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Wow... if I decide to book them, I'd better look FAB!!

Wow, they are a little pricey... I wonder if the other stylists would do just as well as Adrian?? Maybe if I put my Spa credit towards this, I could justify using the "Other Stylist" w/ the trial run?? Hmmmm.... LOL Kinda makes you wonder what exactly they do for that much money?? If I decide to use them, I'd better look FAB!!

I agree with you, beachbride2013 -- the bonfire & bar would be better than a dinner!! I'm excited to have it so everyone can become acquainted. Do you know exactly what the $250 setup includes?? (I know special seating, sound system, etc. are separate charges...) I guess I should just forget about any "discounts" as far as rooms go... as much as I'd like everyone to stay at SMB, I understand if it's just too pricey. Thanks for your help!!

Thank for answering - it did help a lot! We are still in limbo about whether or not to use Juan... The other alternative is to bring a photographer from home... we shall see what kind of deal we could get to even see if that's a possibility. Do you happen to know the credit amount for photography or video of any kind? I'm really excited about having the bonfire though!! I think everyone will enjoy it a lot. Question: What does the $250 include exactly? I know it does not include any special seating (+$500), the bar (+12.60 pp), or music (+$180 sound system), so... I'm a little confused about what I'd be paying for, since we're staying at an all-inclusive... hope I don't sound sarcastic, just really wondering if all this is sort of a "marketing ploy," if you will. Not to sound dumb, but do they start an actual bonfire on the beach?? LOL **Wow, just realized that I totally make fun of people who ask seemingly stupid questions... like me. HA!

First of all, thanks in advance to everyone on this site for being so informative and helpful!! I have several more questions relating to my SMB wedding... I know I could just email Cecelia, but she hasn't been as helpful as the ladies here!! ...sorry for the long post, but I'm an "organizer" and trying to weigh all my options for the most perfect wedding possible -- kinda like all the other brides on this site!! **In regards to the following questions, we are doing the Ultimate Package. 1) I am thinking of hiring a professional (Styling Trio Riviera Maya) to do my hair and makeup. I sent an email about two weeks ago requesting a price quote, but no response yet (so I sent another -- impatient gal, I know!!) I read in a thread on this site where the STRM team did the bride, MOB, and BM's hair and makeup for $550... But I will only need their services for me - can anyone provide a ballpark price (just so I can have an idea for my budget)? 2) I was also wondering what type of credit(s) I would receive for not using certain parts of the Ultimate Package, such as: a) "bride's hairstyling and makeup for ceremony" "video of the ceremony (30 minutes edited)" -- $930 package, so I thought I might be able to get a nice credit here?? Also, any advice what should/should not be used in the Ultimate Package?? Any special additions that you consider a "must"? 3) To upgrade your photo package, do you simply pay the difference in price?? Ex: Package #3 is included in Ultimate @ $724, so to UPGRADE to Package #5 @ $1100 would be an ADDITIONAL $376 plus tax?? Am I correct in this thinking? What are you guys doing for photography?? I really want to hire an outside photog, but just can't swing another $4-6K (GEEZ!!!)... Can I send Juan examples of "inspiration photos" that I would like for him to do for us?? 4) How many rooms must be booked to receive a "discount?" I really want all of my guests (<20) to stay at SMB, but an incentive just might help convince them to fork over the extra cash to stay there! If everyone stayed, I would be looking at a minimum of 7 rooms, possibly 8 or 9... Do all the rooms have to be booked "at the same time/throught the same source" or can they simply be linked to my "guest list" for a possible discount? Do the guests have to stay a minimum number of nights or in a minimum level of room?? 5) I would like to do a "welcome bonfire/dinner" for guests a couple of nights before the wedding for everyone to get acquainted (and let's get serious, to PARTY TOGETHER and make them even happier they came!!) How much does this cost?? Would it be a better idea (read: "less expensive" <--- HA!) just to include a date/time on my invitations for a welcome dinner at one of the restaurants (since it's included anyway) and simply make reservations in advance for all my guests?? Again, sorry for such a long post!! Thanks so much for any and all responses!! You guys are lifesavers!!

Now we're talking!! Thanks for the advice, beachbride2013!! That info makes me less nervous, for sure!! I'll get right on that.

Thanks CriCri!! I will do that!!

Wow, amberh1884... I'm so glad I'm not the only one getting frustrated with this!! And I, too, believe mine's gonna turn into a dang free for all - oh well, we do what we can, right?? I just hope that those who may choose not to stay at SMB with us won't start bit**ing when the time comes to pay the fee to get on the grounds... we shall see. I'm to the point where I'm just gonna put all the info out there and let them decide. I mean, seriously, we've got our own issues to deal with!! LOL Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!

What is the order that I should do things? I cannot/will not book a trip until I know I can have my date/times... then again, I'm afraid to book the wedding date and not be able to get a trip together... this is absolutely driving me crazy. I feel like I have no help whatsoever and cannot get answers. UGH!! How long does it take Cecelia to get a contract ready to sign?? Will she continue to be vague and not answer any of my questions?? I need to get her input, as I cannot visit for myself until the week of -- I really need answers from her, that is just it... Sorry for such a downer post, but I'm starting to freak and I don't even have a secured date at my wedding site!! Do you think if I expressed our need to book a trip in the next few weeks, that she would get a contract to me ASAP? Thanks!

