MrsMoorsy

we had 4 people do speeches and it took like 10 mins..but thats just because their speeches were short..some of our guests were drunk by the reception which was fine with us cause its a giant party..ceremony was from like 4-430 then pictures until 6 then dinner went until about 7-7:30. the guests HAD to be out by 8..they charge $400 per 15 mins extra if anyone is left sitting around past the time your suppose to leave. Reception was from 8-11..

you can't have a microphone in the restaurants cause it disturbs the other people eating.. I asked if we could do speeches with a microphone and thats what they told me. We just did it during the reception. its more private. We also just ended up bringing our ipod for music and theres a guy that stands there basically to turn it on and off.

The wedding was at the Gazebo and like I said the wedding was OK...the Gazebo was SUPER windy..my hair was going every direction possible and my bridesmaids had to hold down their dresses or they would of blown right up...They also didn't tell us anything before hand, they did everything in the moment so during our ceremony Maria and her assistant were like trying to get my sisters attention by hissing at her..I thought that was super rude. I have seen other pictures from other brides on here who had wayyy better lighting for their weddings..Like at the reception they had these two huge like football lights..it was NOT romantic at all It felt like a football game. Also they decided to put peach bows around all the chairs which I didn't understand nor did they even ask me if I wanted bows and which colour..My theme was Tiffany so you can imagine peach bows with a bunch of teal coloured decorations..sooo trashy looking. And the booze at the bar was the cheapest booze they had. Maria allowed us to change the sparkling wine to Gin as a lot of guests were doing Gin and Tonics the whole week and omg it was the worst tasting thing anyone had ever had! it tasted like rubbing alcohol. I can't believe she told you to bring your own flour?! we had 2 gluten/dairy free guests and they were able to accommodate them just fine. I would look into that cause thats crazy.

Hi Everyone, We just got back..I wasn't going to post anything cause I know a lot of people say great things about this resort but I feel like I should because our experience from start to finish was terrible and I don't want anyone else to experience what we experienced. We checked in on May 3 when we arrived the hotel said they over booked the hotel and had cancelled some of our guests rooms. My sister in law was placed in a room with her brother and his gf and two of our friends didnt even have a room. They refused to help us. They told them that they could bunk with other people but they would charge them for those nights they have to stay there!! I was totally shocked. They kept telling us the resort was full and that their itinerary didn't mean anything. It took us 2 hours of arguing and fighting to get the two rooms we should of had from the beginning! The rooms were OK..I found a cockroach in the tub on our first night and some of our guests also found bugs, cockroaches and lizards in their rooms. The upgrades in case no one knows cause we didnt know this..means a bigger size room which was like 5 cm bigger..We were expecting as the bride and groom to get a better room but no.. we actually got the same room as most of our guests and with a terrible view. My sisters room had a better view than ours did. We also got NOTHING...no perks, nothing special..all they did for us is what we paid for in the Sunshine Package..thats it and the sovereign was embarrassing..Our welcome letter that we got in our room was also addressed to the wrong people! they were not organized nor did they care that they screwed up. The safety of the resort is really bad. My sister in laws room was broken into while she wasn't in her roo. We found out later that is was one of their bar stalkers! he opened up her suitcase and purse and went through everything! thank god there was nothing valuable or worth taking. My husband ended up staying with her for a night because she was terrified. My grandmothers room also got broken into at 4am!! the guy walked in and said "sorry wrong room" and then left! The hotel then blamed my grandmother for not closing her door...YA right! The hotel staff do not want to help you..They will do everything they can to NOT help you.. Our air conditioner in all our rooms did not work and they never came and fixed them..We had 50 guests who all had the same issues and they did nothing. The wedding was OK...it went smoothly and there were no problems. Our 1 on 1 with Maria I specifically said I wanted all my decorations back including our cake topper...guess what she does, she returns some of the decorations, then once I notice some are missing she tells me they were thrown out and I never told her I wanted to keep them including my cake topper!! I was livid..they refused to replace the cost because I didnt have my receipt! This hotel is a joke and for all you brides that had a great experience I am happy you did but all 50 guests of ours will never be returning and will be writing reviews on it cause it was just terrible.

This is what we were quoted for 2014 prices National Bar Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whiskey $2680 Special Cocktails Beer, Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Sparkling Wine $1400 This option is for 50 persons maximum , in case there´s more people will have an extra charge. This packages includes 3 hours of open bar, set up, soft lighting, cocktail tables, white tiffany chairs microphone and music DJ Hope that helps! This is what we were quoted for 2014 prices National Bar Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whiskey $2680 Special Cocktails Beer, Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Sparkling Wine $1400 This option is for 50 persons maximum , in case there´s more people will have an extra charge. This packages includes 3 hours of open bar, set up, soft lighting, cocktail tables, white tiffany chairs microphone and music DJ Hope that helps! This is what we were quoted for 2014 prices National Bar Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whiskey $2680 Special Cocktails Beer, Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Sparkling Wine $1400 This option is for 50 persons maximum , in case there´s more people will have an extra charge. This packages includes 3 hours of open bar, set up, soft lighting, cocktail tables, white tiffany chairs microphone and music DJ Hope that helps!

