vancouverpetunia

@@deecol Thanks for posting your review. So glad that everything went well and it looks like you had a blast Congrats again! (Doesn't reality suck? lol)

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@@Mangosong We were in different areas from where the Westin is - we were in the mountains near San Ramon (which is sort of near San Jose) and at the beach by Manuel Antonio National Park (south on the Pacific side). So some of the things we did won't make sense for you. But we did a day trip to Arenal which we really enjoyed. We went to La Fortuna Waterfall, then to some hanging bridges (there are lots of options but we did Mistico which we really liked) and then a hot spring (again, lots of options - we did Baldi, which we didn't love, it was very commercial). Overall it was a great day and I highly recommend a visit to the area. Let me know if you have any questions - happy to help if I can.

@@Mangosong I think you are way ahead of the game, but you have been given some good suggestions to work on. Since your FI is planning khakis/linen shirt, make sure you get this over the summer so that you have the most selection. It can be tough to track down linen in the winter. Also, make sure to stock up on things like swimsuits, coverups, shorts, sundresses, etc. during the summer. 

Where are you going in Costa Rica? We were just there in April for our honeymoon. We loved it! 

 

@@vancouverpetunia @@snswedding2016  Here is what I am looking at the Dreams Sands in Cancun...let me know if I am misundersanding:

 

Dreams of Love Wedding Package This package includes:

• Service of Judge or Minister

• Wedding organization and personal touch of on-site wedding coordinator

• Preparation and ironing of the couple’s wedding day attire

• Complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple the night before the wedding (based on availability and upon request)

• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple

• Two boutonnieres and two corsages for wedding party

• Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple for day of ceremony

• Wedding Cake and sparkling wine (up to 20 guests)

• Private Cocktail Hour with hors d’oeuvres (silver menu, up to 20 guests)

• Private Dinner Reception (silver menu, up to 20 guests)

• Natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table (1)

• 36 full color photos and wedding album (taken during ceremony)

• Special turn-down service the night of the wedding

• 15% discount on all spa treatments (boutique purchases not included)

• Newlywed Package (see pg. 9 for details)

• Waterford Yours Truly toasting flutes

• Late check-out for the couple (based on availability and upon request)

• Free Anniversary Nights (see pg. 8 for details)

 

For $3199

Each additional person is $117.90

 

-I do my own nails.  I am not having a bridal party (just maid of honor). My sister in law does hair and makeup so that's covered. 

In this package I have 20 guests included for $3200 but if I have another 30 come that would be another $3537 in addition to the $3199.   I do want a reception with dancing.  I am not paying for a dance floor.  I am mixing my own music and one of my fiances friends will be an MC for our announcement and speeches.  So I am looking at $6736 for just feeding people.  No flowers, no changing out chairs or linens, etc.  Am I going about it correctly?  I would pay to add some centerpieces for color and pay for sound equipment and lights.   I can't find any resort in Cancun that has a package for 40 people.  I've been in contact with a few different resorts and having a call with Dreams Sands on Monday morning. 

@@sassldiva Sorry, I missed your post last week. The package you are looking at for Dreams Sands Cancun looks similar to the one I had at Now Sapphire, except mine included 25 people. They are both AM Resorts and the packages seem to be similar between brands & resorts. It seems that 20/25 people in a package is pretty standard for most resorts though, from what I've seen here and in other groups. 

As far as I understand, you would have minimal flowers - just your bouquet and a centerpiece. They usually use the centerpiece at both the ceremony and the reception (ask them) and your bouquet can be placed somewhere at the reception as well (again, ask). They will charge extra if you want sashes, runners, etc. but the package should include white linens for the ceremony & reception. Double check on that, since it's not mentioned. They will likely include a sound system for the ceremony, but you will probably have to pay extra for a sound system for the reception. You can rent that from the resort, or check out Love and Lace Decor on Facebook (that's what we did). I checked with my WC about lighting, since it wasn't mentioned in the package details. He assured me there would be sufficient lighting, and there was. It wasn't amazing in terms of ambiance, but it worked and I didn't feel it detracted or was too harsh. I did add some globe & string lights (also from Love & Lace) for a bit of ambiance. Everything that I'm saying "should" be included I'm just guessing at, based on what I've personally experienced, asked about at other resorts or read about online, so please do double check, as every resort will be different. 

How did your call with Dreams Sands Cancun go?

@@sassldiva $5000 should be doable, but you probably won't have room to add a lot of extras. I don't know if Cancun is more expensive, but to give you an idea, our invoice at Now Sapphire was $6000 USD for 40 people.

The package itself was $3800 (including taxes) and then our only additions were extra people, $350 in set up fees for decorations and $230 for some extra flowers. We brought some decor and we rented a sound system locally (no DJ), which cost us about another $500.