I filled out a wedding request form, but I hope I can change sites and times (I requested 5:00, but need it to be more like 4:00, hopefully that's an easy fix), etc... I was hoping the form was more to check for availability of the date, which so far SMB site shows no one had signed up for just yet. Cecelia responded to me, but did not answer ANY of my questions about... well... anything. She just said "congrats" and "most important is choosing a date" (I paraphrase...) -- isn't that what I did when I sent in the request form?? Hmmm... I really thought this whole destination wedding idea was supposed to be less stress, but the correspondence is gonna be the death of me! HA! But I just need to relax and get to one thing at a time. If Cecelia wants a date, then a date it is!! I appreciated you answering my questions - it definitely makes me feel better!! Thanks beachbride2013!!

Hi amberh1884!! Thanks for answering my question -- I was afraid that would be the answer... I guess my grand idea of having a welcome bonfire/dinner is shot, but at least I know now and do not have my heart set on it... I am afraid my guests will either A) wait too long and not be able to get the resort they want or not wanna pay so much to stay at SMB, which I totally understand, but have to pay the $100. I guess I'll just leave it up to them... Truth be told, I originally didn't want anyone to stay at our resort, for the simple fact that we would be busy finishing the planning and I would worry they would wanna "hang" with us AFTER the wedding when we should be on our honeymoon... now I am just confused about it -- is that mean?? I hope not. I want a fun time, but after the wedding should be "us" time. Just out of curiosity, where did your guests end up choosing to stay? I've been to Mexico many times, but have always stayed at either Excellence, Secrets, or one of the Palaces... Since most of my guests have never been to Mexico (or at a true all-inclusive, for that matter), I would really love for them to spring for a Secrets, since we've always had such good luck with them... I'll keep you guys updated! Thanks again for your help - it is greatly appreciated!!

That's a fabulous idea, LolaTX!! I think that may be the route we go so we won't have to do them before the ceremony... We are hoping to secure our wedding for 2/22/13 - I read that the sun is supposed to set at 5:47 CST, so what time is best to ask for the ceremony?? If it lasts 30 minutes, I'm thinking 4:00?? I want to make sure to get the good light before sunset and a few at sunset (leading into cocktail hour). Do you think that would give us plenty of time? Are you getting married at the first of the year? Trying to figure out my "times" for sunset!! Thank you so much for the info about the $100 fee. According to other SMB Brides in this forum, it seems there is no way around it, unless your guests stay at SMB... I guess I'll just totally leave it up to my guests, making sure they know the "deal." Man, I really hate to ask that, but I guess that's just part of it. Maybe we can schedule a dinner together one night for those who want to stay at another Secrets?

Thanks KC! I think photos before the ceremony is definitely an option (either that or allowing at least an hour in between the ceremony and cocktail hour to do it)... I had my heart set on using an outside vendor, but just got some quotes back and they were WAAAAY out of our price range -- like over $5K!! - esp. since you can only get $350 credit and still have to pay $100 for them to get on the grounds... Juan Navarro it is!! I will look more at his work and maybe contact him personally, as you have done -- great idea!! Did you think you needed to upgrade "a lot" or just "a little"? We are trying so hard to stay within budget, but we also want to make sure we can capture our day in photos... Hmmm... You're info is much appreciated!!

Thanks CriCri! I never thought about not being with my guest during cocktail hour... There is one question that will greatly affect where my guests stay, and that is "If guests stay at another Secrets Resort, do they still have to pay $100/person/day to get on the property?" My family would like to stay at Silversands or Capri, but not necessarily if they have to pay so much just to get to the welcome dinner and wedding day activities... Is there someone I can email to ask these questions?? Would a travel agent know this?? We've got to book as soon as we hear back from Cecelia about the dates we submitted on the wedding request form. Thanks again! Quote: Originally Posted by CriCri Dear future bride, welcome to SMB brides! I can answer only partially to your questions; 2. If you but Ultimate package you can have some credit if you don't use any service, this expecially if you upgrade the service. For example if you want a bigger photo packet you can pay the upgrating or if you want more flowers, in my case, I have added flowers to the canopy but I didn't want corsages and extra boutonniere so I received credit for the flowers not used and I have spent to canopy flowers. If you don't want at all one service, for example video, you will receive partially the credit. 3. My reception was at 5.00 and when my guest were at the cocktail hour we have taken pictures in the abandoned mansion. For pictures on the beach during the day you can fix one other session some days after. The photographer in the resort (Adventure phjotos) gives one session of 45 minutes for free and you can purchase ony the pictures that you like. Remember, you must pay 20$ tip to go in the old mansion 4. Mexican trio. At the beginning I have booked them for cocktail hour but at the end I have change and I have booked them for the dinner. This is because you will not be with your guests during the cocktail (you will be with the photographer) and we didn't want miss them. 5. I have booked my owne the rooms and I have used otel.com with the 10% of discount thet you can have booking by facebook. This is the best rate I have found. Cecilia can send you more option if you ask something special but I suggest you to fix as soos as possible before arriving to the resort, they need time to arrange everythings. Flowers and menu should be choosen at least one week before.

