mariak

I have attached some pictures I took of the area where we were married. The pergola and the mixed bar where we had the cocktail. Attached are some pictures of decoration we added. They put minimal drapping material on the pergola which was included. We brought the chair sashes, fans and bubbles which we paid to have set up. Since I was upset with the additional cost I also had them put 2 of our centerpiece ball things on the pergola since we had extra. Frankly, all the nickel and dining was frustrating. Instead of spending a morning with our families and friends on the beach we were planning the "extras$$$$$" for our wedding. The ceremony was in the bamboo room. We were married in August so it was crazy hot and the bugs were INSANE!!! We hired a DJ because they offered a better price for the up lights (coloured spot lights) than the hotel. The lights added more atmosphere without using decorations. We also added paper lanterns which we paid to have hung. We brought the centrepieces which took up more than a full suitcase but came in handy for the cake cutting. The hotel doesn't decorate the cake table so my friend used extra peddles and the bridesmaids bouquets to decorate. It was awesome! By the way the cake was the best cake I have ever had.. And I LOVE cake!! We ordered the almond cake with almond and fresh strawberry filling. We had them bring the left over cake to our room the next morning for our breakfast in bed. I had sparkling wine and cake for breakie. HELLO MARRIAGE!! We also used Claudia Rodriguez as our photographer and paid the outside vendor fee. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!! She is amazing!! I will write a separate review and share more pictures.

I am working through a wedding planning in Toronto. We were quote 80USD for the set up of chair sashes but there was no mention of additional charges for other decorations. I am somewhat expecting addition charges when we arrive.

Excellent! Thank you for the feedback on flowers. I will find some pictures online. I have sent a few pictures and the prices that came back were shocking. The roses and lilies are beautiful. One more questions. Did anyone use DJ Movil? What was the vendor fee? They prices seem really good but I dont want to be blind sided by the hotel wanting a crazy amount for us to use them. We understand the fee is 350. Is that correct?

does anyone have a bigger selection of bouquet options? I am not crazy about the options in the Now Jade book. I need more ideas! Is there a more comprehensive guide?

Is anyone having a welcome party? We were thinking of doing the buffet for dinner then would like to have a little reserved space in the loby or somewhere that we could have everyone chat and do a candy bar.

How was the DJ? We are debating whether to have a DJ or to use our Ipad with music that we have selected. What benefit did you find to having a DJ? Did you give the DJ a song list?

How is your planning going? I keep reading reviews of the resort. Lately the reviews have been very good. Are you doing alot of DIY projects?

2015 use to feel like it was so long ago.. its creeping up quickly!!

Did you find bug spray ? I plan to put in my bags but havent started looking yet.

Good luck!! I am excited to hear how it goes. My family and friends are really happy that we booked this resort, I hope it lives up to the expectations.

Is anyone looking into having a candy bar? I would like to bring my own stuff but I see that they offer one. I think the price they charge is crazy and would rather have family and friends bring down the candy and containers and pay the hotel to set it up. Thoughts?

I just confirmed my wedding date for August 13th 2015!!! Pergola, mix bar and the bamboo room for the reception. Looking into a local photographer....

I am officially a Now Jade Bride. We just signed our contract! August 13 2015. Cant wait!!!

Thank you for your feedback. Initially, I had been looking at the Riu resorts which only have packages offered by Sunwing. I hadn't thought about people using points or wanting to having alternative travel dates. We are also aiming to select a destination around 1500 though some relatives are finding that really affordable and are afraid we are picking a 2 star hotel.

I am very jealous of all the planning!! The more I read this thread and look at Trip Advisor the more I feel that Now Jade is the place I want to pick. Unfortunately, Sunwing from Montreal was very expensive (much cheaper to book online) and West Jet is taking forever to respond. Starting to cause me stress. Did anyone have issues getting group packages or did all the guests book separately online?

We went to our costco yesterday and found out that they don't do invitations. The only do one page pictures with wording on it. Would be perfect for a thank you card but I dont think it would function well for an invitation. Will have to check more on costco online where I saw them.

Good point!! I think we will go with the paper invite. Thank you for all the help

Too bad they don't sell wedding packages!

HI! I was wondering how your planning was going? Are you doing an outdoor reception? We are interested in doing a private reception but we haven't been able to piece together how much it would cost.

Hi Wendy, I had a question about the configuration of the rooms. When I look online the rooms appear to have an open bathroom/bedroom concept. Can you confirm? Is there a screen or something that could be lowered to separate the 2 rooms. The hotel looks beautiful I am just concerned about the open bathroom since it will not provide any privacy when getting ready. Also what was your impression of the beach? Looking at pictures and google earth the beach area and water doesn't look as nice as the Riu Palace Las Americas or Cancun. thanks!

Has anyone visited the hotel/? I looked at pictures and have been reading reviews. I am concerned about the open bathroom concept. I am afraid that guests sharing a room or families with teenagers might be uncomfortable with this set up. Is there a screen or something that can be lowered to to separate the bathroom and bedroom?

I havent seen any recent wedding reviews of Riu Las Americas. Is there a tread somewhere? All reviews I have found are from 2008 or there about.

Does anyone have the price list for "extras" or information on the meal options for a private event? I am finding it so hard to decide on a hotel before having all the wedding information.

interesting!!! Will definitely check that out.

I have been obsessing over the Royalton for the past few weeks. Originally we were looking at Jamaica but it's less expensive in Mexico and the resort looks like it will be amazing!!!! I was super excited and ready to book and then one of my friends who works on a cruise ship told me that the beach in the area isnt amazing. She was saying that the beach has a lot of seaweed and potentially rocks. I really wanted the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean. SOOO now I am second guessing my choice and thinking of going with a Riu Palace hotel but I find the number of RIU hotels overwhelming. I was looking at the Moon Palace today to see reviews of the beach, since it's next door, and the reviews of the hotel are amazing! The food looks incredible. All that said, the reviews of Royalton hotels are amazing. We are planning for the second week in August. I never thought that organizing a destination wedding would be so nerve-racking.