Sandos Playacar Brides!

[Jennybell1]

 

Originally Posted by kristen031911 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennybell1 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sashk2006 

We just returned from our wedding at Sandos and it couldn't have gone any more perfectly! Everyone said Maria would ease all fears the second you met her and I agreed the second we sat down with her. It was hard to not have anything set and stone until the day before the wedding but Maria took care of everything within a half hour and had us back to enjoying the beach. I feared alot of thing going into it- weather, rooms, hair, no rehearsal, etc. but I do not believe it could have gone any better.

 

We stayed in the beachfront rooms which I would not change for anything. They are right on the beach and close to everything! We could walk out on the 2nd floor patio and see the ocean. Welcome fruit basket & huge supply of alcohol upon arrival and fun little towel animals on your bed everyday. My family that stayed in the haciendas were okay with them but wished they had gotten the beachfront rooms. We only had one person stay in the Riviera section. He liked the room size but it was just such a distance away. Not a complaint in walking but it was hard if short on time. The shuttles and golf carts weren't reliable enough to count on them.

 

We did fun welcome bags (doubled as beach bag) with mugs, tylenol, shout wipes, lanyards that held towel and key cards and tip money and more that I can't remember. I think the lanyards were the most used item by everyone. Let me know if you want to see photos!

 

Restaurants were a must book upon arrival. We had the French first and I am not sure if more then 2 of our 18 person group liked it but I suppose it was more of a preference of foods. The Brazilian is a must if you like your meats!

 

As for the wedding, it went fabulous!

First, I had my hair done at the resort and I was very happy with it. I was not done with that until 3:20 so very rushed for a 4:00 ceremony. Maria came and picked me and my father up in the golfcart and took us to the site. I had stargazer lillies in my bouquet which turned out wonderfully! We could not stop smelling them and everytime we went back to the room throughout the week, the scent would spill out for everyone. The site was set up beautifully. Kind of awkward, but alot of the beach go-ers will come over and watch the ceremony and take pictures of you walking down the aisle. I recommend doing the sand ceremony. The minister has a nice speech for it and also brings a lid for you to bring it home. For no rehearsal, it went with no problems. The minister walks you through everything. There is a hut after for toasting and a dance if you chose then off for pictures. I highlyyyyyyyyyyyyyy recommend Octavio Montes for a photographer. He is very professional and a great price. The pics were ready two days after the ceremony and he dropped the prints and the cd with a nice case off to us at the hotel. We chose to do the Italian restaurant for the reception. I didn't like that is was a buffet but it was the nicest and most accomodating for a wedding party. Maria has you wait outside then announces the couple to come in and everyone stares and claps! Random clinging from people you do not know all dinner ;-)

 

All in all, I am so happy with how it went. I knew alot about the resort as it is where my fiance and I met 8 years ago but I still worried. They called for rain for every day and we never got any, thank goodness! The resort has undergone alot of changes so I was weary but my family absolutely loved it and believes all-inclusives are now the way to go!!!

 

Just wanted to give a fast but very unorganized review of Sandos. Let me know if you have any additional questions!

 

I also set a photobucket up if anyone wants to see the setup or Octavio's work.

photobucket.com

username: sandos2010mexico

password: sandos2010

This is too funny - I commented on your wedding on Sandos Facebook profile - they have your pictures up and I left a message for you to see if you could tell me where you got your hubbys wedding day outfit?  Too weird - I should have known you were on this site! 

LOL

Love your pics on photobucket and on Sandos FB site - everything looks fanatastic!!!

Congrats!
 

 

Originally Posted by sashk2006 

We just returned from our wedding at Sandos and it couldn't have gone any more perfectly! Everyone said Maria would ease all fears the second you met her and I agreed the second we sat down with her. It was hard to not have anything set and stone until the day before the wedding but Maria took care of everything within a half hour and had us back to enjoying the beach. I feared alot of thing going into it- weather, rooms, hair, no rehearsal, etc. but I do not believe it could have gone any better.

 

We stayed in the beachfront rooms which I would not change for anything. They are right on the beach and close to everything! We could walk out on the 2nd floor patio and see the ocean. Welcome fruit basket & huge supply of alcohol upon arrival and fun little towel animals on your bed everyday. My family that stayed in the haciendas were okay with them but wished they had gotten the beachfront rooms. We only had one person stay in the Riviera section. He liked the room size but it was just such a distance away. Not a complaint in walking but it was hard if short on time. The shuttles and golf carts weren't reliable enough to count on them.

 

We did fun welcome bags (doubled as beach bag) with mugs, tylenol, shout wipes, lanyards that held towel and key cards and tip money and more that I can't remember. I think the lanyards were the most used item by everyone. Let me know if you want to see photos!

 

Restaurants were a must book upon arrival. We had the French first and I am not sure if more then 2 of our 18 person group liked it but I suppose it was more of a preference of foods. The Brazilian is a must if you like your meats!

 

As for the wedding, it went fabulous!

