Hold up your both of your hands and count your fingers, because that is how many events seasoned pro Alison Events has done in The Riviera Maya. Yes you counted correctly, she has done ten weddings. Ole! She has been fortunate enough to have done five weddings at Be Tulum alone (and five others in the Riviera Maya area). This small and quaint venue gives you the feeling like you’re staying at an old friend’s house—one with amazing taste, sitting right on the ocean. This particular event was for blushing bride Olivia and dapper groom Pete. Olivia and Pete went for a colorful yet understated celebration after getting hitched on the beach.
The Inside Scoop on Be Tulum - Reported by Alison Events
"Be Tulum is quite a special property in Mexico.I love all the palms and lush and green it is and how the meandering path to the beach is low lit at night and a little adventure in the day. I love sitting on the upper patio drinking one of their special Margarita's and watching the sunset. I love lying in the sun under the shaded palapa’s and ordering fish taco’s and corona’s and dipping in and out of the tropical blue water. I love how friendly all the staff is and the girls and guys are in their sassy daytime outfits. I love doing ceremonies on that white sand beach and how much people love the breezy air that keeps them cooled off even though its 90 degrees out. I love the manager Anna, she is so friendly and super accommodating.
When you’re dipping in and out of the water, the day beds make it even that much more relaxing. As for food and bev, try their margaritas or the delicious cactus Chaya smoothie."
The Venue
Be Tulum is a boutique hotel and was the perfect wedding venue for Olivia and Pete. They loved its eclectic bohemian yet contemporary decor. They fell for the mix of Eames chairs and swaying hammocks, marble and palm fronds. They loved that the entire venue could accommodate almost the entirety of their 48 guests. Additionally, the property has air conditioning and electricity which are rare amenities in the village of Tulum.
Sourcing Design from the locale of Be Tulum
Olivia, the bride was resourceful with her wedding planning. When planning a destination event you don't need to lug everything over. Embrace the culture, embrace the area. The bride bought brightly colored mesh totes at local food markets, then filled them with fun local offerings like local tequila and bottle openers. She also had custom designed booklets made with an abundance of Tulum tips and 'must-sees' in the area.
When planning an event at a destination venue it is also ideal to utilize everything the venue has on property. For example, Be Tulum keeps this vintage trunk at the ready for guests. It's a treasure trove of beachy essentials like books, sunscreen and floats. Alison Events incorporated this into the event to greet guests.
The Guest List
Alison Events reports - "Be Tulum is perfect for a 50 and smaller gust count. With 29 rooms all the guests can stay there. For weddings at Be Tulum, it’s great to keep the guest list under 55. This boutique hotel has 20 rooms, so that way you can fit everyone there together. Plus, an intimate gathering where you can dine and dance under the stars really can’t be beat.
I have produced 5 weddings now at Be Tulum all totally different in style but one common weave which is more intimate and family oriented. The staff are friendly and personable and the location couldn’t be better."
The Ceremony
While there are multiple venue spaces available for the darling duo made their promises on the white sandy beach at the water's edge. Helloooo white sandy beach!
The Reception
The festivities and feast was held on the ocean front deck. We recommend serving up what Pete and Olivia served at their wedding which is Be Tulum's signature dish, topped with cilantro and chiles. Dinner began with a delightful bites of ceviche and a local mariachi band entertained guests while the bride and groom took post ceremony photos.
Close your eyes and imagine a full moon, starry skies, exotic flavors, the sound of rolling waves, flickering candlelight, crafted cocktails, delightful wine and your nearest friends and family gathered around these long feasting tables.
Style for your Venue Setting Tips
Maracas are oh-so Mexico, but finding plain wood ones proved to be difficult. Alison Events is always ready to think creatively and decided to dip them in paint thinner to reveal the natural finish which gave the rattles a rustic feel. Each guest was gifted one of the maracas along with a papel picado name tag at their place setting. Shake, rattle and rolllll! Locally sourced flowers and plants adorned the table in bottles crafted by the bride.
Vibrant punch colored sombreros sourced from the local markets of Tulum were used as photo props and decor. Guests wrote notes on slips of paper and stuffed them into a pinata, which the newlyweds plan to smash open on their fifth anniversary.
The Alison Events team loves a long feasting table. This setup especially works well for the 50 person guest count in the ocean deck venue space. Favorite existing design elements of the venue? The wooden floors on the pool patio and upper deck, beach bar, palapas by the sea.
Shhhhhh... The Inside Scoop - Alison Events
Alison reports that it's an absolute MUST to book far in advance for the best rates and availability. She also raved about Anna the general manager and Daniella the event manager.
"I love the two front rooms on the beach….upstairs has a dipping pool and downstairs is quick access for a midnight skinny dip." - Alison Events
The Venue Locale: Around Town - Tulum
The Alison Event team is besotted the dreamy little eco beach town of Tulum with it's plethora of flickering candles at night and biking riding to and from beach bars. It only takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Tulum from Cancun. The wedding guests will often go to the local Cenotes, visit the Sian Kahn and bike ride all over town. You can truly make the entire weekend an unforgettable escape for all of your wedding guests here.
Tulum favorites? "We love Heartwood, Posada Magharita for dinner and Coqui Cocui for massages, blackbird for locally made gifts, Yoga is all up and down the area so you choose your style and they have it." - Alison
Highlight Reel: BE Tulum - A great venue
To sum it up, why did couple Olivia and Pete choose this venue when there are so many lovely venues choose from?
1. It was perfect for the guest count and has the perfect mix of luxury fuzed with a rustic casual vibe.
2. You can host white sand beach ceremonies
3. Its an easy place to work with. They have good food, great drinks, friendly staff, guest rooms are quaint and well designed and event space is lovely on the upper terrace overlooking the sea. It's a fantastic getaway from the havoc of the city.
4. There are direct flights on Virgin america!!!
Correspondents
Event Designer + Planner:Alison Events | Venue & Catering: Be Tulum | Photography: Mel Barlow & Allan Zepeda - Mel & Co Photography | Flowers, Rentals, and Lighting: Planner 1 Events | Stationery: Sesame Letterpress Olive-Route Press(day-of paper goods)
