Secrets Maroma Brides

[KCDawn]

Originally Posted by msop04 

 

 

Thank for answering - it did help a lot!  We are still in limbo about whether or not to use Juan...  The other alternative is to bring a photographer from home... we shall see what kind of deal we could get to even see if that's a possibility.  Do you happen to know the credit amount for photography or video of any kind?

 

I'm really excited about having the bonfire though!!  I think everyone will enjoy it a lot.  

 

Question: What does the $250 include exactly?  I know it does not include any special seating (+$500), the bar (+12.60 pp), or music (+$180 sound system), so... I'm a little confused about what I'd be paying for, since we're staying at an all-inclusive... hope I don't sound sarcastic, just really wondering if all this is sort of a "marketing ploy," if you will.  Not to sound dumb, but do they start an actual bonfire on the beach?? LOL  

 

**Wow, just realized that I totally make fun of people who ask seemingly stupid questions... like me.  HA!  

 

Valeria told me if we didn't use the photography in the Ultimate Package the credit would be $350.  Then, of course you have to pay $100 for the outside vendor fee.  That's ultimately why we ended up just upgrading our photography.  It was going to cost so much more to go outside and get the same thing, plus I really liked Juan's photos.  So it made sense to do it that way.

 

I'm really excited about the bonfire too!  I think it's going to be a really cool thing for our guests.  I've seen pictures of the bonfire somewhere, in the reviews on this site maybe.  It looks like a firepit they set up on the beach.  The only thing we're adding is the bar.  We're bringing an ipod dock and playing music that way.  I think we can all relate to the frustration over the extras.  It does seem like there are a lot and they're adding up fast.  I just keep telling myself I'd be spending a whole lot more to have a wedding at home and it wouldn't be anything like this.   

[beachbride2013]

For the bonfire, the $250 fee is just for the set up. It includes the bonfire which as KCDawn stated, it's a firepit that they set up.... They rake the sand and make it look really clean. They will have a few cocktail tables set up with some type of candle or something on each one. They will have beach chairs and regular chairs pulled up for people to sit on. I think only a few people actually used them. Most were up mingling around. We had 20 guests. I think the lounge furniture would be really nice, but don't worry if it's not in the budget. As for the bar, they had a nice set up and it was full bar. Each bonfire has their own. You will also have one or two waiters, I think it depends on the size of your party. Cecilia will meet you by the showers going out to the beach and walk you to your bonfire. She will tell you ahead of time exactly where yours will be so you can tell your guests. It was so much fun, I wish I could do it all over again.

I will say that what I had pictured in my mind for the bonfire, and what it actually was were pretty different.

[beachbride2013]

msop, just to clairify....the 250 is for the setup. You will be having a private party for your guests and so although it's an all inclusive resort, it is a private event and is not included in the hotel price. After doing the bonfire, I think it's just what they charge for setup and take down. I did think it was well worth the $$. They make it look really nice. Everything the resort does looks and feels really nice, so you won't be disappointed!

[msop04]

Originally Posted by LolaTX 

 

MSOP, when is your wedding? I am not sure how much the credits are for services you forgo, but from what I have heard, they are very flexible with allowing you to choose what you do or do not want to use, and use it for something else. CriCri actually was quoted a lower price from Styling Trio . . .I am not sure why they quoted mine so much higher, but it ultimately is forcing me to use the SMB spa. You should email them (either through their website form or via the email I provided above) and compare what they quote you too!!! And, thats a fabulous idea! I wonder if I could add an hour of photography for the bonfire the night before . . . Id actually prefer a videographer, because I am sure some of the toasts (or shall I say ROASTS, LOL) will be priceless. I know my father is purchasing a really nice new camera, and maybe I can see if someone has their own video camera to bring along too. I think the bonfire is going to be a lot of fun! I had orgiinaly included in my contract for open bar AND dessert at the bonfire . . which was approximately $18 (plus tax) per person. When I decided to just do the open bar, I had some room there with $ and decided to just put it towards the lounge seating. It wont accomodate all my guests, but it will be a nice touch. My wedding is in late October, and I know rates are relative to the time of the year. But yes, $579 per person (based on a double room) for three nights (in the lowest class room) . .so it comes out to about $1160 per couple for the resort room. And I thought that was still expensive, LOL! Airfare from Houston right now is steady around $450, and I doubt it will go down. So my guests are forking over $1000 each to just come to my wedding. In fact, almost half of the people booked actually did four nights, so I guess the money really wasnt that big of a deal. Several of my friends have already been to the resort and have said it was the best one they have ever been to . . .sounds like it is worth the $$$. My travel agent is Chuck Joyce, with Gosecrets.com. If you contact him, PLEASE tell me I referred ya! He is out of North Carolina, but has been relatively easy to deal with thus far.

 

LolaTx, my wedding is "tentatively" scheduled for 2-22-13 (tentative, because I Cecelia has YET to email me back... ugh!)  Oh well, guess I'll just book, then get a contract drawn up, as CriCri suggested.  Thanks SO MUCH for giving me the name of your TA -- the least expensive trip I could find for 3 nights was $2800-3000 for the couple, so that would be a dream come true if he could find something... and I can almost guarantee ALL of my guests would book through him, should he be able to help us out!!  Don't worry, I will let him know you referred me with a glowing review!!   :)  

 

BTW, by double room, do you mean a room with double beds, to be shared by 2 ppl, or...??  

 

The quotes I found were on Expedia.com, for 2 adults/3 nights in the lowest level room -- of course that included taxes, fees, airfare, and the whole bit.  Even so, your TA's quote was way less...    North Carolina, huh?  That's cool, I live in Birmingham, AL, but I'm originally from southeast TN (and that is where my family still lives), so maybe your TA really can find something for us -- AND FOUR NIGHTS WOULD BE EVEN BETTER!!    

