 3 times] I almost lost out on our photographer & I was furious.

 

Sorry for venting ladies, hope you understand, my apologies- just had to let it out!

[My fiance listens, but his reply is "stop worrying so much" LOL]

If you feel you really should be getting faster responses, ask to switch WC.  Elizabeth Riff is fantastic!!  Even if my questions weren't pressing, she'd get back to me quickly; even one time emailing me that she was traveling but would respond on xx date.  I would definitely stack the questions all together and email the set so she can research and get back to you unless it's something very time sensitive.  Sounds like you're not expecting much and not getting anywhere near that so I wouldn't hesitate to ask for a change in WC.  Worst they can say is 'no.'  And I agree with doing it all over email so it's in "writing."  I didn't make any phone calls.

Originally Posted by murmel 

 

Depending on the airline and the plane now, there is often not even a first class closet anymore! So don't count on this as an option. Be prepared to put the dress on top of your bags in the overhead compartment. Just try to lay it as flat as possible. (My dress was lace, and it didn't wrinkle at all, even though I had to fold it in half.

 

Don't remember who was flying Sunwing- But they DO NOT have closets anymore!

 

Like someone else said, try to board the plane at the start. Then at least you get room in the overheard compartment, and can close it. Usually people will only put stuff in when the door is still open. Good luck ladies!

 

In terms of the alternate locations: We were told of 2

1) a ballroom (which would also be used for the reception)

2) the back deck of the lobby, overlooking the resort. (it's where the nightly show happens) It's actually quite a nice spot (and the one that someone posted a photo of)

Thanks Murmel and Evelyn for the alternate location info.  I found some pics on my TAs website that showed this area too.  And thanks for the info on the dress storage.  I'm not worried about it as we should be one of the first to board.

 I don't know anything about the Wright Agency but would never use a TA that charges fees.  They should be getting commission from the resorts and vendors, not you.  My TA (a friend of mine) did say that airlines are no longer giving TAs commissions as of the last few years.
 

Originally Posted by jsal4 

 

I am putting the cards and straws together myself before I give it to them. Below is a picture of what it will look like. I made the cards on vistaprint.com and will hand write the table numbers and person's name. I am also getting stripped purple and white straws. And get this...the Signature Drink and setup on the table is FREE! Yup...I think it's the only free thing I have gotten so far!

Love those!  and a great idea for place settings!!

We're doing a blue margarita as our signature drink.

Originally Posted by Nicci86 

 

What do you think of this dress?

 

I think it looks very light and cool for a beach wedding.  Dresses are so hard to judge unless you can see the person wearing it though.  The layers do remind me of Mexico though!

 

Is anyone doing luggage tags for your guests? Any recommendations on where to purchase the clear holders from? Thanks!!!

I did luggage tags and bought them from this vendor on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80475086/clear-vinyl-luggage-tags-and-worm-loops

He had various size quantities available and since I only needed 15, this is the cheapest I found.  If you're looking for 100, you may find them cheaper on Ebay but this vendor was very fast and the quality is great.  My guests loved them!

Any past brides have pictures of alternate ceremony locations in case in rains?  We're supposed to be married on the beach but my fiance (Mr. Weather) has been telling me there is a tropical disturbance heading that way for Sun-Tues and we should be prepared.  Yes, I almost punched him when he said "isn't it good luck to rain on your wedding day?"  This isn't the typical "rain every day in the forecast for Cancun in the summer" so I do want to be prepared.  We have a very small group so I'm hoping they have some nice, private areas and they don't throw us in the ballroom.

Here's a laugh for you... I called Delta to find out what their policy is for carrying wedding dresses on board and they told me the things we've all heard before: "if there is room in the first class closet you can hang it there or you can hold it on your lap."  I'm not worried about it wrinkling as it is lace but I was stunned into silence when the rep said "or you can buy a seat for it."  hahahahahahaha  Unbelievable.
 

Originally Posted by slarso13 

 

Dawn- we always tip when we are in mexico- even in an all inclusive. Not required but it is totally the right thing to do.