First, I had my hair done at the resort and I was very happy with it. I was not done with that until 3:20 so very rushed for a 4:00 ceremony. Maria came and picked me and my father up in the golfcart and took us to the site. I had stargazer lillies in my bouquet which turned out wonderfully! We could not stop smelling them and everytime we went back to the room throughout the week, the scent would spill out for everyone. The site was set up beautifully. Kind of awkward, but alot of the beach go-ers will come over and watch the ceremony and take pictures of you walking down the aisle. I recommend doing the sand ceremony. The minister has a nice speech for it and also brings a lid for you to bring it home. For no rehearsal, it went with no problems. The minister walks you through everything. There is a hut after for toasting and a dance if you chose then off for pictures. I highlyyyyyyyyyyyyyy recommend Octavio Montes for a photographer. He is very professional and a great price. The pics were ready two days after the ceremony and he dropped the prints and the cd with a nice case off to us at the hotel. We chose to do the Italian restaurant for the reception. I didn't like that is was a buffet but it was the nicest and most accomodating for a wedding party. Maria has you wait outside then announces the couple to come in and everyone stares and claps! Random clinging from people you do not know all dinner ;-)

 

All in all, I am so happy with how it went. I knew alot about the resort as it is where my fiance and I met 8 years ago but I still worried. They called for rain for every day and we never got any, thank goodness! The resort has undergone alot of changes so I was weary but my family absolutely loved it and believes all-inclusives are now the way to go!!!

 

Just wanted to give a fast but very unorganized review of Sandos. Let me know if you have any additional questions!

 

I also set a photobucket up if anyone wants to see the setup or Octavio's work.

photobucket.com

username: sandos2010mexico

password: sandos2010

 

Did Maria put together the welcome bags for you or did you do it yourself?  I am going to have Maria do it before we get there. She said it would be $3/bag to deliver them to the rooms and then an additional charge to put them together.  I'm not sure of the charge though and if it is too much we will probably just take care of it.
 

I would definitely look into that further, bc I have heard from other brides who also requested that Maria do that for them and found out in fact that she herself didnt deliver them.  They were either delivered by someone else (bell noy, etc) and then items were missing from the bags, or the bags didnt get delivered all together and then the bride and groom had to hand them out anyways.

I was going to have Maria do mine to, but now I have decided to put mine together when I get there with my FI and parents and then as my guest arrive, I will be meeting them in the lobby and giving it to them then.  This way nothing goes mysteriously missing and I know that my guests actually got them on time.  This is also an issue when it comes to putting out favours for your guests at the tables.  They say you should have someone responsible to take care of these sorts of things for you - someone coming to your wedding.

Just a suggestion, but I would definitely rethink that option.

 

[Kerrie26]

Your photos look great, we have also booked Octavio for our wedding, so really pleased.

 

I loved your hair style too, can I ask how much it cost at the hotel spa?

 

Also, does anyone know if you can still do the sand ceremony with a legal wedding?

[Pinz]

Hi Kristen,

If you and your guests like a lot of meat then the Brazilian restaurant may be a good option, if not, I recommend the Italian restaurant (buffet however).  Most of the brides who do the free meal eat there and it is the fanciest buffet.  I have pics I can email you if you like.  Our weddings are close, I am getting married March 1, 2011!

Cheers

Lindsay
 

Originally Posted by kristen031911 

Is anyone having their dinner at the Brazilian restaurant?  If so do you know what color table clothes they have and if you can bring your own?  Also, has anyone that has been to Sandos before eaten and the Brazilian restaurant....what did you think?  Thank you!!

 

[kristamarie]

Thanks Sash! 

 

What did you do after the dinner?  Did you go to the bar or anything? 

Originally Posted by kristamarie 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sashk2006 

We just returned from our wedding at Sandos and it couldn't have gone any more perfectly! Everyone said Maria would ease all fears the second you met her and I agreed the second we sat down with her. It was hard to not have anything set and stone until the day before the wedding but Maria took care of everything within a half hour and had us back to enjoying the beach. I feared alot of thing going into it- weather, rooms, hair, no rehearsal, etc. but I do not believe it could have gone any better.

 

We stayed in the beachfront rooms which I would not change for anything. They are right on the beach and close to everything! We could walk out on the 2nd floor patio and see the ocean. Welcome fruit basket & huge supply of alcohol upon arrival and fun little towel animals on your bed everyday. My family that stayed in the haciendas were okay with them but wished they had gotten the beachfront rooms. We only had one person stay in the Riviera section. He liked the room size but it was just such a distance away. Not a complaint in walking but it was hard if short on time. The shuttles and golf carts weren't reliable enough to count on them.

 

We did fun welcome bags (doubled as beach bag) with mugs, tylenol, shout wipes, lanyards that held towel and key cards and tip money and more that I can't remember. I think the lanyards were the most used item by everyone. Let me know if you want to see photos!

 

Restaurants were a must book upon arrival. We had the French first and I am not sure if more then 2 of our 18 person group liked it but I suppose it was more of a preference of foods. The Brazilian is a must if you like your meats!

 

As for the wedding, it went fabulous!