 

I really appreciate you and this board -- once again, THANK YOU!!!

 

P.S.  I couldn't get the site to come up for Gosecrets.com, but I Googled his name and found A Way To Go Travel Agency out of NC... let me know if this is the same.  

[msop04]

Originally Posted by KCDawn 

 

 

Valeria told me if we didn't use the photography in the Ultimate Package the credit would be $350.  Then, of course you have to pay $100 for the outside vendor fee.  That's ultimately why we ended up just upgrading our photography.  It was going to cost so much more to go outside and get the same thing, plus I really liked Juan's photos.  So it made sense to do it that way.

 

I'm really excited about the bonfire too!  I think it's going to be a really cool thing for our guests.  I've seen pictures of the bonfire somewhere, in the reviews on this site maybe.  It looks like a firepit they set up on the beach.  The only thing we're adding is the bar.  We're bringing an ipod dock and playing music that way.  I think we can all relate to the frustration over the extras.  It does seem like there are a lot and they're adding up fast.  I just keep telling myself I'd be spending a whole lot more to have a wedding at home and it wouldn't be anything like this.   

 

That's not a lot of credit for the photography... seems like someone posted that you'd get like a $900 credit for not doing the video??  I'll just need to look into it - I'll keep everyone posted though!    The bonfire sounds SO COOL!!  I'm a Southern gal, so start a fire and little music and I'm good to go!!  HA!  Thanks for the info, KCDawn!!  

[msop04]

Originally Posted by beachbride2013 

 

For the bonfire, the $250 fee is just for the set up. It includes the bonfire which as KCDawn stated, it's a firepit that they set up.... They rake the sand and make it look really clean. They will have a few cocktail tables set up with some type of candle or something on each one. They will have beach chairs and regular chairs pulled up for people to sit on. I think only a few people actually used them. Most were up mingling around. We had 20 guests. I think the lounge furniture would be really nice, but don't worry if it's not in the budget. As for the bar, they had a nice set up and it was full bar. Each bonfire has their own. You will also have one or two waiters, I think it depends on the size of your party. Cecilia will meet you by the showers going out to the beach and walk you to your bonfire. She will tell you ahead of time exactly where yours will be so you can tell your guests. It was so much fun, I wish I could do it all over again.

I will say that what I had pictured in my mind for the bonfire, and what it actually was were pretty different.

 

Thanks, beachbride!!  That does sound really awesome for the bonfire!!  You should totally post some photos!!  My guests will surely enjoy it!!  

 

Everyone on this board has be SOOO nice and very helpful!!    

[msop04]

Originally Posted by CriCri 

 

      I'm using the Cecilia method to answer to this email ;-)

 

HA!!  I'm gonna try the Cecilia method too!!  

 

 

 

I have received a complete quotation ( Bridal Hair, make up, trial, transfer,...bridesmaids), let me know your email address and I will forward you the email.

Just to have a basic quotation you can consider:

- Bridal Package, Hair and Makeup, just wedding day, 285 USD

So, just to clarify... $285 was your quote from The Styling Trio (for everything listed above)... I was just curious because LolaTX was quoted $450 (other Stylist) - $600 (for Adrian)

But I'd love for you to forward the email to me - maybe I'd have some negotiating power??    I'll private message you with my email address.  Thanks!

 

 

 

Hair style and make-up cost:  59$+ 49% (+ 11%tax ). You have also 15% discount of all the SPA service such as the hair style and make up trial

$59 credit from SMB, right?

 

 

If you don't use the video, If I remember well you receive a credit of 600$

Ok, cool... $600 for the video credit.    Is that with the other photography also, or just video?  I'm wondering what would be the "grand total" credit for:

Video ($600) + All Photography ( $ ) = "Grand Total??"

 

 

CriCri, you are so knowledgeable -- SMB needs to hire you as an official correspondent!!  

Thanks bunches, girl!!  

 

 

 

[CriCri]

In blu my answers

 

Originally Posted by msop04 
 

Hair style and make-up cost:  59$+ 49% (+ 11%tax ). You have also 15% discount of all the SPA service such as the hair style and make up trial

$59 credit from SMB, right?

 

I don't think they will credit you 59$ for hair stykle and 48$ for make up because they don't reflect the real price of the service in the packet.

To not loose money I suggest you to exchange one service for one other of the same type. For esample I have exchange the swedish massage included in the Ultimate package for the hair style and make up trial, so I haven't lost the value of the service.

But .... are you sure you don't want use the Secrets Maroma SPA? The SPA is fantastic and I have been very happy for the service I have received for my wedding. I liked the hair style and also the make up, they are near your room and the prices are reasonable. You can have the trial the day before to be sure about the result.

 

 

If you don't use the video, If I remember well you receive a credit of 600$

Ok, cool... $600 for the video credit.    Is that with the other photography also, or just video?  I'm wondering what would be the "grand total" credit for:

Video ($600) + All Photography ( $ ) = "Grand Total??"

 

The credit would be:

- Video 600$ (price list 930$)

- Photo packet  500$ (price list 724€)

 

 

CriCri, you are so knowledgeable -- SMB needs to hire you as an official correspondent!!  

 

It could be an idea ;-)

 

Happy planning!!

[nicc80]

Hi all anybody serving the buffet dinner on the beach before the bonfire?

[CriCri]

Hi brides

I need your help.

I'm looking for a high definition picture with the mariachi trio during the night.

They have played  at 9.30pm when my photographers had already gone so I don't have any professional photo.

I want make a photo-album but I miss a "good" picture with them :-( , I have only low resolution with red eyes.

Can you help me? I will use the picture only for my private album and I will not post in the web.

 

Thank you