Our package included (for 25 people):

• Officiant (symbolic ceremony)
• Sound system for ceremony
• Bride's bouquet, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres, 1 centerpiece
• Wedding attire pressed 
• Cake
• Sparkling wine toast (after the ceremony)
• Ceremony arch with white draping
• Chairs, tables, white tablecloths, napkins & chair covers (incl set up)
• Private cocktail hour with appetizers and open bar
• Private reception (3 hours) - plated 4 course dinner with open bar
• 30 minute video
• Photo album with 24 photos
• Solo musician at ceremony
• Hair & make-up for the bride (plus 20% off spa services for the bridal party)
• Couples massage
• Bottle of sparkling wine & chocolate covered strawberries in our room the night of the wedding
• Room service breakfast the morning after our wedding (not a big deal, room service was free at our resort)
• Private dinner on the beach for us
• Room upgrade if available (which it was)

Did we need all of this? No, we really didn't. For example, we brought our own photographer and a musician friend of ours played at the ceremony. And we didn't NEED a private dinner or a massage - but we sure enjoyed them! And since we paid for this laundry list, we used it ALL! LOL It still seemed easier/cheaper than just buying the bits and pieces separately. 

@@snswedding2016 I'm impressed you were able to pull off your beautiful wedding with that budget! I looked at the Azul properties and they seemed more expensive than the Now properties to me. Maybe I misunderstood the info I received... hence all the questions, stress and confusion we see in these forums by new brides starting their planning!   It can certainly be complicated and overwhelming. 

@@VancouverGal Huh wonder where I got the $400 from... Maybe that was the total cost? Anyhow, it pays to do your own research hope it works for you!

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@@sassldiva I'm not sure of the definition of a la carte vs package pricing when it comes to extra people. My package cost me about $100 per person (over the included 25) which included chair set up at the ceremony, champagne toast, cocktail hour (appetizers and open bar), 4 course plated meal including open bar (with seating), and cake. The meal alone was about $55 (including seating) - which could apply to say, a minor, who is not drinking. But then it was still an extra $7 for cake, another $5 for the ceremony chair, and I think $15 for cocktail hour appetizers.

As already mentioned, I would definitely talk to a TA to help narrow down your resort options for you. It was a fine line for us juggling between the wedding packages/costs and the needs/wants of our guests. Remember, you can't please everyone!

I addition to the resorts/chains already noted, I was married at Now Sapphire in April and highly recommend it. There is also its sister resort Now Jade.

Honestly, picking the resort is the hardest part! Once you have that figured out its easier to focus and work on the details

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@@acw271011 I did love them and they are very pretty, but work?!? I just don't see it LOL. But I have been thinking of dying them if I can't sell them. 

@@sassldiva I can't speak from experience in terms of booking the complimentary or basic ceremony and adding to it. However, I would caution you on your assumption that the reception & cocktail hour per person prices would include basic set up of tables/chairs. The resorts do tend to charge for every little thing - some even charge you to move the chairs from the ceremony to the reception. So I would make sure you reviewed those details carefully before deciding that it would be cheaper to do it a la carte, rather than going with a package. 

Also, are you sure you don't want/need other things? While they do vary from resort to resort and package to package, packages can include: arch/canopy & drapes, wedding party flowers, some ceremony and/or reception flowers, white table clothes/napkins/chair covers, make-up and/or hair for the bride, sound system for ceremony, basic lighting for reception, prep (pressing) of wedding attire, basic photography and/or videography, live musician, officiant, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, etc. If you start to price out all these things separately, it can add up. 

Finally, note that with some resorts you need a minimum number of rooms and/or a higher level of room to qualify for the complimentary or basic package. By bumping up a room category, you might be paying $1000 more for the week - in which case, maybe it's not a great deal.

I'm not saying it can't be done or that it won't be cheaper, but I would do your research. Good luck! 

@@deecol LOVE your photos. So beautiful. Thanks for posting. 

@@AdamnJenn17 I don't have kids, so I can't speak from personal experience as a parent. But we just had our wedding near Cancun and we had 8 kids in attendance, ranging in age from 2 - 13. There was no waterpark, but there was a kids club and kids pool.

The kids LOVED it. They couldn't get enough of playing in the pool and on the beach. And they also loved the kids club. Begging their parents to go. Especially the older kids, mind you, but they are the ones who will really remember their amazing vacation.

Would they have enjoyed a water park? I'm sure they would have, but I don't think they missed out at all by not having one. If you are really struggling with budget, I would urge you to consider other options. I think the kids will love it, no matter what, and they will have wonderful memories of playing with their friends & family.

Worn once for a few hours, no marks except under toes (see photo). True size 7. Have original box, plus forms and plastic bags for each shoe. Purchased from David's Bridal for $80 CAD + tax. Asking $40 CAD.

I'm in Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you are local we can arrange to meet for you to try them on. Buyer pays shipping if required. 