Do you have a travel agent?? try getting them involved, I got ours involved and I'm hoping everything will be ok and they don't show up.

Is anyone else having troubles with the photography studio?? I have told them like 5 times that we don't want to use them but they want all our photographers information and I have told them we wont be providing that information because quite frankly it's none of their business. They meet the 5 night min requirement and that should be enough. I don't want them to tracker her down at the airport because shes here for "work" and then not let her into Mexico. How did other brides get away with this? my DW planner has told me to say shes a family friend and I've tried that and they still don't accept it.

For any brides uncertain about the poolside reception, just thought I would let you know in case you didn't know like I did but you HAVE to choose a bar option in order to have a poolside reception.The lobby bar is literally through a set of doors right in front of the pool so we thought why should we pay $2600 for a bar when its free and really close to where the reception is set up..We were wrong, they wont allow you to have a reception without choosing a bar option which I guess is how they charge you for it in the first place, but they don't even offer you premium booze either in these packages. Like how can they justify $1400 and then almost $3000 for a different kind of booze..You don't get more service just because you bought the more expensive bar, your still getting the chairs, tables, soft lighting and DJ ur just choosing to have all booze options instead of 4 Special Cocktails. I just don't get it and I don't think its reasonable at all..We trying to negotiate on the price cause they have changed the price around like 3 times so we don't even know which price is the correct one. But regardless we wont be paying $3000 for booze that's free. National Bar Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whisky $2680 Special Cocktails Beer, Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Sparkling Wine $1400

This email was sent to me in August from Maria. We have different packages for a poolside cocktail after the dinner, as it is private it will have the following cost depending of the Open Bar you want: National Bar: Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whisky $2680 USD Special Cocktails: Beer, Piña Colada Cocktail, Margarita Cocktail & Sparkling Wine $1400 USD This option is for 50 persons maximum , in case there´s more people will have an extra charge. This packages includes 3 hours of open bar, set up, soft lighting, cocktail tables, white tiffany chairs microphone and music DJ Hope it helps. I have had nothing but trouble getting a response from them I am 3 months away from leaving and the only thing I have finalized is the restaurant. They have told me twice that they don't usually do much until the 2-3 month mark which I have tried emailing them about and still nothing.

Hi Ladies, So the photography studi finally emailed me..did anyone else having trouble canceling with them? they are telling me they wont send me the cancelation paperwork until we arrive and on top of that they want all our photographers information before they will even give it to us. I don't want to give them any information about our photographer cause I know they will flag them at the airport and then not be allowed in because they are there for work. Can any past brides let me know how they dealt with this becasue I am not happy that we have to do all of this. They also say they will show up regardless because it's part of the package we choose and we can then decide not to take their photos....to me this is such bull. Any help would be great.

Quote:Originally Posted by lgerry I'm glad to hear i'm not the only one, but sorry that you are having a tough time with her too   I just emailed Paloma today, stating that it is unacceptable at this point to have no clue what is going on or have anything planned/booked and that we have our TA looking at other options for resorts. Hopefully we hear something back soon, and if/when we do  I will be sure to let you know! Awe I wish we could change resorts!! Our TA is telling us because we put our deposits down on the resort already, we can't change resorts...The resort I know is amazing but this non communication is getting soooo ridiculous! I wanted to buy some decorations for the reception and I ended up not buying them because I haven't heard whether or not were allowed to bring them..it's just stupid. I am hoping dinner is only at most an hr cause I don't really want to sit around in a restaurant with random people for 2 hrs, basically just sit, eat and leave to our pool side reception where will do the cake cutting and speeches and then get our drink on! LOL

Ladies I am still looking to share the cost of our photographer for the week of May 3-May 7, cost to you will be $700 plus whatever photo package you want.

