The Cost of it All

Wedding budgets and how to save some serious $$$$

Dollars are money spent for budgeting wedding
We have been organizing weddings since 2001 and know some tricks!

Weddings in Mexico! white beach, palm trees and tequilas!! Cheap price right? ehemmm…

All in all organizing these events was extremely cheap 20 years ago when we started the business yet certainly this has changed since all venues have doubled their fees and post- Covid prices have increased. Additionally, flights and hotel rooms have caught up.

plants as wedding decor
Plants instead of flowers

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and with varying price tags. All things considere, hosting a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to mean to go into debt nor breaking the bank (unless you know how to…). We’ve used our collective experience to put together a list of the best wedding budget tips and hacks. Preparation and research can help save you a lot of your hard-earned money as you plan the big day.

Throw the wedding of your dreams with these wedding budget tips and money-savings secrets

You can have the wedding you’ve always wanted without wiping out your savings.

In this paragraph, moreover, i will suggest how to plan your wedding clearly during a less traditional time of year or time of day to make your rupee/dollar/peso/euro as well as that yin stretch… In addition some hotels give great accomodation deals if you book a large group! (we love https://www.hyatt.com/es-ES/hotel/mexico/grand-hyatt-playa-del-carmen-resort/cunpc)

1. Book in the off-season

Above all, if you’re interested in a destination wedding, choosing a wedding date during slower seasons can save you a lot of money on venue rental, overnight accommodations, flights and more, however that is not always the case. Check online deal and your TA or OTA.

2. Avoid holidays

Another key point is to avoid holidays and other special events that raise local prices. All in all in conclusion it should be noted that to have it at one location, so wedding ceremony, cocktail and reception will be less expensive!

dogs at wedding can be fun
Watch our for uninvited guests! Be clear with your friends if you allow +1…

Booking the venue ( Btw: we love https://bluevenadoweddings.com/)

3. Keep the guest list small

Altogether a small, intimate wedding will save the bride and the groom money on venue rental as well as food and beverage service,but in case of a very large wedding (i am planning one for 300 right now!), ask your guests for no gifts but cash contributions: however couples have everything since they already live together and that will help you both to give the party you dream of!

4. Look for venues that allow outside vendor setup

Also bringing in external vendors is often cheaper than using the in-house version and make sure to ask about additional fees for using outside vendors, set up/tear down fees, gratuity, and any other fees that may unexpectedly arise. Ask to see an example contract and compare various venue policies. We love DJ DIego https://www.instagram.com/evolutionmixaudiovisual/?hl=en

5. Create the ideal menu

Dance carefree because your budget is looking good!

Skip a full-plated dinner service that requires serving staff and includes multiple courses. Family style or buffet are great and everyone can get what they want! In conclusion altogether forget the cake and go for the delightful Mexican pastries like the ones we buy at http://www.chezceline.com.mx/ or at https://ahcacao.com/… We are clients and as a result have been buying for our couples their fab brownies ( for https://ahcacao.com/) and the creme brulee and mini tarts (@http://www.chezceline.com.mx/) since they opened!!

Brownie from Ah cacao

Ah cacao brownies, to die for…


 
6. Extend your cocktail hour to transition into the reception

As cocktail hour is wrapping up, unveil a slider bar, charcuterie station and break out the entertainment to seamlessly transition into the reception without including dinner service.

Signature drinks make your cocktail more you!

Thrifty decorations yet super cool!!

Spend your money where it matters most. Don’t allow decorations to take over your wedding budget; save money with these great tips. In addition, Pinterest is a super great helper!!!
 
7. Stick with one theme

Choose one style—one color scheme—and stick to it. Extra flowers, tissue paper, or linen can easily be repurposed to save elsewhere. Please no more gold and violet! seen and re-seen…

8. Paper flowers

Instead of shelling out major money for fresh flowers (be planet savvy since flowers have a high cost) , consider mini plants (like the ones at http://www.jardinfloreria.com) or origami flowers or other crafty DIY alternatives. Furthermore, they are they a bargain, they last a lot longer than “the real thing.” Plus they make a great gift at the end of the night! Arches also can be DIY…

Our clients were creative and got a unique decor for their kissable moment!

The look

We all want to look our best on our wedding day too; that’s a given (that is why our make up artists are the best: we use https://www.sarahgarnier.com/ and https://www.dorannahairstylist.com/ . Furthermore, you can still go glam without gutting your expense budget.

9. Accentuate a simple dress with standout accessories

Simple, classic dresses can easily be taken up a notch with an eye-catching accessory. Lastly, choose jewelry, hair accessories, or shoes that stand out when paired with an affordable gown.

Me helping a client wear their jewelry

10. Choose a simple hairstyle and add a headband or barrette (or find a good friend…)

Stylists are typically needed for excessive updos. Choose a simple, elegant hairstyle accentuated by a headband or barrette to save on styling costs. If you have good friends, you can ask them for a make up or a touch up…

Friends in action…

Financial planning

Financial responsibility is essential to wedding planning with less stress. It’s also a core component of a healthy marriage foundation. Start your marriage off right by setting financial goals, tracking expenses, and working with your partner to stay within a designated budget.

