Iberostar Brides....POST HERE!

[noelynn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shannonkay Just married! We got married at the Grand Hotel Paraiso on September 5, 2009. Ladies, everything was perfect. I know how nerve racking it is to plan all of this from so far away but it all turns out just great. Many thanks to the other brides I talked to - Sarah and Stephanie - you guys were fantastic. Our WC, Martha was great. In the beginning of the process you do not e-mail a lot with each other but rest assured that she is a total pro and knows what she is doing. The ceremony, flowers, music, reception (cocktail and final) were exactly what we wanted. We did the programs ourselves (I saw some questions about this). We made paddle fans. Cancun Studios, Agustin Murillo, is amazing to work with. We did our TTD and 8 hours of wedding pics with him. My best to you all who are getting married at Iberostar. It will be fantastic!

Glad everything worked out!

What did you put on your paddle fan?

Thanks,
Noel

[finleys7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDeeken I have noticed a few people mention working with Karla instead of Reyna at the Del Mar. I met with Reyna in July, but I'm hoping that she is still there and that Karla is just an assistant. Has anyone heard otherwise?

I don't know the specifics, but I started with Gabriella, then Reyna and now Karla.

I can't let it freak me out, because at least someone is responding.

I even got an out of office which was a first. I think their communication is getting better with the amount of destination weddings. At least the prices went up to reflect that...

[LDeeken]

I sent an email on Sunday and haven't heard back just yet, though I'm not surprised. I will be interested to see what there new prices are and who emails me back. I will be sad if Reyna is no longer the WC because we met with her over the summer and she was great. Oh well, we'll deal with it. The joys of being a Destination Wedding Bride =)

[steph2010]

Quote:

Originally Posted by finleys7 I don't know the specifics, but I started with Gabriella, then Reyna and now Karla. I can't let it freak me out, because at least someone is responding. I even got an out of office which was a first. I think their communication is getting better with the amount of destination weddings. At least the prices went up to reflect that...

I think that I may have some information for you. On August 22nd Karla informed me that she would now be assisting me with our wedding plans, and that Gabriella is not longer working there. I sent them an email last week and received a reply back from the Public Relations office informing me that the wedding coordinator is out of the office until September 29th. I think that I read some where that the Paraiso Beach side is closed down until that date, or thereabouts, due to some construction going on.

As for 2010 pricing I did receive the pricing for the Civil and Blessing packages from Karla. She did not send me pricing on the individual items such as bouquets, DJ, etc. If you would like them, just e-mail me at stephlmccarthy@hotmail.com and I will forward same to you. The price of the Blessing package did not increase ($2,100) and the Civil ceremony is
($2,450) - I think that this increased a bit.

Hopefully this has helped you a bit!

[finleys7]

Steph,

 

Thanks I did receive the prices and additional fees as well. Let me know if you want them. shannon.finley@moodys.com

 

The prices did go up in my mind. They took away the bridal test hair, hair, manicure and pedicure. Additionally, they altered the Spa treatments for bride and groom. I don't know about you ladies, but I live in NY and work in NYC and I have NEVER EVER EVER heard of $69 manicure. I was so shocked to see this. And a pedicure is $79. UGH!!!

 

Also the bridemaids bouquets were $15 now $29, corsages $5 now $15. These little things are adding up.

 

Also note, additional people over 10 for the packages was $18 per head, now it’s $20.

[finleys7]

Random question - Past brides or future brides

 

How much is appropriate to tip the WC? And do you tip the photo and videographer?

[steph2010]

Yes - I did notice the $2 increase pp. If you could send me the services list that would be great - stephlmccarthy@hotmail.com. Just to let you know, I have opted to hire someone external from the resort for my hair/make-up as well as my bridesmaids. I have seen pictures of past brides hair/makeup from the spa at the resort, and I didn't really love it, and the prices are significantly cheaper with Alejandro. Here is his website. I have had no issues dealing with him. I have made two payments to him through Pay Pal, and everything is AOK. His prices are as follows (as quoted to me 6 months ago):

 

Bridal hair & make-up: $250 (a little pricey, but comparable to the resort spa)

Bridesmaids (or anyone additional peron) for hair & make-up: $95 (much cheaper)

Hair: $60

Make-up: $60

 

If you pay 50% within 3 months of your wedding date I believe, you will receive a 15% discount.

 

He will be coming with a hair stylist to the resort so I have to pay $50 for each of them to use the facilities at the resort. Still cheaper than the resort spa, and he comes highly recommended.

 

I am also purchasing my flowers from someone local - I can send this information if need be. Also, much cheaper for better quality flowers!

[LDeeken]

Interesting information about the price increase. I would be interested in hearing about the outside florist, especially if it is cheaper.

 

I live in a suburb of Chicago and I too have never heard of a $69 manicure or $79 pedicure. Maybe me and my bridesmaid will go soke in the hot tub, rub our feet in the sand, and paint our own nails and call it a pedicure =)

[steph2010]

I contacted a few different florists but chose Marvin José Ku Kinil (marvin@mayadisenofloral.com.mx) because he was able to send me pictures, and he knew exactly what I wanted. If you have an email address I can send you the quote that he did up for me and some pictures of his work. Just as an idea for pricing my bouquet is going to be cymbidium orchids and off-white roses with greenery, handtied with silk ribbon (the resort would not do this for me, was going to have to worry about that myself - they use some awful looking plastic thing) - price $120 - was quoted about $200 from the resort, my bridesmaid's bouquets are just orange roses with green berries - $45 each each handtied with silk ribbon and a cymbidium orchid corsage are $15 each. He also quoted me $80 for a cascading flower arrangement for the gazebo and he recommends getting two of them. He has decorated the Paraiso Beach/Del Mar gazebo before. I think that I am going to opt to not get these, as the ceremony is so short, it would be a waste of $160.

 

Hector at The Cancun Flower Shop (Cancun florist with flowers, roses, gifts and balloons delivery in Cancun) also had decent prices similiar to Marvin, however I wasn't able to see any pictures, and that just sort of worried me. The resort sent me pictures of their flowers (not sure who makes the arrangements for them) they use a lot of lilies and daisies - and the prices are ridiculous. I am going to use my free bouquet included in the wedding package as my throw away though! As well as the corsage for someone!

 

If anyone would like any further info, I am happy to provide!

 

Stephanie

[Barefoot in the Sand]

I just talked to Reyna two weeks ago. However, she did tell me that she is going to be out for two weeks. I think Karla and Reyna work together on things. Karla has outstanding reviews.