reynbow

I'm reviving this thread now, as I'm looking for a henna artist for my wedding at Azul Fives.  Karisma/Lomas has one vendor, but I saw samples of their work and it is NOT authentic Indian.  Back in April, I did have the opportunity to meet Ingrid from Inmar Body Art and she did a quick simple trial on one of my hands to show me her mineral art.  And even though she's not Indian, her technique is much better than Lomas' vendor.  I could send a pic of my hand if anyone wants it.

Hi Ladies,

 

Just sent the Save the Dates for our Feb 14th 2015 wedding at Azul Fives. Now getting into figuring out the details. Trying to customize our wedding while also trying to limit how Karisma nickle and dimes you for everything. Already deciding to use an outside photographer and DJ. I liked someone's strategy of paying for the hotel room for both, and then using the room for our guests instead. Now trying to figure out hair and makeup. I unfortunately don't have someone in my wedding party who could do either for me and I haven't read much on here about the in-house stylists. Any brides have feedback or recommendations? I'm debating on having my bridal party and me go into town to a salon to have our hair and makeup done so we don't have to pay an outside vendor fee. Has anyone done this and would recommend the salon they chose?

Congrats @@kmistry and all brides! My fiancé and I decided to have our Filipino-Indian at Azul Fives primarily since it's a smaller resort and they only do one wedding per day, but they can still accommodate a wedding of up to 200 people. Karisma is known for their food and they offer a small Indian catering menu. We're hoping to go back to Azul Fives before the wedding to do a tasting of the Indian menu, but we did attend the "Bride's Dress Rehearsal" which I highly recommend and we got to try the non-Indian good which was very good. Through Karisma's somewhat complicated wedding coordination group, they offer Indian elements for the wedding. However I want to have a henna artist and they only have one vendor. I asked to see samples of the artist's work and they haven't been able to provide me with any yet. If anyone who's had their Indian wedding at a Karisma hotel can provide insight or tips, I'd greatly appreciate them. Good luck with your wedding planning and let me know if you have any questions I could help with!

I was looking at villas too for booking, still undecided between hotel or villa. Still I saw villa amore and it looked absolutely gorgeous!. Have you check for wedding planners in the area? I know they can make things go smoother but I'm feeling very nervous to make a decision.@@reynbow

 

I ended flipping back to the riviera maya.  But @@Kayla2015, I did speak with several planners.  Yazmin of Sea Dreams, Kristin of Dazzling Details, and Luz of Sayulita Weddings were very helpful.

Hi fellow BDW brides- After first considering getting married near Puerto Vallarta and then switching gears to the Riviera Maya, my FI and I are back to considering having our wedding in early 2015 in Riviera Nayarit at a private villa.  Wondering if any brides are getting married or have gotten married in Punta Mita, at either Villa Romance, Casa Tres Soles (El Banco 5), or Casa Amore.  Or Casa Mis Amores, El Destino (Villa La Punta 9), or Hacienda San Pancho?  And if so, how was your experience- did you work with a wedding planner to help negotiate and secure the venue?  I've contacted Prisar (Priscilla Arminio), Mar Weddings (Gaby Zamora) , Sea of Dreams (Yazmin Gizeh) and Sayulita Weddings (Luz Ochoa).  We anticipate approximately 150 guests. 

 

Any tips or recommendations would be highly appreciated!

@@Lilgabri03@@Lilgabri03

@

 

reynbow just so you know there is a planning 2015 thread as well! As a heads up, I plan on paying the outside vendor fee twice for a DJ and photography/videography. It sucks I know, but I feel that those are the two things that can absolutely make or break a wedding. Flowers I dont really care about. The DJ that is outside the resort with the best reviews on here is DJMoxill(spelling?) His prices cost just about the same or less than the DJ for Lomas. I cant find any info on their DJ so there is no way I am biting that bullet! @kmk2016 so excited you went to the rehearsal! Can you tell us more about it for us brides that arent able to go? Well, I guess let me rephrase that, do you think that it was worth the money going to the rehearsal?? I am debating whether I should go or can I just do most of the stuff through here?

 

Thanks @@Lilgabri03! I'm probably gonna pay the 3 room nights for the photographer and DJ (in lieu of $800 each) too. And I highly recommend the Brides Dress Rehearsal. Such a great deal and it was truly worth it to see the venue options in person.

 

Are brides still able to bring their own decorations or does Lomas not allow this either anymore??

Hi All! Congrats to all the 2014 brides!  Just joined this thread and starting to plan my wedding at Azul Fives for 2015.  Wondering if anyone decided on hiring at outside wedding planner, considering the cost for decorations and I've heard that the vendor options for the photographer and DJ aren't the best.  Already pretty sure we're gonna get an outside photographer.  I'm debating on if it's worth it to pay the $800 outside vendor fee to have a planner find the most cost effective choices for flowers, decorations, etc.  Wish it wasn't $800 per vendor.  Anyone have any tips on how to work around this?  Would also love any recommendations for travel agents that work out a great deal for wedding guests.  Appreciate the advice of more seasoned brides! 

Thank you so much @@kmk2016 and @@bicoastalimages!  This is very helpful.

I'm excited about having our wedding in Tulum and we're planning to organize a day of excursions before the wedding. Wondering if anyone could recommend a tour company or activities that are senior-friendly. My mom and a few other relatives can't do a lot of walking. I had wanted to go to the ruins but seems like this would require a bit of walking. I'm guessing a shopping trip to Playa Del Carmen could work. Would appreciate any other suggestions!

One more question for folks- For anyone who did a scouting trip prior to selecting a venue, did you hire a planner to show you to the various venues? Or did you scout them on your own? Trying to figure out the best way to do this.

 

I appreciate your advice!

Hi!  I'm new to the website.  My fiance and I got engaged last month and we're planning to have our wedding in Tulum in January or February 2015.  We're planinng to have 150-200 guests and it sounds like from doing online research that Las Ranitas and Ak'iin are the best options.

 

Would like to hire a wedding planner since I don't want to deal with all the stress of doing research to find all the vendors.  Are any of the ladies on here using a planner?  I've read great things about Angelina at Las Ranitas. 

 

Only concern is that rooms at Las Ranitas seem pricey.  And meals aren't included.  Where are the brides on here having their guests stay?  And what recommendations are you providing to guests regarding food options in the area? 

 

I haven't been to Tulum yet, but hoping to make a scouting trip next month.

 

Appreciate any advice!

 

PS  I also thought that Essandpea's posts are really helpful.  I'm Filipina and my fiance is Indian so we're planning to do a multicultural wedding.