Secrets Maroma Brides

[nicc80]

hello all, just a general update for my July 2012 wedding.  Getting the ultimate wedding package and keeping most of it the same so far.  I expect about 30 people, but haven't even sent out save the dates so I am not sure yet.  I am thinking about about a site visit, just to help pick the venue and um... because it would be fun!  Has anyone done that?  Is it helpful in the planning process?  I chose a DW because I find planning really STRESSFUL.  I really hope I don't have to be on top of my planner for every little thing.  What do you guys think?  I have been communicating thus far with Valeria and she seems very happy to comply and responds in a timely fashion which is great.

 

I am considering one outsource for pictures.  Del Sol seems great ( I really don't know any others).  I am not interested in a lot of pictures or fancy albums, but I really don't like pushy or shady business.  It all depends on what they quote me and if any of you girls have anything good to say about the hotel photographer.  I really only need a few hours of photos.

 

Hey brideRN I hope your wedding day is sunny and beautiful.  Please post pics

 

Nicole

[Adfaircloth06]

Thanks so much for the information. I calmed down a little bit I think. So exciting October 28th is so close. You should have such a great time with 29 people. That's wonderful. Hope everything goes exactly the way you want!!!

 

I think I"ve just about figured out how I want the tables and decorations and things to look. Been sending crazy and probably mostly incoherent emails to Cecelia for the past week or so. So I think I'm just about ready to write up my checklist including the prices for extra things. Now I'm just trying to decide if 40 days is too soon to try to order and mail my OOT bags

 

We have 14 people coming for ours and just can't wait!!!!
 

Originally Posted by SMBride42012 

Hey Adfaircloth06!

 

I am getting married October 28th! (Orginally going to be April of 2012 but pushed it up so it would be cheaper for guests)

 

Long story short, I have been planning and talking to Valeria (my coordinator at secrets) for over a year now.

 

I have asked all of these questions to her.

1. Can we sample the menu? Yes, I asked her to do a full sit down taste test of all the stuff on the gold menu (the one included in the ulitmate wedding package). We are planning that for the 2nd full day we are there.

--We are also sampling all of the cakes (vanilla, tres leches, and chocolate...as well as Red Velvet) She had never heard of it, but told me to send her a recipe and the chef would make it for us to try. If we like it, we are going to go with that.

 

2. Dj Mannia is the resort DJ that is included in the package. I have contacted him and he said to just get him a list of songs that are must plays and no plays. And he can download the ones he doesnt have.

 

3. I have 29 guests coming and we are doing a beach bonfire and having drinks served down there. We were quoted $10 p/p for this. The nearest bar is a long way away so I figured it would be worth the money to have a bar for us. We are not serving any food. Beforehand we are planning an "optional" dinner. We were going to do the japense hibatchi resturant but since we have so many people that MAY come we are going to have a private table setup at one of the outside dinner shows that night. We won't know what shows and activities are going on until the end of September Valiera said. So we are deciding what we are doing for dinner at that time.

 

I am also planning on picking flowers, decor etc etc down there, but I am emailing her pictures of what I think I will most likley go for and getting pricing beforehand so I can prepare myself and keep within budget.

 

I hope my information helped! Since you are just a little over a week after my wedding I strongly suggest getting in touch with Valeria and Cecila to sett up your taste testings So she has plenty of notice!!

 

I am taking a hint from other brides and doing a checklist of things valeria and cecilia need to remember, prices we have talked about, the small details that are important to me. Just so we are all on the same page when  I arrive and have the first sit down with her, and to keep her on track while we are there. I am sure its overkill, but its better to be safe than sorry right?

 

Hope this helped!!

 

[nicc80]

I am really not sure how many I will end up with.  Good luck with your OOT bags.  Why is it called that? Are these welcome bags?  I bet you can still order.   I am such a novice.  I think a lot of people finish deciding on details like tables and such when they get there so RELAX it sounds like your way ahead of the game.  Keep me updated when you can you.  I cannot imagine how excited you are right now.  This is the best resort in the Riviera as far I am concerned.  Have FUN

 

 

Nicole

[brideRN]

 

HI EVERYONE! I am getting married here 10-20-12!!! We will have around 50 guests!! I am still deciding between the secrets of love vs. ultimate package.   -first of all, has anyone had a wedding this big at this resort? any pointers? what package and stuff did you do? -has anyone ever done the buffet option here?   -if we have the reception on the beach, what type of lighting is included??    -Did you guys use the resort DJ? what did you pay? She quoted me $1500 for 3 hours??? That seems excessive!   -Did anyone use the resort photographer? The packages seem pretty expensive for what you get!! What outside photographers do you recommend?    -I read that the music and reception must end at 11pm?? Is this true?!   -Did anyone serve the 'Surf and Turf'?? How was it?   -Did anyone do the Cocktail Hour in between the ceremony and reception? Did they serve the appetizers that are included in the 'dinner menu' here? Or do they get appetizers here and then again with dinner?   -What brands of liquor are included in the international open bar?    Any other tips for planning this with 50 people?? THANKS : )

 

[nicc80]

Hey, I want to know almost all of the same things you do.  I am not sure how many guests yet.  sending out save the dates still. I think between 30-40.  I can tell you what we plan on doing... Ultimate package, beach wedding, poolside reception.  Maybe outsource on pics.... try La Luna by Del Sol company.  I am using an IPod for reception music and I cannot believe the 11PM thing either, but maybe you and your guests can go to the club after!! Desires I think it is called at the resort?

 

What dinner package are you thinking that has surf and turf?  We don't LOVE any of the menus, actually we like the sound of the silver one better, but are afraid it won't be as good cuz it's cheaper.  We plan on cocktail hour after beach wedding when we will take sunset pics (i think/hope)

 

 

I hope some experienced brides get back to you and me!

 

Good luck and have a wonderful wedding

Nicole

[Linzb143]

Hey so i am also getting married at secrets in 2012 and am working with valeria also! I saw you post and freaked out because I

too wanted to have the photographer stay longer and switch out a few things from the ultimate package also. So I mentioned your post and she told me that the package was only worth about 350 on the ultimate and that she thought she was firmilar with you and that you were substituting the minister to upgrade the package? She also said it wasnt for 5 hours?? Im not 100% if she and I were talking bout the same bride but I did say you were getting married in october and she thought she knew who i was refering too but gave me a different story:-(?? maybe you can go into more detial or clarify with her? thanks just want to make sure i can get the same deal if that is in fact the case, and i did send juan an email directly..its juan@juanphotos.com right? thanks so much and congrats!! its so soon:-)

[kriztie707]

Hi Future SMB Brides. I have not been on the forums in awhile due to life activities just taking priority since our wedding. I am happy to answer any questions future brides have! We were married at SMB in December of 2010. And I have been to SMB twice now. I actually just booked our third trip there. We will be celebrating New Years 2013 at SMB.

[bluelenscaribe]

Secrets Maroma is one of my favorite locations to shoot weddings. The white sandy beach provides an amazing location for the bride & groom´s photo session as well as the many locations around the resort. The last wedding I shot was small and simple but we had a great time with the bride and groom exploring various locations located on and off of the beach. 

 

 

[future T]

Hi Everyone! I'm looking to get married next may or June at SMB. I want to arrange an excursion at night to Coco Bongo, and I wan wondering if anyone has tried to do that? If yes, does anyone have any rates for transportion??

[kriztie707]

Beautiful pictures Blue Lens!