Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding Planning Questions
General Sayulita
Travel Questions
Wedding Planning FAQ
Will my marriage be legally
recognized in the US?
You will need to get married in the US either before
or after you celebrate here in Mexico.
Your wedding here will not be legal in the US.
I need a gluten-free cake. Can I get that in Mexico?
Yes, all caterers we work with can provide gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, non-dairy, etc. for all food
aspects of your wedding. Just ask and we'll make it happen.
What if there is bad weather on my wedding day?
Bad weather can happen and we have no control over it, but we will do our best to accommodate any needs to make sure your event goes off without a hitch. Whether that be tenting, adjusting the timeline, or if worse comes to worse moving the date a day before or after. We also prefer to work November 15 - June 15 to hopefully avoid hurricane and tropical storm season.
What is the average cost of your weddings?
My clients’ generally spend anywhere from $600 - $800+ /guest for their wedding all in, meaning: venue, planner, photographer, videographer, food and beverage, music, furniture, florals, etc. and one extra event (rehearsal dinner/welcome party).
How do we pay you?
You will make payments directly to the service providers/vendors via bank transfers, wires, PayPal, Zelle, etc. Sunset Soiree will make deposits on your behalf when smaller vendors may not have capabilities to accept money via bank transfers, wires, or PayPal. Money will need to be deposited to Bank of America or PayPal account to do so. Most vendors charge in USD, but others use local Mexican currency MXN. Planning a wedding here is mostly an all cash deal. You'll make wire transfers and Zelle payments primarily. Some vendors do accept PayPal which can be put on a credit card. So be ready to make real payments. Vendors require anywhere from 20% - 50% of the total quote to hold the date.
General Sayulita FAQ
Can we drink the water?
Most rentals / hotels will provide water in 5 gallon jugs or have filtered water for your drinking pleasure. We also recommend to brush your teeth with filtered water to avoid potentially having an upset stomach. I use tap water to brush my teeth, but I've lived here for 16 years. I'm used to it. Ice in all restaurants is made from filtered water. Mexicans do not drink tap water either, so you will not be accidentally served the wrong water.
Can we pay in US dollars?
In Sayulita, some restaurants and shops accept US dollars or credit cards, but definitely not all, and not at a good exchange rate. You will want Mexican Pesos. It is a good idea to bring at least $8000 pesos with you so that you do not arrive empty-handed. You will want to order these pesos from your local bank a week before you are scheduled to come to Mexico. There are ATMs in town but they often have problems or simply run empty.
How do we get there?
You'll fly into PVR, named Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport. Since Puerto Vallarta is such a well-known destination in Mexico, the Puerto Vallarta airport handles a high volume of tourists every year – over 2.5 million passengers in 2011 alone. It is well connected to airports in Mexico and also to other major hubs in the U.S and Canada. There are a few options and price points for getting your party from the airport to Sayulita, which is about a 45 minute drive north. I will email you several recommendations.
Will I get sick?
We recommend you take control of your health prior to coming down for your wedding, whatever that may mean to you. Lots of rest, healthy eating options, probiotics for good gut health, 2 liters of water a day, vitamins, whatever you do to get yourself ready for a big trip or weekend away.
While you are here, we suggest keeping up with that. Refraining from eating in the street (I know that's hard with those street tacos), staying hydrated and getting rest in between all the partying. We also have great friends that can hook you up with IV's chalk full of vitamins, minerals, hydration and even medication if you are feeling under the weather. Just be communicative or your needs and we'll do our best to having you feeling 100%.
What should I pack?
Sayulita is a tropical climate and will be more humid that you are probably used to. Our most enjoyable weather here is November - June. Humidity can still be pretty strong until Christmas so keep that in mind. April and May tend to be our driest months with the jungle ready for a rain which can start in June.
Dec - April are warm days and cooler nights.
May, June are warm days and warm nights.
November is warm and humid. And very green! The jungle is alive! Lighter fabrics are best. For the guys, probably no jackets. For the ladies, no satin or non breathable fabrics.
As far as shoes go...flats are best for the cobblestone streets & thick heels and wedges (or no shoes) could work for grassy ceremony areas and beach.