Quote:Originally Posted by KatLew Does anyone know if the national bar price includes wine and beer? (17/first hour, 12/additional hours) I know the International bar specifies that it includes wine and beer (24/first hour, 18/additional hours), but the national bar does not specify this. Thank you :) I hope this helps you..This was my reply from Maria (we have 50 ppl going) Regarding the Cocktail Party - National Bar quote, yes you have to pay for all you guest I have quoted for a maximum of 50 ppl = 2680 usd. Yes in this package also are included the special cocktails options. It works as an Open Bar during 3 hours of the service. National Bar already includes Beer and in the special cocktails includes Sparkling wine which I'm sure you would substitute for regular wine. National Bar: Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whisky $2680 USD Special Cocktails: Beer, Piña Colada Cocktail, Margarita Cocktail & Sparkling Wine $1400 USD

Quote:Originally Posted by KatLew Also, are you guys doing any wedding favors for the guests? And regarding the dinner Resturant reception... Do we do table seating arrangements? Wedding favours yes:) and I am so excited about them! We have made a seating arrangement which I have NO idea if they will go with what we want or they do it on there own. As far as I know I think the only thing u can choose is how many tables/how many ppl at each table, you might be able to get away with name cards and specific seating for each guest. We plan to just have our guest sit where ever they want during dinner cause we don't really care about the dinner, its the after dinner reception where we want all our decorations and table cards and such to happen:)

Quote:Originally Posted by KatLew Hello, We wanted to do a poolside reception following dinner. Is this included in the romance extravaganza package? It looks like 2 hours of cocktail hour is included, but we want 3. I dont know if we are going to get a DJ, or just use our ipod and rent out speakers and equipment. I feel like if we do the IPOD then we can make sure all of our songs get played... And I'm sure I could just have my cousin do the names of bridesmaids and groomsmen and bride and groom for the entrance, as well as lead the garter and bouquet toss... Any thoughts? Unfortunately anything outside the dinner you pay separate so if you want to the dinner inside one of the restaurants that is included with your package but a reception pool side afterwards costs extra. I was quoted $2800 for the bar and that includes every kind of liquor/drinks and also set up of chairs and tables. The mic and speakers are a separate cost as well, and same with all the decorations unless you bring your own, we are also just bringing out IPOD and will hook it up to speakers:) seems to be a better choice!

Hi Ladies, Were still looking to share our photographer for the week of May 3-May 10 if anyone is interested. I can send your her link-Her pictures are amazing!

Hi Ladies, Maria finally sent me some quotes after some not so nice emails to Paloma. Hope this sort of helps.. **** In case you have a preference for any specific flower, colour or shape you can always advice to me with pleasure I will check with the florist if those flowers are available. ** Extra Flowers: Bridemaids bouquet - 36 usd each Bottoniers - 11 usd each Coursages - 16 usd each Petal roses - 12 usd bag each Table arrangement - 57 usd each Hanging coursages - 75 usd each Looks like the end of October will be the time when Maria can give me the restaurants available in 2014 so once I get those I will post it. We are not doing a dinner pool side reception but she sent me the menus for each one and the price: On regards to the dinner so far I can give you the options for Private Dinner: We set up a private dinners by the pool, the thematic buffet reception dinners includes: private venue + menu+ set up (chairs, tables) + drinks (2 hour of national open bar + 1 hour of cocktails ) + lights decoration with tivolie, candels + services for 3 hours. The price is 60 usd per person minimum 50 ppl. And the bar: Regarding the Cocktail Party - National Bar quote, yes you have to pay for all you guest I have quoted for a maximum of 50 ppl = 2680 usd. Yes in this package also are included the special cocktails options. It works as an Open Bar during 3 hours of the service.

Quote:Originally Posted by karolane I will bring a photographer for the 7 days regardless I will pay the 400$ if I have and that's fine with me thanks for all the help ! My fiancé and I are thinking of going on a trip this year ( a year before our wedding ) to visit the locations for the wedding andert with. Wedding planner so we can ask the questions we need to ask . Anyone thinks that's a good idea ?? I just feel like if I do everything via email it will be verry frustrating and stressful. Were also bringing our photographer down for the full 7 days, she'll be travelling with everyone so it's just easier-Ha vent gotten any info on the price cause were not planning on telling the resort we have a photographer coming...I have been trying to get in touch with Maria for the past 4 months so I ended up emailing Paloma who also is NOT helpful.. For any brides who are frustrated with the contact...trust me when I say they will not give u much until your 3-4 till ur wedding..its total bull and completely unfair..If our guests hadn't put down their deposits already we would be cancelling and going somewhere else cause I think this is ridiculous cause their are a lot of brides like me that what to know what their budget is and it's really hard when your in limbo for 9 months!

Quote:Originally Posted by KatLew wait, so we cant bring a photographer into the resort??? How much does the resort photographer cost and will they edit and touch up photos and give us a USB of all them images? They will charge you a fee for bringing a photographer into the resort..I have no idea how much they charge but I'm sure it's a lot...That is IF they will even let you..by the sounds of all these post I don't even see you being allowed to bring in an outside photographer anymore and your stuck with Areclife or family taking photos which is such bull.. Like I said were bringing in our own regarless and just passing her off as a friend to bypass the fee's and stuff cause I don't like the resort photos at all..

