Barcelo Maya Palace Brides

[Sandra&Mario]

Erica,

 

I'm currently living in Old Bridge with my parents, but my FI and I recently bought our home in Jackson, so that's where I'll be living! I grew up in South River actually!! So, it's all local We're such cool destination brides from central NJ, haha!!! That's awesome that you got to do a site visit. We were thinking about doing it, but instead decided to trust everyones reviews and just see it when we get there for the wedding Did you love it?! Feel free to share as much info as you'd like! So it's a little nutty that Gabriela hasn't contacted you recently being that you're only 3 weeks away!! But yes, the majority of the planning is done when you get there, and that makes sense...it's a little difficult to make decisions when you're thousands of miles away! I'm sure everything will turn out just perfect! Are you having a bridal party? What are you packing? I really wanted to be crafty and bring centerpieces, menu cards, favors, etc....but do I really want to lug all that stuff onto an airplane? Yea...probably not, lol. We'll see. Oh, you know what I wanted to ask you! Did you use a travel agent? If so, who? I found the best deals on applevacations but honestly haven't contacted any agents because neither my FI or myself know one personally. I guess I'm done with the ranting, haha. I have so much questions now, imagine after you return! I expect a HUGEEEEEEEEEEE review

[SDbeachgirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandra&Mario Erica, I'm currently living in Old Bridge with my parents, but my FI and I recently bought our home in Jackson, so that's where I'll be living! I grew up in South River actually!! So, it's all local We're such cool destination brides from central NJ, haha!!! That's awesome that you got to do a site visit. We were thinking about doing it, but instead decided to trust everyones reviews and just see it when we get there for the wedding Did you love it?! Feel free to share as much info as you'd like! So it's a little nutty that Gabriela hasn't contacted you recently being that you're only 3 weeks away!! But yes, the majority of the planning is done when you get there, and that makes sense...it's a little difficult to make decisions when you're thousands of miles away! I'm sure everything will turn out just perfect! Are you having a bridal party? What are you packing? I really wanted to be crafty and bring centerpieces, menu cards, favors, etc....but do I really want to lug all that stuff onto an airplane? Yea...probably not, lol. We'll see. Oh, you know what I wanted to ask you! Did you use a travel agent? If so, who? I found the best deals on applevacations but honestly haven't contacted any agents because neither my FI or myself know one personally. I guess I'm done with the ranting, haha. I have so much questions now, imagine after you return! I expect a HUGEEEEEEEEEEE review

I've been working with Jill. She's a TA on this site and works on destination weddings in Cancun/Riviera Maya. I've only been working with her for a little over a week but she has been real responsive to my emails and has been helpful thus far. She is the one that recommended Barcelo. She also says that she should have the best deals but if you find a better deal she can match it. There is a $150 retainer fee, but that is refunded after your travels.

[Sandra&Mario]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl I've been working with Jill. She's a TA on this site and works on destination weddings in Cancun/Riviera Maya. I've only been working with her for a little over a week but she has been real responsive to my emails and has been helpful thus far. She is the one that recommended Barcelo. She also says that she should have the best deals but if you find a better deal she can match it. There is a $150 retainer fee, but that is refunded after your travels.

Thanks! I think at one point I had contacted her but she never got back to me...I may be mistaken though! When is your wedding? Next time you contact her, can you have her pm me? I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[amynjoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash H Hi Everyone!! We getting Married at the Palace Feb. 26, 2010! What Im told from a few people is that you pretty much plan everything when you go down there those 4 or 5 days before the wedding. Is this true? Have you all contacted the coordinator? and what for? Any guidance that you may have would be MUCH appreciated! Thank you! Ashley

Hi Ashley!!
We are getting married Feb 25th, 2010, so only a day apart! Have you decided on a wedding package yet?

[eblum999]

Sandra.... I live in Marlboro with my parents as of now... but my fiance and I also bought in Jackson! We bought a new construction townhouse... Cooks Bridge... Too funny and such a small world. I went to the Barcelo on a whim. I went to a travel convention in NYC about 2 years ago now and they recommened the Barcelo. I booked a tip there.. and met with the WC (Gabriela) and fell in love... it is soooo gorgeous and EVERYONE I talk to says nothing but good things. I have been in contact with Gabriela pretty much the whole time, but hae not heard from her in a LONG time now... and 3 weeks away.. I am starting to get nervous.. but everyone who has gotten married there and has dealt with her says not to worry that she is so busy! They do like 60 wedding a month there!

