Azul Fives Brides 2015

[kmk2016]

Yes, id like to know as well!

 

@@TinkerSofi what's this about a 'free' cocktail reception?! Is this another thing us UK brides are missing out on!

 

If you are working with a GI certified TA, there are different perks. One of the incentives is for a free cocktail reception, all the way up to free limited private events based on the number of rooms/nights you book in your wedding group block. You should talk to your TA about this and ensure it is also open to you. Im not sure if you are eligible if not working with a GI certified TA though.

[acw271011]

If your cocktail hour is directly following your ceremony- you will likely take 1/2 hr minimum to get out of there and escape for pictures. people will want to hug and congratulate you... and it will take a while to make your escape, so 2 hrs may be a better option. (nothing's stopping people from leaving quickly to go back to their room after 1 drink and freshen up- but it allows something in case others choose to want to mingle with other guests before reception.  As for the website- you could say "Cocktails- location TBD (If you dont get the free event, you can designate a public bar for your guests to meet up at and change the wording on the website to casual cocktails).... in the Itinerary section of our website, we simply said "Check back for details on our special day and a schedule of events. For now, please note that most guests (Including ourselves) will be arriving to Mexico on _____, ______ 20__. and departing Thursday_______,________ 20__. When we have all our RSVPs back and we are closer to the wedding date, I will be reminding people to check the website for details of the week's festivities.

 

I'm just going to add one thing here. The photographers in both Jamaica and Mexico are very experienced with wedding groups, and they know how to move you along if they want to start getting photos. Especially if you're on a 4pm ceremony time, and you want sunset photos (depending on time of year) they know what kind of timing they need. So if they want you to get moving to do pictures, they will get you moving. if you're set for a cocktail hour, the WCs at the resorts are also good about getting people moving and getting them to where they want them to be. It isn't like a wedding back home where you hang around outside the church for an hour before you can get away. This is their business so if you have a 6:30 pm dinner from a 4 pm ceremony, you will get moved along! They are trained at keeping you to your schedule only because they don't generally allow events to run on past their time slot.

[TinkerSofi]

@@Vickiw89 @@Lilgabri03 I found out about the free events the through the Karisma website, not through my travel agent so it might be for everyone, regardless of TA. When you go to their wedding site it says special offers, choose the offers for the Azul resorts and it should show up. In Canada we don't have the one that is "bride and groom stay for free" but it usually says if there are any restrictions. It also doesn't hurt to ask. I haven't mentioned it to my WC yet because no one has booked yet and it's kind of pointless at the moment. 

I'm just going to add one thing here. The photographers in both Jamaica and Mexico are very experienced with wedding groups, and they know how to move you along if they want to start getting photos. Especially if you're on a 4pm ceremony time, and you want sunset photos (depending on time of year) they know what kind of timing they need. So if they want you to get moving to do pictures, they will get you moving. if you're set for a cocktail hour, the WCs at the resorts are also good about getting people moving and getting them to where they want them to be. It isn't like a wedding back home where you hang around outside the church for an hour before you can get away. This is their business so if you have a 6:30 pm dinner from a 4 pm ceremony, you will get moved along! They are trained at keeping you to your schedule only because they don't generally allow events to run on past their time slot.

that's a good point too! I mean, I'm not just going to run off as soon as the kiss is done haha but Juan and I are not very good at posing for pictures. That's why I prefer to have more pictures of the moments during the wedding as they happen but I guess I should probably talk to the photographer who is the expert after all

[Vickiw89]

In the always and forever it says you get a free personalised wedding website. My WC hadn't mentioned anything about it. Anyone know? X

[TinkerSofi]

In the always and forever it says you get a free personalised wedding website. My WC hadn't mentioned anything about it. Anyone know? X

I have no idea. No one mentioned anything to me but I used weddingwire to build my website. I figured the ones from the hotel weren't as nice but who knows. 

[Vickiw89]

http://karisma.honeymoonwishes.com/ my WC just sent this. Link for the free wedding website x

[sueann20]

Just as an fyi, the beach gazebo is 2.2 metres high X 3 metres depth and 3 metres length.

[Vickiw89]

Hi Ladies, a few of my guests are staying at other hotels because they can't afford 2 weeks at Azul. Just wondered if anyone knows and special prices for 1-3 night stays for wedding guests. Is there any offers if you are part of a wedding party? Thanks in advance!

[kmk2016]

Hi Ladies, a few of my guests are staying at other hotels because they can't afford 2 weeks at Azul. Just wondered if anyone knows and special prices for 1-3 night stays for wedding guests. Is there any offers if you are part of a wedding party? Thanks in advance!

Your TA should definitely be able to get you room only rates for your wedding. However, your guests may opt to simply buy day passes. If they are coming on property for a private event (your wedding ceremony and reception- if private and not semi-private), Karisma does not charge- however if they want to be on resort for other activities where they will be using the facilities, they will need to buy a day pass.

 

So your entire group are staying for 2 weeks? Wow! You may want to get a quote on a one week stay as well, since this may make it less expensive for your guests too. I know it's a long way to travel from the UK- but it will definitely help with costs.

 

 

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[Vickiw89]

@@kmk2016 thanks I'll look into the day pass, although I think it would be nicer for them to stay over the night of the wedding so they are not worrying about getting taxis home etc..

 

Yes all staying for two weeks, most are using it as their yearly holiday. Prices are ridiculous here in the UK for August as it's our summer holidays when the schools break up so prices just rocket! It's working out just over $7200 for a delux room for 2 adults for the 2 weeks. We have one family of 5 (2 adults 3 kids) and it works out $18275 for 2 weeks all inclusive. Extortionate!!

 

Most guests don't want to go for one week as it's a 10 1/2 hour flight. Too far away for just 7 nights.