Hello Ladies! My fiance and I are planning our wedding at SMB on February 22, 2013. I have some concerns and questions about the actual planning, so here goes... 1. If our guests choose to stay at another Secrets resort (Capri, Silversands, or The Vine), is there still a charge to get on the grounds for each day's activities?? Our welcome bonfire and wedding/reception will be a couple of days apart and this would be a definite bummer, since SMB is so pricey... 2. We have chosen the Ultimate Package - can certain parts be exchanged for credit to use for others? (ex. no photography in exchange for decor allowances) 3. We plan to hire an off-sight photographer to capture our day - we want to get some really cool photos in all types of light, so would it be weird to shoot in our wedding attire BEFORE the ceremony?? I figure we may as well take advantage of the scenery since it's a destination wedding, after all! 4. Ahhhh, the MUSIC!! We would like to use the Mexican Trio during the welcome bonfire/cocktail hour (haven't quite decided which one we'd like to do...) Ceremony - we would love to hire an off-site string quartet or a single violinist to use... any suggestions on who/if to use?? However, if it's just not in the budget, we may have to bring our own instrumental music and use a sound system. What did you guys do?? Reception - definitely want to use our own music! So the question is (and this goes for the ceremony as well, should we decide not to hire live music...) - Is it best to buy a Bose portable sound system and use an iPod or just "suck it up" and pay the outrageous fee to use the resorts sound system? What did you use? Did you love it?? Any regrets?? 5. We will most likely be booking through Expedia.com - is payment for the Ultimate Wedding package due immediately or upon arrival? I would really rather see the options in person and have the option to make any changes before agreeing to anything. I have read in the forums that Cecelia will show other options not listed on the website - any truth to this?? Also, I would like to sit down and discuss customizing and/or exchanging anything before agreeing to pay first. Any help or advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED!! THANKS LADIES!!

Hello everyone!! My fiance and I are planning to get married at SMB on 2/22/2013, but are a little concerned about the planning aspect of it all... Hopefully, some of you can give us some answers and much appreciated advice!! Here goes... 1. We would like for all guests (less than 20, more like 15) to stay at another resort. The reason for this is that SMB is quite pricey and we would like to give our guests other options, and also, it's gonna be our honeymoon so we kinda want to be alone. If guests stay at another Secrets resort (Silversands, Capri, The Vine), is there still a charge to get on the property for the welcome bonfire and wedding activities?? (assuming the bonfire and wedding/reception will be a couple of days apart...)?? I really hope this is an option, so that our guest won't have to pay $100/day to get on the site for each activity. That would really be a bummer. 2. We have chosen the Ultimate Package. I know this includes all white. We like the idea of small pops of color and LOTS of lighting (reception is after sunset). Can certain portions of the package be exchanged for credit to use on decor/lighting?? (ex. no photography or video in exchange for flowers, cake, or lighting credit) Since photography is one of the main expenses, we don't wanna "pay twice." 3. Photography is extremely important to us, since our guest are just close family and very few close friends. We will be having a reception when we get back home for all others, so we want to have these photos to show them, as if they were there with us. We want to hire an off-sight photographer, as to avoid the "typical" photos that the resort guys usually do... We want other photos of us (not ceremony), such as in the abandoned building next to the resort, beach photos, and others. My concern is that our ceremony is mid afternoon and reception is after sunset (only allowing about 1 hour in between for photos. Would it be weird to get photos made before we get married, so we can catch some of the good light and sunset in them?? Any advice ladies?? 4. Ahhhh yes... the MUSIC! Welcome Bonfire - we wanted to use the Mexican Trio that is included in the Ultimate package for the cocktail hour/welcome bonfire, so this leaves the ceremony and reception to consider. Ceremony - I would love to have a violinist play at the ceremony, but SMB's price for that is too expensive. Anyone used an off sight violinist or string quartet?? Cost? The other option is to use our own music... which leads to the next question... Reception - the options are to either bring our own music and rent their sound system (which is WAAAY overpriced, IMHO) or bring our music and a portable sound system. Which is worth it?? I am open to any and all experiences with either - love it? hate it? any regrets?? 5. We will most likely be using Expedia to book our trip - will wedding package payment be expected before we arrive, or mostly after we've arrived and chosen what we want? I've read that there are more options than that are listed on the site... I'm really just a control freak and a little stressed about choosing so many things without seeing them... Does the planner (Cecelia) send photos of other options or at least options listed upon request? (ex. lanterns vs. lighting balls *or* chair covers vs. different colored sashes, etc) Sorry for the long post ladies, but I am starting to get stressed just thinking about planning!! Any answers or advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! Thank ladies!