Quote:Originally Posted by lgerry omg really?? That really sucks because I've already paid my deposit for outside hair and makeup. How do they get away with changing the rules so much like this? Our wedding is less than 4 months away and between all changes to rules and the fact that they won't even reply to our emails to start planning, we are very close to talking to our TA about switching resorts I am getting soo frustrated with this resort it's unbelievable..I have threated to cancel already and our wedding is in May. Once they see that your about to cancel Paloma usually emails you..except this time is not the same..I emailed Maria back in June and I still have not gotten anything from her or Paloma, I now have our Travel Agent trying to get a response which also doesn't seem to be working. I'm giving it another month and If I don't hear from anyone than were going to cancel and go somewhere else causeI would like to start figuing out how much stuff is going to cost cause were in total Limbo! Every bride on here has a different answer!

We are bringing down a photographer for the whole week while were there and were not telling the resort. Our photographer is young enough that she'd be able to pass as a friend, and if they want to go ahead and "charge us" for they can but were not paying..its completley crazy that they can charge these outrageous prices if we don't like what they are doing.

Ladies this is a previous post from Yelena18 Hi ladies, I have posted yesterday, but for some reason my comment would not show up, so thought I would try again. As many others getting married here, we have booked DJ Bob for our upcoming wedding on October 17, 2013. Maria had instructed us to book him as he was the only DJ allowed into the resort; however, I had just received an email from her yesterday stating that the resort policies have changed and currently, there are no external suppliers allowed in, including DJ Bob. I am stressing as we have already paid and also it's only a month and a half away from our wedding, so we are stumped how this can be changed once it was already approved and what we are supposed to do during our 5 hour dinner and reception ( we had booked him for the whole time since we are having a private poolside dinner/reception). I wanted to see if any other brides were relayed this information and are aware of this! We are waiting for her reply in the meantime as well. Thanks in advance :-) I think the "DJ Services" means like speakers and set up stuff for an IPOD...I don't think you can have the DJ anymore according to this post? I might be wrong, I am still waiting on a reply from Maria who i emailed back in June!

Quote:Originally Posted by nic817 Here are the prices I received as of Sept. 9/2013 for a poolside reception. I thought the pool party without a DJ (#3) was only $580 last I saw on here. Has anyone else been given different prices recently? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For after dinner there is 4 options, please see below and let me know which one is better for you (all are per 30people minimun and If dont have the number is still possible as long as cover the cost of each and If have more than 30, each extra person is 15usd) : Pool party with special coctails per groups from 7:30pm to 10:30pm (3 hrs of duration) with special coctails "margaritas + piñas coladas + sparkling wine + beers" + 2 lounge rooms + ilumination +speakers + microphone +lights + dj services and very nice decorated with chairs and high tables is 1´530usd, Pool party with special coctails per groups from 7:30pm to 10:30pm (3 hrs of duration) with special coctails "margaritas + piñas coladas + sparkling wine + beers" + ilumination +speakers + microphone +lights + dj and very nice decorated with chairs and high tables is 1´080usd, Pool party with special coctails per groups from7:30pm to 10:30pm (3 hrs of duration) with special coctails "margaritas + piñas coladas + sparkling wine + beers" + speaker + microphone and very nice decorated with chairs and high tables is 870usd, Free get together by the lobby bar where the drinks are included, just please remember we cannot book areas, tables or services here because is part of the all inclusive Wow!! that is insane, I was never told that we would have to pay $15 per person after 30..we have 55 people coming to our wedding..that is an insane cost!! glad you were able to get that info..deffantly have some thinking to do! We were never going to do the dinner, just the reception afterwards and NO DJ..Someone else on here said they are no longer accepting the DJ into the resort so I am a bit surprised they are even adding that onto the packages...

Hi Ladies, I am still looking for any brides that are getting married between May 3-May 10, 2014 to share the cost of the photographer as well. I can send you her link if you are interested:) we already have a contact with her and she has agreed to do other weddings while shes there if anyone is interested. She is way better than Areclife..and wayy cheaper!

Quote:Originally Posted by KatLew So if tell my guests to RSVP a month to me is that ok? .... I mean technically they could book their trip a couple days before, but i would rather know a number at least a month in advance. It's really up you, My FI and I booked in February 2013 and had everyone put there deposits down by May 2013 . It was just the way our agent had it set us cause were going through destinationweddings.com so we have a travel agent who is dealing with everyone and we had a deadline to meet. Everyone that has booked with our agent will all be on the same plane down and will be there the same amount of time so that was nice, being able to travel with everyone and spend extra time with them is why we had everyone book so far in advance.