ericalbazow1023

I realize this suggestion isn't in your dream locations, but Riveria Maya offers everything you're looking for.  Email Elizabeth "Cookie" Randall, she will take great care of you: [email protected].  We chose El Karisma Resorts, visited in Nov 2014 and were blown away.

If you're looking at Riviera Maya Mexico - I recommend speaking with Elizabeth "Cookie" Randall: [email protected]

Hi Kimmie, Congrats!

If you're doing Mexico, have you considered The Karisma Resorts?  I can't speak to the ones you mention below, but we have our wedding at El Dorado Royale/Casitas in October 2015 and when we visited in November 2014, we were beyond thrilled.  Great bang for your buck too!  

Good luck!

Hi! I am a new 2016 Bride and we are getting married in Mexico. We are really looking at the Dreams resort. Does anyone have personal experience or insight to this resort? I want to get the most bang for my buck. Iberostar Cancun was our second choice. I also like La Esmeralda because of the beautiful swim up suites but they are VERY pricy.  Anybody  have any suggestions for this budget conscious bride?

Thanks

Kim

Thanks so much, Allie!  Do you remember the person's name who did your hair?  I really appreciate the insight!

hi Erica - I was very happy with my hair style from the Casitas spa. I didn't do make up there - had a friend do it instead. What I did find odd is that we had a great rehearsal of my hair style and she did it exactly as I wanted from a pic I had for inspiration. but when I went back on my wedding day, I didn't bring the picture and she didn't remember. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it looked just fine. at the point I wasn't going to have a melt down over it - it had taken much longer than the rehearsal and I needed to move on with the day. it was beautiful in pictures and didn't fall down in the wind and humidity, which was what really mattered. 

 

so if you do use them, bring a pic to the rehearsal (if you choose to do one) and the day of. and allow PLENTY of extra time. the WC will always schedule the spa times too close to the wedding ceremony start time. 

I had the fortune of attending the Brides Dress Rehearsal this past November and can't wait to have my wedding in October.  While I was visiting the property, I spoke with another bride who was on her last day at the resort.  She didn't have the greatest things to say about the Casitas Spa for Bridal Hair and Make-up.  I am definitely not super savvy in this area, but am afraid.  Any suggestions?  Specific people to use?  One spa/salon versus another?  Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.  Thanks, Erica

El Dorado's Naay Spa offers pampering for the bride, her party and the groom too! There are two spas that offer similar services: Royale and Casitas 

 

Both El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale guests are welcome to sample the impressive menu of services at Casitas Spa. Drawing on the ancient healing traditions of Old Mexico, Casitas Spa offers distinctive therapies in a serene atmosphere designed to heighten your romantic resort experience.

Revel in the decadence of our sensual “chocolate therapy,†rich in cleansing minerals and nourishing cocoa butter. Massage offerings encompass Swedish, shiatsu, reflexology and our signature Beachfront Sky Massage. Our facilities include a serenity pool, saunas, steam rooms, specialized bridal suites and more. We offer exfoliating body scrubs, milk baths, thermal mud massages and a variety of facials. Full beauty salon services are also available, including Caribbean braiding.

 

Menu of Services

 

Bridal style (wedding day): $94

Bridal rehearsal: $49+

Make up (wedding day): $94

Make up rehearsal: $49+

 

I highly recommend the Beachfront Sky Massage for two. It's romantic, and very relaxing - imagine the sea breeze blowing around you and the sound of the ocean tide as it ebbs and flows. *sigh* I'm ready for another one! 

 

The ladies and gents from the spa are often roaming the resort with daily specials. If you're looking for some extra-pampering, take advantage of the Casitas spa! 

 

Allow an hour for hair rehearsal, and at least 90 minutes for wedding day hair styles. If you have inspiration photos, bring them with you! These ladies are amazing.

 

You can also book the bridal suite for extra pampering on your big day. Be aware that only the bride is able to be in the bridal suite - if you imagined your getting-ready to be with your mother, bridesmaids, sister, etc. then don't book the bridal suite. 

 

Arrive early (45 minutes to an hour) for your services and take advantage of the water journey/ritual (note - if you're getting your bridal hair style, you'll need to leave enough time to shower & dry your hair - extra charges if they need to wash & dry your hair).

 

Just a note to add that I noticed prices changed for bridal hair and make up as of May 2013. Unsure if the rehearsal prices have changed as well.