Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Brides??

[denita]

Just to let all know there is a $300.00 penalty for using an outside photographer both the wedding coordinator and the photog company have now told me about it.  I am trying to find where exactly it is documented that this will take place as I am certainly not going to hand over money just cuz. 

 

Nothing like being 'forced' into using someones services even if they don't suit your needs. 

 

I did look on facebook and the pictures they have on there look ok.  Nothing over the top fancy or edited however . . . the reviews on here tell a different story.

 

Time to research and weigh my options.

 

Just out of curiosity did any of you brides have any upgrades for flowers like orchids or calla lillies that are extra charge?  I am just wondering what the upcharge is for these. 

 

Also did you have boutineres (sp?) and corsages for any family memebers ex. mother and father of the bride/groom and grandparents?  How much did these run?

 

And your bouquets for the bridesmaids how much were they?

 

And di any of you have the live music?  The mariachi band or the mexican trio?  Was it worth it?

 

Thanks ladies

[Kbodchill]

@Corbeil: Aww, I'm really happy everything turned out for you! I hope mine will be just as good! Thanks for the reassurance

[DianaKeelon]

@denita  do you know if you have to pay that charge if one of your "guests" is the photographer? I am not really interested in the resort photographer since I am bringing my own....

 

When is your wedding? I noticed you are from Calgary, I am too! My wedding is November 25!

[kileelaine]

@Melaina, 

Did you have to pay the $300 penalty for the outside photographer? When I originally booked my wedding last June, I was told by Tania who was the wedding planner then, that it would cost $80 for an outside photographer to come, I thought it was reasonable, so we booked and paid for one. After reading the thread, I emailed Aracely, but haven't head back yet...

Originally Posted by Melaina 

We had our wedding and reception at the same time, and the sun starts to go down by 5:30 p.m. We found that we had enough time for photos, but the photographer we brought in was fast (he's a news photographer during the day). You could always do shots before the wedding, or the next day if you don't have enough time.

 

I wouldn't recommend that on-site photographer, but you've probably already seen my comments about that. The photos we got are basically useless. Also, there are a few different photographers who run out of the same shop -- so perhaps one of the other photographers were better? We had the female, but I know there is a male, too.

 

Have fun -- it's a beautiful place to have a wedding!
 

 

 

[suemun]

I think you are paying for a photographer to come on the resort the same as you would for a guest that is not staying at the resort.  The price seems to be the same. 

 

If the photographer is a guest, he/she already has a wrist band and is on the resort so there wouldn't be any additional charge. 

 

For my daughter's wedding, we are having  the guests take pictures and then post them to a web site for everyone to share. 

[Melaina]

Hi all,

 

No, I wasn't charged any fee (because my photographer was a guest staying at the resort). There was some confusion earlier on and Blanca thought that he wasn't staying at the GS -- at that time, she said that it would be a $100 USD charge for him to come onsite (same cost as anyone else coming onsite). Personally, I think the "new" $300 fee is RIDICULOUS. $100 max -- and ONLY if it's a photographer not staying at the resort. Had they introduced that before I got married there (taking into mind all the other price discrepancies that they've been called out on.... $500 "tax," different judge fees depending on the bride, etc), I might consider taking my business to another resort.

 

I'm sorry you ladies are going through this :(

[MJKH]

Here is what I understand to be the case...

 

For every individual you bring on to the resort for the day (i.e., anyone not staying with you at the resort)...it costs $1000 pesos (currently $81.79 CDN).  They are then provided with a wristband which allows them access to the basic food, drinks and amenities of the resort.  The resort only provide a limited number of day passes.  This was really important for us to know.  I have a co-worker and her husband who will be staying in Akumal the same week we are getting married.  If we brought them in for the wedding...it would cost us $81.79 X 2 for entrance + 2 beach reception meals at $58.48 per person.  So to bring them in and have them at the reception would cost us $280+ CDN.  Needless to say, we decided not to invite them.

 

As for the outside photographer...we will need to pay $81.79 CDN to bring her into the resort plus the same for her assistant (plus reception meals and, in our case, a hotel room as we're doing TTD the next morning).  The new contract I received from the GS indicates a "$300 USD penalty if you bring an external photographer".  I can only assume that this is in addition to all of the other costs to bring them on to the resort, feed them, etc.

 

I have a few questions for the recent brides:

 

1) we don't want anyone to have to wear wristbands the day of the wedding...not a great look in the pics I think...is the resort good about replacing them the next morning...or is it even an issue?

2) does anyone have a pic they would be willing to post of their wedding cake?

3) how well does the resort/WP handle requests to upgrade flowers, centerpieces, etc?  

4) I'm curious about the live music too.  Did anyone have mariachi with their champagne and appies?

[denita]

@DianaKeelon

No if your photographer is a guest and staying at the resort they don't have to pay as they are already paying to be there.  So you are in luck:)

 

We are getting married on November 15th! 

 

Originally Posted by DianaKeelon 

@denita  do you know if you have to pay that charge if one of your "guests" is the photographer? I am not really interested in the resort photographer since I am bringing my own....

 

When is your wedding? I noticed you are from Calgary, I am too! My wedding is November 25!

 

[michellekeays]

Hello there ! I also am getting Married this year at the Grand Sirenis ! October 2011!

[Kbodchill]

Welcome Michelle! Do you have any ideas for where you want the ceremony/reception? Have you been to GS before?