I have designed (I am a graphic designer) Thank you cards/booklets to go with the oot bags that I am giving all my guests (35 people) and I went to the christmas tree store in freehold and bought all odds and ends (q-tips, sunscreen, candy, magazines, soaps, etc... ) and am filling the bags (here is the link to the bags I bought)

 

Palm Leaf Shoulder Bag : Unique Wedding Favors - Wedding Reception Favors - Bridal Shower Favors

 

and I also bought the fans for the ceremony and I am attaching a pink and orange(my colors) ribbon (from michaels) to the fans and they will hold my ceremony programs. I made the programs 5 inches square sit directly ontop on the fan. I also bought bubbles from the knot.com for after the ceremony.

 

As for my bridesmaids ( I have 6 ) I bought them all monogramed canvas beach bags (also from the knot.com... but wait till they have their huge sale, I only paid like $12 a bag)... and I am stuffing the bags with pj's, flip flops ( all from old navy), white plush monogramed robes that I bought from Target.com... all on clearance for $10... word to the wise... I always watch my sales and always get the best possible price... therefore you get more for your money. I also bought all the bridesmaids designer sunglasses from lord and taylor (used a friends and family coupon, so everything was 25% off)... i have everything packed away in one suitcase and then when i get to the resort putting them all together. My fiance bought all his groomsmen their outfit (we went to the clothing center in east brunwick... if you need outfits.. ask for Steve he is the owner and he will bascially help you with everything!) and he also bought them all sunglasses.

 

I went to Castle Courture for the bridesmaids dresses... they are very helpful and very nice in there. As far as everything for the wedding...I am planning most of the wedding once I get down there, even though I know mostly what I want.

 

Photographer - I am using Elizabeth Medina... Elizabeth Medina Photography, Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photojournalism throughout the Riviera Maya, Yucatan and Mexico

Live Band - Kiko and Carlos Band

 

I hope this all helps. If you have any questions.. just ask

 

-Erica

[SDbeachgirl]

I have a few random questions, so I hope it is ok that I post them all on one message.

 

1. I noticed in the pics that the beaches don't have palapas or umbrellas. Is there enough shade from the palm trees. I just want my guests to have a nice time and be able to enjoy themselves at the beach without getting too unbelievable hot.

 

2. I know the rooms at the Palace are nice. I assume some of my guests will stay at the other Barcelo resorts. Does anyone know if these are nice?

 

3. When you set a date with the WC, do you get to pick a time, and the ceremony/reception location? I'm flexible on my dates and would like to pick a date based off of what is available for that date. How does that work?

 

4. Lastly, I'm reading mixed messages about the photographer. Is it, or is it not, ok to bring your own photographer? Can someone confirm?

 

Any info you have will help in my decision making. I just want to pick a place! The Barcelo does sound very nice

[eblum999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl I have a few random questions, so I hope it is ok that I post them all on one message. 1. I noticed in the pics that the beaches don't have palapas or umbrellas. Is there enough shade from the palm trees. I just want my guests to have a nice time and be able to enjoy themselves at the beach without getting too unbelievable hot. 2. I know the rooms at the Palace are nice. I assume some of my guests will stay at the other Barcelo resorts. Does anyone know if these are nice? 3. When you set a date with the WC, do you get to pick a time, and the ceremony/reception location? I'm flexible on my dates and would like to pick a date based off of what is available for that date. How does that work? 4. Lastly, I'm reading mixed messages about the photographer. Is it, or is it not, ok to bring your own photographer? Can someone confirm? Any info you have will help in my decision making. I just want to pick a place! The Barcelo does sound very nice

Hello there.

I have some answers to your questions....

1. I noticed in the pics that the beaches don't have palapas or umbrellas. Is there enough shade from the palm trees. I just want my guests to have a nice time and be able to enjoy themselves at the beach without getting too unbelievable hot.

The beach does have much shade... but I was there last April... could have more shade now.

2. I know the rooms at the Palace are nice. I assume some of my guests will stay at the other Barcelo resorts. Does anyone know if these are nice?