First, I had my hair done at the resort and I was very happy with it. I was not done with that until 3:20 so very rushed for a 4:00 ceremony. Maria came and picked me and my father up in the golfcart and took us to the site. I had stargazer lillies in my bouquet which turned out wonderfully! We could not stop smelling them and everytime we went back to the room throughout the week, the scent would spill out for everyone. The site was set up beautifully. Kind of awkward, but alot of the beach go-ers will come over and watch the ceremony and take pictures of you walking down the aisle. I recommend doing the sand ceremony. The minister has a nice speech for it and also brings a lid for you to bring it home. For no rehearsal, it went with no problems. The minister walks you through everything. There is a hut after for toasting and a dance if you chose then off for pictures. I highlyyyyyyyyyyyyyy recommend Octavio Montes for a photographer. He is very professional and a great price. The pics were ready two days after the ceremony and he dropped the prints and the cd with a nice case off to us at the hotel. We chose to do the Italian restaurant for the reception. I didn't like that is was a buffet but it was the nicest and most accomodating for a wedding party. Maria has you wait outside then announces the couple to come in and everyone stares and claps! Random clinging from people you do not know all dinner ;-)

 

All in all, I am so happy with how it went. I knew alot about the resort as it is where my fiance and I met 8 years ago but I still worried. They called for rain for every day and we never got any, thank goodness! The resort has undergone alot of changes so I was weary but my family absolutely loved it and believes all-inclusives are now the way to go!!!

 

Just wanted to give a fast but very unorganized review of Sandos. Let me know if you have any additional questions!

 

I also set a photobucket up if anyone wants to see the setup or Octavio's work.

photobucket.com

username: sandos2010mexico

password: sandos2010

OMG your pics were amazing!!!

 

Your hair looked awesome!  Did you know what you wanted or did they just do it?

 

Also, did you guys have a reception after-wards?  We aren't but I'm wondering what we should do instead?

 

What wedding package did you do?  Did they include the ribbons and stuff on the chairs?  We are doing the Symbolic Cermony,.

 

Sorry for all the question, 101 more days till I'm there!

[hwilley218]

Thanks for the great reviews!  Such a help!  and I loved the pictures! Congrats

[Pinz]

One of the emails I got from Maria says that there are no outside photographers allowed.  Do I have to pretend that my photographer is a wedding guest?
 

Originally Posted by sashk2006 

Yes you have to pay a day pass ($77) for them but I think it is worth it because you get so much more for his price versus the resorts photographer where you don't even get a cd of the pictures without paying a couple hundred first. The resorts charges $150 for 10 photos and no cd. I asked Maria and you cannot even make copies back home because they are copyrighted. Octavios prices start at $250 with cd and all prints included.

[motbride]

Many people have used outside photographers. We used the resort photographer, but one of our guests brought a guest who happened to be a photographer and it wasn't any problem. I felt awkward, though, since we didn't actually hire the extra photographer and he was standing over the photographers shoulder a lot!   At one point, though, they actually coordinated with each other on a shot... so the resort photographer didn't seem upset to have the extra guy around.

 

 

We were told by the resort photographer that we can make copies of all the photos on the CD.    We haven't done it yet, but will let you know if we have any trouble.  We definitely want to get more prints.

[sashk2006]

Haha I replied to your comment on facebook Jennybelly but if you hadn't seen it, we got everything at Kohl's! Kristen- we went to the Brazilian and reallyyyy enjoyed it. It is nice but food is served on sticks in a 10 course meal so you kind of decide what you want and they will cut it off your stick for you. I do not remember the tablecloths. We also did the welcome bags ourselves. I did not know of the option for Maria to do them. It was really stressdul trying to get them together right as we arrived because everyone was wanting to see us and I had originally wanted to give them their bag upon arrival but all flights had been delayed or transportation had taken twice as long so everyone showed up within 20 minutes of one another. It made things alot harder. We had personalized hot sauces for favors and Maria had them waiting at the seats at the reception when the guests arrived so I was happy I had given them to her ahead of time. I actually made this open site of photos on photobucket to help everyone like they helped me. There is no personal information given out. Kerrie- you will be very pleased with Octavio. The hair costs $100. I hated to pay that but am happy I did. And yes, you can add a sand ceremony to any package.

[sashk2006]

Kristamaria- we just hung out at the main bar. No one lasted very long that night. We had originally wanted to go to Fusion that night but everyone went to bed.

 

Pinz- I am not sure why they say that because it is not a problem at all for outside photographers. You just have to pay the $77 day pass.

[kristen031911]

Thank you so much Lindsay! Your wedding is right before ours!!!  It's coming up soon! YAY! If you don't mind emailing me pics that would be fabulous!  My email is kristen3784@yahoo.com.  
 

Originally Posted by Pinz 

Hi Kristen,

If you and your guests like a lot of meat then the Brazilian restaurant may be a good option, if not, I recommend the Italian restaurant (buffet however).  Most of the brides who do the free meal eat there and it is the fanciest buffet.  I have pics I can email you if you like.  Our weddings are close, I am getting married March 1, 2011!

Cheers

Lindsay
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristen031911 

Is anyone having their dinner at the Brazilian restaurant?  If so do you know what color table clothes they have and if you can bring your own?  Also, has anyone that has been to Sandos before eaten and the Brazilian restaurant....what did you think?  Thank you!!