 

ANYONE who has already booked. WE ARE in a bit of a panic. We are getting married april 20 2013 and just received our first quote for our trip from our TA. For an 8 day trip, she is quoting us at around 6000 dollars. I think that is SO high!! Is this really what it costs? we vacation in mexico every year and have never paid that much. I am panicking that no one will come if it is that high priced. Totally freaking out!! Need advice please!

Yeah, way too high.  Maybe they have you priced for the honeymoon suite or something like that. She is a Karisma GI consultant that's been in their top 10 for several years now so she'll get you a great group rate plus some perks like the TA mentioned a few posts up on this forum.  We got a free cocktail hour for our guests and chose a romantic dinner on the beach for us.

 

BTW- Congratulations!! When was your big day?

Any advice to a girl like me that's 11 months away and still has lots to do?

 

June 26th!  We leave the 24th.

I just started planning mine in January and we only invited immediate family so I didn't do the STDs or even invitations.  I think my best advice would be to stick to your budget and don't go crazy over OOT items or expensive things that won't matter to you or your guests in the end.  ENJOY the planning and forget the drama (if there is any!).  I'm already starting to miss the research and planning stages as we're done and starting to pack.  I can't imagine how I'd feel if I'd been planning for a year or more like some of you.  So excited that it's finally here though!!

I LOVE the blue heart on your dress!!!!!!!!!  That is amazing! 

Originally Posted by JennyBenz 

 

Hi ladies!! I finally finished our STD's and would love to share with you all 

 

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/80331/my-diy-boarding-pass-stds-are-finally-done-template-included

Love them Jenny!!!  Great job!  What are your plans for the invites now?  Can't wait to see all the DIY projects you come up with.  I'll have to check back here after my own wedding has come and gone. 

Originally Posted by ELAINENYC 

 

quick question to past brides  - I believe kids under 3 stay for free at AS. How strict are they with this age...meaning do they ask for proof? My cousin's son is just turning 3 a month before my wedding and I was wondering if he would get away with saying the child is 2 so he doesnt have to pay. Your thoughts? thx!!

Yeah, probably won't get away with it.  My daughter is turning 13 2 weeks before our trip and so I went from paying for a child to an adult!  If it wasn't for school, we would have gone earlier!  DARN!  Also, babies aren't free.  They still charge a small fee for baby food, kid's toys, etc.  My niece is 8 months and I think it was about $40 for 3 days.

Originally Posted by JennyBenz 

 

REALLY!!!! YAY!!!! How do I do so? LOL I only know the super basics on this site like posting this comment HAHA

Click the little picture icon in the list of formatting options above.  It's next to the movie reel.  It will let you browse your computer for an image.

Originally Posted by JennyBenz 

 

I know on this site, to download/share images, links, etc, you have to be a certain type of member- I think it's minimum of 150 posts.

Could I be wrong? I know for sure right now I can't download or open anyone's helpful links & pictures =(

 

You can post pictures without having 150 posts!  Let's see 'em!

I agree that it is helpful to read about other experiences because it will help us know what to expect.  The other bride who just booked with Teresa will now know she needs to ask up front for rooming lists and info on who in her party has booked.  Nothing wrong with that.  Sharon's expectation wasn't met and she's now passing that on to others so we don't experience the same disappointment.

I also agree that Tammy's responses were less than professional.  While the initial comments did draw out the entire story, the last comments were rude and it would cause me not to want to book with you.  Not trying to be rude myself; just want to point out that your reputation is also on the lines when you comment publicly on the internet.

I highly recommend My Fitness Pal (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/) for tracking all of this.  I use the app on my iPhone but you can also just use it on the web.  I've been "trying" to lose weight for years but definitely got more serious about it after the wedding date was picked this January.  The last 60 days I've been much more motivated (wedding is in 2 weeks!) and I have lost the weight I wanted to.  It's so nice to have friends to help motivate you and you can communicate with each other within the app.  I didn't want to go on a "diet" - I wanted to get back to the good lifestyle I had before I gained the weight.  I want to be able to eat things I like, just eat smaller portions and get exercise in daily.  Since then I've managed to get in 30-45 mins of treadmill time 5-6 days/week and have been eating lower carbs and smaller portions.  Trust me, I've dieted for more than half my life and if you restrict yourself, you'll "cheat" and one day of cheating leads to many and then you feel like  you're constantly starting over.  Pick one thing a week you want to change, do it and then pick something else for next week.  My challenge is VERY low carb for the next two weeks to try to lose a little more belly weight but I know I couldn't do it long term!  Love those carbs too much!  Good luck ladies!!!
 