11. Discuss your budget with your partner and agree early on

Set goals and limits that you both agree on. Ensuring that you’re on the same page from the beginning will help avoid unnecessary drama down the line. Set a credit limit, and don’t go over it… Be financially responsible with your wedding planning. If you are comfortable paying off $500 of credit card debt this year, for example, set that limit and stick to it. If you can’t afford it, don’t charge anything at all. Only purchase what you can afford right now.

12. Decide what details are negotiable

Pinpoint “must have” and “can definitely live without” wedding details so that you can allocate money to what you want most. Take advantage of credit rewards and benefits. f you already have a credit card or two, research your reward benefits. See which retailers your creditor partners with to find unadvertised discounts and cash-back opportunities.
 

13. Look for unexpected expenseTry to anticipate any unforeseen expenses. Will you need to rent restroom trailers for an outdoor wedding? Is there ample parking? Most venues in Riviera Maya are far away from the city. consider that… what is the cost of transportation for the guests? and what if they want to leave earlier? Ask us for everything you need to know, we are always available at Watsapp +529838337771. You can never have too many options. Buy and create the items you really want and set for a budget friendly and amazing wedding day!! ENJOY in the creation…

Thanks for the photos to : https://delsolphotography.com/, https://www.lilibretonphoto.com/ https://www.facebook.com/officialABPhotography, /https://deansandersonweddings.com/ https://naalweddingphotography.com/

Weddings In Playa Laura Joe
Thanks to all the great vendors that make my job easy

Best wedding details for the Season

From chair ornaments to table enhancement, wedding details are the nuts and bolt of a well-planned wedding… small decorations that create THE personal touch!

Flowers are life

What?

We have seen a lot of great weddings over 21 years, but sometimes the little wedding details really stand out. Sometimes more is less. Create a stunning wedding look narrowing down what style or theme fits your wedding ideal day. A fantastic way to browse into this is Pinterest, where you can literally spy what others do…

It’s certain that all wedding plans are overwhelming. It’s common to forget about the little details that make your day amazing. Ideas that you love. Plants, flags and candles are budget-friendly ornaments that will amp up your wedding’s wow point …

Flowers are important, but for an Instagram WOW view introduce details that capture your values, story and what you cherish most (including furry pets, which we adore!!)…

Woof

Ask yourselves: do we intend a more time-honored and traditional wedding, or more fresh and modern? How would we describe our interior design style and/or fashion sense? Are there any hobbies, passions, or unique aspects of our personalities, culture, and relationship we could creatively weave through our design? 

Tequila breaks the ice

Create a wedding that talks about you and you will create a life time memory that will remind your guests about You.

Naal and AB Photography, thank You!

Wedding trends 2019: it’s all about You!

Hola everyone,

i hope you all are having a great 2019.

This is Maria here offering a personal and uber selected array of wedding trends for 2019. Ready?

First of all, let’s keep something very clear: it’s YOUR wedding.

Not your mama’s, not your sister’s and not your best friend’s.

So get personal! Hire vendors you connect with on a personal level, not just the ones that suit your aesthetic or budget, you will be working with your planner for a year or more so it would be grand if you 3 click.

You 2 are the heroes of this story and you 2 are going to decide together what is important to the  both of you. Never mind grandma wants a Catholic Wedding: if you want to get married by  a Mayan shaman on the beach at the sound of drums on a full moon, that is what grandma should see (and she will like it too, because your happiness is her happiness).

Be bold enough to be you: aren’t you worth it?

I always tell my clients : this is YOUR day  and you pick how the day will unfold… so go big.
This year’s trends finally are listening to the wisdom of the centuries (ours! LOL): that’s why I am particularly excited about  them and happy to introduce my top fav coming up in 2019.

They’re proof that these major life events are becoming more and more about the couple : weddings are getting more personalised and that is a great sign!

No more FOMO nor following the trend: you are  the trend, you never missed out anything, because you are creating this Moment!

The year is shaping up to be one of the most incredible wedding seasons ever.

So here we go:

1.

Be you

I  never address this topic long enough  but mark my words: this is the one day that will be in your memory forever: why not just go all the way?

if you  like purple, go purple.

If you want to get married in moody colours, go with them (colour will feature more heavily than in previous years, think deep shades like burgundy and hunter green for a striking and moody look to your day or mix several shades from the same palette to create a fresh style….gowns with asymmetrical elements will also be trendy… bridesmaids no longer in same colour but shades of same palette…)

 

This one-shoulder dress is from Justin Alexander’s spring 2019 collection. Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock

2.

Smaller weddings but unique experiences

No one wants to have a cookie cutter wedding or copy  Meghan Markle and her prince: the trend now is

THINK UNIQUE

Expect 50 to 70 guests weddings but a lot of flare.

We will see more planners getting out there to  create a journey and experience for all the guests to enjoy…  not only on the wedding day but also at welcome parties and post wedding brunches (sometimes on a catamaran, sometimes in a cave), something we have always done and got rewarded with lots of loving gratitude from our over 500 clients (yep we have started in 2001, many of our clients are parents and soon will be celebrating 20  years married… Erica Bressan how come we got so grown-ish up?)

