scancun

Hi Everyone - I just learned that effective Feb 1, 2015 Cancun will be on Eastern Time -- basically resulting in one extra hour of daylight. Apparently this was just approved in late December. Click the link below to learn more..... Riviera Maya Time Zone Change

I plan on assembling the bags when I get down there - will make for more efficient packing I think and they should not take too long to assemble - but I have fewer guests too..... Also - I ordered some stuff off TheKnot.com back in November (Black Friday specials) and actually just got them today - apparently they had higher than expected demand so delivery took awhile......Anyway, we got the following: 1) Custom Mints - kind of disappointed, labels are already peeling off - looks like they don't offer them anymore on their site so clearly I'm not the only one that wasn't impressed with them! 2) Custom Deck of Cards - these actually turned out better than I expected - nice printing directly on the card. We picked the stick figure bride & groom image - they turned out pretty cute. I am not sure if I would pay full price for them but we got them 25% off so not to bad of a deal

@@nattiegams325 thanks for sharing - it sounds like you are all set! And I'll be sure we finish up my ceremony on time so they have time to set yours up!! The hair / makeup thing I debated on for awhile and I'm still a little concerned about having Dreams do my makeup. So my back up plan is to meet with my sisters friend (who is a make up artist for photo shoots) and have her do my make up and give me a shopping list before going down there - just in case I'm not happy with how Dreams does it. I do wonder how the heat will impact things though ---- I actually did look styling trio too actually - they sound pretty fantastic since they use the spray on make up and everything. For the OOT bags we are doing pretty much the same stuff --- I am debating making Mexican Wedding Cookies to put in there too.......we'll see.....I'm not much of a baker and would have to do these right before leaving so they were still fresh. We shall see....I have never even had them, but I saw it on a blog somewhere and thought it was a cute idea.

@@smileitseb the sparklers are provided by the resort. $3/each for large and $2/each for small --- I am just going with the large since we have a smaller group. Once it's all done I will do a recap of everything too!

We are having a smaller wedding - about 25 people. We picked DRC after doing a ton of research and also because some very good friends used to live in Mexico City and actually are part of the AMResorts Vacation Club and they have thoroughly enjoyed the Amstar properties (Secrets, Dreams, NOW, Zoetry, etc). We have been to the NOW Sapphire property (which is just down from DRC) before and had a great time - so knowing this is the next tier up in the Amstar properties we are confident that we know what we are 'signing up for'. @@nattiegams325 - here are the details so far....... Ultimate Wedding Package --- initially were doing the lower package but switched to this after realizing all the extras added up very quickly! Wedding Coordinator = Elisa - she's been great so far. Started corresponding with me in early Nov and always gets back to me within 3 days or sometimes the same day. Rehearsal Dinner - we are not doing this - just inviting everyone to meet in the main bar after dinner for drinks. Several of our guests arrive this day, so this seemed like the best option. I'm still debating moving the cocktail hour here instead of on the day of the wedding though.... I'm actually not having any bridesmaids - just a ring bearer and flower girl. But all of my girlfriends and I are going to get their hair done at the spa, get ready together, etc. Ceremony - 3pm at the Gazebo (ceremonial only) Cocktail Hour - 4pm at the Jacuzzi with Mexican Trio Reception - 5pm on the South Beach - I'm a kid a heart so will have a pinata and sparklers We also plan on just having the sound system with no DJ - which means I will be making our playlist and checking out the mixing software the next few weeks. Because we have a smaller group I couldn't justify paying for dance floor and DJ --- although many of us enjoy dancing - I am sure will be going to Desires afterwards. Catamaran - will do this on Tuesday, the day after the wedding - see my other post for info here. On Weds, we will actually leave for a 'mini-honeymoon' and go to another resort - maybe Beloved for a few days? Fiance is in charge of this though So far I'm feeling pretty good about everything. Coming weeks have to finish up OOT Bags, music and final alterations for the dress. Before the holidays I felt like we had a ton of time, but now the days passing very quickly! I live in Minnesota though and it was -15 degrees here today, so we are very much looking forward to some warmer weather!

Hi everyone --- I have been doing a ton of reading & planning the last week - thanks to everyone for all the useful information! I wanted to mention Fat Cat Sail as a catamaran option too. Last time we were in Cancun our friends rented a private charter with them and it was great --- so we doing a day trip for our guests. We only have about 25 people.....I think max they can handle is 40 or 45(?) people unless you take both boats. Also @@nattiegams325 --- I just realized we have the same wedding date! Our ceremony is at 3pm at the Gazebo and we are doing the reception on the beach! One more thing - regarding traveling with the dress. This weekend my dress shop said that when I pick up my dress after the final alterations to bring a small carry on suitcase with - and the seamstress will pack it up for me to minimize wrinkling, etc. They said that most airlines now require putting it in the overhead bin and advised to just plan for this.