The rooms are in one word GORGEOUS. If you give me your email... I will send you pictures I have done my share of traveling and they are the nicest rooms I have ever experienced. The rooms in the other resorts (Caribe, Tropical ect... arent as nice.

3. When you set a date with the WC, do you get to pick a time, and the ceremony/reception location? I'm flexible on my dates and would like to pick a date based off of what is available for that date. How does that work?

I set my date and time as year and a half ago (July 18th 2009 at 4:30 in the Colonial Church) If it at all possible, i would def. recommend going on a site visit.. helps so much when planning a wedding over the interent, so you know what they are talking about. I just told them what time I wanted and they said ok! I did not think it was that hard... but I am not sure how far in advance they need... like I said I booked a year and a half in advance.
4. Lastly, I'm reading mixed messages about the photographer. Is it, or is it not, ok to bring your own photographer? Can someone confirm?

Ok this was the hardest part for me as well, b-c I kept on getting wrong informtation. I hired Elizabeth Medina (Elizabeth Medina Photography, Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photojournalism throughout the Riviera Maya, Yucatan and Mexico) and she staying as a guest of the hotel... so there is no problem. If they photographer is only coming for the day to shoot the wedding... then you have to purchase a "Day Pass" for them, which I believe is any where from $80-$100 per day. I am having her for 3 days, so she is just staying at the hotel (i'm footing the bill) for 2 night, which they dont care if she takes pictures, since she is considered a "guest" and they can not say anything.

If you have anymore questions, just ask!
-Erica

[CaraW]

I was told that if we wanted to bring an outside photographer, we had to pay a $300 photographer fee. I just inquired about that this month. We are thinking (even though our photographer lives in Mexico), we are going to have him spend a night at the Barcelo, because it will most likely be less than the $300 fee. Hope this helps!

 

 

Cara

[joie1987]

Sandra, We are doing the same thing! doing the legal ceremony in ND before we leave, haah we ARE twins! have you picked a reception site yet? i have not!

 

ALSO, are we all still waiting on the 2010 package prices YET?!?!

[SDbeachgirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eblum999 Hello there. I have some answers to your questions.... 1. I noticed in the pics that the beaches don't have palapas or umbrellas. Is there enough shade from the palm trees. I just want my guests to have a nice time and be able to enjoy themselves at the beach without getting too unbelievable hot. The beach does have much shade... but I was there last April... could have more shade now. 2. I know the rooms at the Palace are nice. I assume some of my guests will stay at the other Barcelo resorts. Does anyone know if these are nice? The rooms are in one word GORGEOUS. If you give me your email... I will send you pictures I have done my share of traveling and they are the nicest rooms I have ever experienced. The rooms in the other resorts (Caribe, Tropical ect... arent as nice. 3. When you set a date with the WC, do you get to pick a time, and the ceremony/reception location? I'm flexible on my dates and would like to pick a date based off of what is available for that date. How does that work? I set my date and time as year and a half ago (July 18th 2009 at 4:30 in the Colonial Church) If it at all possible, i would def. recommend going on a site visit.. helps so much when planning a wedding over the interent, so you know what they are talking about. I just told them what time I wanted and they said ok! I did not think it was that hard... but I am not sure how far in advance they need... like I said I booked a year and a half in advance. 4. Lastly, I'm reading mixed messages about the photographer. Is it, or is it not, ok to bring your own photographer? Can someone confirm? Ok this was the hardest part for me as well, b-c I kept on getting wrong informtation. I hired Elizabeth Medina (Elizabeth Medina Photography, Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photojournalism throughout the Riviera Maya, Yucatan and Mexico) and she staying as a guest of the hotel... so there is no problem. If they photographer is only coming for the day to shoot the wedding... then you have to purchase a "Day Pass" for them, which I believe is any where from $80-$100 per day. I am having her for 3 days, so she is just staying at the hotel (i'm footing the bill) for 2 night, which they dont care if she takes pictures, since she is considered a "guest" and they can not say anything. If you have anymore questions, just ask! -Erica

Thanks for the info! Yes, please send over photos. My email address is jenniwinston@yahoo.com

When you said the other rooms were not as nice, are they at least sort of nice? Also, I was just reading up on the RUI resorts and they also have a group of resorts together. However, I read that if 80% of guests do not stay at the same resort that the wedding is held, then your wedding will be cancelled. Do you know if there are any kind of rules like that for the Barcelo resorts?