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

Melody Vanessa and Axel, Pueblito Mayakoba’ and Grand Coral wedding

I know you guys are tired to hear me say that I always get the best clients, but I DO!!!

This  week´s featured wedding makes my heart sing. I want to start with a quote  from R. Queen, because this quote made me think about what do we do and how  we  do it. We love  our work, because  we cherish every client, we never take for granted  our vendors and we show our passion. That is the secret of our success.

Axel  and  Melody Vanessa are such kindred spirits, that when we met via Skype with their young son Mateo i just loved them with a  passion.

They were young, in love, accomplished, living in California, had 2 kids, and they had very clear ideas about their wedding.

A Catholic wedding in a unique location. lots  of great music, amazing  food, incredible scenery. A memory to cherish  for years to come.

I had a vision:

the church at  Pueblito Mayakoba’ and Grand Coral.

BAM!  they loved it!

We want to show it off immediately with  a 4´ video:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AQI4_RH7n19wCptITn70NkEpIfd6DJt4/view

Mayakoba, an eco-resort on the shores of the Caribbean in Mexico, opened Riviera Maya’s newest attraction and event venue, El Pueblito, a few years ago.

Modelled after the historic plazas of Mexico, El Pueblito transports the culture and charm of Colonial Merida and San Miguel de Allende to the sandy beaches and jungle landscape of Mayakoba and is set to be the destination’s most sought-after location for weddings and private events.

Anchored by a beautiful white chapel – christened La Santa Cruz – the venue features a cozy park with a traditional kiosk in the center of the esplanade for entertainment, as well as shops and restaurants to create a traditional plaza. El Pueblito is accessible from  Playa in 15 minutes  and offers guests a new option not only for events, but also for socialising, casual dining, shopping, and fun for the whole family. The gentle manager, Mauricio, even allowed the bride to use the prepping room for make up and last touches! Thanks Mauricio.

The ceremony was touching but also light, with Father Quin performing in English  and Spanish for the bilingual families.

After the ceremony, a quick bus ride to  Grand  Coral for the 55  guests where  food and tequila was waiting for all….

Dinner in a simple yet unforgettable setting, thanks to Chef Rigel from Grand Coral Beach Club.

The party was great fun, Axel is a great lap  dancer…. ahaha!

 

Every guest had great fun, including the little ones.

Congratulations for a life time of happiness!!!

Credits

Restaurant

Grand Coral Beach Club, Chef Rigel

Photos and video

Fun in the  sun Wedding photography THANKS!

Hair

Vo-evolution by Natasha Bitch

Church 

La Santa Cruz Pueblito at  Mayacoba

Wedding  organiser

Maria Tripaldi at weddingsinplaya.com

 

Daniela and Anthony, Gran Coral Beach Club, Destination Wedding, Playa del Carmen

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

This week’s post features beautiful and sexy couple, Daniela and Anthony who held their Wedding and Reception at the popular Grand Coral Riviera Maya beach club.

Here they are getting ready at Mar Azul condos

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

The hair and make up services were provided by Vo Evolution Makeup

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club
Theirs was a romantic Beach ceremony at sunset, presided over by their own minister

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Cocktails on the beach

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

 Accompanied by the Mariachi band

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Kids rule! All like little models

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

First dance – Father and Daughter, Mother and Son

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Reception and party time!

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Kids on the floor again!

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

Wedding Photography Coral Beach Club

All images courtesy of Quetzal Wedding Photo.

Jordon and Javier Part 2, Kool Beach Club, Destination Wedding, Playa del Carmen

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Back in June we brought you the video of Jordon and Javier’s wedding and now we’d like to show you some of the beautiful images from their special day too!

Jordan told us:

“The most important thing for me is that both of our cultures are recognized. I am from Georgia, USA and Javier is from Colombia. I would like that the wedding recognize traditions from both. The music is also a big part because our families listen to very different music.”

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190 guests came from all over the world came to celebrate the couple’s marriage which was held in a Catholic church and performed by the Bishop of Bucaramanga, Colombia. The following reception at Kool Beach Club featured a Mexican style buffet, a Cuban band, Pre Hispanic music and dances by El Aguila and DJ Diego with Evolution Mix.

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The loveliest, greenest chapel

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Parading down 5th Avenue with the Mariachi

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Bumping into some strange characters…

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Including yours truly!

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Crystalline dinner setting

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Classically inspired Rose themed Wedding cake

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Getting The Party Started!

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All images courtesy of Kike Morales.

Abbie and Andrew, El Taj, Destination Wedding, Playa del Carmen

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This week’s wedding features Bride Abbie and her Groom Andrew and took place on the silver sand at the El Taj hotel with a beautiful minimalist aesthetic. Theirs was a very personal wedding ceremony – the groom’s own father performed the ceremony.

 

Getting ready at El Taj – gorgeous ladies and very party guys!

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We love their green minimalist set up – it’s very simple but the wooden table, golden silverware and details offset by the greenery works really well and everything looks amazing!

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The ever-present Mariachi

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Indigo beach reception with the El Taj hotel in the background

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Cake Time! We especially love the way it’s decorated, consistent with the minimalist theme

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And of course, the couple’s First dance and a party brings the day to a close

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All images courtesy of Bernardo at Viva Photography.

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Irene and Gonzalo, Gran Coral Beach Club, Destination Wedding, Playa del Carmen

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Today’s wedding features a exquisite purple themed decorations and one of the loveliest chapels you’ll see – meet Bride Irene and her Groom Gonzalo.

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Their Mexican themed rehearsal dinner was held in the luxuriant Lunata Hotel garden with piñatas, papel picado, margaritas and mojitos, a taco cart and al pastor tacos by Chef Ruben Lopez.


Late night pics taken on the always exciting 5th Avenue 

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Their Catholic wedding ceremony was held in the stunning Nuestra Señora del Carmen Chapel on 5th Avenue.

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The ensuing Wedding reception was held at the Grand Coral Beach Club.

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Who doesn’t love a Mariachi band?!

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Gorgeous wedding cake

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Churro cart!

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Irene and Gonzalo’s big day finished up with a Party with music provided by DJ Diego (Evolution Mix).

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Bouquet and garter tossing

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All images courtesy of Rachel at Playa Weddings.