The issue with the beach at Azul Sensatori (and all those along that stretch between Puerto Morelos & Playa del Carmen) is that there is a reef perpendicular to this area.  It is a Mexican national treasure and wonderful for scuba diving and snorkeling.  It just doesn't result is a beautiful beach and often the water color is affected as well.  You will definitely need beach shoes with hard soles if you want to swim here and just be prepared for the seaweed that comes up all day every day.  Every resort along here battles the problem and Azul staff do a wonderful job clearing it daily but it will never be perfectly clean.

I'm getting married at Azul Sensatori and I'm excited about it but probably would have chosen a different resort knowing what I know now. 

1. Not cheap.  You're looking at a minimum of $150/person per night.

2. Vendor fees.  As far as I can tell Karisma is the WORST resort chain wrt vendor fees.  $800 per vendor to get them on the property if you choose to use someone off their list.  Their list changes frequently because the vendors break their agreements when Karisma keeps upping the fees they charge them.  I personally didn't like the options I was given for photographers so I'm basically throwing away $800 and now can only afford 2 hours of photography time.  Sucks.  Those on these forums hiring DJs almost exclusively have paid the vendor fee to get a better DJ.  I just really feel like this is highway robbery and out of shear disgust would not choose this resort chain if I had to do it over again.  You may like the vendor options or may be bringing a photographer with you so this may be a moot point.

On the plus side: There are LOTS of kid-friendly places up and down the coast but AS really does offer alot for families.  I'm looking forward to the good food and all the wonderful reviews of their wedding consultant staff make me confident that we'll have a relatively easy, stressfree day.

It's not an easy decision!  Good luck!!
 

As I started reading I was going to suggest you guys paying for the brother to attend but you did that already!  I think part of this issue is that he and his wife want to come, don't want to miss out on the fab vaca and spending a week with family but just can't afford it and are concerned about traveling with a baby.  All this will make her jealous if only he gets to go.  Should she be a bigger person, realize her husband MUST be at his brother's wedding even if it were in Antarctica?  Absolutely but I don't think that's going to happen.  She will bitch and complain and make his life miserable about it but THAT IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM.  You've done everything in your power to make this happen and if HE decides he can't come, that is his decision.  I love the idea of making him part of the legal ceremony at home (assuming you're not getting legally married in the DR).  You might also be able to swing something like a webcam and Skype so they can watch the ceremony live.

Whatever you do, do NOT give her advice about traveling with an infant.  Don't even make recommendations on who to talk to.  Seriously.  This is their first child, right?  New parents are almost always extremely cautious and fear the unknown.  If they had more than one kid, they'd probably have no problem with it but I'm certain she isn't going to want to hear from you about this as "you don't know what you're talking about."  I have 2 kids - 13 and 10 (and actually the 13 year old has diabetes and we're going to Mexico!).  I traveled alot with them as infants but never outside of the country.  I think I would have been scared, especially with #1.  When we were thinking about a DW I assumed my brother and SIL wouldn't want to come with their baby but they are world travelers and have no problem taking her pretty much anywhere.  They're thrilled we're doing it while she still travels for free!  LOL! 

The thing is you can't control what others fear.  Like the family who didn't go because their kid has diabetes.  It's a totally legitimate fear and they knew they wouldn't be comfortable the whole time down there so they declined.

I say you've done all the right things and now it's time to put down your deposit and get on with the show.  EVERYONE else is excited and supportive of you and hopefully by the time the wedding happens, your BIL will have made the right decision and be standing by his brother's side.  Keep being positive, accommodating (within reason), and cordial.  You've handled this so well so far!