 

Photo Alessandro Banchelli

www.photostudioab.com

www.weddingmexicophotography.com

3.

Food : artistic edible displays

Food as art, amazingly yummy and beautiful to look at!! that is a trend i relate too, as Italian. Many couples are ditching traditional wedding buffets for more memorable options. Popular examples of interactive food stations include tequila tasting with meat and veggie tacos, ceviche bars and churros carts.
Also a trend: grazing receptions, where there won’t be a sit down dinner but more of a selection of different appetisers and snacks with something for everyone, from the vegan to the meat lover. Tom and Jon you are totally 2019!!

Also a trend: less traditional array of seating elements and more fluid use of space: high top tables, pillows and carpets to create a Maroccan suuk with hookas and belly dancers, use of beach chairs covered with Mexican blankets, use of indigenous art like Huichol and Otomi…. in a word: Whimsical!

Photo subject to Author’s right

4.

Greenery instead of too many flowers, but also colours!!

We love palms leaves, they  are cheap and beautiful! So many brides are chosing the option of a mostly  green arch or bouquet.  But also bright and rich colours… You can incorporate these colours in all aspects of your wedding decor from table settings, candles, linens and florals. Turquoise is definitely one of the key colours for 2019… Coral as well.

Matt and Holly, you are trendy!

Photo Alessandro Banchelli

www.photostudioab.com

www.weddingmexicophotography.com

5.

Meaningful ceremonies: variety and real feel

We love our couples and we would love to see something personal in every ceremony. Whether it’s writing vows that tell an untold story, a touching song from your brother or the newest and original rings warming passage (all guests pass the rings in a pouch and hold them in their hands sending their blessed energy to the couple), we love that unique touch that talks about you. Also signs in all languages and fonts!!

Lots of unexpected twists on the traditional wedding in the year….

 

Photos subject to Author’s right

So you got the idea: it’s all about you! We are here to simply send an invitation: an invitation to living  every  moment fulfilled. We want to invite you to a dance that will never cease to amaze you. The dance is your  life. The invitation is to live it in joy, amazement and infinite Bliss. Your guests will thank you. And years from now, the memories will be amazing!!!! 

Sara and Chris, Lunata Hotel, Destination Wedding, Playa del Carmen

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Today’s couple, Sara and Chris, were married at Lunata Hotel on March 30th, 2017 in a beautiful Mayan ceremony hosted by Don Eduardo.

The bride and her attendants enjoy getting ready together

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Once she’s ready, the Bride walks down the aisle heralded by Don Eduardo’s Conch shell

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Gorgeous garden setting
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The Mayan ceremony includes exchanging flower crowns and rings

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And traditional blessings and rituals.

The Groom’s Daughter took part in the ceremony by blowing the shell too!

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The happy couple make their Vows

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And they’re Married!

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The highlight of the day was a procession along 5th Avenue from the ceremony venue to the reception at Indigo Beach accompanied by the Mariachi band.

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The Reception

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Speeches

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The cake

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First dance with sparklers…

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Everybody else joins the party

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Disco Ball by special request of the Groom!

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All images courtesy of Soko Sandoval Photography

Melissa and Ramzi, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen Destination Wedding

Xcaret-Wedding-Playa-del-Carmen Weddings at Xcaret are just magical. The venue has so many special little spots and attractions that make it romantic and original. It’s a treat for you and your guests and a photographers dream, which are some of the many reasons why Melissa and Ramzi came all the way from Beirut to exchange vows at this amazing venue!

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There were tons of carefully planned details to pulling off this super celebration and not one went unnoticed! Guests were raving about the beautiful ceremony and reception! Beautiful flowers by Cherry Blossom and personal touches were everywhere!

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La Isla Restaurant at Xcaret made sure everyone was happy and full and DJ Diego had the party going until the early morning!

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Congratulations to the very happy couple! And thank you to Queztal Foto for the wonderful photos!

Jesica and Josh, Villa Sol y Luna, Playa Secreto Destination Wedding

riviera-maya-destination-wedding Now here’s a wedding that is all about the details! This colourful beauty is brought to you courtesy of Jesica and Josh, who tied the knot in beautiful Playa Secreto on a perfect Riviera Maya day this past October.
riviera-maya-destination-wedding 0l6Mm1LevZqrwlVsg0RB9xOy_36RR9bEqYFmCdxceQg 4jbD6_biwceJywxD4Bzcrj3AL9PZmLM6X_NtjC317lQThis wedding had it all! An amazing bridal party, lavish bouquets, flower crowns, papel picado, rustic accents, lace, a gorgeous cake, bright colors, beautiful signage… an awesome couple… we could go on and on!

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This gorgeous villa is the perfect venue to transform into your dream wedding. It sits on a quiet stretch of beach and has tons of outdoor space for your late night fiesta!
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uRsJqFe1RS92F26v7AAlEDWuwRAKiOI02rFNvAMCD5U FwuE8wlk368dQb460MErDUrCzwpgvxSG9bcdeAL5Mf8Thank you Jesica and Josh for having us participate in your stunning celebration!
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