If coming to Mexico before/staying after the wedding, visit the "Things to Do" site tab for recommendations. Check your specific airline for guidelines on bags number and weight, etc. You'll fly into Cancun airport. See "Travel" tab on the site for airport transportation information. Once your round trip is reserved a member of the company will be visible at ground transportation pick up area likely with your name on a hand-held sign (pay no mind to others trying to get your attention). This is the only transportation you'll need to coordinate on your own during the wedding weekend. If coming early or staying later, Ben/Lauren can share taxi contact information. Ben/Lauren will coordinate nice and comfortable passenger vans to/from wedding events (departure times will be communicated). Check in for the villa is 3pm Thursday, May 29. If your travel plans have you arriving sooner, please contact Ben/Lauren after you book (we're working on a solution at the villa to store luggage). Check out for the villa is 11am Sunday, June 1.
Mexico in May will be hot, ranging from low 70s to high 80s with humidity. The sun sets around 7:30pm each day. The wedding ceremony and reception are both outside but located in an jungle eco-park where it can be cooler at times and has some shade. The ceremony is not covered, but the reception is in a covered, open air structure where there will also be cooling fans to account for the heat. The wedding sites will also be sprayed for mosquitos in advance.
Things to not forget: - Passport - "The Night Before" Dinner in the City attire - Wedding attire - Bathing suit - Any specific medication/Rx needs (note: first aid kits on-site) - Any specific toiletry needs (note: basics will be provided at the villa; hairdryers and irons in rooms)
"Welcome Dinner" at the Villa - attire: Attire is "resort casual." Most will be traveling this day so don't feel the need to get dressed up. The villa is our home for the weekend and all should be comfortable! Note: we will have a photographer there for a little while to capture our families meeting so dress however you're comfortable with that in mind — but there is no expectation. "The Night Before" Dinner in the city - attire: Attire is "luxury resort chic." This is a chance to dress up a bit to go out, but also consider what will make you most comfortable in the warm weather. Ladies, think short, midi or maxi dresses, chic separates or jumpsuits in lightweight and breathable fabrics. Gentlemen, dress shirts (short or long sleeve) with trousers or nice shorts are perfect. Consider your outfit and comfort when picking shoes (transportation will drop off in front of the restaurant, so no far walking required). Note: we will have a photographer there. pinterest.com/lnverdi/mexico-wedding-welcome-dinner-attire-inspo Wedding - attire: In the same vein as the welcome dinner: "luxury resort chic" "elegant coastal." Ladies think, midi or maxi dresses, chic separates or jumpsuits in lightweight and breathable fabrics. Gentlemen, dress shirts (short or long sleeve, jacket optional), with trousers (can be more structured or looser material like linen). Consider your outfit and comfort when picking shoes. There will be some walking involved from ceremony to reception. Feel free to bring a bag with a change of shoes for walking (or dancing later). Note: all family members/wedding guests will be in some professional photos so keep in mind what you'll feel you're best in and what you'll happily look back on as a memory of the day. pinterest.com/lnverdi/mexico-wedding-attire-inspo
We're working to arrange on-site villa hair, makeup, and nail services for those interested in booking appointments for the wedding day. More details to come.
The villa estate has two, 8-room villas, side by side that will house all wedding guests/family. The villas are in a safe, gated and quiet community (10pm noise limit) and a 1-2 minute walk to the beach and 10-15 to shops. Rooms will be pre-assigned and labeled so each guest will know which room is theirs. The villas are serviced with maids (once a day), chef (prepared meals for the stay) and butler. Villas will also have select snacks/drinks on hand. See "Travel" site tab for more information. If there are dietary restrictions/allergies please let us know (ben.lauren.gwynne@gmail.com).
The chef service will prepare Thurs dinner, Fri breakfast and lunch (Fri dinner we are out in the city), Sat breakfast and lunch (Sat dinner is at the wedding), and Sun breakfast (before check out at 11am). We'll convene in one main villa (where Ben & I will be) for meals (we'll communicate the meal timeframes for everyone)—but people can choose to sit at a large table, countertop, couches, outside, etc (stay all together or spreading out to enjoy the space). There will be snacks/drinks/bottled water on hand in both villas so everyone has access to that at all times. If there are dietary restrictions/allergies please let us know (ben.lauren.gwynne@gmail.com).
The villas are located in a safe, gated and quiet community. The areas we'll be in Mexico range from quiet (villa) to more bustling (city of Playa del Carmen), but all are safe. Be aware of yourself, others, and your belongings just as you would when traveling anywhere. We don't advise to drink water from the tap (unless filtered); drink bottled water (there will be plenty at the villa as well). Ice from restaurants in cocktails will be okay. We'll provide some basic medication for the villa, but if you have an Rx or have specific needs, please don't forget to pack appropriately.
Whether you can call/text/use data to get on the web from your cell depends on your carrier and plan. Check details in advance. Some plans cover Mexico and Canada, while others charge a daily rate for usage while not on WiFi. It could be wise to download What's App to communicate with wedding group/family if you're still unsure about your cell carrier/plan details, and/or to use with the USA-Transfers company because locals use that as their main method of communication. The villas will have WiFi. Code will be provided on-site.
You can bring dollars (exchange rate will just be different than using Pesos). You can also bring Pesos if you prefer. Cash is typically only used with taxis and small street vendors. It doesn't hurt to have some on hand if that makes you feel like you have options. Every store/restaurant takes credit cards. Some credit cards have a % foreign transaction fee if used so just be aware of that in advance if you choose to use one (check with your credit card company in advance if you want to be sure).
More details, as well as a full schedule, will be shared for the day of the wedding as it relates to: meals, getting ready, transportation to/from the villa and wedding venue, etc. Also, all family members/wedding attendees will be in some professional photographs and the wedding planner (Ari) and her team will alert you as to when it's your time.
We will have a photographer/team with us for the weekend: Thursday dinner at the villa to capture families meeting and our first night together, Friday dinner in the city and Saturday at the wedding ceremony/reception.