Never worn, not altered, size 14 short beaded wedding dress from David's Bridal. Fits 8-12 street size, possibly with alterations for smaller sizes. Stretchy/forgiving & comfortable. Perfect for reception, Vegas wedding, engagement party, black & white cocktail party, etc.

Original price $323 CAD online (see screenshot), paid $180 CAD + tax (tags still on). Asking $100 CAD. 

I'm in Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you are local we can arrange to meet for you to try it on. Buyer pays shipping if required. 

@@VancouverGal Well, there were multiple strings of lights and the streamers. But yeah, it all adds up. I was told that they wouldn't let guests hang anything under the pergola for safety reasons (you'd need to be on a ladder). Not sure about wrapping lights around poles or railings. I didn't ask...

@@VancouverGal Yeah, I just about fell over at $400 per pole, which is why I went with plan b. They charged $100 to string globe lights and papel picado streamers under the pergola and another $100 to wind the fairy lights around the pergola poles. 

@@VancouverGal If you really want airbrush, I think you might be able to avoid the vendor fee. Since the salon doesn't provide that service, I've heard they will waive the vendor fee if you bring in someone to do airbrush. Check with your WC, though, as I never asked about this myself, so I am not certain.

We rented a speaker from Love & Lace Decor (easier than bringing it with us). We also rented fairy lights & globe lights from them, however these were used in the pergola. I found the lighting on the terrace to be sufficient - honestly, I didn't really notice it one way or another (either too dark or too light). I think they basically had a couple of flood lights set up, but it didn't feel like I was in an interrogation room LOL.

If you want to string lights across the terrace (over the dinner tables), unfortunately they will charge you to erect poles that are needed to string the lights. When I asked, it was $400 per pole and I think you would need a minimum of 3, probably more. I couldn't justify that kind of cost...  

Congrats! I started my planning thread almost a year in advance, so you are not super early it's great you have selected the resort. I found that to be the most difficult thing in the entire process. Good luck and looking Forward to updates.

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@@JoannaBanana Have so much fun!!! Wishing you all the best on your big day. Can't wait to hear all about it

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@@VancouverGal I was married at Now Sapphire exactly a month ago today. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Have you joined the Now Brides group on FB? To answer your specific questions:

1) We had a friend play sax as we walked down the aisle (and back up). So it wasn't from the resort but we loved it, but maybe there was sentimental value to it, since he is a (talented) friend. We used the included musician (guitar) for our cocktail hour.

2) I'm not Asian but I am super sweaty lol. We had some clouds and a good breeze that day, but my makeup did not budge, other than my lipstick, for 11+ hours. I had to scrub it off at the end of the night. I had my makeup done at the salon (not airbrush). My stylist was Moises. He was awesome.

3) Where are you having your reception? We were on the tequila terrace. We brought a big speaker and used our iPhone with the Wedding DJ app for our playlists. It worked super well, with our 2 friends managing it (and didn't seem like much work for them, they double teamed). We had about 40 people.

P.S. I'm also from Vancouver (in case you couldn't tell from my user name).

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@@JessicaWaldron Are your sisters pregnant or planning to get pregnant? I'm no medical expert, but my understanding is that if there is no pregnancy involved, and if you contract zika AND actually get sick (which doesn't happen to everyone), it's not much worse than a flu. I would encourage your sisters to get medical advice if they haven't already.

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Haha love the donut donuts! Lol

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Wow the lashes are impressive!

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@@JoannaBanana Good luck!!! When do you leave?

Thanks for this! I'm planning on packing a few things for decor (Target dollar section always has the CUTEST little wedding decor stuff - my wedding isn't for another year but I'm already hoarding) but for string lights and some bigger things I'm going to reach out to Katy. 

 

Have you guys had to pay at outside vendor fee to rent the stuff from her? Or did you just pick it up from her off the resort before the wedding?

I rented string lights from Katy, among other things. I picked up everything from her outside the resort gates. I didn't have to pay an outside vendor fee, and Katy says that you shouldn't have to pay the fee if your vendor doesn't come on-site. However, my WC did question me as to where I got the decor and if it came from Love & Lace. A lot of it is packed in rubbermaid type containers with Spanish labels - so it's pretty obvious you did not bring it from home. I also wonder if they are starting to recognize the suitcases she uses. I would suggest unpacking everything and putting it in your own suitcase before delivering to your WC, just to avoid any potential issues.

Thank you so much for this tip. I'm anxiously waiting for her price list.

 

 

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Katy posted on a FB group that she is very busy for the next couple of weeks and may be delayed in her replies. FYI

I just posted a very long and detailed review of my wedding at Now Sapphire on April 7. I'm not sure if I get notifications if you post on the review page, but please feel free to post here or message me with any questions. I'm happy to help if I can. 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/reviews/r/5487-now-sapphire-riviera-cancun/