Are you getting married in Riviera Maya, Mexico at an all-inclusive resort?
Have you just heard that your resort is going to charge you outside vendor fee to bring in your favorite Riviera Maya wedding photographer?
For those of you planning a destination wedding in Riviera Maya Mexico at an all-inclusive resort, at some point, you are going to run into this obstacle. And you will not be happy about it, but hey, forewarned is forearmed right?
We are here to help you understand what outside vendor fees are, why resorts are charging them, and what (if anything) you can do about it.
Iona & Travis’ wedding in Cancun
What is an Outside Vendor Fee?
Newsflash Beach Brides! If you choose to get married at an All-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, and you want control over what wedding vendors you hire, be prepared to pay the price.
Let’s say that you are less than thrilled by the onsite wedding photographer your resort insists you pay for, and you have found a local wedding photographer or hair & makeup artist (vendor) who’s style you absolutely love and must have. It is common practice for All-Inclusive resorts to tack on their own fee, over and above your chosen vendor’s fee, just for the privilege of having that individual on the resort’s grounds on your wedding day.
How much will an Outside Vendor Fee cost?
There is no regulation or standard fee. Vendor fees are totally at the discretion of each particular resort. You might luck out and not have to pay anything, but at the very least expect to pay day passes for your vendors. You will find that some resorts are charging upwards of $1000 USD per vendor now! Ouch! Watch that wedding budget quickly come unraveled when you start to factor in your own wedding vendors….because remember, this is over and above your chosen vendor’s fee!
Jessica & Brian’s wedding in Tulum
How do I avoid paying the Vendor Fee at my resort?
The only time you will hold any negotiating power is before you sign a contract with your hotel. This is why it is SO important that you do your homework and ask important wedding planning questions when exploring the best Riviera Maya wedding resorts options. If you do not like their vendor fee policy, work your negotiation skills to have it reduced or eliminated, or as The Knot advises in their hidden wedding costs, do not get married there! And please, if you do manage to work out a fair deal, then make sure to get it in writing on your contract, because your wedding coordinator can change at the drop of a hat.
Insider Tip: One option that is worth exploring is booking a night for your wedding vendor at your resort. In some cases, the vendor fee would be waived if they are a guest of the resort, and this can end up being cheaper than the vendor fee.
Neesha & Mike’s Cancun wedding
I didn’t know about the Vendor Fee at my resort – what can I do now?
I’m afraid you might be out of luck on this one. (Insert unhappy emoji) Although I am not suggesting that it isn’t worth a try to ask for a discount, I certainly would not hold my breath for your resort to be open to negotiation. It bears repeating that you need to do your research before you sign a contract with your resort.
Download our FREE Ultimate Guide To Getting Married In The Riviera Maya
Where does my Outside Vendor Fee go to?
I wish I had a straightforward answer for you on this one. My best research says that the fees go in part to the onsite vendors who’s service you have chosen not to use. It may also go straight into the pocket of the resort. With certainty I can tell you where it does not go: It does not go in any part to your chosen off-site vendor, and it does not reflect in any increased value to you, the paying customer.
Will my vendors offer me a discount to cover the Vendor Fee?
That depends. Every wedding vendor is different, and therefore the sensitive subject of discounting their services so that you can save money will be dealt with differently depending on who you have chosen to work with. It never hurts to ask for a discount, however, I will say that it is important to be fair when asking to negotiate and remember that each company sets their rates based on their cost of doing business. A discount should never be expected.
Lindsay & Rob’s Playa del Carmen wedding
Is there anything else I can do if I am unhappy with paying a Vendor Fee?
Yes, absolutely! The first thing you can do is get married off-site instead, or out of your resort. (In my opinion, not enough Bride and Grooms explore this option!) There are SO many romantic, funky and unique beach clubs or private villas in the Riviera Maya that can provide an amazing beach wedding, from the ceremony through reception. Contrary to popular belief, you are NOT restricted to All-inclusive resorts. Explore the best off-site destination wedding venues and you might be surprised to see how comparable the cost is at the end of the day. Your best bet, if you choose to go this route, is to hire a wedding planner, and we work with the best in the business! Contact us now, and we will gladly put you in touch.
The second thing you can do is to harness the power of the internet! Reviews and testimonials are every company’s bread and butter down here in the Riviera Maya, and bad reviews can be your demise. If you are unhappy with a resort’s vendor fee policies, shout it from the rooftops to anyone who will listen! Warn future engaged couples, and cause a stir! The world wide web is a very influential place, and you have the ability to create change. So speak up!
We hope this helps, and we want to hear about your vendor fee experiences below in the comments!
If you are looking for the best Playa del Carmen wedding photographer for your beach wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact us now! We are Fun In The Sun Weddings, for the best Riviera Maya wedding photography.
Great article, finally I founded someone addressing this huge problem, many wedding photographers are losing bookings cox this non-sense fees charged by big resorts. And if you raise your voice they banned vendors for life. I think what all these resorts are doing is a mafia and needs to be stopped ASAP. Thanks!
Thanks so much for your feedback, Miguel. Our main goal is to bring awareness to couples planning their wedding, so they have the information to make educated decisions. Unfortunately, many of them are in the dark, even after signing contracts. Forewarned is forearmed!